The Witches of BlackBrook

by Tish Thawer

  Chapter Four

  Trin woke to the sound of sizzling bacon and percolating coffee.

  “Good morning, sleepy head,” Kit teased.

  “Morning.” Trin looked around the living room, noticing her empty wine glass and a discarded blanket on the floor. “Must have fallen asleep on the couch,” she mumbled.

  “Obviously.” Kit laughed. “How much of that wine did you end up drinking?”

  “Just the one glass.” Trin shook her head, attempting to shake the strange grogginess she was experiencing.

  “Well, hopefully you got a good night’s sleep, because today, we’re going shopping.”

  “Wait. What? I told you I have plans this afternoon.” Trin rubbed her eyes and she poured her first cup of coffee. And yes, there would be multiples.

  Kit scowled as she turned back to the stove. “Oh, that’s right.”

  Trin took a seat at the bar and sipped her coffee as she watched Kit work. Her auburn hair was pulled up in its usual high ponytail, her tan complexion was sprinkled with freckles, just like Trin’s. “What is wrong with you? The first time I mentioned going to the Hardy’s you bust a wine glass in your hand, and now you look downright pissed. What gives?”

  Kit forked the bacon onto a plate and set it in front of Trin with a sigh.

  “I just don’t want you to get hurt. I think the more time you spend with them, the more ways you’ll try to justify that Caris is, in fact, Kara, and I’m not ready to pick up the pieces again.”

  An image of herself crying into Kit’s arms flashed into Trin’s mind. Uncertain if she, or Kit, projected it there, she clenched her jaw and kept her mouth shut. Kit may be right, but she wasn’t going to change her plans because of it.

  “Look. Go. Have fun with your new friends, but keep in mind that that’s all they can be. Caris can’t possibly be Kara if she has a male cousin. Soul travel doesn’t work that way. I’ve shown up as your friend, stranger, roommate, etc. over multiple lifetimes, but it’s always been just me––a single female until we found one another and our power sparked. Regardless of our outward circumstances, it’s then that we become true sisters again.”

  Trin took a bite of the bacon and smiled. “Don’t worry, sis. I’ll be fine.”

  Kit left the kitchen without another word, leaving Trin to plan her day in peace. She glanced at the clock––10:30am. First, a shower, obviously. Then a trip to the market was in order.

  Trin dressed in jeans and boots, then layered a thick cream cable knit sweater over her tank top. Donning her fur-lined jean jacket, she settled her long auburn hair in place with a cream beanie.

  Digging out her car proved less difficult now that the sun had rose to its mid-point in the sky. The snow was still thick on the ground, but the warm rays not only thawed the ice, but also brightened her mood. Trin pulled her Volvo into the grocery store parking lot a little after one o’clock, excited to gather the items on her list.

  While Jason had indicated all she needed to bring was the wine, Trin couldn’t in good conscience arrive with nothing to contribute to the meal. She gathered fresh sweet and yellow potatoes, some course sea salt and black pepper, and a small jar of extra virgin olive oil. Stopping next at Lost in Time, she picked up two bottles of the sweet moscato she’d enjoyed last night.

  Jason’s text came through around three o’clock, supplying their address and indicating that she could head over whenever she liked. Trin fired up her GPS and began to follow the turns being announced. Twenty minutes later she was further out of town than she’d ever been, pulling onto a lone dirt road off the 9N. “Your destination is straight ahead,” her phone announced.

  Trin eased her car up the heavily tree-lined lane, gasping when she rounded the final corner. The Hardy’s home was not elaborate, but a stunning plank-frame structure with a square lower level and jutting peaks, reminiscent of the old world.

  Reminiscent of her old home.

  IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS

  1689

  “Karina, please retrieve the potatoes from cellar.”

  “Yes, Mama.” Karina looked at her mother’s frail frame, happy she was still alive. The spell she’d survived had changed her physically; she no longer had long raven hair, but instead, a sickly gray she always tied up in a bun. Emotionally, however, she was still the strong, loving woman the girls had always known. After their father’s untimely death, their mother had been their only provider and had never left them wanting.

