The late afternoon light was golden, brushing against the glaciers of Mount Rainier. It was a gorgeous spring afternoon and normally, Helen would have been leaving work and sitting with Hester in their small garden, sipping a little Chardonnay and looking at her lilac bush and rhododendrons. Instead, she was trying to figure out whether to curse a witch she had never met.
She pulled into Enumclaw and sent a group text to the Coven. "Meet at my house tonight if you can," it read. It was a decision that the Coven as a whole should make. She pulled up in front of Hedy's bakery to buy a tray of cookies. If they were going to decide something this important, there better be sugar involved.
It was just after sunset when the cars started parking in front of Helen's house. She had a tray of cyclops cookies and snail cinnamon rolls from The Gingerbread Hag set up on the table, along with a hot pot of tea and a cold bottle of wine. Though she hadn't set a time for everyone to arrive, they knew when to be there.
"What did you find out, Helen?" Frankie cut right to the chase as she poured her glass of wine.
"The Council can't help us. Not without proof." Helen replied simply, taking a sip of her tea and reaching for a cookie. She had already eaten two.
"Are you serious? What more proof do they need?" Frankie splashed a topper on the wine out of frustration though she hadn't even had a sip.
"It is all circumstantial. They won't act unless we have a witness or someone who can connect Morgan to the curse. Rachelle wants to help but her hands are tied." Helen kept her eye on Sage's daughters, who were playing with Hester in the other room. They were being nothing but gentle but Hester wasn't the spry bunny she used to be. In any event, they were out of earshot, which was for the best. The girls liked Auntie Diedre.
"So how do we get hard proof?" Sage asked, taking a sugared snail from the plate and biting off the cinnamon covered eye stalks.
"We join her Coven." Mel said, silencing the table for a moment.
"Her Coven? Do we know what Coven she is in? I didn't find anything online and Jimmy and I scoured all afternoon." Kat broke the silence.
"She was part of Zeta Theta Mu, right? I know a student who is also a sorority sister of ZTM. We actually have been hanging out a bit to study Number Theory. She knows I'm a witch initiate and she told me a little bit about the Widdershins Circle affiliated with ZTM. I bet you anything that Morgan is a member, if not the Head Witch of the Coven. The Council should at least be able to confirm whether we are right about that, right? They keep registry information for every Coven chapter, don't they?" Mel's brain was a wonder to Helen - she was so logical.
"Yes, they would, as long as this Coven is a sanctioned Coven. But we might have some information on the group from our planning documents. Frankie, do you have your binder?" Helen watched Frankie pull out the three ring behemoth and flip to the pink tab. Every Coven that had paid the Festival fee was listed on their attendance sheet.
"Here, the Widdershins Circle, founded in 2010, formed in Seattle, WA. Six members attending." Frankie read, a frown evident on her face. "Only one name listed. Alice Kyteler. Oh wait, Kyteler! Yes, that was Alice's last name. Morgan's friend at college."
The rest of the women buzzed at the news. They were getting closer.
"So how do we get into their Coven? It wouldn't be an open invite." Sage said, bringing reality back to them.
"I have a feeling that a pledge for Zeta Theta Mu might just be able to get access. I'll text Becca now to see if she can meet with me in the morning. I have a burning desire to pledge in this sorority all of a sudden." Mel said, pulling out her phone.
"I think we should cast a circle of blessing, to help protect Mel and protect all of us. Sage, is that alright with the girls here?" Helen didn't want to overstep with Sage's children in the house.
"It's totally fine, Helen. What could be better than blessing and protecting the people we care about? I don't hide who I am from my girls." Sage replied, looking a little more determined than Helen would have expected. She wondered if something had happened to prompt Sage's response. She'd be sure to check in with her later.
"Good. Let's light the candles and cast a blessing. We could all use some good luck and protection." Helen replied, lifting the cookies off the table to make room for their candles and herbs.
Moon at Ten Percent Visibility
Becca was waiting for her in Red Square, the large commons area on the University of Washington campus known for its red bricks. They were going to head over to Suzzallo Library to study but first, Mel had to convince Becca to help her pledge to Zeta Theta Mu.
