by Nora Lee
“Fox here knows a few tricks.” Gemma smiled at her companion. “We worked together all night. Most of our experiments fell apart as soon as we set them down, but we came upon a way of creating a strand of power strong enough to hold a shape like this.”
“That’s amazing, Fox. You’re very accomplished!”
Ducking her head, Fox blushed. “Gemma did just as much work as I did.”
The wind strengthened in intensity and a massive thunderclap shook the entire castle. Even Enid sensed the movement and realized her thoughts about the storm bleeding through the veil must be true. The weather didn’t seem at all natural and she found herself wondering whether Gemma’s faith in little Fern might not be misplaced. “Good goblins, but that’s loud.”
“Don’t look at me that way. I’m very sure Fern hasn’t caused this.”
Enid felt warmed by the thought that even the veil couldn’t dampen the connection she and her sister shared. She watched her companions unpack the decorations they’d brought and suggested spots where the items might be hung or placed for the best effect. The items they’d created all shimmered a brilliant blue – so bright even Enid could make out the difference between their magic and the underlying glow of the veil.
“I just wish we could unload the truck so we can finish up in here. We’re running out of time.” She caught the look Gemma and Fox shared and wondered what they might be thinking. Giving them a reassuring smile, she said, “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t expect you to go out in this hurricane.”
“Do you think…?”
“Could we?”
Gemma and Fox fell laughing into each other’s arms as Enid watched. While she again felt a little uncomfortable intruding on a private moment this way, their merriment infected her, and she soon began giggling right along. The happiness warmed her for the first time since she’d passed over. “You realize that’s a sign you two have been spending too much time together.”
“I don’t think so.” Gemma wiped the corner of one streaming eye. “We just happen to think a lot alike.” Patting Fox’s shoulder, she nodded. “I do think so. We managed all this so I’m sure we can do that as well.”
“What?”
“Be patient, Sis. You’ll see soon enough.”
She watched the two women join hands and close their eyes. Though they didn’t speak aloud, their lips moved, and she imagined them to be muttering an incantation of some kind. Enid had no idea what they had in mind, but couldn’t wait to find out.
“That should allow us to unload the truck now.” Fox took her hands from Gemma’s and wiped them on her pant legs. Enid noticed they trembled from exertion. “We’ll have to keep practicing, though. This was much harder than I expected.”
“What have you done?”
The women paid no attention to Enid as they opened the front door again.
She moved to stand behind Gemma and look outside to where they’d backed Nana’s truck up to the entrance. A tarp covered the loaded bed. Though the wind and rain lashed against the front windshield of the old beater, the back seemed dry, and she squinted to see if she could make out the reason why. “Did you cast a protective shield?” When Gemma winked at her, she smiled back. “Your power is growing by leaps and bounds. I’m impressed.”
The two women brought in the rest of the decorations as Enid watched with interest. Rotten pumpkins and gourds, dry and brittle cornstalks, and moldy bales of straw. She shuddered as she recalled they only looked that way to her. She imagined the pumpkins must be vivid orange, the gourds satisfying shades of deep green, earthy brown, and cream, and the stalks and hay a nice light yellow. They’d all be whole, too, not falling to pieces as they looked to her.
Enid once again found herself directing the placement of the decorations while the others worked. She felt guilty for not being able to help more. When she got back, she’d do everything she could for her fellow coven members. She owed them a lot for all their help during this difficult time. Especially since she’d been the one to decide on such a short time frame to complete all the arrangements.
As they worked, she muttered under her breath. “Where is that man? He’s so infuriating.”
“Sounds like you’re angrier at him than you should be.” Gemma dug into one of the pumpkins with a carving knife as she glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “You aren’t falling for our dried-up old spook, are you?”
“He’s not dried up!” Enid flushed as she realized how she must sound. Lowering her voice, she looked away from Gemma, since her sister could read her expressions much too well. “You can’t see him the way I do on this side. He’s not as old as he looks to you.”
