“I want The Watch to stop trying to kill me and my family.” Silver said, suddenly a boost of boldness gripped her as she thought of protecting her family. She inhaled deeply looking Jonathan in his eyes she said, “We don’t have the goblet and I have no idea where it is. We’re willing to try to find it, but this, this bullying has to stop.”
“I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about. The Watch doesn’t bully or kill women. As for this goblet, tell me more about it. But first who are you” then looking over at Axel he added, “and you?”
“I’m Silver Webber, this is my uncle Axel.” She said feeling more at ease knowing that The Watch doesn’t kill women.
“My sister Alivia found my grandfather’s journal which told of a silver goblet that if drank from will double a warlock’s magical power. My sister carelessly asked the Bloodstone coven about it as well as the Blackwing coven, but no one knew anything about this mysterious cup.” She waited for him to ask questions, but when he didn’t, she continued.
“After that my Aunt Grace received threats and some witch attacked me, we thought it might be The Watch behind it all.”
“No, but the information concerning the goblet isn’t new. Someone, I don’t know who, is looking for it.”
“Well now what?” Axel asked.
“You need to speak to Maverick, he’s The Watch leader of Manhattan. How can I contact you?”
Silver jotted her name and number on a napkin and handed to Jonathan.
“Let’s say, one tomorrow, I’ll call and give you the instructions on where to meet. Here’s my card if anything happens before then call me. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish my coffee.”
When Silver exited the diner, she took in a deep breath, not only in relief of escaping a dangerous situation but because of the stench in the cafe. The crisp air cleared her nostrils of the rancid smell of grease and other vile odors that she felt had attached themselves to her nose hairs.
“Thank you, Axel, you’ve helped me tremendously.” Silver kissed her godfather’s cheek.
“No thanks necessary. You call me the minute you here from Jonathan, my schedule is clear for tomorrow and before you say anything, I’m coming with you.”
Silver threw her hands up in defeat and smiled. She loved spending time with Axel, plus she had no desires of meeting Maverick The Watch keeper of the Manhattan witches, alone.
Silver didn’t realize how exhausted she was until she showered and climbed under her bed sheets. The moment her head hit the pillow she fell fast asleep.
The bright sunlight peeking through the blinds woke her up. As usual, she was hungry, however today she felt relaxed even rejuvenated. The fact that Axel and hopefully The Watch would be helping in the goblet mystery really lifted the burden she had felt the moment Alivia showed her that damn journal.
Alivia! I have to call Alivia.
Grabbing her cell phone, she noticed a missed call and message from Aunt Grace. Silver listened to the message, happy and relieved it wasn’t an emergency. Instead of returning Aunt Grace’s call she dialed Alivia’s number.
When Alivia picked up, Silver immediately began telling her about last night. “Hey Liv, I think I’ve got things going in the right direction.” She beamed.
“Good morning to you too, happy to see a night alone has made your disposition a bit brighter.” Alivia sniped.
“I wasn’t alone, I was with Axel last night at his club, we have to hang out there one night.”
“Axel, why were you with Axel? You said he owns a club, what club?”
“I asked him to help us with the goblet thing, and yes he is co-owner of Club Magus on East 76th street.”
“Why would you ask him to help Sil? We need to keep this shit contained.”
“The way you kept it contained by going to two covens’, really Liv. At least he was able to help and I, trust him.”
“I didn’t know word was going to reach the ears of The Watch and that they were willing to kill us for the goblet.”
“The Watch has nothing to do with this. They have no idea who we are.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because I met with one of The Watch enforcers. He told me they don’t kill women, plus they just recently heard mention of the goblet.”
“You did what! Are you crazy Silver?”
Silver could hear Aunt Grace in the background asking questions. “Look I’ll pop over in about an hour and explain everything to you both. Just let me get dressed and trust me you’ll like what I have to say.”
Silver was unable to pop into Aunt Grace’s house due to the shield she had put up, so she landed on the welcome mat at the front door.
The minute the door open Silver rushed in, not taking any chances of someone pushing their way in.
Aunt Grace stood in the foyer with her arms folded, the look on her face told Silver she was in big trouble.
“Silver, how could you be so careless, approaching an enforcer of The Watch! Suppose they were after us then what?” Aunt Grace asked.
“I had Axel with me and that’s not what happened. They are willing to help us. I’m meeting with them this afternoon.”
“I also cast a spell to help decipher the journal. The spell should take us straight to the pages we need to locate the goblet.” Silver announced as she sat on the lumpy sofa.
“I trust Axel, I truly do but you should have let us know what you were planning.” Aunt Grace added. “By the way how is Axel?” She asked with a light blush on her cheeks.
“Well I don’t trust him. He was always making goo-goo eyes at mom.” Alivia huffed.
“Well he’s my godfather and I trust him.” Silver retorted. “And Aunt Grace he is fine, he owns a club and everything.”
“Big deal, godfather…”
“Where is your godfather, sister.”
“Enough!” Aunt Grace shouted as she placed the journal on the coffee table. “You said you cast a spell to find what we are looking for?”
“Yes, ma’am.” They whispered in unison.
