"Mother Sage and Father Cedar, cleanse me and purify me. From the dawn of the east, to the twilight of the west, I call the blessing of white light into my body. Drive this hex from me and return it to its sender. By the law of three, so mote it be. Protegas me a malitia." Helen drew in a deep breath of the scented air, visualizing a crashing wave of white light flooding her body. She imagined it ricocheting off every bone, every muscle, under every inch of her skin. She felt the itching swallowed up in the light and slowly pulled from her body, breath by breath, as she chanted "protect me from harm" in Latin. Whatever had been there was now gone, the only evidence it had ever been there were the red welts from Helen's own nails.
"If Frankie's charm hadn't stopped it, that hex would have traveled up into my mind. I wouldn't have been able to cast the blessing. I probably would have clawed my own eyes out." Helen said, watching Hester hop down from her place near the table. As she always did, Hester lent her own power to the blessing and now needed to rest on her bed. Spellcasting wore out the old rabbit more and more these days.
Helen knew she needed to end the ritual and pinch out the candles, but she wasn't ready to give up their light and protection. She was afraid of feeling that horrible sensation begin again. She'd sit and take in the light for a few more moments before closing the spell and calling Frankie. Everyone needed to know that Morgan apparently wasn't done with them yet.
Casting
After yet another game of Candy Land, Sage called it quits. There was no end to the delight her daughters found when their mother found herself stuck in the molasses swamp and she always made sure to find herself there in the game. But three games later, it was bedtime.
"Okay, you two need to get ready for bed. You have school tomorrow and I need to scrub off all this sticky molasses from my hair. Let's hustle." Sage swept the cards and plastic figurines into the box and stowed it in the toy chest they kept in the dining room. With faint protests, the girls reluctantly climbed the stairs until Grace decided she needed to race Gabbi to the top.
"Mommy, that molasses isn't real. Quit teasing." Gabbi said, laughing as she ran up the stairs. Sage had been practicing the motion magic spell that Helen had taught her and she was able to flip the light switch on for the stairs, without leaving the sofa. For an exhausted mother, that was significant.
"A little Chardonnay, I think, well earned." Sage said to the only being left in the room - her familiar, Rodney. He was about as far from a stereotypical familiar as you could get, being a turtle. Rodney appeared on her doorstep one morning ten years ago and never left. A turtle as a familiar might be unusual but he was quiet and he didn’t shed.
"I'd give you a sip, Rodney, but I don't think it would agree with you. I will top off your water bowl though." Sage called to him from the kitchen, pouring a rather sizable glass of Chardonnay from the bottle she kept in the fridge. It had been that kind of week.
The molasses might be imaginary but Sage relished the idea of a hot shower. She'd put the whole school fiasco behind her. Perhaps she would even do a little water spell to help wash away the day's negativity; she came from a long line of Water witches and she could cast a cleansing from the showerhead water. Her great-grandmother would have laughed at the thought of that, but such are the times for a modern witch. A cleansing shower, flannel jammies, her glass of wine, and watching a sappy movie in bed sounded like perfection.
A knock at the door broke her day dream abruptly. Visitors who don't call first seldom bring good news and Sage felt her tension practically oozing from her pores. What else could go wrong with this day?
One look through the peephole answered that question. Her sister-in-law waited on her front porch.
"Claudia, what brings you out at this time of night?" Sage said as she opened the door. The greeting wasn't very warm but then her patience wasn't very good at the moment.
"Sage, we need to talk. Can I come in?" It was less of a question than a statement as Claudia had already started coming across the threshold. With a shrug, Sage stepped back and let her come in.
"Claudia, I hate to be inhospitable but it really isn't a good time. The girls are getting ready for bed - and so am I. It has been a long day. Can this wait until later?" Sage didn't move from her spot in the entry but Claudia moved toward the sofa as if she planned to stay awhile. With a small sigh, Sage closed the door.