  Returning with the few remaining potatoes, Karina gently took the knife from her mother’s hand and led her to the chair by the fire. “Rest, Mama. Kara, fetch Mama her tea.”

  Karina finished preparing their meal, while Kara and Kenna doted over their mother, bringing her the healing tea Karina kept in full supply and covering her with a blanket.

  As Karina placed the new batch of pottage on the table, their mother called them over. “Girls, gather ‘round.” Sitting cross-legged on the thread-bare rug, the sisters looked up into their mother’s loving eyes. “I fear I do not have much time with you left.” She held up a hand to stop any arguments. “My magic is almost gone and my body is becoming too fragile to contain my soul. You need to prepare to let me go.”

  Kenna, not so little any more, began to cry. Kara’s bottom lip wavered, but she remained strong. Karina’s unshed tears were accompanied by a sad smile, for she knew her mother was looking forward to her release.

  “I’ve left the house to you, Karina. Take care of it and your sisters when I’m gone.”

  “Of course, Mama. Now come, let’s have some food.” Karina gathered her sisters around the table, while returning to her mother to feed her from the spoon.

  “Karina, you are the healer and the strength of this house, and it will always recognize the duty I’ve placed upon you. Return to the cellar and tell me what you see.”

  Karina set the bowl aside and did as she was asked. The shock and joy upon her face when she returned was answered only with her mother’s knowing nod. Three more potatoes had replaced the ones she’d cooked earlier this eve.

  “No more than you need, but never shall you want.” Her mother kissed her cheeked and tasted her sweet tears.

  That winter, just before Yule, they laid their mother to rest.

  “Hey in there!” Jason tapped on the car window. “You okay?”

  Trin shook her head and wiped at her eyes. “Yes. Sorry. I was just...” Lost, she thought. Lost in memories, lost in emotion, lost in her belief that she and her sisters would ever reunite.

  Jason opened the door and held out his hand to her. “Need me to carry anything?” He nodded to the grocery bags in the passenger seat with a wink.

  Trin laughed. “I couldn’t show up with only wine.”

  “We like to eat around here, so anything you brought will be most welcome.” Jason took the bags from Trin and led her inside.

  The Hardy’s home was light and airy. A cozy fire roared in the old stone hearth and the most heavenly smells permeated the air.

  “Trin! I’m so glad you made it,” Caris exclaimed, crossing the kitchen to give her a friendly hug.

  “Thanks for the invite. Like I told Jason, I didn’t want to intrude on your guys’ day off, but I can’t deny that I’m happy to be here.”

  “Well, we’re happy to have you. I’m just putting in the roast, did you want to join me in the kitchen?”

  “Yes. If you don’t mind, could I borrow a baking pan and a rack in the oven?” Trin asked, pulling the bags from Jason’s hands.

  “Of course.’’ Caris washed her hands then pulled out a Pyrex dish from the cabinet, setting it on the butcher’s block in front of Trin. “Need anything else?”

  “Nope. That’s it, I have the rest all here.” Trin emptied the potatoes into the sink and pulled the potato peeler and knife she’d brought with her from her bag. Peeling, washing, and chopping the sweet and yellow potatoes into cubes, she layered them in the glass pan, drizzled them with olive oil, and coated them with sea s
alt, pepper, and a sprig of rosemary she’d brought from home.

  “Those look great,” Jason remarked from over her shoulder.

  “They’re so simple to make and taste fantastic. I hope you’ll both agree.”

  “I have no doubt. You seem to know your way around a kitchen.” Jason smiled.

  The blush on Trin cheeks reddened when she caught the grin on Caris’s face.

  “My stuff should be ready in an hour, how about your potatoes, Trin? How long do they need?”

  “About thirty minutes at 400 degrees.”

  “Perfect. I’ll set the timer to put them in the oven in a bit,” Caris offered.

  “Would you both like a glass of wine while we wait?” Trin held up the bottle she’d brought and smiled.

  “Yes, please,” Caris replied as Jason retrieved three glasses from the rack.

