Emmy and the Coven of Witches

by Janine Summers

  “There was a meeting and it ran longer than expected.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  Emmy’s skepticism showed. She possessed a flair for picking up on people’s emotions, and right now, Grammie’s were volatile. They ran in two different directions. She couldn’t hone in on just one emotion. She couldn’t tell Grammie that lying to her wasn’t as easy as it once was? Her emotions were strong, and Emmy sensed her fear.

  Grammie changed the subject. “After breakfast, we’ll do a little magic. I want you to practice as often as possible.”

  “Great! I don’t mind anymore. I’ve gotten used to the idea that I’m a witch.” Emmy decided to let Grammie have her little secrets.

  “I’m happy to hear this.”

  Emmy stood and removed the breakfast dishes, washed and dried them. She sat next to her grandmother, who placed a leather-bound book on the table.

  “Grammie?”

  “Yes Dear.”

  “When will I get my wand?” Emmy thought the idea of having a wand like Ayden would be so cool. She couldn’t wait to try one.

  “When I think you’re ready.”

  “And when will that be?”

  “That depends on you and Grisandole.”

  “If it were up to me, I’d like to get my wand, and soon. I saw Ayden’s and it’s really cool.”

  “Yes, it is, but it may be a while before I can present you to the coven. In the meantime, you must study your magic. As with your regular studies, you wish to graduate, well, in magic, your graduation isn’t a certificate − your graduation into the coven is your wand.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know. I’ll continue to study.”

  “Excellent.” Grammie opened the book. “Shall we begin?”

  “Sure. I’m ready.”

  “Before we begin, do you have any questions?”

  “Well, I heard Ayden speak of casting. I’d like to understand that better.”

  “Excellent choice. Ayden is a good influence on you.”

  Grammie flipped through the pages of the ancient book. “Here we are.” She left the pages on casting, open. “We’ll work on this for a while. This may be the most important magic you’ll ever have to learn. It could one day save your life and the lives of those around you.”

  Emmy looked through the pages and wondered how she’d be able to remember everything in the casting chapter. “There’s a lot of stuff here.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll help you every step of the way. What do you know about casting?”

  “Not much. I guess it has something to do with spells, but that’s all I know. Oh, I know that sometimes, you need to use candles.”

  “Ayden took you to the candle shop.”

  “He did. He bought me a beautiful candle.”

  “What kind?”

  “A pink rose. He also bought me a jar of jellybeans.”

  Grammie smiled. “He took you to the Jumpin’ Jellybean Joint.”

  “It was awesome.”

  “I’m glad you had a good time. Now back to your lessons. You are correct. Sometimes candles, as well as charms are used in casting spells. You need to learn the colors of spells.”

  “Colors? Really? I didn’t know that spells had colors. What are colors, when used in casting?” Emmy looked at the pages in the book on the table.

  “I see you’re not taking everything literally.”

  “I’m learning that not everything is black and white. When you talk about colors, I know that it’s not like the color of a shirt or a flower. It’s something else.”

  “Very good. Yes, the colors refer to the kind of spell you wish to cast. When a spell must be generated, the witch or wizard must first decide what type of spell he or she, wishes to produce.”

  “I understand.”

  “If you wish to cast a spell to bless, protect or heal, you would use a white spell. If you’re trying to cast a love spell, it would be called a red spell.”

  “Do these spells really work?”

  “Once we’ve gone over the many different incantations, we’ll try some and find out.”

  “Will I get to cast?” Emmy wanted to try everything.

  “You will. Now then, I’d like for you to read the pages on spells, and then you have to study for your upcoming exams.”

  “Okay.” Sadness crept over Emmy’s face.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I was hoping to do some magic today.”

  “You can still do other magic. You need to practice your levitation.”

  “True.” She thought for a moment. “Is there such a thing as black magic?”

  “Oh my, yes there is, but there’s plenty of time to go over dark magic.” Grammie stood.

  “Are you going out?”

  “I have a few errands to attend to.”

  “Can I help you?” Emmy missed their together time. They used to go out and pick up groceries, then they’d go to the bakery and choose a treat they’d eat in the park. But ever since Grisandole’s appearance in Salem, she’d been a virtual prisoner.

  “Don’t you have some studying to do?”

  “I could do it later.”

  Grammie thought for a moment. “Very well. You have been studying hard. I think a little treat is in order.”

  Emmy’s smile lit up the room. “Can we go to the bakery?”

  “I don’t see why not.”

  “Awesome!” Emmy was so excited to go out with Grammie once again.

  “There are a few stipulations.”

  “Like what?”

  “You know it’s not totally safe out there, so if I tell you it’s time to go home, we leave immediately.”

  “Got it.”

  “If I tell you to go alone, run. Don’t stop for anything or anyone. Run.”

  “Okay,” Emmy said worriedly. “Do you think there’s trouble brewing out there?”

  “Well, with Grisandole on the prowl, there’s always trouble. Make sure you listen to me and no matter what happens you must do precisely as I say.”

  “I promise.”

