Chapter Eleven
Freya’s carved wooden chair creaked as she eased back, her mind reeling from everything she’d heard. She was a witch. She’d known she was different and it had been mentioned once or twice throughout her life in jest but who really believes in such things. It’s a story in a novel or a series to binge watch. How could she, they, all these people sitting around this table be witches? She felt an overwhelming urge to consult her tarot cards.
‘Do you think she’s okay?’ Dominique leaned over and whispered to Penelope.
Penelope observed Freya, eyes closed, her hands in motion as if she were turning cards.
Freya jumped and eyes wide she stared at Drakon who had slammed his cane sharply on the table, the ruby gem shimmered.
‘Drakon.’ A warning note from Penelope.
‘It’s alright, Penelope,’ Drakon sounded almost bored, ‘It’s not going to work that well if she really is a witch and part of our coven.’ He paused, ‘I mean I know I’m irresistible…’
Kasha groaned and Dominique stifled a laugh.
‘… but she can resist me, can you not, Freya.’ Drakon arched his eyebrow.
Freya detected the challenge and smiled. Despite everything, she felt the connection with these strangers and felt part of something, a group she didn’t realise she needed. The gaping hole left by her sister would never be filled but this was something.
‘You are my leader and I will follow your every command.’ Freya delivered her reply, her voice monotone.
Freya saw the briefest of a flicker of worry cover Drakon’s face before the mask of indifference fell once again. She smirked and everyone apart from Drakon laughed, even the dog barked which sounded as if it knew Drakon had nearly been fooled.
‘Oh, you are definitely staying,’ Kasha stated, lifting her glass, ‘cheers everyone. Here’s to our newest witch.’
They all chinked glasses, even Drakon. He tilted his head ever so slightly to Freya and she raised her glass slightly to acknowledge him.
‘I have questions,’ Freya stated, putting down her glass.
‘I expect nothing less.’ Penelope replied, ‘ask us anything.’
‘I am not quite sure where to start but you said we all have different powers so to speak but how do you know what our powers are? I don’t feel as if I have anything like your powers.’
Freya looked at Penelope, ‘You say that you can conceal and hide your environment so that others cannot see them. How do I know that you’re not doing that to me right now?’
‘A good question and learning what it is to be a witch cannot be told or learnt in an afternoon but before we move onto you joining our coven, we will all try to convince you we are your friends.’ Penelope replied, ‘Weaving spells as we would call them,’ Penelope continued, a wry smile at the word, ‘it takes a lot of energy and connection to the earth. I cannot just conjure an illusion without a lot of preparation. There are certain herbs which take more years than a usual human span to learn.’
Freya interrupted, ‘wait, sorry. ‘How old are you all?’
Freya could almost hear the unsaid words between them. How much to tell her so she didn’t jump up and run away.
Kasha spoke up, there wasn’t much point in her being known for her blunt manner and then not seizing the opportunity to say something. If Freya was going to take part in the ceremony they needed to get a move on, ‘I’m 72.’ She answered.
Freya thought she might end up with a repetitive strain injury if her jaw kept this up, ‘but you look about 30,’ she exclaimed.
Drakon rolled his eyes, ‘I’m the oldest. Somewhere around 250 years old but one doesn’t bother to keep count. My sweet younger brother is a couple of years younger. I must point out that we only share a father and I, of course, have the looks and brains of the family.’
Somewhere in the back of Freya’s mind, which wasn’t thinking ‘what the actual hell’ , she had wondered why the brothers looked so different.
‘Our Penelope is the big hitter though,’ Drakon continued, ‘she tops the scales at somewhere around 300 hundred.’ He dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, ‘although it’s not polite to mention a woman’s age.’
Freya broke the silence knowing she should say something, ‘but how do you all look so young?’
‘I’m afraid we don’t know everything about life as a witch, despite the fact we are witches. Some witches do live just a normal human lifespan. It is one of the many questions which is still unknown.’ Penelope informed her.
‘So, I won’t know if I have the same ability?’ Freya asked, wondering if that was the right word and what she thought about living so long. Outliving her parents, her friends Ali and Alex. Alex, her heart fluttered. What if something did happen and then she stopped aging? How would she explain that? Freya looked around at this unlikely group and realised what a bond they must share and what toll it must take on them.