  “I hope you like moscato,” Trin stated, suddenly unsure whether bringing two bottles of the same thing was the smartest choice.

  “Oh, yum! I’ve had that kind before and loved it. Great pick, Trin.” Caris’s smile put her at ease.

  They popped the cork and moved into the living room, chatting easily while they waited for the food to cook.

  “You have a lovely home.”

  “Thank you,” Jason replied, taking a seat next to Trin on the couch. “It’s been in the family for years.”

  Trin looked at the river-rock chimney, up the clapboard walls to the exposed beams and sighed. It was so odd to sit in a modern home and long for one that had been gone for over three centuries. “Wait. I thought you two just moved into town?” she questioned.

  “We did, but the house belongs to my father. He kept it rented until we announced we’d both be relocating to BlackBrook.”

  “Well, you’re very lucky. I’d love nothing more than to live in something rooted in such history.”

  Caris tilted her head at Trin’s comment. “Have you not always lived here, Trin?”

  “Oh, I have,” In this life at least, she thought, “except when I was attending school in the city.” Trin took a sip of wine. “Where did you two live before moving to BlackBrook?”

  “Massachusetts,” Jason declared.

  Trin’s glass froze against her lips and her head started to spin. She tried to heed Kit’s words, “friends...that’s all they can be,” but something about this seemed like so much...more. And it wasn’t just that she and Caris had similar features with their auburn hair and green eyes, but the familiarity she felt with Jason, the house, and their connection to Massachusetts. All of it seemed too important to ignore.

  Trin thought back to her vision to pinpoint its origin, realizing it only happened once she’d made contact with Caris’s back during her massage. She quickly ran though the events of today, and so far, they had not yet touched skin to skin; Caris’s hug had been at arm’s length, her forearms only touching Trin’s sweater due to her dirty hands.

  Trin set her glass on the rustic coffee table and reached across for Caris’s hand.

  Another shock arced between them.

  “Wow. I can’t wait until winter is over,” Caris laughed, rubbing her fingers on her jeans.

  “Sorry. I was only wanting to ask if you’d like another glass of wine while I check the timer,” Trin diverted.

  “For sure. Thanks,” Caris replied.

  Trin walked into the kitchen, leaving Caris and Jason alone in the living room. She reached the island and gripped the corner. It was happening again. Visions of her and her sisters full of joy and magic filled her head.

  Chapter Five

  Caris grabbed Trin’s elbow, again touching only the material of her sweater. “Trin, are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. I just got a little light headed for a moment.”

  “No more wine for you,” Jason teased.

  “Very funny,” Trin retorted. “Really, I’m fine. I think I just got up too fast. Now let me get these potatoes into the oven, then you can give me a tour of the rest of your home, if that’s okay?”

  “I’d love to,” Caris responded.

  Trin tossed in the potatoes while Caris checked on her roast––about thirty-five minutes to go she calculated.

  Caris led Trin to the backdoor and pointed. “It’s hard to see buried under the snow, but we have a garden in the yard and a small shed in the back there.”

  Trin smiled, spotting the cute structure in the far corner that butted up to the surrounding forest. “It’s truly lovely, I can’t wait to see it in spring with everything in bloom.” Trin shook her head. “I’m sorry. How presumptuous of me. That’s if I’m invited back, of course.”

  Caris laughed while Jason smiled and shook his head. “Of course you’re invited back, Trin.” Jason ran his hand down the arm of her sweater, their fingers touching briefly, igniting yet another shock. Trin didn’t pull away this time, but instead, looked deep into his eyes.

  Time spun and suddenly it wasn’t Jason in front of her, but her long lost love, Jeremiah Hollsteen.

  IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS

  1690

  “Karina, please. Do not deny me any longer. Your sisters are old enough to get on along, and if needs be, I will move into your home and provide a father figure to them both after we’ve married. I love you, Karina,” Jeremiah professed.

  “My sweet, Jeremiah. I love you, too, for I always have and I always will. But I fear that a terrible time is upon us. I have to remain vigilant and not get caught up in the trappings of love. I’m sorry.”