  They left the house and instantly Emmy’s eyes were drawn to the lamp post across the street where every day, Ayden stood and watched over her. The sidewalk was deserted. No one was there… keeping watch. She wondered where he was and why he hadn’t come by today.

  Grammie also glanced around, but wasn’t put out by Ayden’s absence. She made her way toward the town center. At this hour, Salem bustled with patrons entering and exiting the shops lining the downtown core.

  “So, what’s on the agenda?’ Emmy asked.

  “I have to go to the bank.” They went there first. “I’ll be right back.” Grammie went inside leaving Emmy to scout the area. She returned a few minutes later and they walked down the street and stopped at the market. After picking up some fresh fruit and vegetables, they continued down the street. “Next stop… the bakery.”

  “Finally.” Emmy’s smile brightened. She hurried to her favorite shop, and looked around. She wondered if anyone standing in line had any connection to Grisandole. It was funny how her thoughts always moved toward this topic. Not that long ago, she was looking at new cell phones, the latest fashions and of course new shoes, but now, whenever she ventured out of the house, she looked for Ayden, and then Grisandole and her hags.

  “Hello Trudy,” Grammie said, as she approached the glass counter with the many baked goods strategically placed on trays to showcase today’s specials.

  “Hey Marcie, where have the two of you been hiding? Hi Emmy. I haven’t seen you for a while.”

  “We’ve been really busy.”

  “What can I get for you?” Trudy waited while they made their decisions.

  “Emmy, what would you like?”

  Emmy looked at all the delici
ous deserts and tried to decide on a sweet. “I’ll take the cream filled donut.”

  “Sugar or chocolate.”

  “Chocolate, please.”

  Trudy placed the donut and Grammie’s Danish into a small box, she tied it with a red string and handed it to Emmy.

  “Thanks.”

  “Anything else?” She asked Grammie, who shook her head, together they left the store and walked towards the park. Grammie led Emmy to a bench near the small fountain. Their favorite place.

  Emmy’s eyes centered on the witch museum, which caused her to think of Ayden and the Witches’ Market. It seemed like a lifetime ago, and yet, it was only yesterday.

  They sat down and opened the box containing their treats.

  “Is Trudy a part of our coven?”

  “No. She’s a mortal.”

  “Is our coven the only one here?”

  “There are several different covens, but ever since Grisandole arrived in Salem, we have joined with other covens to strengthen ourselves against her and her hags.”

  “I hope I’ll have a chance to meet everyone.” Emmy licked the chocolate from her fingers. “I guess I don’t feel like I’m part of the coven.”

  “I know. If everything works out, I’m certain that opportunity will present itself.”

  “But not yet?”

  “No. I didn’t want to scare you, but we have discovered a spy in our midst.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “I wish I were, but that’s why we’ve changed our venue on several occasions. Every time we find a new meeting place, it’s discovered, and someone tries to infiltrate us. We must identify the spy.”

  “Is that why you had that meeting yesterday?”

  “Yes, in a way.”

  “But you won’t tell me what happened?”

  “Emmy, there are some things I’d rather not discuss, at least not now.”

  “Grammie, I can sense trouble all around us.”

  “I thought you could only sense Ayden’s emotions.”

  “No, I can sense trouble brewing.”

  “How long have you had this gift?”

  “Gift? I don’t know if it’s a gift, but I’ve been able to sense trouble for a few days.”

  “Did you mention this to Ayden?”

  “No, I haven’t. This is the first time I’ve said it out loud.” Life was overwhelming her. There was trouble brewing all the time and she wanted to control her senses. Sometimes they took over her thoughts, and she couldn’t sleep.

  “Emmy, you don’t have to suffer through anything in silence. If you want to talk to someone, talk to me or please talk to Ayden. He’ll know what to tell you.”

  Emmy wanted to believe her, but she felt there were things she couldn’t tell anyone.

  “I want you to know that I sense you’re keeping secrets.” Emmy looked beyond the trickling water to the children playing on the swings. Last year, she’d come here with her friends to hang out, but now she couldn’t even attend class. The changes were frightening and she wished things went back to the way they were. Life was so much easier then. Now, every time she left the house, she had to worry what would happen to her or Grammie. “I don’t want you to worry about me.”

  “How can I not worry about you? I love you. I’ve worried over you since your birth and as long as I’m alive, I will continue to worry about you.”

  “I guess I’ve been a real pain.” Emmy laughed.

  “You’ve been anything but. You’ve been my joy. Never forget that.”

  “Thanks.”

  “We should get going. You have your lessons to attend to.”

  Emmy stood and grabbed the bags.

  They started to walk away, when Grammie stopped. “Emmy, I want you to keep walking as though you don’t know me. Don’t look back. Go!”

  Emmy did as she was told. She tried to force herself not to glance in Grammie’s direction, but couldn’t help herself. Emmy pretended to walk home, but ducked behind some trees hoping to keep an eye on her. No matter what she’d been told, she couldn’t allow the older woman to face anyone alone.