“Mm-hm,” said Fox. She nudged Gemma and nodded at Enid. “She’s been bitten by the bug.”
“The love bug,” they said in unison, then laughed.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Enid glided away. She looked up toward the second floor landing with the hope she might catch some sign of movement. “Go ahead and have your laugh. I don’t care.”
“Two little lovebirds, sitting in a tree…”
“Shush, Sis. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Enid frowned at Gemma. “There’s nothing between us. Even if I wanted there to be something, there’s no point! I’ll return to the Living World on Samhain and he’ll remain here among the dead.” When she noticed the sympathy in Gemma’s eyes, she turned her attention to the jack-o-lantern her sister had carved while they teased Enid.
Fox moved placed a small candle inside the pumpkin and the cheery light flickered to life.
“Do you think we have enough to keep the ghouls at bay? I don’t want them crashing the wedding.” Enid shuddered at the thought of the drooling little monsters getting to Hephaestus after she’d passed through the veil to the Living side once more. No matter how she protested, she couldn’t deny she had come to feel something for him. Something more than gratitude and friendship. She’d never been in love before.
And I’m not in love now, Enid told herself. He’s just a good friend.
But where was he…?
8
L ate the next afternoon, the door to Castle Hallow stood open to weather much milder than the storm they’d weathered the day before. Jack-o-lanterns lined along either side of the pathway cast a merry glow as members of the wedding parties made their way into the great hall. Rowan, Garrett, and little Siobhan appeared first, the adults bundled up in jackets and hats against the damp autumn chill and the baby wrapped in a thick knit blanket.
Dark clouds still loomed overhead, threatening another round of rain and wind. The storm raged throughout the night before and well past dawn of the day, but cleared away around noon, allowing the residents of Secret Hallow a chance to venture outside to check damages and clean up downed tree branches.
Not too long after the first group arrived, Fern ran inside, followed by Orianna and Caedmon, who had eyes for no one but each other.
Nana soon showed up with Adora Glenn and Iris Westerly. Each of them carried what looked like containers of fresh pies and tarts.
A group of Ash cousins appeared with chafing dishes. They crossed to the table set aside for the rehearsal buffet and set the foods out in a pleasing way. Though Gemma and Enid hadn’t seem to have gotten the domestic gene, their cousins had, and they enjoyed being in the thick of any kind of celebratory meal.
In one corner not too far from where Enid stood, a gnome band tuned miniature instruments.
“How are you holding up?”
She looked over to find Kimberly Leif heading in her direction. “Fine.” She removed her tattered coat to reveal a shredded dress and worn boots. Trying to remember the other woman’s true appearance, she said, “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Kimberly looked around the great hall. “This is impressive.”
“Your contributions are a big reason why everything looks so nice.” Enid again regretted not being able to see the beauty in her surroundings. She hoped to be able to get at least a
brief glimpse when she passed over again.
Kimberly reached out a hand that passed right through Enid’s arm. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot.”
“Don’t worry.” Enid gave what she hoped to be a nonchalant shrug. The inability to touch anyone bothered her a lot more than she wanted to let on. “I’ve been doing the same thing the entire time I’ve been here.” When she saw Gemma and Fox enter the room again, she smiled at Kimberly. “If you don’t mind, I need to talk to my sister about some last minute details. Thank you again for your contributions. You and Maddock have been wonderful. I couldn’t have done half as much without you both.”
“We’re glad to help.” Kimberly looked over to where her husband and son now watched the gnome band. “We’re all one big happy family, aren’t we?”
“That we are.”
Gemma moved to join Enid. “Where is Hephaestus?”
Enid didn’t have to ask what her sister meant. “Still pouting. He hasn’t been around much.”
“Did you two fight again?”
