by Judith Post
Hecate locked eyes with Aidann, then nodded. “She must be tired. I was going to help her settle in the den. There’s a couch there that’s comfortable. But the sooner she sees how desperate our situation is, the better. Show her the worst. She should know the odds are stacked against us.”
Reece didn’t want to read too much into what Hecate said, but the words implied that Hecate wanted to make sure the younger witch saw them as outnumbered and outpowered.
Sylwan looked uncomfortable. She glanced up at the two, powerful men.
“There’s no need to fear either of them,” Luna assured her.
Sylwan gave a grim smile. “I’m fine. Just lead the way. I’ll do my best to keep up.”
Reece watched the new witch leave with Damian on one side of her, Aidann on the other. She felt sorry for her. The expression on Sylwan’s face reminded her of a convict’s being led to the gallows.
The minute they were out of sight, Luna turned to Hecate. “Let’s hurry. I want everything done before she gets back.”
Hecate stared, surprised. “I thought you trusted her.”
“I do, but who knows how much power Nen has over her. She wouldn’t betray us on purpose, but she might not have a choice.”
“We can’t let Nen take her, not after what she’s told us.” Andre watched Damian and Aidann lead her along the rutted, gravel drive. “Did you see how much she fears men? Look at her. She’s dwarfed between those two. It took all of her courage to go with them.”
Luna started toward the back deck. “We let her stay. That’s all we can do for now. Let’s cast chants and spells before she gets back.”
“Can I help?” Andre asked.
“You have no magic.” Hecate rubbed his cheek and shooed him away. “Get more sleep. You still look tired.”
He started to argue, then gave his eloquent shrug. “Wake me when you’re done.”
Hecate and Luna assembled ingredients so fast, Reece couldn't keep up. While she ground them with the pestle and mortar, a question repeated itself over and over in her mind. Finally, she asked, “How does Nen summon people? Why Sylwan? Why Gordy and those four people he had Minerva murder?”
Banafrit answered. “He called Sylwan because they have a bond, and he knows she’s afraid of him. Gordy and the others were susceptible because they had a death wish. Maybe Sylwan does, too.”
“A death wish? Gordy?” Reece pictured the young detective’s swagger, his cockiness.
Luna nodded. “He’s young. He’s drawn to danger. He glamorizes the idea of dying in action, a hero.”
“Risking his life seems romantic to him,” Hecate said.
“That’s a hero complex. It’s different.” Reece thought of all the young men who volunteered for the military, who were willing to give their lives for their country. “And the others?”
“According to the newspaper, the younger man had financial problems, the woman was struggling with breast cancer, and the older man was just plain tired and wanted to retire.”
“That’s not a death wish,” Reece said.
“No, but they’d lost their vigor. Life seemed hard and tedious.”
Reece could feel her jaw set. Who didn’t have down days? Nen had used that to trap those people. It wasn’t fair. “If it was because of that, you’d think more than four would have shown up.”
“They might have,” Hecate said, “but we interfered, remember? They barely got the four sacrificed before you lifted the fog.”
Reece’s fingers grew clumsy. “So there would have been more?”
“Maybe hundreds. And each death would have made Nen stronger.”
Reece rubbed a hand over her face. There’d been four circles, four bodies. She’d assumed that was the end of it.
“Did you bring your spell book to study?” Luna asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“I brought it, but I thought we were going to look through it together.”
“Not since Sylwan’s here. When you get a chance, look through it, but don’t let her see it.”
Reece nodded and renewed her efforts. So did Luna and Hecate. Damian couldn’t stall forever. Eventually, he’d have to bring Sylwan back to the lodge. They wanted everything in place by then—for all their sakes.
Chapter 26
When Damian and Aidann returned with Sylwan, Reece was helping Luna and Hecate with supper. Andre was directing them.
“Did you have a good afternoon?” Damian asked, his voice casual.
“It couldn’t have gone better.” Reece smiled and turned to Sylwan. “And you?”