  Maybe these women were part of Grammie’s coven. They weren’t attacking her. They only spoke to each other. She wished she could hear what was being said, but she was too far away.

  If only Ayden were here, he’d know what to do. She stood there and watched the scene unfold. At first the three women circled Grammie. Something was said to her, but she didn’t take out her wand. Instead, she stood there, and spoke to the unknown women. What was going on? Who were they?

  CHAPTER 29

  THE HAGS

  Grammie acted as nonchalant as possible. The last thing she wanted was to alert these women to Emmy’s presence or identity. She stepped forward and hoped the women hadn’t seen them talking.

  Marsilia stood in the center of the group. “What can I do for you ladies?”

  “We noticed you were speaking to a young girl.”

  “I didn’t know it was against the law to talk to someone.” Grammie knew these women were with Grisandole, even though they were not the same hags from last evening. How many hags had come through?

  The women circled their prey like vultures. Their laughter echoed all around the tree.

  “Your biggest mistake would be in toying with us.”

  “Is that a threat?” Grammie pushed back her panic, as it rose. She couldn’t allow these women to intimidate her.

  The three hags continued their circular motion. Hoods were drawn to cover their features, but Grammie recognized them. “We know who she is.” They refused to answer Grammie’s question.

  Grammie laughed. “And who do you believe her to be?”

  “We know.”

  “I’m not sure who you ladies are, or what you want from me, but I suggest you leave before I make a scene.”

  “If you choose to treat this situation lightly, you will feel the brunt of our anger once Grisandole arrives.”

  “I’d rather you didn’t threaten me, for I will not go down easily.” Grammie’s ire was getting the best of her.

  The women looked at each other.

  “I see. You claim not to know the girl’s identity.”

  “That’s correct. I sat next to her on the bench. We spoke and nothing else.” Marsilia refused to drop her guard, for fear of retaliation. “Who is she?”

  One of the hags turned to her sister. “Did you see where she went?”

  “No.”

  “You were supposed to watch the girl.”

  “Says you. I was a little busy.”

  The old woman shook her head. “Never mind. We have to find her or Grisandole will have our heads.”

  “You should have thought of that before you let her leave.”

  “Ladies,” Grammie began. “There’s no need to fight over me. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Tell us where she went and we’ll allow you to leave unscathed.” Three wands were suddenly pointed at Grammie, who tried to step back only to be blocked by another hag.

  Grammie knew the danger inherent in the wands held in their withered hands. Her wand was tucked into the pocket of her sweater and she wondered if she’d be able to reach it before the first burst of magic flew out of the hags’ wands. As luck would have it, they were determined on retrieving information, otherwise, she’d already be dead.

  “Please refrain from attempting to digest if you are quick enough to squelch our magic with your own wand. I can assure you, you will not succeed.”

  “The thought did cross my mind,” Grammie told them hoping to bide some time.

  “I’d rather you didn’t try anything that foolish. I’d hate to have to kill you.”

  “Really? I would have thought you’d have no problem killing me, except that Grisandole would have something say about kill
ing your only source of information.”

  Marsilia’s words rang true. If the girl in the park was truly the Valittu, and the hags had lost sight of her, Grisandole would set her wrath upon them. Grammie had the advantage and she made sure they knew it.

  The leader of the hags nodded to her sisters and they put their wands down.

  “I thought as much,” Grammie said. “Now then, please allow me to pass.”

  They moved aside, but Grammie felt their anger.

  She smiled and with head held high, she walked away hoping Emmy was safely locked in their house. She knew the hags would continue to watch and follow her. Returning home was not an option.

  Emmy froze behind the large maple tree. Her eyes were intent on the developing scene. Her logic told her to remain where she was, but her stirring emotions beckoned her to act on her impulses. She was ready to face the hags at Grammie’s side. She was starting to stand when a voice behind her stopped any foolish behavior.

  “Don’t do it,” Ayden said. He appeared behind her.

  Startled, Emmy faced him. “How? When?” She should have sensed his presence, but the fear she felt for Grammie’s safety overpowered them.

  “Do you really require an answer?”

  “No. I’m happy you showed up. We must help Grammie. They’re going to hurt her.” Tear filled eyes watched the scene unfold before her.

  Ayden peered around the tree and saw the hags circling Grammie. He also wanted to go to her aid, but refrained from acting on emotion instead of common sense. “I have to take you home.”

  “Are you crazy?” She couldn’t believe Ayden’s refusal to help Grammie.

  “No, I’m not crazy. I’m aware of her predicament. I am also aware of yours. If the hags see me come to her rescue, they will know you are the one Grisandole wants. Your identities must remain a mystery, for it would be far more detrimental to your safety, if they discovered the truth.

  Emmy tried to remain calm. She managed to stop herself from stepping away from the cover the tree offered, and face the hags. “What do we do?”

  “I’ll take you home.”

  “I can’t leave her.”

  “You must. I promise you, she’ll be fine.”

  “How do you know that?” Emmy looked at the circle of hags surrounding Grammie’s frail form.