“So, um, what are Jace and Rose’s mother and father’s names?” I asked.
“Sara and Robert Webster,” Mom grinned.
I nodded. “Cool! So when are we leaving?” I was so ready!
“Right now,” Dad said heading for the door.
Chapter Five
Crossing Over
We headed to Jace’s house. My stomach was doing all sorts of acrobatics. I was ready to go, but all too scared as well. The drive over all I could hear was my rapid breathing, the roar of the engine and the sound of cars zooming by. Lights past by me in multicolor blur as I gazed out the window, but all too soon the car ride was over as we were pulling up to Jace’s house and that amazing fountain. The fountain was still wonderful, still beautiful and still called to me. I wanted to touch it. I could feel an ebb and flow of power spilling out from that wonderfully-enchanting fountain. Just one touch. As we got out of the car I glanced at Rose, Jace, Kate and Jerold. They were all standing in front of the fountain. Then it hit me. The fountain was the gateway, the portal-or whatever you want to call it. But it was the way to get to Calamose. Dang, it has been under my nose this whole time! I shook my head as I gazed at Jace. He had a smirk on his face. He was undoubtedly happy to see me wearing his gift. I had put it on just before leaving. Now that I know why Jace didn’t come to my party, I had no problems with wearing the gift. Even if I thought the whole thing with Lilly, Nathaniel and Tru’s family was not true, I still couldn’t blame Jace for not coming.
I looked down at my shaky hands. I was absently rubbing the ring my dream guy got me. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to put the ring on, but still, there was something inside me that wanted it with me as I crossed. Perhaps, there is something about the ring that my subconscious knew and I didn’t. I also grabbed Tru’s wolf. My fur-ball! It was no bigger than my palm, but I had it with me for life-support.
Even if Mom said it was all going to be fine, I still felt I needed something that was reassuring and the wolf was very reassuring to me. I glanced at Mom. She smiled and nodded as Dad put his hand on my back ushering me forward. I fought the urge to stop, turn and run. I was here. I wasn’t afraid. Everything was going to be okay. Otherwise, I don’t think my parents would be this happy and I’m going to keep telling myself that over and over and over until I believe it.
“Kate, Jerold, it’s good to see you,” Mom said with a bigger than life grin on her face.
“And you as well,” Kate murmured. She looked over at me and asked, “Are you ready to cross over, Charlie?”
The way she just said it was creepy. Yeah, I’ll cross over to the supernatural world, but anything else, I don’t think so.
“Yes,” I said hesitantly. “As long as we aren’t crossing to the other side, that is.” Mom laughed and gave me a big I-want-to-kiss-you-for-being-you-smile. I love those smiles!
Kate shook her head and said with what I thought was a hint of bitterness in her tone, “Well technically we are crossing over to the other side.”
Cue creepy music: Dun-dun-dunn!
My eyes went wide, but Kate continued dryly. “However, we’re only crossing over to the side of the supernatural world, not to the spirit world!”
I let out a low sigh. I knew that. Ha, right? Although, I was glad she confirmed it for me.
“Okay,” Jerold flashed me a grin. “Everyone take your positions. Charlie, we need you to stand right in the middle of the circle we are going to form.” His voice was low, deep and commanding. Just like Dad’s got sometimes. Maybe it comes with being a male guardian. As I took the spot he suggested, I wondered mildly what was about to happen.
“I have a question.” She quirked her brows, “Um, in order to crossover to the other worlds, will I have to do exactly what you and the others are about to do?”
“Very good question,” Kate smiled sounding a little surprised. A flicker of something I couldn’t quite get flashed in her eyes but was gone all too soon. “No Charlie, you will not have to have us here. The only reason we are here now, is because you don’t have your gifts as of yet. Therefore, the magic in our veins is not traveling through yours. Otherwise,” Kate gave me a tight smile. “You wouldn’t need us.”
I was glad that if ever I needed to go to the other worlds, I wouldn’t have to ask for help getting there.
“Now,” Jerold said. “We are about to invoke the five elements of earth, fire, air, water and spirit.”