"Hey, here's your mocha." Becca said, handing her a to-go cup with a paper sleeve. Becca wore her usual uniform of black leggings and a long sweater, with Keds sneakers. The day was still chilly enough to need a jacket but Becca seemed impervious to the cold.
"Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll get the next one." Mel said, taking the cup and giving it a sip. She had been up half the night trying to figure out how to broach the topic when Ana, her girlfriend, finally insisted she get some sleep. That had been easier said than done.
"You have your notes ready?" Becca asked, turning east to head toward the library. Mel fell into step next to her.
"Yeah, I think so. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two to be ready. After that, I was wondering if you would take me over to the Zeta house." Mel took another sip, hoping she looked nonchalant. Becca turned her head to look at Mel but kept walking.
"Why? What's over there that you want?" Becca asked, clearly surprised at the request.
"I've been thinking that it would really help me get into graduate school if I participate in campus activities and I thought I might see about pledging to Zeta. Would you vouch for me?" They were almost at the library doors.
"Well, yeah, but our pledging is in the fall. I don't know if they will accept someone this time of year." Becca sounded dubious at the prospect.
"I don't have to be an official member until later but I'd rather get involved now, if the chapter doesn't mind. It seems like a great group. Friendly people." Mel gave Becca a smile as she held the door open for her. The woman smiled back.
"Yeah, we are a good group. And very open to those who are in the Craft. I'll talk to the leadership. We can go meet them after we study." Becca walked through the doorway, not seeing Mel's look of relief. She was over the first hurdle.
Kat had the job of distributing flyers about the Festival around town. While the event wasn't about recruiting new witches, it was part of the mission of the Witches' Council to dispel myths about witches and witchcraft. Part of that was getting people to know that witches were all around them and that it was okay. The Sisters of the Crescent Moon had designed some flyers to help spread the word and perhaps spark interest for folks to come out to Ravensdale and see what it was all about.
She had started with the easy places - the bookstore, the coffee shop, places where they had connections. The plan was to ask shops all along Cole Street to put the flyer in their windows. That sounded good on paper but actually going around to all the shops and asking was another thing entirely. Kat wasn't that good with confrontation and rejection. She really wished she hadn't volunteered for this task, but at least it kept her mind off the troubles with Diedre for the moment.
The Owl and the Jam Jar - the store where Diedre worked - was first on her list, though she wasn't sure the owner would approve of something as common as a flyer. She entered the shop to find Katelyn stacking tins of candles into a pyramid shape near the front door.
"How's Diedre doing? Darro called in for her today and said she was in the hospital. Is she going to be out anytime soon? I mean, not to seem uncaring, but I can't hold down things by myself for long. I'll have to hire someone to help." Katelyn said in rapid fire succession. Diedre had missed two days and already she was apparently worrying about a replacement.
"We don't know yet but I know she will want to come back to work just as soon as she can. We'll keep you posted of course. Would
it be alright if our group posted this flyer in your shop window? It is about our Festival and it's coming up in two weeks." Kat smiled brightly as she handed Katelyn a pink flyer. The woman held the paper by the smallest corner possible. Kat wondered if the copy paper was all too common for Katelyn.
"Yes, I suppose so, since it is only for a couple of weeks. In the name of community spirit, of course. Normally, I think such signs are rather tacky. No offense." Katelyn placed the copy on the stand and with that, Kat felt free to leave.
Back out on Cole Street, she came face to face with Michael Syon, owner of the store next door, The Red Bat. Michael, a supernatural being who had caused much pain to Helen's friend, Hedy, was someone they all avoided. Kat had no intention of asking him to post a flyer.
"Well, good morning. Kat, isn't it? I hardly see you and your Coven mates anymore. I must be on some naughty list since the events of Valentine's Day. That really hurts my feelings. I'm not some monster you know." Michael said in a sing-song voice, as if he were talking about rain boots and not his role in poisoning someone.