“Let’s get to it then.”
“Revealed to me what I asked, show me the words from the past. Put to work what I cast.” Silver recited.
The pages slowly began to turn, then as if a gust of wind had entered the room, the pages magically began to flip at a rapid speed, then slowed until it stopped. The women looked at the journal, then to one another. Silver slid off the sofa onto the floor, to get closer to the journal. Alivia joined her, while Aunt Grace sat on the arm of the chair. Taking a deep breath Silver began to read the passage on the page.
“The gift is found where I used to walk. A place where I liked to talk. Where smells of the past last and last and dark shadows are cast. Below your feet you will find a treat, yes it will be the goblet you seek, if you listen carefully to each tiny squeak.”
Instantaneously they shouted in unison, “The attic!”
Silver and Alivia bolted up the stairs to the attic as Aunt Grace simply used her magic and met them on the landing.
Once inside the attic, all hopes were dashed. They could see only a small amount of floor space existed, the rest was covered with furniture, chests, boxes, and assorted items most people kept in attics.
“Now what?” Alivia asked as she sat on one of the chests occupying a large portion of the room.
“We work section by section and I for one will move this stuff out into the backyard.” Aunt Grace stated proudly.
CHAPTER FOUR
Maverick listened carefully as Jonathan repeated the conversation he had with the strangers. He was still plagued with the mystery of the identity of the person behind this infraction and the disbelief that someone would go to this extreme for a fairytale cup.
“So, let me get this straight, a woman tracked you down because she and her family thought we were trying to kill them to gain possession of this magical mystery cup?”
“Yes, they wanted us to know they didn’t have the cup.”
“You suggested they meet with me, because of what?” Maverick asked as he watched Jonathan squirm.
“I thought we could show them we aren’t trying to kill them.”
“Didn’t you explain to them we don’t kill innocents? I for one don’t give a shit about the goblet, so I ask again, why are they coming here?”
“She said she was willing to give us the cup if she found it, so we wouldn’t go after them.”
“Again, I ask if we have no need for the goblet, and we are not trying to kill them, what is the purpose of meeting them?”
“Maybe we can use the cup to draw the trespasser, since he is looking for the cup.”
“That’s the first thing you’ve said today that makes sense. But didn’t you tell me they do not have the cup?”
“It’s true they don’t, but they said they are trying to find it to give to The Watch.”
“Enough! I feel as though I am wasting time with this. Fine I will meet with them and hear what they propose.”
Jonathan backed out the room, he was grateful Maverick didn’t rip his head off. He closed the door behind him just in case Maverick changed his mind.
Maverick had no idea why the family thought The Watch wanted to kill them, unless the person or persons trying to take over his territory was impersonating The Watch. That would explain why they were able to gain support and infiltrate the small area downtown.
Maverick opened his bay window and sent a message for Stark, his raven to come. It was not long before he could hear the strong wings of Stark flapping against the wind. When he came into sight Maverick reached his hand out, allowing the large bird to land on his hand. “What have you seen?” Maverick whispered, closing his eyes, he could see a tall, dark man in the shadows, he also witnessed a redhead battling with a dark-haired goddess with hair the color of a raven’s wings.
She was strong and powerful, but more than that she was beautiful.
Maverick spoke softly to Stark. Send word to Granger and Rosemond, I have a plan to trap our problem, using knowledge of the goblet.
Putting his plan into action Maverick called three of his flunkies, advising them to spread the word throughout the city, that he has the goblet. “I need everyone to believe I am now in possession of this magical goblet. Let all those who are known to spread gossip know the news of the goblet. I also want the covens to know I have the goblet. He’ll tell the street cleaners I don’t care, I want all to know I have the damn goblet.”
When Stark returned, he had a message from Rosemond, who simply said, “Continue on.”
However, Granger opted to send a hologram, “Be careful in setting a trap when you don’t know your adversary. I too will continue to seek the identity of this fool. Tread carefully, son.”
Maverick did not need Granger’s warning or advice. He was always careful and a master at setting traps.
He wanted this warlock gone, but before he leaves Maverick wants him to feel his wrath in case the idea to return crossed his mind. Maverick really wished the warlock had come to him with open arms, they needed another keeper in The Watch. However, all trust was gone and there was no way he could reward such behavior with something so grand as a position as a keeper.
“Since we are to meet royalty, I think I need to find something rememberable to wear.” Alivia announced.
“Just be ready, you know you’re always late, and I don’t think The Watch will take being late fashionable.” Silver replied looking at her watch. “I’ll come to your place around twelve, that gives you an hour to get dressed.”
“I thought you said the meeting was at one o’clock?”
“Just be ready when I get there Liv.”
Aunt Grace gave both of them a hug and said, “I trust Axel, but not The Watch. Be careful and call me.”
“We will,” they said in unison. And in their own way they popped out of sight. As an afterthought, Aunt Grace whisked the journal to Silver. Aunt Grace, knew she would be safe in the house for her shield was powerful and as Silver found out, still working.
Silver didn’t want to dress up, nor dress down. She pulled a black denim skirt out of the closet and matched it with her favorite black low-cut halter that held tiny sequined silver spiders on it.