I looked around, taking my parents, Kate, Jerold, Jace, Rose and me into count. That was seven people, not five and if we are calling on the five elements. Does that mean that some of us are not going to participate? And does that mean some of us were not crossing over? “Hang on.” I put up one hand like a stop sign, halting the progress that was about to take place and asked, “If we are calling on the five elements, then wouldn’t you need just five people so will some of us not be going to the supernatural realm?”
Kate cleared her throat when Jerold was about to speak. He looked at her sharply then gave a subdued nod, like he was saying the floor is all yours.
“Charlie, dear,” Kate’s voice was soft and pleasant, talking to me like I was a little kid. Man I hate when grownups get that sweet sympathetic sound. “No one is going to be left behind. We will all participate. Jerold and I shall stand as one element, Kate and Sam as another element. Jace will be an element by himself, as will Rose and you in the center as the fifth and final element, which will open the doorway. Did that answer your question?”
“Yes thank you.” I said dryly. It’s as if she thought I should already know. Yeah, if I knew about magic then I wouldn’t be asking. Geez!
“Good,” Kate smiled. “Then let us begin. All you have to do, Charlie, is stand right in front of the fountain, which will put you in the middle of our circle that we will form. I shall explain as we go.”
I nodded feeling like she was reprimanding, or chiding me. Whatever! I so don’t like this whole new side of Kate. The first time I met her she was sweet, a goddess. But now she reminds me of a teacher that has told this lessen too many times.
“Charlie, you are taking the center point as spirit, also known as Ether or Akasha,” Kate started. “Spirit is the element that transcends, yet is a part of all the other elements. It takes the name of Akasha from a place on the astral realm where the Akashic records are held. All accounting of what has happened in the past, present and future of the universe and beyond is recorded. If you are wondering, Akasha is actually an East Indian word meaning inner-space. It reflects our belief that the universe is both within and without us. The Ethereal, or you know it as the spirit element, it has no direction. Yet, it encompasses all directions. Spirit is the Center; ergo that is why you are in the middle of our circle.”
She smirked and it seemed a little sadistic. It startled me so much that I almost took a step back. Woo! Luckily I stopped myself because that would have sucked and made me look weakly-scared!
“Spirits perimeter reaches, above and below us, going way beyond seasons and time. Yet, it is all seasons and time in one element.” Kate was saying. “Spirit is a pure spiritual element, protecting of justice, movement, life, death and rebirth. It is often symbolized as the turning wheel, or the sign of infinity. Tonight Charlie you are our fifth element, you are our spirit.”
I swallowed. Okay, now this is getting real. Can I just go home? Yeah, I wanted power, but to be the tool for a freaking element? Cra—zy. I don’t even know if I can do it! Sure, she told me to just stand here, but when everything starts going crazy, I don’t know how still I’ll be. I looked around taking in their faces. Ugh! All of them looked like they were comfortable and ready to get on with it. I snuck a glance at Jace. He was quiet, but when he saw me looking Jace’s face went all sexy and he grinned. Crap, that grin he just gave me was freaking hot! Think of Tru. Think of Tru! I shook my head and looked over at Rose. Innocent-sweet-fearless Rose. I knew if she could do it, then so could I. I was so not about to let a thirteen year old show me up. Hel
l’s to the no.
“Charlie, take this candle and lighter and hold them until I nod your way,” Kate said, handing me a violet candle. Well, maybe more ultraviolet, then violet. With shaky hands I took both items from her, letting out a low slow breath. I’m okay, I can do this. I’m okay, I can do this. I’m okay, I can do this! Well, that’s what I’m going to keep telling myself until I feel that it’s the truth. Oh man, who was I kidding? I was petrified.
“Jace take your position,” Kate demanded. Jace stepped right in front of me. His mother-I mean guardian handed him a lighter and a yellow candle. Kate turned back to me and said, “Jace is taking the position of east, which is the element of air. It represents the conception of a new idea, seed of knowledge and freedom to choose which direction to move. It’s the element of intelligence. It’s the first step towards creation. Air is active and it rules spells in rituals that involve travel and uncovering lies. Kate patted Jace on the shoulder. Smiling, she looked over at Rose. “Rose, please take your position,” Kate demanded again.