"Mr. Syon, I am not much into vintage wear. I have no cause to come to your shop." Kat replied, hoping that would suffice as an explanation. There was no Coven naughty list - but he was the only one who would be on it.
"Oh, I think it is more of an organized effort than that, but I'll leave it alone. Please tell your Sisters that I wish them no ill and I am sending my very best thoughts to your friend, Diedre. I heard what happened from Katelyn. What a tragedy. Some strange illness out of nowhere? Terrifying." Michael had a small rack of Easter dresses, pressed up against his display window to keep them out of the weather. Kat wondered if he was outside just to talk to her or if it was an unhappy coincidence.
"We appreciate any good thoughts for Diedre. Thank you. I need to get on with my task, Mr. Syon. Have a nice day." Kat started to walk past his shop when she felt his hand on her arm, stopping her. She had a fleeting desire to shove it off but instead she turned to look at him. It wouldn't help anyone's reputation to be brawling in the middle of downtown Enumclaw.
"I see you are distributing flyers. Please don't forget my shop. I would be pleased to post one for the group." Michael said smoothly, taking his hand off her arm and turning his hand palm up. Without reply, Kat placed a pink paper in his hand and continued walking.
"Oh, these progressive times we live in. When witches can advertise their rites on flyers. Will wonders never cease?" Michael called after her, drawing more than a few looks from people passing on the sidewalk. Kat couldn't imagine what Hedy had seen in the creepy guy.
"Hey, are you a real witch?" The voice of one of the people within earshot of Michael spoke up. Kat didn't recognize him as a local. From his Oregon Ducks tee-shirt, he was likely from out of town.
"Yes, I am." She replied, continuing to walk. There was a restaurant just a few feet ahead that she could duck into as her next stop. She had a feeling this conversation wasn't going to go well.
"Yeah, my cousin lives here and said there was some kind of freaky festival coming up. Is that your event?" The man was still in front of her and large enough that he blocked most of the sidewalk with his friends.
"Yes, it is. Not freaky though. Just a gathering of people celebrating spring." Kat knew better than to engage with people who were looking for a fight. She bristled at the term "freaky", though. Michael, unfortunately, was watching the whole spectacle from his front door. She thought she heard him chuckle.
"Yeah, it is. People goofy enough to think they are witches, prancing around in a field somewhere, chanting and howling at the moon. Sounds freaky to me." The man said, laughing. His buddies chimed in as if on cue.
"Okay, you've had your laugh, now let me pass." If he didn't move, she would cross into the street to get around them.
"Oh, pardon us, Miss Witch. Don't turn me into a frog, okay?" The man stepped aside with a sweep of his arm.
"A frog would be an improvement, but I like frogs so I guess I won't - for now." Kat said, passing by the trio to the sound of Michael's laughter behind her.
"You and your witch friends better watch out. People don't take kindly to freaks." The man shouted at her as she entered the restaurant. She hoped this was her last encounter with a mouthy bully, but so far, the Coven's luck hadn't been that good. Maybe Kat did need to look into what it would take to turn jerks into toads. She chuckled at the thought.
Divination
The sorority house for Zeta Theta Mu was on "Greek Row", near the University campus, in an older but well-maintained house. Becca led the way up the porch steps and ushered Mel into a well-appointed entry. There were photos of previous sisters lining the walls in tasteful frames. The furniture looked new and crisp, hardly what Mel would have expected in a group living environment. ZTM seemed to be doing well for itself.
"Wait here, I'll go get Avalon. She's the President." Becca gestured toward the white sofa and Mel gingerly took a seat, hoping not to mar its pristine surface. If there were other ZTM sisters at home, they were very quiet. The place was silent as a monastery.
After a few moments, Becca came back in with another woman, dressed simply in a gray shift dress. She had long, black hair styled loosely down her back.
"Mel, this is Avalon Cornwall, President of ZTM. Avalon, this is Mel - my friend from class. She is interested in joining Zeta." Becca sat roughly on the other white sofa, barely kicking off her shoes before tucking them under her. Mel must have blanched for a moment because Avalon chuckled.
