He flew from the perch and left her arm bare.
An hour later, Emmy went to the stairs when she heard the doorbell’s chime. She waited until she heard Ayden’s voice, and then came downstairs. Her breath caught in her chest when she saw Ayden resplendent in a black tuxedo and a simple white shirt, complemented by a thin black tie rather than the traditional bow tie. His freshly trimmed hair tickled his broad shoulders.
He stood when she entered and held out his hand to her. “You are a vision.” He gallantly kissed the back of her hand and gave her the small box he held in his other hand.
“Thank you.” A light blush spread over her cheeks. She opened the box and saw a lovely lavender and purple orchid.
Ayden removed it, and placed it on her wrist with a brilliant smile.
“How did know the color of my dress?”
“Emmy, do you think I wouldn’t remember your favorite color is purple. I knew you’d choose some form of purple for your dress.
Emmy smiled and went to Grammie.
“You are so beautiful. You look so grown up.” Tears formed in her eyes. Time flew by and Emmy had turned into a beautiful, young woman.
“Thanks for everything.” She hugged her grandmother.
She turned back to Ayden. “I guess we should go. We have a long walk and these are new.” Emmy showed off her sparkling, silver sandals.
“There is no need to walk.” He opened the door and a large white limousine waited for them. “I thought this would be a much more acceptable form of transportation.” He took her matching lavender satin wrap and placed it on her shoulders.
Emmy stepped outside knowing in her heart that no boy in her class would treat her the way Ayden did. He took her hand in his, and leaned into her, making her skin tingle.
“You are very lovely.”
“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”
“Am I suitably dressed?”
“Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous!” Emmy clamped her hand over her mouth.
Ayden laughed. “Thank you, Emmy.” He bowed and escorted her to the limousine.
They arrived at the school. Parents in cars, pulled up in front of the school to drop off their children. More than half of Emmy’s class stood outside talking and laughing when the limousine pulled up. Her classmates stared at the grand vehicle.
The driver stepped out of the car and opened the back door. Ayden got out first and stood straight. He buttoned his jacket and held out his hand to Emmy and stepped out of the car. She felt like Cinderella.
Her smile shone as brightly as a full moon sparkling in the sky. She smoothed her lavender satin gown with beading that splayed across the top of her strapless dress and continued down its length in purple leaves. Her silver sandals and matching clutch were a perfect addition.
Ayden held out his arm to her. Together, they walked past all the students and entered the building. Emmy smiled and stopped from time to time to chat with her friends, and introduced her date, as they made their way into the gym.
Sarah fairly ran up to Emmy when she saw them enter. “You’re gorgeous!” She was ready to burst. “Look at us.”
“You too! Stunning dress.” Sarah’s hair although shorter was pulled up and piled on the head with small wisps surrounding her face and neck. Crystals sparkled in her hair and the pale blue satin of her dress was decorated with dark blue flowers.
“You have to be Ayden.” Sarah stared at this gorgeous guy.
“Hello Sarah. I’ve heard so much about you.” He gallantly touched his lips to the back of her slim hand.
Sarah’s eyes locked with Emmy’s. Her breath caught in her throat when his lips touched her skin. She giggled like only young girls can. “Come on. I saved you seats.” She took Emmy’s hand and fairly pulled her toward the round tables that were decorated with silver tablecloths where a centerpiece made of roses added color.
The gym looked more like a fine restaurant with hundreds of golden stars and half-moons suspended from the ceiling. Long tables were covered with trays and large chafing dishes. Pitchers of juice and large punch bowls stood at the end.
Music played in the background as the D.J. set up his computer and mixed some of the best hits.
They sat down and Emmy introduced Ayden. Danny was green with envy, and when Emmy looked at Debbie, her jaw dropped. She smiled a satisfactory smile, and realized she’d rather share this evening with Ayden than Danny.
The dancing began almost immediately and Sarah leaned into Emmy. “Where did you find him? I’m so jealous.”
“I told you, his guardian is a friend of Grammie’s. He asked to escort me and I said yes.”
“I would’ve done the same.”
“Would you care to dance?” Ayden was on his feet when the music slowed. He took Emmy into his arms and they moved to the sounds of the ballad being played.
CHAPTER 45
MALKA’S RESCUE
Grammie worried about Malka. It wasn’t like her not to see Emmy to the door unless she felt the sisters who accompanied her were not to be trusted. She decided to pay her friend a visit.
Arriving at their new meeting place, she knocked. No answer. Grammie opened the door and crept inside. “Malka!” Again, there was no answer. This worried her more and more. “Mistress!” Nothing. Grammie left the house and wondered how she’d be able to get in touch with the Professor.
Usually, Ayden carried her missives to him. Grammie went back to the street and looked around. She spotted two women making their way toward her, so she went the other way sensing something was amiss. Further down the street, the light dimmed, and two more women watched her.
