A Witch, A Glitch, and A Dog

by J. E. Lezah

  Magnie stilled beside him. “So that’s why you sent them to our children also?”

  He had never been able to keep secrets from her and found little reason to start now. “It is nothing to worry about.” Keene realized his choice of wording wasn’t the best.

  “Where my children are concerned, I have everything to worry about. Does this have anything to do with why Delano was here?”

  His shoulders felt weighted, and he leaned back, allowing his head to rest on the plush velvet. “Fine,” he sighed. “I will tell you. Delano was here as courtesy of our long-standing friendship.”

  Magnie placed a gentle hand on his knee. “Go on.”

  “The council believes it is time for Aldara to return to Hexegraffe Mountain, and start her training as my protégé.”

  Magnie made a small, clucking sound of disproval. “The girl has plenty of time. You still have a long reign ahead of you.”

  Keene moved to his desk. He toyed with its edge, pushing books and papers back from the corner. Refusing to look in Magnie’s direction. Soon he felt her at his back, her hand pressed to his shoulder.

  “What aren’t you telling me? Did, did Delano threaten you?”

  “Not in so many words, but it was implied.”

  Magnie countered to the front of her husband. “How so?”

  “He mentioned how accidents can often happen and Elfed Addington.”

  Keene watched Magnie’s rosy complexion turn ashen.

  “And Aldara?”

  “If Aldara doesn’t return home to begin her training, they will invoke the Caveat Eximo Hereditas, and strip her of her powers.”

  “For what reason?”

  “They seem to feel she has denounced her heritage, yet still uses magic, which is heresy.”

  “Our daughter has never once denounced who or what she is,” she asserted.

  “And I told Delano as much.”

  “So, what did he say?”

  “He reminded me accidents can happen no matter how protected a witch believes themselves to be.”

  Time seemed to hold its breath while waiting on Magnie to resume hers. Her gaze became fixated on a single spot somewhere in the middle of his chest. Her face expressionless. Keene had seen her do this many times before when something displeased her or she found it difficult to handle.

  She once explained it by saying she allowed her essence to travel somewhere she could be alone and sort out her thoughts and feelings. Once done, she would return, and pick up whatever she was doing where ever she left off.

  Magnie’s chest rose, with a deep gasp for breath. With a blink of her eyelids, Keene felt the world spin once again.

  “You need to reconsider my suggestion of Aldara helping with planning the Gathering.”

  “My love…”

  “Hear me out. You need help. She is the best and you know it. I know you want her home as soon as possible. This might make her come without you being a goat’s tail about it.”

  “I don’t know. She and I are always at such odds.”

  “You’re her father. If you ask, she will come.”

  “Maybe you’re right.”

  “Of course I am. Now. About the council.”

  Keene did his best not to roll his eyes. When it came to her family and children, forget thinking of Magnie as a Momma Bear. She was more of a momma tetradactyl, circling before the big swoop in for the kill. “What about the council?”

  “If it’s a fight they want, then it’s a fight we shall give them.” She pushed an unruly pin back into its nest of curls.

  “No one said anything about a fight, my love.”

  With an impish smile, she said, “They didn’t have to. It was implied.”

  5

  The hallway clock was in its final three bongs when the doorbell rang. Aldara heard the soft thump of Giles’s shoes as he strolled toward the door. Tempest’s punctuality did much to win favor with Aldara. There was little she despised more than tardiness.

  Aldara closed her binder as Storm, accompanied by an entourage of four others, entered her office. The petite brunette’s heels made a sharp staccato sound as she crossed the room with fierce determination, her hand extended like a shark fin cutting through the ocean tides. “Aldara, it's so wonderful to meet you. I've been following your career for quite a while now.”

  Aldara felt her face getting warmer as a pale pink colored her cheeks. It was flattering to think someone like Tempest would take such an interest in her. Aldara rose to greet the woman shaking her hand.

  “It’s so wonderful to meet you in person. I must admit I was quite surprised when Giles handed me the phone yesterday.