‘No, I’m afraid not. There have been others…’ Penelope started as Kasha took over.
‘We have lost witches over the years. Some have died naturally and some have been murdered by the witchfinders.’
‘As in the witch trials? I know a little bit about the horrific trials from Pendle?’ Freya asked not quite able to take it all in, but she could see them all visibly flinch.
‘The trials haven’t stopped Freya,’ Penelope said, with so much sadness in her voice, ‘this is why you are here. We need to stop them once and for all but to do that, we need a full coven.’
‘But I thought you said you needed six people? Unless you’re including Aland and if I passed this test, ceremony thing, it would still only make five of us.’
Dominique quiet so far leant forward, ‘We need all five to find the High Priestess, the sixth witch. Despite Pen’s powers, this isn’t something she can do alone. She found you but it required the connection of us all and it’s dangerous.’
Kasha huffed, ‘Don’t put her off completely. We are trying to talk her into this, remember,’ Kasha reached over and squeezed Dominique’s leg and smiled, to ensure he knew she was only partly joking.
‘Listen,’ Penelope said, standing up. ‘Let’s have a break. This has been a lot to take in and…’ she held her hand up to Kasha, ‘I know time is of the essence but remember how you felt when you joined the group?’
‘I’ve still got the scars.’ Dominique said and grunted when Kasha punched him in the arm.
‘It’s up to you Freya. Would a break be useful or do you want to carry on?’
Freya’s brain was telling her to get up and run but another part of her was excited and wanted to know everything. What was this danger they were talking about and this ceremony they kept mentioning?
‘It’s okay. I want to know as much as you can tell me. You keep saying we have limited time and I already feel I don’t want us to be in danger. What is this ceremony and why is it dangerous?’
‘You have a fifty-fifty chance you will die.’ Drakon said, his gaze direct and challenging.
***
Mary had never slept so long in her life. Despite the lack of sunlight her limbs told her they’d been curled up for a long time. She stretched and groaned as her limbs popped but it felt good.
The night before she had barely managed to eat the food Tobias had insisted he serve her, along with what she thought was stronger than the usual thin, watered down mead. She’d had a split second when she wondered if he had drugged her but dismissed it. She could trust him and what was the alternative? Go back to the life she already felt had been lived by someone else. Not find out who she could be. Not make her father proud.
‘Breakfast is ready, Mary.’ Tobias called.
Mary could smell the glorious bacon and fresh bread as she gathered her shawl around her and pulled back the tapestry which covered the bed. There must be some ventilation to allow the smoke out from the fire. She’d not really thought about it yesterday. She wondered why the home was underground and how the smoke was concealed so someone couldn’t find them above. Her stomach flipped at the thought of being caught.
She looked up to see Tobias smiling, ‘Don’t worry. We are safe.’
Mary blushed, ‘Can you read my mind?’
He laughed softly, ‘No. If only. I know how I would feel if my life had changed in such short a time. Come, have some food and then we will start.’
Mary wanted to skip the food but her stomach growled and she perched on the chair. No one had ever made her food before and here she was, being served twice in as many days. How jealous her mother would be. She picked up a warm slice of bread and smeared it in butter. Would they have realised she’d disappeared by now. Had her body been found? Had the villagers believed their story. She would ask Tobias but not now.
Breakfast finished, Tobias refused her help as he cleared the table and made some fresh peppermint tea he said he’d gathered that morning. Mary had never tasted anything like it.
‘Are you ready to find out who you are, Mary?’
‘Yes,’ Mary answered firmly with no trace of anxiousness.
‘Where to begin, ‘Tobias said and set down his cup.
‘You are the Guardian of the witches,’ he glanced at the book she had smuggled from the library, ‘that book has the names of all the witches.’
‘But how do they get there and how are they crossed out? I know that means they are dead. Gerta..’ Mary hesitated. She trusted Tobias but how much to share and how much did he know.
Tobias sighed, ‘Poor Gerta did not deserve that fate. We tried to do something but the Witchfinders arrived too quickly and we couldn’t be seen to interfere. The covens are getting weaker and it’s dangerous to show ourselves.’