The memory of being guided by Hephaestus’ strong arms popped into Enid’s mind. They’d been having such a good time in the storeroom. He’d seemed so happy. Happier than she’d ever seen in all the time she’d known him. Then he’d seen…her. Enid’s ancestor, Emilia Ash. Gooseflesh raised on her arms again. The two of them could never be a couple. Too much stood in their way. If only…
“Enid?”
She shook her head to clear away the sad thoughts. “Maybe we should have dinner while we discuss how to handle the ceremony. We can’t very well practice without the officiant.”
A movement across the room caught the corner of her vision. Turning, Enid saw Hephaestus gliding toward her. He no longer wore the clothes he’d had on before. Now he wore clothing a suit more typical of the century in which he’d been born that looked brand-new to her. The cut of the jacket emphasized the broadness of his shoulders, the waist tapered to fit his mid-section, and his slacks showed his legs to great advantage. She thought again that he presented a fine figure of a man and couldn’t look away.
Gemma laughed. “Close your fly trap.”
Enid’s jaw snapped shut.
Hephaestus sketched a bow. “Good evening, young Misses Ash.”
“Hi,” said Gemma. “You look nice today.”
“Thank you. And you as well.”
Looking over at her sister, Enid thought Gemma seemed to be wearing tattered rags of some unknown color and worn boots with missing heels. Her normally curly hair lay flat and matted as though she hadn’t showered in days. Even her hat drooped in a shapeless mass across her shoulder.
“You’re too kind, Hephaestus.” Gemma caught Enid’s startled look and glanced down at her blouse. “Did I spill something, Sis?”
Enid shook off her impression. She needed to keep remembering things here didn’t look the way they did on the other side. The others didn’t need to know how dismal everything seemed through the veil. “Not at all. I was only trying to figure out if you’re wearing a new outfit.”
Gemma fluffed a torn strip of skirt. “Fox and I went shopping. You like?” She gave a little twirl. “This isn’t my normal style, but she insisted I get some new clothes for the wedding.”
“Fox has good taste.”
Nana called for everyone’s attention. “Now that we’re all gathered, I think we should get started. Please take your seats.”
The chattering group moved to find the place cards set out by Gemma and Fox earlier that afternoon. They’d tried to put people who didn’t often see each other together so they could spend some time in pleasant conversation.
The bridal couples and their children sat at the head table overlooking everyone, of course, while Enid stood between the dais and the nearest table.
Hephaestus moved to stand behind the altar beneath an arch of vines where he discussed the solemnity of the wedding ceremony and how everyone should celebrate their own relationships as they supported the couples entering into matrimony. He then directed the bridal couples to their places.
The two grooms stood on either side of Hephaestus looking nervous as the brides went to stand in the doorway beneath the stairs. Fern performed her duty tossing imaginary flower petals on the floor as she made her way to join Caedmon. Then the gnome band struck up a bridal march, accompanied by the pipe organ against the back wall, and the brides made their way to their respective mates. The two couples faced Hephaestus and he recited the vows.
When they finished, Hephaestus returned to Enid’s side.
“You were wonderful,” she said shyly. “This will be a blessed event.”
“Let’s eat,” said Nana. “Everyone help yourselves.”
People lined up at the table and took turns loading their plates.
Enid’s mouth watered at the thought of food. She’d had nothing in days. Of course, she couldn’t bring herself to look at the buffet, fearing what she’d see. She didn’t want to ruin her appetite forever.
Hephaestus took her hand in his. “Take heart, Enid. You will be able to partake again soon.”
“Thank you.” She once again stared into his eyes and felt as though she were falling into the depths of his soul. “You’ve been here a very long time. You must miss these things much more than I do.”
He shrugged. “The passing of time dulls the senses. I no longer remember taste and texture.”
“How sad.”
The sound of raised voices caught her attention.
“You don’t even want to be here, Rowan. Don’t tell me I shouldn’t be High Priest!” Caedmon motioned at Orianna. “We both have power, unlike you and your husband. You can’t lead the coven alone. Every High Priestess needs a Priest, and Garrett can never do that.”