Rose stepped forward taking her point of the circle, then her mother – no, not her mother her guardian – man I so have to remember that. She handed her a lighter and red candle. With a wonderful smile, Rose accepted them gingerly. Kate looked back at me to explain about the element Rose was representing. This was all fascinating and I really wanted to know, but I also just wanted to get on with it. Thankfully though, there were only two more elements to go. Woohoo!
“Fire,” Kate explained, “Is the most active element of all. It represents motivation of all sorts. Like creating, destroying, or the will to move towards something or just to move for the sake of moving. Fire rules the south and it is the most primal of the five elements. Fire has the will, passion, and intensity that the other elements lack. It is the essence of all magic. Rose will represent the element of fire.” Kate patted Rose on the shoulder. I thought maybe I should represent that element, with me setting myself on fire and all, but I was not going to say anything. There was no telling what Kate would say if I suggested it! Eeee! Then Kate spun around looking full of life and younger.
Mom smiled at her and said, “Why Kate I do believe you are enjoying yourself.”
“Oh my dear friend, the power I feel from talking about the elements is wonderful. I have never felt it before. What do you think it all means?” Kate asked.
All eyes turned to me. Dad smiled saying, “Maybe Lilly and Nathaniel are here in spirit, bearing witness to their only daughter’s crossover and the coming of her powers.”
“Um, maybe?” Kate said doubtfully.
I was shocked. Were Lilly and Nathaniel here? Oh God I hoped so.
Kate started again, “Now where was I? Oh yes. Janet, Sam, would you please take your points.” Mom and Dad stepped forth. Mom clasped her right arm around my dad’s, intertwining them like a snake. They ended up holding hands. It really didn’t look too comfortable. Oh well. Kate handed a blue candle to Mom and a lighter to Dad. “Now,” she said. “Water is the element of deep emotions, purification, constant change and courage. It is enduring love, your deepest sorrow and the courage to continue on a difficult path when it seems like there is no end in sight. It faces the west. Water is pure and refreshing, cleansing the earth and all its glorious wonders.”
I smiled, but I was starting to feel sick. This was the last element. We would soon be crossing over to the supernatural world and I felt like I was about to chicken out. Just give me some feathers and a beak and I’ll cluck for you! Bock!
“Last.” Kate pulled her husband to the side not yet occupied. She picked up a green candle and handed it to Jerold, keeping the lighter in her hand and then intertwining their arms the same way Mom and Dads were. “Earth is the foundation of all elements, while it’s the one we are most familiar with, it’s also the element we tend to take for granted. Earth rules the most mundane aspects of our lives: Working, sleeping, eating, and raising our families. Even though this element is all about the mundane world, it’s still necessary. It is the element upon which all others rest, our foundation and balance. Earth is the most stable of the five elements, ruling the northern quarter, Earth is our Mother. So now, Charlie,” Kate looked at me like she was measuring something. “Before we begin, do you have anything you would like to know?”
Although there was a lot running through my brain, all I really wanted to do was get it over with. I shook my head saying, “No I’m good.”
“All right then, everyone ready?” Kate asked. We obligingly said yes. “Charlie,” Kate looked at me intently. “Just stand there and repeat after me, do you understand?”
I nodded, not wanting to speak and not knowing if I could speak.
I couldn’t mess this up, right? Right! Please don’t let me mess this up!
Kate chanted: “Air of wisdom, spring and new-beginnings we call to thee.”
We all repeated what she’d said, and then Kate looked at Jace. He nodded and then lit his candle. Fresh smooth wind picked my hair up off my shoulders. Hot, but warm air caressed my skin, kissing my body. I smiled at the feeling. It was wonderful, the warm hot air caressing me, loving me, I felt free. I could feel the air touching my mind, letting me see images of leaves blowing across the grass and big puffy clouds flowing freely in the sky. Then I felt arms being slowly lifted. No not mine... Jace’s. His arms were going parallel. I was feeling things no one should be able to feel. I took in a deep breath and smelled sandalwood and cool fresh air. I loved what was happening, if the rest was anything like this then bring it on because I wanted it all. I wasn’t afraid anymore. I knew I wouldn’t chicken out.
Kate chanted: “Fire of wisdom, sacred space, giving birth to light, we call to thee!”