  “I don’t see why. You’ve made quite a name for yourself in the mortal realm.

  Looking past Tempest’s shoulder, Aldara paid a bit more attention to Tempest’s crew, who at this moment were joined by a slightly amused Giles. She was positive he had heard Tempest’s announcement about the Gathering. Now he really had no choice but to go.

  “Aldara,” Tempest took her by the arm, directing her to the small group. “Allow me to introduce you to some of my crew. The guy toting the camera is Jacob Schmidt. He is the best cameraman in all the witching kingdom. You know how they say the camera adds ten pounds? Well, Jacob created one that takes away twenty,” she clucked, as she pulled Aldara toward a rather tall woman sporting an oversized bag.

  From the way it bulged, Aldara figured it had to weigh at least 30 pounds. “This is Xena Sephiran. Make-up artist extraordinaire. You would be surprised how hard she works to make me look this good.” Xena blew Tempest a kiss followed by an acerbic smile. Aldara made a mental note to make sure and not get on Xena’s bad side. Not only did the woman carry the name of an Amazon, she was built like one too. Admittedly, being taller than Aldara wasn’t that hard to do since she was only five foot two. However, Xena was a good foot taller than Giles, who Aldara knew, was exactly six foot three and three quarters.

  “And finally, we have my personal assistant, Euphenia Knox.”

  At first, Aldara saw no one else, but after exaggerated arm waving by Tempest, the mousey blonde stuck her head out from behind Xena. No wonder the poor girl couldn’t be seen.

  “Goodness,” Aldara said. “I didn’t expect a whole crew. I thought it would just be you and I getting a preliminary schedule down, maybe a few lead in questions.”

  Tempest steered her past Giles and out into the hallway. “I know, and I do apologize for that, but my crew was available, and we already had time set aside, so why not?”

  “Yes, why not?” Aldara looked to Giles for guidance. She didn’t like surprises, especially when it came to schedules, or her father and the Gathering. Snarglegumph!

  Aldara caught movement in her peripheral vision as Giles tried to sneak down the hall. Oh no. Not on her watch. “Oh Giles,” she called after him.

  “Tempest,” she gushed. “Since we are doing introductions I would like for you to meet Giles. Giles is not only my assistant, a marvelously creative event coordinator in his own right. ”

  Tempest tilted her head to the side, assessing him from head to toe before stepping forward, hand extended. “A pleasure,” She cooed.

  There was something rather sexual in the way the witch slid her hand into Giles’s. It was a more of a “well hello there, sailor” than a simple “nice to meet you.” Whatever it was, Aldara was not a fan.

  “Likewise,” he said curtly. “Aldara, I have a few things to take care of. I’ll be in the office if you need me.” He gestured over his shoulder.

  “Of course,” Aldara answered.

  “You’re not staying with us?” Tempest’s scarlet lips all but pouted.

  “Maybe next time.” Giles dragged his hand from hers. “I have a feeling we may need to make some adjustments to our calendar.”

  “Oh dear, if we’re here at an inconvenient time…”

  “Oh no. No.” Aldara pushed through Tempest’s entourage. “Now is fine. Giles has things well in hand.” />
  “If you’re sure.”

  “Positive,” Aldara reassured Tempest.

  “Very well then.” Tempest swiveled on the point of her 3 inch heels. “What do you think, Jacob?”

  Jacob craned his neck right then left. “What about here?” He pointed to the center of the hall nearest the grandfather clock.

  Tempest crinkled her nose. “It seems a bit dark doesn’t it?”

  “That’s not a problem. Euphenia? Can we get chairs and lighting over here?” Jacob said as he approached Tempest’s personal assistant.

  “Sure Jacob. Whatever you need.”

  Aldara flattened her back against the wall as her home became a whirl of activity. Euphenia rummaged in her oversized bag, producing two chairs, a round side table, complete with ferns and a lamp all the size of dollhouse furniture. Again, Euphenia reached into the depths of her bag to bring out a gnarled stick of a wand. With a swift flick of Euphenia’s wrist, the furniture grew in size.