"Not to worry, the couches have an enchantment that repels stains. One of the benefits of a sorority founded by witches. Welcome, Mel. I hear you are a witch yourself." Avalon took a seat on the sofa next to Becca.
"Yes, although I have only been studying since January. I love the idea of pledging to a sorority of others studying the Craft. Zeta sounds like a perfect fit." Out of nowhere, Mel caught the strongest scent of apples. Was that some kind of incense enchantment as well? She found herself sitting back on the sofa, feeling more relaxed.
"Zeta is very selective about whom we allow to join the Sisterhood. Having Becca recommend you is a strong endorsement but it will take a bit more before you can become a member. I hope you understand." Avalon said in a soft voice.
"Oh, certainly. I wasn't expecting instant membership or anything. I am willing to prove my commitment to the House. I just didn't want to wait until the fall and the pledge drive." Mel felt her back sinking softly into the white cushions. This might be the most comfortable sofa she had ever sat on.
"I am pleased that Zeta membership is important to you. We like our pledges to be committed. I'm sure we can come to a determination well before next fall." Avalon said, rising from the sofa. Did that mean the interview was over? Mel hoped not. She didn't want to get up.
"Avalon, maybe Mel can join us for the dinner tonight, with the founders?" Becca said, not moving from her spot. Mel followed suit.
"Hmmm, well that is a rather bold suggestion, Becca. It's not at all regular you understand, but I suppose we could make an exception. It would give her a chance to meet my cousin and the others. They like to interview all potential members. We're dining at the Rainier Club at eight o'clock. It is formal dress." Avalon said, heading back toward the direction she came from. The scent of apples trailed after her and the room seemed less comfortable in her absence. Mel stirred from the sofa cushions.
"I would be pleased to come. Thank you for the invitation. I should go now and let you all get ready." Mel rose from the sofa.
"Very nice to make your acquaintance, Mel. We'll see you tonight at the Rainier Club. Do remember, it is formal." With that, Avalon was gone.
"Isn't she great? Her cousin, Morgan, founded the sorority about ten years ago. If Morgan likes you, you're in." Becca chimed from the sofa, still tucked against the white cushions.
"Well, I hope Morgan likes me then. I better go figure out something to wear. I don't exactly have a formal wardrobe. I wouldn't want to stick out from the
group." Mel picked up her backpack. Ana would know what she should wear or at least take her shopping to find something; Mel's taste ran decidedly toward basic.
"Oh, no worries, I have loads of stuff. Come on, let's check my closet." Becca finally roused from her spot and headed toward the stairs off the living room, leaving Mel to follow in her wake.
"Hester, something isn't right." Helen called out to her familiar from the sofa where she had been lying down. After the day of running around and bad news, she had been too exhausted to even eat dinner. Reclining on the sofa, she had planned to take a quick nap. Instead, she had felt something peculiar start to come over her. It started with faint prickles and itches, like something crawling under her skin. Moments later, waves of a clawing sensation flooded her arms and legs, creeping up her torso. The drive to itch became unbearable, as if she should scratch at something beneath her skin. Helen reached up and clasped the charm hanging from the thin rope that Frankie had given her just that afternoon. The clawing feeling seemed to end just below her neck. She felt her right hand start to scratch at her chest, nails digging into her skin.
"Hester, I think I'm hexed." Helen said to the orangish rabbit now standing near the sofa on her back hindlegs. Her whiskers twitched furiously. Helen sat up and felt the waves of prickles cascading through her limbs. She stood, wobbling toward her cabinet where she kept her candles and books. She needed a blessing spell on the double.
"Let's cast a blessing, Hester. Maybe we can counteract this hex. Good thing I have Frankie’s charm." Helen fished out three large white pillar candles and a small pouch of ground sage and cedar. She placed them on her coffee table, along with a small footed cup filled with rock salt. She sprinkled a circle of salt around the candles and then lit them from east to west. Taking a pinch of ground herbs, she sprinkled it lightly over the flames. The pungent scent swirled around her, crackling and popping in the flame.
Pink Moon Rising: The Witches of Enumclaw Book One Page 6