"I bet it was a long day. I heard what happened at the school. I have been sick about it all day." Claudia said, perching lightly on the floral sofa cushion. If Sage stayed in the entry any longer it would look supremely awkward so she came toward the sofa.
"I would hardly say it warranted being worried over it. The girls got into a little tussle with a bully. I handled it. No need for you to come out to check on things, Claudia. Really, there is no need." The final words had an obvious edge of emphasis.
"That's the problem. You don't see the need. You don't see that you are the source of this whole problem. I am sorry, Sage, I really am, but this has to be said. You and your lifestyle are what is wrong with the girls." Claudia stared up at her from her seat, her face folded into a mask of concern and outrage. It was rather startling.
"Claudia, stop right there. I'm not doing this. There is nothing wrong with my life and there is certainly nothing that is a harm or a danger to my girls. And I resent the implication. If Chris were here..."
"But he isn't here, is he? If Chris were here, I would be talking to him, begging him to talk some sense into you and demand that you put a stop to all this ridiculous nonsense. Doesn't it bother you that your girls got into a fight because of you? Doesn't it bother you that they could have been suspended from school for fighting, because of you? Surely you must see how your lifestyle is impacting them." Claudia's voice had risen to a noticeable shriek.
"Keep your voice down. Like I said, Claudia, I am not doing this. I am not going to defend against this ridiculous prejudice you have. Let's just admit that what you care about is what people think about you, and the fact that you are related to me. It reflects badly on you, isn't that your concern? Well, that isn't mine to worry about and I have to ask you to leave now. Let's end this conversation before we end up saying things we can't forgive." Sage moved back toward the door.
"The fact that you won't admit how this hurts Grace and Gabbi has made up my mind for me. I have to do something, Sage. As their aunt, in good conscience I can't let this go on." Claudia crossed over to the entry and stepped out into the dark. Without explaining or even looking back at Sage, she stomped off toward her car.
Mel had never set foot in the Rainier Club. It was an exclusive, private membership club in downtown Seattle and no one in Mel's circle ran with that kind of crowd. She was intimidated to enter the stone facade, but what waited inside was probably even more daunting. She was meeting the founding members of ZTM who were likely some powerful witches. Witches who may have cursed her friend.
Thanking the ride share driver, she walked up to the doorway and asked the doorman where to find the Zeta Theta Mu dinner. He opened the door for her and gestured to her left, into the large reception room, with its Dale Chihuli glass sculpture and art treasures on the walls. Good thing Becca had lent her a dress because she really would have felt out of place in her own wardrobe. Ana had told her how pretty she looked, so that helped a bit, but still, this wasn't her environment.
"Mel, you found it. Wonderful." Becca said, calling out from a small group of women near the center of the room. They held champagne flutes and were dressed in tailored dresses. Mel walked toward them and Becca pulled away from the group to meet her.
"That dress looks so much better on you. You better keep it."
"Oh, thank you, Becca, but I couldn't. I'll bring it back to you after tonight."
"Nonsense, I couldn't wear it again after seeing how nice you look. Consider it a gift from a soon-to-be Sister." Becca looped her arm into Mel's and pulled her back toward the women.
"Ladies, please allow me to introduce Mel Stevers
on. She is a prospective pledge for Zeta and I think you are really going to like her. Avalon invited her to meet the Founders." The group murmured its greeting, along with a few surprised comments about meeting the Founders. Apparently, would-be pledges didn't normally get that honor right away.
"Dinner is served." A man, wearing an impeccable suit and a pink carnation, informed the room and with that, they all followed him into another room with large pocket doors. The walls were a gorgeous shade of cocoa, with dark brown wainscoting and espresso accents. The table stood out with its crisp white linen and pale pink flowers.
"Sit by me, okay?" As if Mel would have considered sitting anywhere else other than near Becca, she nodded at the question.
At the head of the table were five women, all watching the procession of young women enter the room. They stayed standing while the group sat at the long table. Avalon walked over to them and cleared her throat to speak.