The new witch looked hopeful. “Damian and Aidann walked me around the entire perimeter of the property. They were nothing but helpful and courteous. And look at all the plants I found.”
Damian emptied his pockets of leaves and roots. “We met Whitey in the meadow. He’s on his way here.”
Reece studied Sylwan. If men made her nervous, how would she react to a male Were? “What do you think of him?”
“There’s a sadness about him, isn’t there? As if he’s carrying a heavy burden.”
“You weren’t frightened of him?” Andre drained a large pot of potatoes.
Sylwan raised an eyebrow at him. “Witches are more powerful than Weres. Your kind is no threat to me.”
Hecate laughed at Andre’s stunned expression. Reece was surprised, too. Sylwan must never have fought a Were, or she wouldn’t sound so confident.
Luna cut in. “We’ve thought about battles enough for today. Tonight, let’s be indulgent and enjoy ourselves.”
“Will Whitey stay to eat with us?” Sylwan seemed all right with the idea.
“Do you want him to?” Luna cocked her head to one side, gauging Sylwan’s answer.
“He’s lost things, hasn’t he? Like we have? He still hasn’t healed. It’s dreary being alone. I know that feeling.” Reece wondered how Damian had introduced the Were—as a lone wolf, maybe?
Luna nodded. “Then he’s invited.”
Aidann turned to Andre. “Since we’re indulging ourselves, do you ever make anything Irish?”
“Like bangers and mash?” Andre lifted a skillet lid to reveal plump sausages. They’d had sausage patties for breakfast, but Reece didn’t mind. She could eat the stuff morning, noon, and night.
Aidann’s craggy face slumped. He sighed. “I miss my homeland once in a while. Thank you.”
Andre, equally serious, gave a nod. “I’m French. My family owns restaurants. We make French food. I understand.”
They all crowded into the kitchen and talked about anything and everything other than Nen while they prepared the rest of the food. Damian mashed potatoes, Luna tossed salad greens, and Reece whipped cream.
“What’s that for?” Aidann asked.
When Andre opened the oven to bring out soda bread and a Guinness cake, Aidann had to grip the counter to contain himself.
Andre gave a wolfish grin. “This was Luna’s idea. That’s why the ladies had to help cook, to give me time to make these.”
Aidann whirled on Luna with a ferocious scowl. “You don’t think anything’s changed between us, do you? I have no use for you other than battling Nen.”
Reece was stunned by his rudeness, but Luna threw back her head and laughed. “I’m not scheming to win you over, asshole. I just thought I’d be nice to you for a change.”
His shoulders relaxed, but he still looked at her warily.
“You’re sort of the odd man out,” Hecate explained. “We’ve all known each other for ages. We felt a little sorry for you.”
He shrugged. “If sympathy means you’ll cook Irish once in a while, I’m fine with that.”
“Just shut up and set the table,” Luna told him.
Aidann relaxed more. He was comfortable when he and Luna squabbled.
When Whitey came to check on them, Sylwan insisted he stay for dinner. “But I’ve already eaten,” he complained.
“I know how men are. You probably opened a can of soup.”
Whitey glanced at Damian. He couldn't tell her the truth. Instead, he heaved a sigh and sat down to eat his second meal of the night. Reece wondered what Wedge and the others had made, but she guessed it was something substantial. It was a good thing Weres could eat a lot with their fast metabolisms.
After supper, everyone wandered outside and sipped wine on the patio, enjoying the warm evening and the beauty of the meadow. Finally, Luna rose and stretched. “I’m going to call it an early night. I might even read a book to relax.” She glanced at Reece. “You love reading, too, don’t you?”
It was a not too subtle hint for Reece to pour over her spell book. Reece nodded. “I started a page turner. It’s been calling to me all through dinner.”
“Has it?” Hecate studied her.
“I know I’m coming to something good. When I finish it, I’ll let you borrow it.”
Hecate laced her fingers through Andre’s. “I’ll help Andre in the kitchen for a while. We’ll finish cleaning up.”
