The smoke thickened, billowed upwards and swirled faster and faster, until it turned into a cocoon.
“Come to me, now!” Grisandole’s raspy voice called out. She took the knife and sliced the side of the cocoon. An arm snaked out and then another. The cocoon was split in half as a form emerged. A creature arose and looked at the hags. His eyes adjusted to the darkened room, as his hollowed gaze rested on Grisandole. “Why have you summoned me, Mistress Grisandole?”
“I need your special brand of help.”
The Demon threw his head back and allowed an evil laugh to escape his thin lips. His laughter sent chills through the hags but none as much as Bertha, who believed a war, was imminent.
Grisandole took a long, dark cloak, and placed it on the creature’s shoulders. Vortigen jumped out of the cauldron and landed gracefully on his feet. The cloak fell away as his true form was revealed. Large wings jutted from its back, thick legs tapered down to display large claws. The devil’s face emerged with long, straggly hair that fell over wide shoulders and down its back to the large vertebrae protruding from dark and scaly skin.
“Once you’ve taken your mortal form, we will clothe you.”
“I am not in a rush,” Vortigen said. His voice cold, his eyes empty.
“Follow me.” Grisandole led the way back up the stairs.
They entered the kitchen. It was large enough to accommodate the creature’s wings and tall form. He stood while the hags sat down along the length of the wooden table. She looked at the creature, and turned toward Dina. “Lord Vortigen needs clothes.”
“I’ll see what I have.” She turned to leave. “What have you done, Grisandole?” She whispered the words to herself, but Bertha heard her fear, as she raced out of the kitchen to do Grisandole’s bidding.
She turned her attention to Vortigen, and watched with fear, and admiration, as he stretched to his full height and expanded his wings. Long clawed feet scraped the floor while he tilted his head and sniffed the air filling his lungs with the essence of fear from those seated at the table. “Aah, this is what I crave.” He glanced at the witches.
Bertha gazed at her mistress hoping she understood the danger inherent in releasing this monster on an unsuspecting world.
Vortigen’s head snapped in her direction.
At that moment, Dina returned with suitable clothes, and stepped into the kitchen directing Vortigen’s attention to her rather than Bertha. She dropped the attire she’d brought for the creature’s use on a chair. “Grisandole, may I have a word, if you please.”
“Excuse me,” the mistress said, and followed Dina, with Bertha in tow, from the room. “What is it?” Impatience filled her.
“What have you done?”
“I did what was necessary.”
“I never signed on for this. I said you and the coven have a place with my family, but I never agreed to this. Mistress, I have children to think about.”
“If you wish him to leave, please feel free to tell him this.”
Dina trembled. Dejectedly, she looked at Grisandole. Finding no answers, she simply stated. “Very well. I guess I have no choice but to accept his presence in my home.”
Grisandole laughed. “Yes, my Dear, you most certainly will accept what I tell you to accept.” She walked away from her only mortal ally. Bertha put her hand on Dina’s arm in an amicable way and shook her head. She turned and followed Grisandole.
“Is she going to be a problem for us?” Vortigen demanded when the Mistress returned to the kitchen. He twisted his neck and his bones cracked making the hags shudder.
“No. She will do as she’s told.”
“Excellent.” He raised his arms and slowly his demonic features were replaced with mortal ones. He stood naked in the room, and went to the chair where the clothes Dina had brought him were piled. Slowly, he put them on.
Bertha looked at him and although he resembled a mortal, he was anything but. His very essence was that of a demon, and he filled the room with his strength, power and evil.
“Now then, I need to feed.
“Of course.” Grisandole said, and looked to one of the hags to take care of his needs.
CHAPTER 34
THE DISCOVERY
Ayden watched the streets with trepidation. He felt rather than saw the evil spreading through Salem. Darkness settled, not in the ordinary way, but with a demonic hand. He felt Emmy shiver with fear, and knew she also sensed an odd presence. If the manifestation he felt was what he suspected, they were in serious trouble. He raised his head toward the sun and barely felt its heat.
Perhaps, he should warn the Professor. The trouble brewing couldn’t penetrate the defenses of the Matchstick House, so it was up to him to inform his guardian what was happening in Salem.
Ayden left his post and ran with lightning speed through the streets undetected, and made his way to the woods at the end of town. He made sure no one was around, and walked through the forest of tall trees where a small creek ran its length, and fed the vegetation, the small inhabitants of the forest, and the residents of the Matchstick House.
A small hut stood in a clearing. The chimney retracted and lengthened spewing large, fluffy blue clouds. One after the other, the perfectly rounded puffs of blue smoke rose, and evaporated before anyone in the town could see them. Ayden ran up the steps and entered the house.
“Professor!” He ran through the foyer toward the kitchen. Empty. He went to the sitting room knowing the Professor enjoyed reading in front of the large window. Empty again. He made his way to the large staircase. “Professor!” He continued to call, as he ran toward the office. Ayden pushed open the door. “Professor.” His breathing was labored.