“Caedmon. That’s enough,” Orianna hissed a quiet warning that Enid felt sure no one at the big tables could hear.
They couldn’t miss the sound of Caedmon’s rant, though.
“Don’t shush me, Ori! You said yourself that you’re afraid we’ll have problems.”
Rowan gave her friend a sad look. “Is that true, Ori? You don’t trust our leadership?”
Orianna flushed scarlet and ducked her head. She seemed to have no answer for Rowan.
“I guess you lied about being glad that I’m back then,” Rowan said.
The other bride looked up at her with wide eyes. “No, I didn’t. I’m glad you’re here.” She twisted her sparkling new diamond engagement ring around her finger. “But I admit that I am worried. Not that I have anything against you, Garrett. You just don’t understand what’s involved in leading the coven.”
“I’m not offended. Just don’t underestimate me,” Garrett said serenely, undisturbed by the argument.
Caedmon stared Garrett down. “What do you have to offer? You’re mundane.”
“May I remind you that the Elder Tree responds only to me?” said Rowan.
“When you voluntarily hand over your leadership the Elder Tree will recognize us.”
Rowan shook her head. “You can’t tell me you believe that, Ori. You saw what happened.”
“She’s right.” Orianna laid a trembling hand over Caedmon’s. “The Tree won’t recognize us.”
“Well then we can be leaders in name while you handle the Tree. Everyone will be happy.”
Enid couldn’t let that go. They deserved a strong leadership and splitting the power served no good purpose. While Garrett might be mundane, Rowan remained part of the true line, a powerful force for the coven. And no matter what Rowan might think, Enid felt sure Siobhan would exhibit powers inherited from either her mother or another ancestor. The true blood line needed to remain connected with the Elder Tree in order to keep the coven healthy and whole.
Before she could move, Hephaestus squeezed her hand.
She looked up at him with a question in her eyes.
The shake of his head sent her a clear message to stay out of the disagreement. Enid felt she could do nothing but agree and looked around
the room to find everyone else’s attention on the head table where Caedmon continued to rant. He remained a new enough member of their society that he couldn’t realize the impression he projected.
“Give in to the logic, Rowan. We should lead the coven.”
Rowan sat back in her chair and heaved a tired sigh. “Whatever you want. I don’t care.”
Hephaestus stormed over to the head table. “You will not give up your lineage, young woman. I refuse to join any of you in matrimony if this is how you choose to treat your coven, Caedmon McFarland!”
Startled gasps filled the room as Hephaestus vanished from sight.
A roar of sound built up as the coven members argued among themselves. Enid looked around at her relatives, friends, and neighbors, and knew she couldn’t let the disagreement stand without endangering the entire community. The issue must be resolved right away.
Now where could Hephaestus have gone this time?
9
The empty corridors of the castle stretched off in all kinds of directions. Enid had already spent endless hours roaming the empty halls in search of Hephaestus to no avail. Afraid of repeating that lonely time, Enid headed straight to the second floor and moved along a dark hallway lined with paintings of previous occupants; serious portraits of people who looked like they had no sense of humor, some in broken frames, with a few of the canvases torn as though they’d been shredded in anger.
Since these people represented the Hallow family line, Hephaestus resembled many of them, and she wondered about the relationships between them. In her free time, Enid loved researching family history. Gemma often teased her about how she lived more in the past than the present and she’d assured her sister that wasn’t the case. Now that she’d passed over to the other side, she could tell Gemma without any hesitation that she much preferred her own time better than any other. She missed the Living World in the worst way.
Instinct must have pointed her in the right direction.
She heard a soft voice.
When Enid paused to listen, she thought the sound seemed to be coming from right overhead and looked around for some sign of a nearby staircase, but only saw what looked like a few bedroom doorways set along either side of the hall. Frustrated, she turned a slow circle and willed her eyes to find some detail she might be missing. A sign, any sign, of a way up to the place she’d missed in her previous search.