Reece turned to Damian. “What about you and Aidann? What have you got in mind?”
Aidann pulled a deck of cards out of his black jeans pocket. “Gin rummy?”
“I’m in,” Damian said.
Aidann’s pale eyes moved to Sylwan. “And you? Want to join us in cards?”
“I’m not good at games,” she said. “I think I’ll just stay on the patio and enjoy the sunset.”
Whitey slumped in the chair beside her, stretching his legs in front of him. “I heard that you study astrology. The stars are beautiful here. Can you teach me a few of the constellations?”
She beamed. “I plot them. My coven can draw a life map from a person’s time and place of birth.”
As Reece walked past him, Whitey pressed a piece of paper into her palm. “You asked me to show you the fox’s den sometime. That’s where you’ll find it.”
“Thank you.” Reece carried it into the kitchen and gave it to Banafrit. “Wedge’s camp site. What do you think?”
“Well hidden.” Banafrit glanced at the moon. “Still full enough to light my way. After everyone sleeps, I’ll go there and cast an obscuring spell.”
“I’ve already told Wedge to spray the entire area with protective potion and circle it with salt,” Reece said.
“A good start, but if they’re obscured, enemies won't think to look for them.”
Damian looked up from the kitchen table. “You’re not going alone. I’ll go with you when you leave.”
“You never sleep?”
“Gargoyles were created to stand guard over mankind. I’ve learned to smell magic,” he told her. “If a witch is near, I should catch her scent.”
Reece started toward the stairs that led to the loft.
“Good luck,” Damian called after her.
She gave a quick nod. The spell book was calling to her. The pendant that dangled from her ankle bracelet thrummed. Her moonstone warmed her skin. She wouldn’t stop reading until she found what they promised her.
Chapter 27
Reece knelt below the level of the railing, out of sight. She reached under her bed and pulled out the worn, leather tome Hecate had given her, the book Luna had saved for her—her dead daughter’s spell book.
As always, she felt a rush of awe as she lifted its cover. Magic engulfed her. If Sylwan was in the lodge, she’d feel it.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs and Reece looked up to see Luna. Her great grandmother looked at the book, and tears misted her eyes.
“Marissa mastered every spell on each one of those pages,” Luna whispered, her voice husky.
Reece’s gut twisted. She hated to see her upset. Luna had given this book to her daughter when Marissa got married. She’d taken it back after Marissa’s husband killed her. “She must have been powerful. Why did she choose a mortal?”
Luna’s lips turned down. “Why does any intelligent woman choose the wrong man? She thought she was in love.”
“Did he love her?”
“At the time, yes, but the longer he was around her magic, the more nervous it made him. He asked his church leaders about it. They turned him against his own wife.”
“Why didn’t she fight back?”
“Because she loved him.”
Reece thought about that. She loved Damian. She’d die for him. But would she allow him to hurt her? No way. “What happened to him after he killed Marissa?”
Luna's voice turned cold. “He and every mortal with him died of mysterious ailments.”
Fair enough, Reece decided. They killed an innocent woman who’d been nothing but kind to them. “If anyone laid a finger on Joseph or Jenny, I’d do the same thing.”
“Our justice is swift.” Luna turned quickly. “I’ll leave you to your studies. The book likes you. It wants to help you. So does your magic.”
Reece didn’t understand how that worked, but she was grateful. She waited until Luna went into her bedroom and shut the door before she returned her attention to the pages in front of her. She scanned one spell after another until she flipped to a page about staffs. It was as though each word glowed for her.
She touched the picture of a long, walking stick with chants carved into its wood. Amulets were tied to it. She read the page carefully. Staffs, supposedly, concentrated a witch’s power, focusing it better. She smiled.
Quietly, she padded down the stairs and knocked on Luna’s bedroom door. When Luna opened it, Reece said, “We each need a staff, every single one of us, Andre and Damian too. They have their own kind of magic.”
Luna blinked. “Of course. Staffs are ancient. Most witches switched to wands. They’re smaller and more portable. Today, we rarely use those. But a staff—one designed just for you—is a powerful tool.”