“What’s troubling you, Boy?” The tall man with long dark hair, turned toward his charge. “Sit down, before you fall down.”
“We have a problem.”
“Is it the child?”
“No. Emmy’s fine.”
“Then what is it?”
“Grisandole has summoned up some help.”
“What kind of help?”
“I sensed its presence while guarding Emmy.”
“No, she wouldn’t call upon it. Is she mad? No one can control it. Once its powers are fully restored, no one including Grisandole will be able to control its actions. And if this is the case, we are in peril.” He ran an impatient hand through his hair. “How can one woman be so brazen?”
“I don’t know, but that’s what came to me on the wind. I suppose desperation has taken over common sense.”
“I will seek out Malka’s aid. In the meantime, I want you to alert Marsilia, but do not frighten Emmaria. You must stay close to her.”
“Of course, Professor.”
“Keep them and yourself, safe.”
Ayden smiled at his guardian. “I will do my best.”
“I know you will.” The Professor placed his witch’s hat with the crooked tip on his head, and walked out with Ayden.
When they came to town, Ayden left the Professor, and made his way back to Emmy’s house. He went down the street cloaked against prying eyes and stopped. When he sensed no one watched, Ayden crossed the street and knocked on the door.
“I’ll get it,” Emmy called out. Grammie was upstairs resting. Something in the air was draining her strength. She opened the door. “Hi Ayden.”
“Good day, Emmy. May I come in?”
“Of course. You know you’re always welcome here.” She stepped aside and waited to close the door.
“Where’s Grammie?” He worried.
“She’s upstairs. What’s wrong?” Emmy paled. She sensed something wasn’t right.
“I must speak with her.”
“Ayden, what’s going on? And before you lie to me, remember who you’re talking to.” Hand on hip, she dared him to keep her out this loop.
“I forgot. I need to speak with you both, if that’s acceptable.” He smiled that charming smile, and went to the kitchen while Emmy went to fetch her grandmother.
A few moments later, Emmy walked in with Grammie, who instantly knew there was bad news. They sat down at the table.
“What’s happened?” Grammie demanded.
Ayden harbored news that had a direct effect on Emmy. “The worst of our fears is being realized.”
“She didn’t! She wouldn’t!” Grammie didn’t know what to say or do. “This is the worst kind of news, possible.” Grammie shook her head. The fear that shone in her eyes frightened Emmy.
“I’m afraid she did.” Ayden continued to gauge the older woman’s reaction. “It came to me on the wind. Its presence is stifling the air outside.”
“No! It’s not possible! I knew she was crazy, but never would I have called her mad… at least not until now.”
“Apparently she’s both.”
“Does the Professor know of this?”
“Yes, I told him what I sensed on the wind. He’s on his way to see Mistress Malka.”
“Good. We’ll have to figure out what to do − if there is anything that can be done? There’s no chance of getting out of Salem either, he would know of our flight. We are trapped here.”
“Perhaps.”
Emmy sat quietly and listened as Grammie and Ayden discussed her life and well-being. “What’s going on?” She wanted to know the truth.
“Emmy, remember when you asked me why I spoke of other worlds?”
“Yes. You told me that I would learn about them when the time was right.” Emmy was getting a little excited.
“I think that time has come.”
“I don’t understand.” She kept her eyes on Grammie and Ayden, anxious for the truth.
“I had hoped not to have to tell you this until after we’ve completed your training, but this news necessitates our moving up the agenda.”
“Go on.”
“There are many parallel worlds coexisting with this one. They exist side by side, on different levels. Most everyone in their own plane of existence live their lives oblivious to the existence of these other worlds. In much the same way, as you’ve lived your life, at least up until now.” Ayden tried to explain.
“Really?”
“These worlds are comprised of different people, animals much the same as your world.”
“Why do I think there’s a “but” coming?”
“There is.”
“I knew it.”
“Most of the people living in these worlds live their lives in happiness and contentment. However, there are also worlds where horrific creatures exist. These are places we avoid, but sometimes these worlds come together either by accident or by design.”
“So, what’s happened to change things?”
“Grisandole and her hags came from one of these worlds and now she has opened a portal and allowed something foul into this world.”
“What did she bring to our world?”
“Something that epitomizes the word, “evil”.”
“Like what?”
“I’m not sure.” Ayden looked at Grammie who released the breath she’d held.
“Have you ever gone to another world?”
“I am from another realm.” Ayden held her gaze, but spoke the truth.
“What? You’re kidding. You have to be.”
“No Emmy, he isn’t. You are not of this world either. Celestria’s death occurred in the realm we lived in for centuries. When the attack on the witches came, I took you and stepped through a portal. I didn’t know where we’d end up, but I was happy we came to this world and this town. We were able to blend in very well with the people of Salem.”
“Is that why you asked me if I recognized the castle where my mother was kept?”