  Aldara had been so busy watching Euphenia and Jacob, she hadn’t noticed Xena flanking her. “I’m ready,” Xena yapped in an shrill voice. The piercing tone was the last sound Aldara expected to hear from the Amazon.

  “A tragic helium accident,” Tempest whispered. “Poor dear, we’ve tried every specialist and spell out there. Nothing seems to work.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to….”

  Xena motioned for Aldara to take a seat cutting off her sentence. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but Xena had transformed Aldara’s den into a make-up room, complete with lighted mirrors and directors chairs.

  “It’s okay. I’ve adjusted.”

  Standing on tip toes, Aldara wiggled into the chair.

  “I don’t think you’ll need to do much,” Tempest directed from the seat beside her. “Maybe a bit more blush and of course lipstick. Something better suited for her skin tone don’t you think Xena?”

  Xena nodded setting to work on Aldara. Who, for the record, didn’t think her lipstick was an inappropriate color for her skin tone. She liked wearing natural tones. They made her feel less clownish.

  “And the hair?” Xena asked.

  “What’s wrong with my hair?” Aldara asked.

  Tempest pursed her lips and tilted her head a bit to the right. “I think it’s okay the way it is,” she gave a halfhearted, reassuring smile. “Just brush it and fluff it and we should be good to go.”

  Aldara glanced at her reflection in the lighted mirror. She hated to admit it, but the plum lip color Xena chose did bring out the green in her eyes. Maybe it was time to rethink the neutral thing.

  “Ready?” Tempest tapped on the arm to get her attention.

  “Hmmm? Oh… Yes. I’m ready.” Aldara slid from the chair to promptly move to another. “I’m a bit nervous,” she confessed.

  “Oh pish-posh,” Tempest said. “It’s a piece of cake. You sit there, I sit here and we talk. Easy Peasy Toad Stool Squeezy.”

  “Where should I look?”

  “You can look at me, but the best thing would be for you to look at the stationary camera here.” Tempest pointed over her right shoulder.

  “Ready when you are, Tempest.” Jacob called from behind the camera, and with a loud click, the hallway lit up like a Broadway stage.

  He held up three fingers, and began counting backwards from three. By the time he hit one, Tempest was in full celebrity mode.

  “So Aldara, how does it feel to be chosen by the Grand Conclave to plan and direct the 500th Anniversary of the Gathering of the Clans? I can only imagine what an honor that must be for you.”

  All warmth drained from Aldara’ hands, and she clasped them together as so not to call for Giles. The woman must be mistaken. “I’m not sure where you got your information from,” Aldara said. “but I’m merely attending like every other witch.”

  “Now Aldara you don’t have to play coy with us,” Tempest tsked. “It’s all the buzz in Hexestadt. I just assumed you had spoken with the Regent Supreme.”

  “No. I mean we have spoken, but not about that.” But once this interview is through, that is exactly what I plan to do.”

  6

  Ismarelda jumped from her spot and ran to the hallway, barking incessantly.

  “Now what?” Aldara said, as she and Giles went to check on the dog.

  Ismarelda danced excitedly in front of a grandfather clock. Then, as if on command, she sat down, becoming silent and still.

  “What is she up to?” Giles sounded confused.

  “She only does this when…” Aldara couldn’t finish the sentence. It was too inconceivable of an idea.

  She watched in fear as the narrow body of the clock expanded in both breadth and height, morphing into a gaping hole in the wall. From her vantage point, Aldara could see the rough hewn sandstone bricks, dimly lit from torches along the walls.

  Ismarelda’s tail made a swishing sound upon the wooden floor, growing faster and faster until Aldara’s father stepped from the entryway.

  He acknowledge neither Aldara nor Giles, but went straight to Ismarelda, whose tail now spun in a circle with delight. Bending down to scratch her behind the ears, he said, “Are you happy to see your Poppy?”