‘You’re a witch?’ Mary exclaimed, thinking how stupid she was to think only women were witches.
‘Yes,’ Tobias confirmed, ‘Gerta was…’ he stopped choking with emotion.
‘Oh goodness, Tobias. I didn’t think to look at all the other names.’ Mary reached over and gripped his hand, ‘I’m so sorry, Tobias. Gerta was a friend. A good healer.’
He smiled, as tears tracked down his face. Mary wiped them away with her fingers. Feeling overwhelmed at his grief.
He nodded and sighed, ‘She was special but this is why it’s so important we try and stop them.’
‘Do you mean these witchfinders? Who are they?”
‘I need to tell you about the book first,’ Tobias frowned, ‘Put simply there are witches called scribes and when they meet a witch or find out about a witch they perform a ritual. This can be from anywhere in the world. They use blood,’ Tobias held up his hand, ‘I promise to fill in the details but this is the very short version.’
He took another sip of tea before continuing, ‘They scribe the name and it’s either entered or crossed out in your book.’
Mary felt a thrill of excitement. Her book. She held back her questions and allowed Tobias to talk.
‘This used to be the only book in existence but then someone made a copy and the witchfinders have one.’
Mary gasped, ‘So they already know many of the names?’
‘Yes. No-one ever thought another witch would do such a thing.’
‘A witch made a copy and is killing their own kind,’ Mary was aghast at such evil, ‘why would they do such a thing Tobias?’
‘Again, I have much to tell you but I wanted you to know how important the book is and why it needs protecting. We are hoping that you have the power to stop them.’
Chapter Twelve
Freya hoped she had misheard as Penelope glared at Drakon. He shrugged, ‘She has to know the dangers. No point telling her all the good stuff, such as spending decades in our glorious company. If she wants to join us…’
Freya held her hand up and Drakon stopped, ‘Drakon is right,’ she saw a triumphant smile directed towards Penelope, ‘I do want to know everything but I know time is of the essence. We have only just met but I can assure you I have a very open mind. I would rather you just tell me about this ritual so I can walk into it with my eyes wide open. I am not afraid.’
Dominique sniggered and then blushed. He coughed, ‘Sorry, Freya. It’s just that you make it sound like one of those midnight ‘walking over the coals to find yourself’ type of situations.’
Kasha elbowed him but Freya thought she saw a hint of a smile.
‘Okay. Here it is then,’ Penelope said, putting down her drink, ‘It will take us a few days to prepare for your ceremony. During this time, you will need to cut yourself off from everyone. We need to clear your mind so we find what your power is and if you have a familiar or an object. It’s important we know this and know how far you can be pushed.’
‘Like Drakon’s cane?’ Freya asked and Penelope nodded, ‘that’s right. Kasha has Aland and she’s able to suggest… Kasha?’ Penelope turned to Kasha and gestured for her to continue.
Kasha leaned forward, her gaze direct and slightly unsettling, ‘When I was preparing for my ceremony I’d known I had an affinity with animals. During my preparation time, which is like a deep meditation state, I was visited by many animals. Over the years I’ve found I can suggest things to animals and if they want to do it, then they will. It’s not full control of their minds as I cannot make them do anything they don’t want to.’
‘Now that is a cool power,’ Freya exclaimed, thinking of the fox and the squirrel in the churchyard and how she’d always had an affinity with nature. Maybe she had the same power.
Kasha smiled. It suited her, Freya thought. Better than her resting frown of discontent but then again, what had they all been through to arrive at this point in their lives. Already she knew she would be devastated if anything happened to any of them, even Drakon and she had known them probably less than twenty four hours she realised.
‘I have something similar in that I can influence people’s moods.’ Dominique said, ‘I can suggest they are sad, angry, you get the picture but as with Kasha, I cannot make them do this against their nature. Believe me, I’ve tried with Kasha for decades.’
Dominique’s body was a blur as he dodged Kasha’s fist, toppled back in his seat and Aland, ever ready, fell on Dominique. Freya couldn’t separate the human and the wolf as they grappled on the floor.
Drakon sighed, ‘Still a child after all these years.’ He turned and whispered, ‘Dominique. Stop what you are doing.’