  Jeremiah dropped his sad eyes and hung his dark head. Karina touched his cheek, lifting his eyes to hers, then placed a sweet kiss upon his lips. “Do not despair, my love. While I cannot commit to becoming your wife, I will never deny you my heart.”

  Jeremiah, strong and handsome gathered Karina in his arms and in an instant transported them to their special place, a hidden meadow deep within the Berkshires.

  “I want you, Karina. Mind, body, and soul.”

  Their passion ignited, as did their magic, lighting up the night sky. Witches both, they weren’t bound by mortal rules, freedom to love and celebrate ones wild nature had always been the pagan way. Rejoicing in the circle of life, the turning of the wheel was celebrated across the land on this Beltane night.

  Earlier this same eve, hidden deep within the woods, they’d circled the maypole, secretly dancing to the drums and partaking in the cakes and ale of the ritual. Smiling coyly at one another, they kept their distance until their passion could no longer be denied. Now, here under the stars, they made wild love, casting their thanks and wishes up into the night sky.

  “Trin, my god, are you okay?” Jason asked.

  Trin looked up from her new location on the floor. “What happened?”

  “One minute you were looking at me, and the next, you fainted.”

  “Here, drink this.” Caris offered her a cup of tea, smelling strongly of oatstraw and rose hips. Yet another thing to alight Trin’s curiosity. How did Caris know to brew her such a grounding potion?

  “Thank you, I’m so embarrassed.”

  “No need to be embarrassed, Jason’s made many a girls faint with his ridiculous adorations,” Caris joked.

  “Ha ha. There is nothing ridiculous about this.” He looked at Trin. “You scared me. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Caris moved away, leaving the two of them on the floor in front of the fire. Trin blinked rapidly as words caught in her throat. Jason smoothed the hair from her face and smiled kindly, gesturing to the cup in her hand. “Drink up.”

  A few more sips and Trin was once again grounded and centered. “Thank you.”

  Jason helped her to her feet and trailed close behind as Trin made her way back into the kitchen. “Thanks for the tea, Caris. It did the trick.” Trin smiled at the petite red-head, hoping Caris would reveal her secrets.

  “No problem. I get it at a little herbal shop back home.”

  Back home?

  “Where in Massachusetts are you from ex
actly?”

  “Ipswich.” Caris winked as the oven timer went off. “Oh good, I think some food will help settle your head.”

  Trin couldn’t agree more. This push and pull between the present and the past was becoming too much to bear. As Kit had mentioned, she’d had visions before, in other lifetimes, but not like this. Not actual memories of her former life, but more like echoes of who she used to be. This was different, and despite what Kit said, she needed to figure out why.

  “Caris, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?” Trin asked as Jason returned to the living room to clear their drinks.

  “Sure. Shoot.” Caris smiled as she grabbed her pot holders and opened the oven door.

  “With your tattoos and carefree spirit, and now seeing your home and knowing where you come from, not to mention your familiarity with herbs,” Trin took a deep breath, “I’m wondering if you’re Wiccan.”

  There. She’d blurted it out, hoping it would be the best way to go. She didn’t think her tone sounded accusatory, but was left to stand nervously while Caris set the roast on the counter then returned silently to the oven to retrieve the potatoes.

  “I’m sorry. Please don’t be offended. I only ask because I’m Wiccan and thought I recognized a kindred spirit within you,” Trin explained.

  Caris set the pot holders down and smiled up at Trin, taking her measure. “You have good instincts. Actually, we’re both Wiccan.” She gestured to Jason as he returned to the room.

  “You giving away our secrets, cousin?”

  Caris and Jason laughed while Trin stood relieved, happy, confused, and conflicted all at once. Kit was right, it was Caris’s magical energy that had drawn her and nothing more. She couldn’t be Kara if Jason was her cousin, it simply didn’t work that way. Trin tried to relax, popping a potato into her mouth in an effort to unclog her mind. In one way she was disappointed, hoping that somehow, she’d finally found her long lost sister. But in another, this meant that she could pursue a relationship with Jason, if that’s what she wanted.