A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t run and she couldn’t disappear. She’d left the house without her cloak and wand. How could she have been so careless? She always carried her wand. Her only hope was that the women wouldn’t know she was unarmed. If they found out, Grammie wouldn’t stand a chance against them.
A woman approached and Marsilia recognized Bertha. The fear she felt only moments before intensified. Bertha motioned for her sisters to remain where they were and approached Marsilia alone.
“So, we finally meet, Marsilia.”
“You know who I am, Bertha?”
The other woman was surprised. “It would seem our reputations precede us.”
“I was thinking the very same thing. So, what now? Are you here to kill me?”
“I have my orders.”
“And you followed them blindly?” Grammie felt she had nothing to lose, and pushed back hoping to bide some time.
Bertha chuckled lightly. “On the contrary, I’m aware of my Mistress’ shortcomings. However, that isn’t your concern.”
Grammie searched the woman’s face and saw something she never expected… compassion. “It is, if I’m to be at her mercy.”
“You do have a point,” Bertha said, refusing to back down. “I don’t want to kill you,” Bertha whispered. “But I won’t go against Grisandole.”
“What do you propose?”
“A compromise.”
“What kind of compromise?” Grammie was skeptical but ready to listen.
“I know you’re unarmed. That was very foolish.”
“A grave mistake.” Grammie’s pale blue eyes shot daggers at the woman, but then softened, knowing there was more to come.
“Then you also know you don’t stand a chance against us. If you tell me where the Valittu is and divulge her identity, I will let you go unharmed.”
Grammie laughed. “That’s absurd. I would rather die than betray my coven. Besides, no one knows the Valittu’s identity... it’s a guarded secret.”
“No one, but the child’s guardian.”
“And you think I’ve been given such a privilege?”
“I know you have.”
“I’
m sorry to disappoint you, but you are mistaken. I am no one special.”
Now it was Bertha’s turn to laugh. “Not only are you special. I know who you are.” She looked back at her sisters. “I haven’t told anyone of your identity.”
“If you’re so sure who I am, why haven’t you told your Mistress?”
“I fear what will happen if Grisandole finds, and wields the power of the Crystal Wand.” Tears shone in her brown eyes.
“What now?”
“If I betray Grisandole, I will die.”
“True.”
“She knows the Valittu is at the school. She and Lord Vortigen are on their way there.”
“No! I have to get there first.”
“You are unarmed and in danger. I will tell my sisters you are not the one we seek, but you must protect yourself, otherwise you will also die.”
“Where’s Malka?”
“Grisandole has her.”
“Where?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“Please Bertha. I need to free her and save the Valittu.” Grammie still refused to use Emmy’s name.
Bertha gave Grammie the address in question.
“Thank you, Bertha. I will take this to my grave.”
Bertha nodded and motioned for her sisters to follow her.
Grammie breathed a sigh of relief when the witches were out of sight. She thought death had come to claim her. First, she had to make her way home and arm herself. She checked behind her to make sure she wasn’t being followed. Bertha was true to her word and Grammie entered the house alone. She went upstairs, put on her cloak and placed her wand into the long pocket.
She had to find a way to rescue Malka. She needed her Mistress’ help in protecting Emmy. With the address firmly in her mind, Grammie decided to summon her coven’s aid. She removed her wand and pointed it towards the large moon. A flash of red flew across and settled in the sky for a moment before dissipating. This would ignite the tip of her sisters’ wands, as a call for aid.
Grammie made her way down the street and hoped to find her sisters waiting for her at their meeting place. A light burned in the window of the large, yellow house. She opened the door fearing who would greet her.
“Oh Professor, I’m so happy to see you.”
“I saw your signal. Have they found her?”
The Professor looked the part in a long forest green robe with long sleeves that hid his powerful form. A matching witch’s hat with his signature bent tip sat on his long, dark hair. In his hand, he held a long wand. This man was here for one purpose… to wage war on the Coven of Maesliff
“They know where Emmy is.”
“Do they know who she is?”
“No, but if anyone recognizes Ayden, all will be lost.”
“I will go to the school.”
“Thank you. I must free Malka. Grisandole is holding her prisoner at a house near the edge of town.”
“Be careful.”
“I will. Professor, there is one more thing. Lord Vortigen is at Grisandole’s side.”
“Yes. I know.”
“Then I’m off. Please find Emmy before Vortigen does.”
“I promise you, she will not be harmed.”
Even though Grammie believed him, she feared for her granddaughter and Ayden’s safety. She knew Grisandole would try to kill him first. They needed Emmy alive, to search for the Crystal Wand.
“Concentrate on what must be done. I will see you at the school.”
“I’ll be there.”
Just as the Professor left, the coven, dressed in robes, came in answer to Marsilia’s call.
“Grisandole has taken Malka,” Grammie announced.
Imelda stepped closer to Grammie. “What’s happened?”
“I believe Grisandole has Malka.”
“What about Talisha and Mara? They were with her?”
“I don’t know.”
“How will we find them?”
“I know where they are being held.”