Dominique froze. Drakon’s words were quiet and calm but Freya could feel her mind asking her to stop her movements. She shook her head, as Aland barked.
‘Nice try,’ came the muffled sound, as Aland had placed his huge paws on Dominique’s head.
Drakon turned back to the table, looking smug, ‘As you see, as well as using my cane, I can ‘suggest’ since that seems the word of the hour, that people do as I command. The results vary on how strong willed they are and if they are expecting it.’
‘Interesting that a lot of the powers are about influencing people or animals. A powerful tool for a witch I would imagine but why would this not work on the witchfinders? Surely they are not all witches. Why couldn’t you just suggest they go jump off a cliff.’ Freya asked.
‘I like her.’ Drakon said and barked a laugh, ‘Oh would that we could and do not think I have not suggested this many times. We are not governed by a higher power but there are consequences to using our powers. As Penelope has said, we don’t know everything, despite having our own powers and the years we have walked this earth.’
‘Tell her about the time you used yours on that merchant,’ Dominique called, as his fight continued. Freya glanced over and decided that so far, Aland was the clear favourite.
Drakon sighed.
‘Go on,’ Penelope encouraged, signalling to Dominique to stop messing about, ‘it will be good for Freya to know our powers are limited.’
‘So be it. Dominique and I were sailing to the America’s.’
Freya wanted to ask a million questions but held her tongue.
‘I fancied the captain’s cabin as the ship’s hold wasn’t fit for a rat. I suggested to him that he would like me to have the cabin.’ Drakon continued rolling his cane gently on the table.
Dominique grinned as he straightened his clothes and returned to the table.
‘The captain was a strong minded man as you might imagine and I tried a little too hard to convince him.’
‘He spent most of the voyage puking over the side of the ship and didn’t even make it to the rat infested hull, never mind the cabin.’ Dominique’s laughter joined the others. It was clearly a story which had been told many times.
Drakon rubbed his temples, ‘I can still feel the pain in my head.’
‘A good example of what happens when we underestimate our powers and the person.’ Penelope grimaced. She’d clearly suffered her own tests of her powers.
‘I see, and it’s likely that using your powers on another witch could possibly have more serious consequences?’ Freya asked.
Penelope nodded but no-one answered.
Freya started to ask another question but was interrupted by Kasha, that steely gaze appraising her,’ What do you think your power will be ‘Goddess of love, beauty, war and death,’ Freya. Is there anything you’ve ever questioned about yourself? During your time before the ceremony, you will discover what your power is as it will help you when you face the challenge to become your true self.’
Freya felt as if someone had blown gently on the back of her neck and she shivered.
‘People have said to me before that I’m intuitive. I often see things before they happen if that makes sense?’
Kasha nodded and leaned forward, waiting for more.
‘I’ve had visions all my life but they’ve become stronger lately. That’s why I always thought I was good with tarot cards. I can read people, not a power, some people are more in tune with body language and feelings. So rather than it being a power, it’s more about being perceptive and interpreting what people are not telling you.’
‘Did you know which cards they were going to turn?’ Kasha asked sharply.
Freya paused, she always had known. Always. She’d never said anything because what would that make her? A witch? Kasha’s mouth twitched.
‘You all heard that didn’t you?’ Freya looked around and could see the answer.
‘Anything else?’ Kasha asked as she stroked Aland’s huge head who had settled next to her again. His large, wet tongue hanging out in appreciation.
Freya told them about the church yard and placed the brooch she had found on the table.
Freya jumped as all three chairs fell to the floor.
***
A wave of unnatural tiredness washed over Mary and she couldn’t keep her eyes open. Hours later she woke in the chair, a blanket tucked around her and Tobias was placing a cup of steaming herbal tea next to her.
‘I’m so sorry,’ Mary declared, as she sat up and yawned widely, clasping her hand over her mouth.
‘Do not worry, Mary. It is natural to be tired. We covered a lot of ground and sometimes the brain needs to rest, even if the body doesn’t. Your sleep will have revitalised you for the days ahead.’
Mary realised he was right. She never remembered feeling this good. At home she was up before dawn to do the house chores before going to the church. Returning home after dark there was always more to do. She usually went to bed exhausted and woke up the same.