Rose lit the candle, heat burst around my already flowing hair. Energy surged around and in the circle. My blood was boiling, but in a good way. Behind my eyes I could see erupting volcanoes. I felt energized, enthusiastically wanting to keep going. I felt, but didn’t see Rose’s arms going above her head, forming a triangle. This overwhelming scent of sulfur overpowered my nose. I opened my eyes to see shocked faces. I was the only one on fire, the only one whose hair was blowing in the air.
The only one!
Mom’s face showed wonder. Dad’s face showed awe. Rose was grinning at me. Jerold? Well, he looked jealous and Kate was glaring just a little. Her face was blank. What’s up with that? I looked at Jace. His eyes were wide with amusement, longing and pleasure. I guess, maybe I was the only one in the circle whoever felt this before. Because, the way they were looking at me kinda said it all. I gave them my biggest grin.
Kate continued chanting: “Water of wisdom, moon tides, we call to thee!”
Dad lit the candle Mom was holding. Then it was like a tidal wave, all the bodies of water in the world were crashing down on and around me. I felt my mind being cleaned, all the bad that had happened in my life was gone in that moment. Wonderful, beautiful waterfalls cascaded behind my eyes. Blue, green water flowed around me as the smell of sweet myrrh flooded my senses. I felt Mom and Dad lift their intertwined arms upward palms facing heaven.
Kate chanted: “Earth of wisdom, plants, stone and seasons, we call to thee!”
After all of us called the earth element, Kate lit the candle Jerold was holding. The earth enclosed around me in green grass, sweet-white-calla-lily flowers, hay fields and deep rich soil. I found myself seeing mountains, landscapes, plants and animals. Everything was wonderful. Mother Earth herself was calm and kind. The smell of green trees and lavender flowers wafted up around the circle. I felt Kate and Jerold extend their free arms and point their palms downward. Finally it was my turn and I was ready. I wanted her to call the element I was positioned in and let its blissful feeling take me.
Kate chanted: “Spirit of wisdom, assents of life, we call to thee!”
We chanted the words. I lit the candle. Spirit overwhelmed me in light. A blissful serenade and the combined smells of air, water, earth, fire and life took me. I glanced do
wn and saw my hair floating in the spirit light, as fire, water, and earth spun all around me.
Kate’s voice shook a little as she chanted the final words: “We call thee to open the door, open the realm, and show us the way. Grant us access. We ask of thee, earth, fire, air, water. We ask thee God’s and Goddesses of these elements to grant this request. We ask thee spirit to open the doorway, we ask thee now bless it be.”
The earth shook beneath me, the wind blew around me. Water surged through me, fire burned into me, and the spirit, my spirit opened the doorway. A bright light of gold and green with a hint of blue twinkled out from the fountain as it split apart and opened up. I looked at it in wonderment, knowing that on the other side is a whole new world of wonderful mystical beings just like me.
“Now everyone,” Kate said. “Blow out you’re candle, say blessed be, and step through the door way.”
I watched as Jace, Rose, Mom and Dad then Kate and Jerold all stepped through. That just left me. The last one! I was alone and now I was afraid. I didn’t know I would be walking through the doorway alone. I hesitated, my whole body was trembling. I felt the air, earth, fire, water and my spirit surrounding me, whispering to me, telling me that I was not alone. Telling me I had them, I had the elements now. I smiled. They were right, I was not alone. I said blessed be, blew out my candle and stepped through.
Chapter Six
Crispin
He was setting on his throne when he felt it, when he felt her. He smiled remembering. Crispin had given her a gift and not just any gift. It was an elegant ring with beautiful colors he crafted with his own hands. This gift was not just any ordinary ring that some mere human could craft. No. This ring was fashioned from the blood of an innocent child and joined within it was Crispin’s essence, something that she should not take lightly. Yes, it was truly a powerful ring that would come in handy, not only for her, but for him in return. And it was already working. He knew that she had crossed over to the supernatural plane, the world that he dwelled in. It was time. Time for her to retrieve her magic by right of a ceremonial ritual, and once she had it there was no stopping him. He would have her.
A Blaze of Magic: Chosen Saga Book Two Page 5