“How do you know this?” She demanded suspiciously.
“I’m not a spy. The Professor was here.”
“Oh!” That was enough for Imelda. She believed the Professor gave Grammie the location and Marsilia failed to correct her.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes. From what I understand, Grisandole is on her way to the school to search for the Valittu.”
“Perhaps we should go there and help.”
“We will, but she has Vortigen at her side.”
“No! Even she is not that desperate.”
“I’m afraid she is. I want half the coven to cover the school and the other half will come with me to free Malka.” Grammie wrote down the address given her by Bertha.
“I’ll go to the school with the first group. You take the second group and free the prisoners,” Imelda said.
They split into two groups. Marsilia led her group to the edge of town. She wondered at the best way to proceed. “There’s someone inside,” she told Sibyl, as she raised her hand and felt the presence.
“I know.”
“Perhaps I should knock and then we can stun the person opening the door.”
“Let’s give it a try.”
Sibyl walked toward the house. Slowly, the figures moved across the white cement, as a cloud floated over the moon, covering their presence on the street below. The witches raised their wands and dimmed the street lights, as they passed by shielding them from prying eyes.
They stopped before the house. Cautiously, Sibyl went onto the porch and knocked. She stepped back.
Dina opened the door and was met by a yellow beam. She fell backwards and hit the floor with a thud.
Sibyl burst into the house with Marsilia at her side. As members of Grisandole’s coven came into the foyer to see what the commotion was, flashes of color burst from both sides, creating havoc in the house. One after the other, Grisandole’s hags fell beneath the magic of the Coven of Orenda.
Marsilia searched the rooms hoping to find Malka. She returned to her group. “She’s not here. Wake her up.” Marsilia pointed toward Dina.
Sybil pointed her wand and the light that originally stunned her, left her body and crawled back into Sybil’s wand.
Dina came to. Frightened, eyes wide, she cried. “Please don’t kill me. I had no choice.” Tears streamed down her cheeks, as she continued. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes, you did. You’re a party to Grisandole’s evil.”
“She would’ve killed me if I’d gone against her. I can’t do magic. I have a family! My children!” She hiccupped as she spoke the tortured words.
“Where are they?”
“He’ll kill me!”
Grammie stepped forward. “If you mean Vortigen, he won’t have the opportunity. We’ll do it for him.”
“No! Please have pity.” She was openly crying now.
“Where are they?” Marsilia demanded pointing her wand at the cowering woman. “Tell me, and I may let you live.”
“Basement!” She cried even more.
Marsilia stunned her again and made her way to the basement. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe the prisoners were left unguarded. She moved cautiously with most of her coven.
Grammie pointed her wand at the door and it burst open with the force of her magic. A bolt of red light flashed as she jumped out of the way, missing her by inches. Two of the younger, witches ran to the stairs firing one bolt of light after another. They were relentless with their attack.
Screams rent the calm of the house as each member of Grisandole’s clan fell to the ground. The Coven of Orenda showed no mercy.
Marsilia entered the basement and looked around. She saw the large cauldron suspended from wooden beams. Shelves anchored to walls were filled w
ith jars of ingredients designed to create potions and summoning spells. A large wooden door held a thick and menacing lock intended to keep strangers at bay.
“There,” Marsilia said pointing to the mystery door. “They must be in there.”
Marsilia and Sybil pointed their wands at the lock causing it to explode. Marsilia opened the door and stepped aside in case some of the hags were hiding within. A dim light showed the horrors, this lovely home held. Malka and Talisha were chained to the walls. Burns marked their arms where the hags tortured them with their wands. Cuts were evident where someone had used sharp knives or claws, to try and force Malka and Talisha to reveal the identity of the Valittu. That they still lived was evidence they’d refused to give Grisandole what she so desperately sought.
Malka’s head sagged. “Let her go. She doesn’t know anything. Keep me, but let her go.” Her voice sounded no more than a child’s cry.
“Are you all right, Mistress?”
Through the fog in her mind, Malka looked up at the woman standing before her. She blinked and stared. “Marsilia?”
“Yes.” Grammie used her wand to unlock the shackles and free her two sisters. They were caught by Grammie and Sybil, before they could fall to the floor. “We have you.”
“Do you have water?”
Grammie helped them upstairs, where they were given water. When they felt a little stronger, Marsilia said, “We must leave! Now!”
“Our wands,” Malka said, her voice hoarse.
“I don’t know where they are.” Marsilia looked around.
Malka and Talisha thrust their hands in front of them and the cupboard door opened and the two wands joined their owners.
“The Valittu is in peril,” Malka said. Her voice and body barely held strength. They’d been through too much. She drank some more water.
“Yes, I know. The Professor took the rest of the coven to the school. We must follow.”
“Mara is with Grisandole. She’s our spy. I must go with you.”
“No Malka. You need to rest. If we don’t come back, you’ll have to free the Valittu. Sybil, take them home.”
Emmy and the Coven of Witches Page 25