‘Thank you, Tobias but I feel as if I am not doing the duty which was asked of me. Sleeping all afternoon is not going to help us to right this wrong.’
‘Which goes to prove that we have the right person.’ Tobias smiled and sat back into the chair opposite her, taking a long sip of his drink.
‘What can I do to help? How do we stop the witchfinders?’
Tobais’s brow furrowed, ‘We have been discussing this for many years. We must lay a trap for the witchfinder. Find out which coven they are part of, or possibly, some believe they might just associate themselves with a coven, so they can remain hidden. Many witches and especially a coven, can communicate in a basic way through their minds. The witchfinder would have to be very strong to not only hide their thoughts but also to mask them so no-one was suspicious.’
‘I want to help but I’m still unsure what I can do. I know so little.’ Mary felt crushed by the weight of responsibility. What could she do?
Tobias leaned forward, ‘We are together, Mary. You should not question yourself. You’ve had a lot to take in but your lack of knowledge is something which we hope might bring strength to our plans. We need a fresh view. Someone who doesn’t yet know our history and limitations. You would not have been revealed to us if it weren’t meant to be.’
Tobias looked at her, his soft eyes, kind, ‘We have a long road ahead of us and we will learn how to find them and defeat them. I know we will.’
Mary took a deep breath, whoever had chosen Tobias to teach her had chosen well. His voice was calming and she felt her anxiety wane.
‘We will now spend some time thinking about our problem. We need to find out who the witchfinders are? How many are there? How do we change the future for witches? How do we make them safe? Why have you come to us now? What are your skills?’
Tobias got up and moved to the table as Mary’s mind whirled, trying to find answers, trying desperately to help. Tobias placed the book in her lap and gently placed her hands on top.
Instantly, she felt as if a part of herself she didn’t know was missing had been returned. The feel of the leather bound book made her fingers tingle.
‘You feel it don’t you?’
Mary nodded.
‘I want you to close your eyes and let your mind rest. Be at one with the book. It doesn’t matter if nothing happens or no answers appear. You and the book will become one and the answers will come. This is how we practice. Do not become frustrated. It will take time.’
As Tobias busied himself darning his cloak which had become caught on a rusty nail the night he’d found the guardian, he watched Mary closely in between each stitch. She looked as if she was asleep but her eyelids moved as she communicated with the book.
He had so much to tell her. The book had all the witches who had been, were and would be. The book was a path to many lives and times. He just had to teach Mary how to use it. Hours later as he threw another log onto the fire causing embers to spit out, he turned sharply as Mary spoke.
‘I think I know a way.’
Chapter Thirteen
Freya stood up, her heart pounding, ‘What?’ she asked no-one in particular.
Penelope, voice shaking, was the first one to speak, ‘We will come back to your name on the gravestone but you are sure that you found this brooch on that day in the churchyard? This is important, Freya.’
‘Yes,’ Freya was still scared due to their reaction but she wasn’t a liar, ‘why would I lie about it and could one of you please tell what the hell is going on?’
In response, Drakon strode to the corner of the room, his cane tapping the floor. He reached up into what Freya thought was fresh air. As he pulled his arm back down, he was holding a leather bound book in his hand.
‘What the?’ Freya exclaimed.
‘Oh shit, sorry, Freya. I forgot.’ Penelope’s cheeks coloured as she waved her hand and muttered a few words.
Freya wondered how her brain would process everything that had happened to her recently, as she stared around the room the simply furnished cabin unveiled floor to ceiling bookcases and glass cabinets with various strange objects. Hanging from the ceiling were all types of dried herbs. In the back of her mind she’d wondered about the smell but had thought it was from the scented candles.
‘Very Sherlock Holmes uh?’ Drakon stated the obvious as he placed the book on the table.
Freya nodded as they all righted their chairs, ‘Sorry Freya, once you’re fully part of our coven you will be able to see everything without the need to reveal it. It’s one of the ways we protect ourselves.’
‘You can do this to any space? So, there could be other things in this room I cannot see?’ Freya could see now why they said it would take time to learn everything about being a witch.
‘Technically, yes, but I promise I’m not hiding anything. I simply forgot to remove the spell so you could see the whole room.’
‘That’s all very interesting but let’s focus on what’s important.’ Drakon opened the book and pointed to a page.