"Ladies, it is my honor as President of Zeta Theta Mu to present our sorority founders. Some of you have never met them all, so please allow me to introduce them to you. Please welcome to my left M.C. Laveau, Catherine Monvoisin, Alice Kyteler, Angele de la Barthe, and my own cousin, Morgan Cornwall. Ladies, I present the Founders." Avalon heartily clapped, leading the room in a round of applause. The quintet smiled and nodded at the attention. To Mel, they all seemed very comfortable in the spotlight.
"Thank you, Avalon, for that lovely introduction. We are pleased you could all join us for this little get together, especially on a school night." The group tittered at Morgan's comment.
"It is our honor to host this event. As you know, membership in Zeta is coveted and you were deemed the most worthy to join our sisterhood. We founded Zeta ten years ago because we wanted a sorority that understood that the status quo just wasn't good enough. For us, for you, for future Zetas, the future is what we make of it. Your time in Zeta is a perfect opportunity to live your best life. Nothing should stand in your way of your goals. You must use all the tools at your disposal to forge your future. Ladies, your destiny awaits. Seize it, without fear." Morgan finished her speech with a grand arm gesture. Mel could well imagine she was a successful lawyer; she was very persuasive.
The small room burst into applause, with a few of the members standing up in support of Morgan's words. Becca clapped wildly and murmured "Isn't she wonderful" over and over. Mel nodded and clapped as well. There was something appealing about a message of making the future that she wanted. What did she mean though by all the tools at your disposal?
Dinner proceeded with chit chat and small talk with the women seated closest to her. Further down the table, the five founders were seated together, with Avalon at their right. Mel would sneak a peek here and there at the group of them - so different and yet very similar in their demeanor and presence. Mel's talents as a witch were brand new but even she could feel the power and energy radiating from them.
After the last bite of chocolate mousse, Mel and Becca followed the group back out to the reception area where people were milling about, chatting, holding demitasse coffee cups instead of champagne flutes. It would be time to leave soon.
"Ladies, I hope you had a wonderful evening." Avalon said from behind them. Mel turned to look and the President of ZTM was standing next to Morgan Cornwall.
"Oh yes, it was lovely. And inspiring." Becca answered, and Mel wondered if she might curtsy.
"Glad to hear it. Avalon, is this the new pledge you wanted me to meet?" Morgan spoke up, fixing Mel with a penetrating gaze. Mel tried not to flinch.
"Yes, she is looking to join the House and Becca is sponsoring her. I know it isn't the normal cycle but...."
"As if rules mean anything to me. She sounds like someone who is using her tools to make her future. Just the kind of spirit that Zeta needs and perhaps the Circle." Morgan said, rather matter-of-factly.
"Yes, Morgan, err...yes." Avalon seemed to stumble at the mention of the Coven. Perhaps that wasn't a normal topic of conversation at Zeta mixers.
"I can tell you have energy about you, Mel. Part of the duty of our Circle is to groom new talent. We haven't brought a new initiate in for some time. Not since Avalon actually. I understand you study the Craft with a Coven out in Enumclaw, is that right?" Morgan continued to pierce her with her stare but her voice had a kindness to it that Mel found appealing. How did she know about Mel being in the Sisters? Maybe Becca had told her.
"Yes, I have been studying since January, so I am barely an initiate, but I feel drawn to it and I want to learn more." Mel wasn't lying to the Head Witch; she had been reading as much as she could on the Craft, hoping to grow quickly into a full fledged witch.
"It's obvious to anyone with the Sight, that you have talent and the desire to go far. That is what we are looking for in the Widdershins Circle. Avalon, bring Mel to the next circle. I think it would be good for her to see a powerful Coven in action." With a nod of her head, Morgan moved on to the next circle of chatting women, leaving Avalon to follow in her wake. Apparently the audience with Morgan had gone well.