She added a silver chained belt that she slipped through the belt loops. Silver also added a silver choker with a black and silver dangling spider charm around her throat along with a long silver necklace that held her mother’s magical amethyst crystal stone, which protected her from all evil and helped her cast spells.
Trying to keep it posh, she dressed the outfit up with a pair of red wedge heel shoes. She wore her hair as she had last night for the club, only because she liked the look and would probably keep the style until she tired of it.
She sprayed a liberal amount of perfume on, then looked at the clock on the wall, Silver was surprised she had dressed in record time, as not to rush Alivia, Silver decided to make herself a honey turkey and sandwich.
The moment Alivia popped into her apartment, she could sense something wrong. In the mirror that hung on the living room wall, Alivia could see the redheaded witch behind her approaching.
She turned and with her powers she slammed her against the wall. Alivia knew that the witch was likely the same redhead who attacked Silver.
“How dare you come into my home!” Shouted Alivia, as she shot an energy bolt at the woman, who quickly rolled out of the way.
She in turn started chanting, unfamiliar words to Alivia. It was at that moment Alivia began to feel something trickling on her lips, she grabbed her head to help stop the ringing, then wiped her lips. Blood stained her hand which made her mad as hell. Alivia hit the woman in the chest with a power ball that nailed her to the wall, without hesitation she sealed the redhead’s lips, then banged her head against the wall knocking her out.
Alivia walked up to the redhead and kicked her in her side. “Bitch, witch!” she shouted, as she walked into her bathroom to survey the damage done.
She took her face cloth off the rack and washed her face. The blood no longer ran from her nose and her head no longer rang. She peeked around the doorway and saw the witch remained still on the floor, but suddenly out of nowhere came a black blur that knocked the wind out of her, before she could react, darkness took over, as her body slowly collapsed onto the cold tile floor.
Popping into Alivia’s place, Silver froze as she eyed the broken vase and scorched marks on the wall told her a fight had taken place. She quickly ran into Alivia’s bedroom and could see the scuff marks of someone being dragged, a single shoe laid in the middle of the bathroom floor, blood was splattered over the sink.
A chill washed over Silver as she leaned over the toilet and vomited. “Why didn’t you protect this place Liv?” she shouted aloud.
Silver wrung her hands together trying to figure out what her next step should be. Silver jumped when her cell phone rang, she looked at the text, it was from Jonathan, all it contained was an address.
Silver immediately dialed Axel, when he picked up she said, “I’m at Alivia’s, there was a struggle here, and she’s gone. Jonathan just text me the address. Axel she’s gone…” Silver was surprised by the calm sound of her voice, for inside she was a nervous wreck.
“I’m on my way to you, stay put.” Axel said.
Silver hung up, she suddenly felt tired and weak. She wiped away the tears that began to roll down her cheeks. She tried to concentrate on an incantation to locate Alivia, but nothing worked.
It only took Axel a few seconds before he materialized in Alivia’s apartment. He put his arms around Silver’s trembling body, promising they would find Alivia.
“You know she can take care of herself, after all she’s a Webber.”
Silver took a deep breath, she had too much on her plate. The goblet and now Alivia along with the person or persons trying to kill them was the most important things in her life right now.
The Watch was the only solution she could think of. Silver showed
Axel the address Jonathan sent her.
Axel kissed her cheek and said, “It’s going to be okay. I promise. But you have to be stronger and braver than you’ve ever been before.”
Silver and Axel stood outside a beautiful complex, down by the waterfront. It was huge not unlike a mansion if anything it looked like an estate located in the suburbs, not in the heart of the city.
There were two tall, burly men standing on each side of the door. Neither moved as they approached. They reminded Silver of the royal guards at Buckingham Place. Silver wanted to call Aunt Grace and find Alivia. She wanted to go home and work on a locator spell not waste precious time with The Watch. She was a nervous wreck as butterflies took control of her stomach.
Once their feet hit the landing, the door opened, Jonathan stood in the doorway, as he motioned them in. Silver noticed his scar seemed a little less menacing in the day time and him more handsome with his reddish-blonde hair curled around his black crew neck shirt.
Silver had been in several elegant homes, but nothing compared to what she was witnessing. The high ceiling in the foyer held an enormous crystal chandelier that sparkled rainbow colors from the multitude of light bulbs. The floor a beautiful, shiny white marble with a large black triquetra placed in the center of the long hallway, in the center was the most breathtaking winding staircase with black and white marble steps.
“This way,” Jonathan said, when he noticed her continuous stops to look around.
They followed Jonathan into a large open room, trice the size of her entire apartment. The thick red and black embroidered draperies hung from the ceiling to the floor covering the massive bay windows aesthetically pleasing with the view of the Queens-Manhattan Bridge.
There were several chairs in the room, but the one that stood out the most was a large dark mahogany chair with red and black cushions, supported by four mahogany and gold legs.
Silver shook her head it wasn’t a chair it was a throne. It was drawing her in as if it was magically linked to her.
A Witches Proposition Page 4