Freya moved next to him. She felt an almost magnetic pull towards him and glimpsed a wry smile as she almost physically pulled herself away. He was testing her and they both knew it. She made a point of leaning over and touching the picture in the book.
‘This is my brooch. Whose was it?’ Freya asked Drakon, making eye contact on purpose.
‘It was Mary’s, she was the Guardian of the witches’ book.’ Freya remembered they had mentioned Mary earlier but it was a lot to take in.
A thought occurred to Freya, ‘If Mary was the Guardian of this witch’s book which you said holds the names of all the witches. Where is it now and who is the guardian of the book now?’
Penelope sighed, ‘We don’t know Freya. Once we are a full coven we can find the book and that will be a game changer. We can find the other witches and start to build once again once we have killed the witchfinders.’
‘Do you think Mary could be buried in the graveyard where I found the brooch?’
‘Maybe,’ Penelope hesitated, ‘there is a myth that Mary is still alive?’
‘But how could that be, you said that the guardian wasn’t a witch?’ Freya said, wondering if she’d got it wrong.
‘That’s right but we think that a powerful coven created this brooch to protect Mary. Maybe to hide her from the witchfinders since she didn’t have any powers.’
Freya looked at the brooch and tried to imagine what this Mary felt like being told who she was. She reached out and touched the brooch and closed her eyes. She felt a connection to this woman who had been in the same position as her hundreds of years ago. How had Mary’s brooch ended up in the cemetery and did that mean Mary really was dead? Had they lost their guardian and if so, who was the new guardian?
***
Mary
‘No.’ Tobias shook his head, ‘it’s too dangerous.’
‘It’s dangerous for all the witches out there. They need our help.’ Mary exclaimed, holding tight to the book.
Tobias paced in front of the fire. Mary knew she was right, they had to use her and the book as bait to bring out the witchfinders.
‘I can look in the book and pick a name which will be in their book as well. Then we find a village we can set up as a healer and spread the word.’ Mary felt sick. What did she know about such things and how were they to deal with the witchfinders when they turned up. They never came alone and they must have powers. How much did they really know? By trying to convince Tobias, she was realising how much danger she was putting them in, ‘You said it yourself Tobias. We need to lay a trap.’
‘Yes, but I didn’t mean you. It’s too dangerous. We cannot risk you.’
‘But you can risk another witch’s life? Another coven? Why do I have to hide?’
‘Because the guardian has special powers. I didn’t want to tell you this yet but…’ Tobias stopped pacing and stood before her, ‘I told you that witch scribes can add a name of a new witch or scratch out the name of a witch who has died.’ He paused.
‘Go on Tobias. I need to know.’
‘First, I have this for you.’ Tobias reached over and pulled a stone from the side of the fireplace. Reaching in he drew out a bag and gave it to her.
It was small and light. She unwrapped the delicate cloth inside the bag and gasped, ‘Tobias. This is beautiful. But surely it is not for me. Such an expense gift. I cannot accept it.’ Mary was about to return it to the cloth but Tobias reached out and took the brooch. He unclasped it and ignoring her protests he pinned it underneath the collar of her dress.
‘You mustn’t have it on show as someone will no doubt try and steal it but it is for your protection. A way we can find you wherever you are.’
Tobias sighed, ‘I think you are right and I knew deep down if you hadn’t suggested it I would have had to ask you to put yourself in danger.’ He gave a wry smile and Mary’s stomach flipped.
‘We have to ask and we need the name of the witchfinder. He has gone under so many names we do not know his true name. We should have acted sooner before they had killed so many and made us weak.’
Mary’s hand touched the brooch and a feeling of comfort washed over her. She felt something. Someone, almost a memory of a woman. Someone she knew she had never met.
Tobias spoke again and she turned to him and the ghost of the woman disappeared, ‘As the Guardian you have the power to remove a witch completely from the book. It would be as if they never existed but we need to know their name.’
Chapter Fourteen
Freya dropped the brooch and lost the connection as someone pounded on the cabin door making them all freeze, all except Aland who flew to the door barking, his large paws scratching against the door.
‘Shit.’ Kasha exclaimed, getting to her feet.