  Aldara sucked in a sharp breath. How did he know that was her name for him when it came to the dog? “Father,” she smiled trying to hide her angst, but it made her cheeks hurt. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  He moved toward her, arms rigid at his sides. He embraced her with as much grace and feeling as a suit of armor embracing another.

  She pulled back, looking up at the same grey eyes she inherited. “I know why you’re here father.”

  “Oh?”

  “You told the community I would be coordinating the Gathering this year, and you did it without even asking me. How could you do that?” Even to her ears she sounded a bit childish.

  “And how did you hear about that?”

  “So it’s true?” Her heart sank. Why couldn’t Tempest have been wrong? It’s not that Aldara wouldn’t do it, it’s just that she would have liked to have been asked before it was announced to the whole realm.

  Giles stepped forward extending his hand. “Supreme Regent, its wonderful to see you again.”

  Aldara closed her eyes, taking in a breath. Thank the Goddess, Giles was there to stop her before she snapped and something flew off the walls.

  Keene’s shoulders visibly eased as he took Giles’s hand. “You don’t have to call me Supreme Regent. After all, you are not a wizard.”

  “Of course,” Giles said.

  Aldara fought the multiple folds of Keene’s robes until she found the crook of his elbow. Threading her arm through his, she steered him away from Giles and into the backyard of her home. “Why do you always bring up the fact that Giles isn’t a wizard?”

  “Do I?” They walked down the steps and onto the garden path. “This is beautiful. I see you inherited your mother’s knack for horticulture.”

  Aldara cut a sidelong glance at her father. Had she heard correctly? Had he given her a compliment?

  “I would like to think so.” She was very proud of her garden. Not only did it provide the herbs she needed for her potions and tinctures, but Giles also used them for cooking.

  She stopped to take in a deep whiff of jasmine growing along the trellis. Next to lilies, it was her favorite fragrance. The scent enraptured her enough to almost make her forget the reason her father was there.

  “The fountain is a nice touch,” Keene said, bringing her attention to the statue of the dragon with water spill from it’s open mouth. Its wings were extended in battle pose exposing scales of teal and auberge reflected in the sun.

  “The energy of flowing water is important in a witches home, you taught me that.”

  Keene spoke not taking his attention from the dragon. “Your mother and I only spoke of the possibility of your planning the gathering earlier this week. I shouldn’t have mentioned it to anyone without speaking with you first.”

 
“Then whom did you tell?”

  “No one I swear.”

  “Then how would Tempest know about it?”

  “I don’t know. But you know how nothing is truly secret in the witching realm. The wall could have ears at any moment.”

  “That’s what worries me, father. If someone is listening in on your and mother’s conversations…”

  “That is something I must attend to when I return home. At the moment there are more pressing matters. Your attendance at this Gathering is paramount.”

  Aldara rubbed the crease between her eyebrows. Her family always said things like her attendance was import or paramount or her absence would bring about the next ice age. So far, the sun still hung in the sky and it was a lovely seventy-five degrees out. Comfortable for her, although her father seemed to be perspiring a bit.

  “What makes this year so much more important?”

  With an exasperated sigh, Keene dropped to the nearest bench. With a wave of his hand a soft breeze began flowing through the garden.

  “I don’t understand,” she said, joining him. “What makes this year so much more important than any other?”

  “It’s time you come home, Aldara. I have indulged this little game of yours for far too long. The council and the community need to see that you are devoted to your heritage and use of the craft.”

  Aldara blinked once, then twice more trying to comprehend what her father had meant. “I use the craft everyday.”

  “What helping the diamage plan parties? That is not a true use of your gifts, and in the eyes of many upon the council, your refusal to work with your own kind is treason.”

  Had she heard him correctly? Treason? Her? She fought back the urge to laugh, but found the battle too tedious. In the end, the laughter won. “that’s preposterous, father.”

  “Preposterous?” He all but bellowed the word. “You are denying your birthright. You refuse to live and work among your own kind. Choosing instead to work in the world of mortals. Why you even have one that works for you and lives within your home.”