“Yes. Her form is kept in another world and I had hoped to find her.”
She looked at Ayden, but stayed silent.
“Emmy,” Grammie continued. “I didn’t want any of this to come to light until you were properly trained, and capable of understanding the other side of this world. You only know of this realm, and that is how I had hoped it would remain, at least until you began the search for the Crystal Wand.”
Her hands trembled. Tears glistened in her eyes. “I don’t…” Emmy stood and walked to the sink and returned to the table.
Grammie brought her a drink of water and set it down in front of her.
Finally, she looked at Grammie and then Ayden. “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?”
“I wanted to protect you.”
“I had a right to know.”
“Emmy,” Ayden tried to interject his opinion.
“Are you going to tell me it was for the best, because if that’s your plan, it won’t work?”
“I’m sorry Sweetie. I never meant for you to find out this way.” Grammie was contrite.
Her hands were icy cold and there was a tremor to them. Ayden reached over and covered her hands with his. Her first instinct was to pull away, but when she saw the compassion in his eyes, she couldn’t.
“So, what came through to this world?”
“I…”
“And before either of you tell me you don’t know… I can sense deceit.”
“A demon was summoned by Grisandole. This demon was brought to Salem to help track you down,” Grammie said.
“What? Are you serious?” Her eyes went from Grammie to Ayden who nodded. “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know.” Grammie was being honest with her.
“First we will remain calm. The demon, much like the Coven of Maesliff does not know who Emmy is. We do nothing until the Professor says something different,” Ayden said.
“Okay, so how does all of this affect me and graduation?”
They remained silent. She worried these changes will have a negative effect on her life.
CHAPTER 35
EMMY’S MISFORTUNE
Time flew by for Emmy, who with each passing day looked forward to graduation day. Emmy worked diligently to convince Grammie to take her shopping for a dress, but so far, she found it too dangerous to leave the safety of the house. Unfortunately for Emmy, time refused to stand still, and graduation was only days away.
Sarah came by and mentioned the gym would be transformed into an evening of starlight.
“Danny asked about you. He was wondering if you’re still going with him.”
“Of course. Why?”
“He hasn’t heard from you or seen you for a while.”
Emmy sensed there was bad news coming. “Did you explain it to him.”
Sarah hesitated. “I tried.”
“But…”
“He asked Debbie to go with him instead. I thought he’d call and tell you himself.”
“Well he didn’t.”
“I’m sorry, Emmy. He thought you didn’t like him, and since you never show up at the mall or come with us to the movies, he wanted to make sure he had a date for graduation. I think it stinks that he never even told you, but you know what guys are like.”
Tears welled up in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry.” She hugged her friend, causing Emmy to openly cry. “Rob told him that wasn’t cool. He’s mad at him for dumping you like that.”
“I can’t believe he’d do that to me.”
“What did you expect? At least if you’d call him then he might have felt differently.”
“He didn’t call either. Maybe it’s for the best. I didn’t really want to go anyway.”
“Yeah right. Anyway, he should have been upfront and told you.”
“Did you get your dress?” Emmy had to change the topic. She refused to cry about this turn of events, no matter how devastated she felt.<
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“I did.”
“Tell me.” Emmy wiped her eyes and pasted a fake smile on her lips.
“It’s blue and white.”
“Did you get a gown?”
“Of course. It’s stunning. Well, I think it is.” Sarah smiled.
“I’m sure you’ll look tremendous. Blue is your color.”
“Thanks, Emmy.”
“Here’s my homework. I’ll talk to you later.”
Sarah stood, and Emmy walked her to the door. The girls hugged each other, and Emmy watched her friend leave. Suddenly she felt alone, and lonely. She went inside, without waving at Ayden. She felt cut off from the world and sensed the loneliness creeping over her. She wanted more out of life, than to be a prisoner in her own home. She wanted to be out there with her friends. She wanted to go to the mall and to the movies. Emmy wanted to do everything she used to do before Grisandole came to town.
Emmy and Sarah were supposed to go shopping and find the perfect gowns. But now since she didn’t have a date, there was no need for a new dress. Knowing this hit her hard and it hurt. There were days when she tried to accept what happened, but there were times she couldn’t. Today everything weighed heavily on her.
Grammie saw the slump in Emmy’s shoulders and the tears flowing down her cheeks. “Emmy, would you like to practice some magic?”
“Not really.”
She hurried to Emmy’s side. “What is it?” She asked.
Emmy looked at Grammie. “Danny asked someone else to graduation.” Tears flowed freely.
Grammie’s heart sank. “Emmy, I’m so sorry all this happened. You never should have been put into this position.”
“I don’t blame you, but I wanted to be with my friends. Graduation is around the corner, and I don’t even have a date. I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that I’m not going.”
“Not true. I must confess, I was looking forward to seeing you all dressed up and going on your first real date. But staying home is a safer. It’s the right decision.”
Emmy and the Coven of Witches Page 19