"Wow, I can't believe it, Mel. I've never heard of anyone getting an invitation to their circle. Most Zetas are witches, not me, but most, and I bet there will be some jealousy when word gets out. Not even a House member yet and you are invited to the Circle!" Becca's astonishment was obvious but Mel was sure hers was as well. She had not expected this so soon.
"Yeah, I don't know what to make of it, actually. Seems really sudden."
"Morgan makes up her mind quickly. Just be grateful and be sure to show up. She won't invite you again if you miss this circle."
Mel tapped her coffee cup gently with her fingers, feeling the warm porcelain. She'd have to be careful. Morgan probably just wanted to know what the Sisters knew; that must be why she invited Mel to observe the circle. She'd be surrounded by powerful witches in their own space. How much time did she have before this meeting? Did she have a warding spell she could cast to protect herself? Morgan would probably sense it. She'd be better off just going as she was.
"Earth to Mel, you in there? Want a ride home?" Becca called to her, snapping her back to the room. Things were starting to disband.
"Oh, yeah, that would be great. Yeah, sorry, I was lost in thought." Mel replied, setting the cup on a small tray nearby.
"No wonder. You just hit the witch's lottery."
Incantations
Moon is at Eighteen Percent Visibility
Diedre's eyelids fluttered open for the first time in two days. Helen had popped in to see her before work and standing by her bedside, she saw it. Signs of life.
"Diedre? You in there? Wake up, sweetie." Helen cooed, lightly touching her arm, avoiding the IV protruding from her vein. The room was still dim except for light escaping from the open bathroom door. Darro must have gone home to sleep.
Diedre fluttered again and slowly opened her lids, squinting as she did. Even the dim light seemed to be bothering her.
"Diedre, you're awake! Oh thank goodness." Helen gave her arm a light squeeze.
"Mmmm, yes. Water...please?" Diedre's croaky voice was barely louder than the beeping EKG monitor.
"Of course, yes, just a minute." Helen grabbed the pink plastic pitcher from the tray near the bed and went to the bathroom sink. Back by the bed, she poured a small amount of water into the plastic cup with the bendy straw. She held the straw to Diedre's lips.
"Drink up. I'll get some bottled water from the cafeteria and some ice. But this will do for now." Maybe the charms Frankie had tucked under Diedre's pillows had helped. Maybe Diedre herself had fought off whatever was cast over her.
"Do you remember anything?" Helen asked.
"That's enough water, thanks. I remember waking up feeling weak and then going to work. After that, it is all a blur. But I am feeling better now. Much better actually." Diedre said, rustling a bit in her bed as she moved to sit up.
"Don't push yourself. You have been very ill, you need to take it easy. I have to go to w
ork but I'll text everyone the good news. I'm sure Darro will be back shortly. I'll run and get you some water and ice before I leave." Helen dashed out of the room.
The light in the bathroom flickered, drawing Diedre's gaze.
"I see you in there, in the mirror," she said with a ragged voice. "You'll get used to it. I promise. After awhile."
After depositing water bottles and cups of ice at Diedre's bedside, Helen dashed to make it to work on time. Not that the world would have crumbled if she had been tardy, but punctuality was one of her trademarks. It was difficult to hustle to work and text everyone the good news about Diedre, but somehow she managed to do both.
Seated at her desk, she normally kept her cell phone in her desk drawer to avoid notifications or other distractions. Today, with Diedre appearing to rally, she decided to break her usual form and kept it nearby - just in case. It wasn't long before the chirps from her phone began in earnest.
- FRANKIE
Helen wasn't much for emojis but everyone received a smiley and three hearts back in reply. It was hard not to smile when Diedre was coming back to them. Even though Naomi's information hadn't really helped them, Helen would still keep her word and ask if Naomi could join the Festival. She'd send Rachelle a message tonight to ask for the favor.
Lost in thought on a particularly challenging insurance claim, Helen didn't notice all the chimes again coming from her phone. When she finally picked it up to see, there was a string of notifications.
Pink Moon Rising: The Witches of Enumclaw Book One Page 7