“Do you or Aidann have one?”
Luna shook her head. “Ours were destroyed in battles. So was Hecate’s. We’ve never bothered to replace them. Now’s the time.”
“What do we do?”
“We go into the woods tonight while Sylwan sleeps. We’ll find Banafrit and help her cast her obscuring spell and we’ll wait for a branch to call to us. Different woods choose different people. It’s the Celtic way. Then we strip the bark from them and enchant them.”
“By casting spells?”
Luna nodded. “The spells etch themselves into the wood. You’ve done well. Nen has a staff. We need them, too.”
“And Sylwan?”
“We’ll help her find a staff tomorrow, but we’ll enchant hers apart from ours. It’s best if she doesn’t know our personal powers.”
That seemed like a good idea. Reece left her and went back to the loft. She returned to her book. She doubted she’d find anything new tonight, but it wouldn’t hurt to review the spells and chants, maybe find something that would engrave itself into her staff to make it stronger. She was still reading when Damian came to get her.
“Sylwan’s asleep in the den. Whitey left, but he’s returning to guide us to Wedge’s camp. Are you ready?”
Reece started to slip on her moccasins, but Damian shook his head. “Something sturdier. The moon’s bright, but the forest floor will be in shadows. Better safe than sorry.”
She pulled on socks and heavy shoes, then followed Damian to join their friends. Silently, they slipped out of the lodge. Sylwan would be safe while she slept. They’d put every spell and chant they could think of, fortified with the mingling of their blood, on the lodge.
The air smelled crisp and green as they followed the stream toward the trees. Moonbeams gilded the branches to silver. The bobbing blooms of flowers looked like gleaming gems. Whitey came for them, and they began to follow him to Wedge’s camp. They were halfway across the meadow when a voice called out to them.
“You don’t trust me, do you?” It was Sylwan. She stood on the back patio, watching them leave.
“Trust you? Yes,” Luna called. “But Nen has a pull on you. We didn’t want to risk giving you information he’d hurt you for.”
“Can I come
with you if I leave before your ritual?”
“Hurry. We’ll wait.” When Aidann scowled at her, Luna faced him, hands on hips. “We don’t know how soon other witches will find us. She needs a staff too. If she’s the only witch without one, she’ll be the easiest target. She’s the one our enemies will blast first.”
Aidann grimaced and waved Sylwan to them.
The girl raced through the tall grasses, and soon they were on their way again. “What are you going to do?” she finally asked, half breathless.
“We’re going to summon branches to make into staffs,” Hecate told her.
Sylwan stared. “I haven’t had a staff since Brennus made mine burst into flames.”
“We haven’t either,” Hecate said, “but Reece believes they’ll help us focus our energy when Nen comes for us.”
Sylwan tossed Reece a searching glance. “She’s so new, I dismissed her, but she’s stronger than I thought.”
Reece curled her hands into fists. Sylwan had no room to talk! Look at her—dainty and petite, but then Reece realized Sylwan must be stronger than she looked. She’d survived a long time between covens. She wasn’t as old as Hecate, Luna, or Banafrit, but she’d lived longer than she had. It would only be natural for Sylwan to underestimate her.
“Why are you searching for your branches when it’s dark outside?” Sylwan persisted.
Luna sighed. “Because we wanted to finish our task while you slept. We meant to find you a staff in the morning, so that you didn’t learn each of our special gifts. We thought you’d be safer that way.”
“So that Nen would realize you didn’t make me privy to your plans.” Sylwan nodded. “He’d torture me either way, but I’m glad you won’t share with me. Then I can’t divulge what I don’t know.”
She said it so casually, it made Reece wince. Sylwan was used to being mistreated and abused, but the girl still tried to do the right thing. Reece had to admire her for that.
They entered a thick stand of trees, and Whitey’s footsteps slowed. “There was an ice storm this winter. A lot of branches fell to the ground. This might be a good place to start.”