Penelope turned, closed her eyes and returned the room to how it was when Freya first arrived. Freya’s hands shook as she stood up. What could she do? She had no powers.
Dominique moved towards the back of the cabin, presumably to make sure they weren’t surrounded.
A voice Freya recognised called from the door, ‘Freya. Are you in there? Freya?’
Kasha, Drakon and Penelope looked at her.
‘It’s Alex. He’s my friend. We are not in danger from him.’
‘Aland. Quiet.’ Kasha ordered and the wolf stopped and moved to her side.
Freya made to open the door but Drakon held up his hand, ‘I will go first.’
All was quiet outside as Drakon opened the door, his cane held in front of him.
The glare of the sunshine took a few seconds to adjust her gaze. Seeing nothing but the forest ahead and no sign of Alex’s tall frame, she looked down. He was old cold, his head bleeding. Freya cried out and pushed Drakon out of the way, kneeling on the wooden veranda.
Dominique stood next to him, a piece of wood in his hand looking sheepish, ‘Sorry. I didn’t hear you say you knew him before I’d bashed him on the head.’
‘Couldn’t you use your powers or something?’ Freya said, an edge to her voice.
Penelope stepped out and knelt next to Alex, ‘We try not to use our powers because we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.’
‘Sorry, Freya. I didn’t hit him that hard.’
‘He’s okay?’ Penelope said, as she moved Alex’s hair out of the way to examine the cut, ‘He might have a banging headache when he wakes up though. Let’s get him into the cabin. Kasha can you move the car out of sight?’
They managed to carry Alex into one of the bedrooms in the cabin as he started to wake up.
‘Freya. I know you know him but we need to keep this place secret. It puts him in danger if he knows about this place. How the hell he has found us I don’t know and it’s something you will need to find out. We will stay out of sight.’
Penelope passed her a strip of cloth, ‘You will need to blindfold him before any of us enter the room.’
Freya started to protest but Penelope cut her off, ‘It’s for his protection. He cannot know who we are. It’s going to be difficult enough to persuade the others to let him go.’
Freya looked at Alex as he groaned again and his hand went to his head. Dominique moved swiftly into the room and put a bowl of hot water and a cloth on the bedside unit. Penelope gripped her arm as Dominique went past and looked at Freya pointedly before closing the door behind them.
‘What the hell. Jesus, my head.’ Alex groaned in pain.
Freya put the eye cover on the bed and grabbing the cloth, she placed it into the warm water. Squeezing the excess water out and sitting on the bed she placed the cloth against Alex’s head.
He reflectively moved back quickly, his head banging on the headboard and Freya grimaced, ‘Sorry. Alex. It’s just me, Freya. Don’t worry, you’ve just had a little accident. You’re okay?’ She hoped it was true.
‘Oh shit. My head.’ Alex reached up and pain flashed across his face as he touched the noticeable bump emerging.
‘It’s okay. Let me just clean up your head. Sit still.’ Freya cleaned up the blood, she couldn’t believe how much there was, underneath it all was only a little gash, ‘It doesn’t look as if it needs stitches.’
‘I feel as if my head has been crushed.’ Alex lifted himself up on the creaking bed and slowly opened his eyes.
‘Don’t be a baby. What the hell are you doing here, Alex? How did you find me?’
‘I’m here to rescue you.’ Alex replied, a wry smile touching his lips.
Freya put the now red cloth in the bowl and turned back to him, ‘Rescue me? From who?’
‘I saw you get into a car with a bunch of strangers when I decided to come back to check on you. By the time I’d got back to my car, I’d lost you. I drove around for ages to try and find you and then remembered we had you on ‘track my phone.’ Alex sounded very pleased with himself.
Freya felt a blush rising. He had come to rescue her. Her knight in shining armour.
‘What’s going on and why are you here with a group of strangers and why did one of them bash me on the head?’
‘It’s kind of a long story and one I cannot really tell you.’ Freya stumbled as she wondered how she was going to explain this to him. She didn’t even have all the answers.
‘Oh well, that’s okay then. I will just take myself off back home and leave you in the middle of nowhere with a group of strangers and not worry at all about your safety.’
Freya laughed, she couldn’t help herself despite how serious this was. She was sure she heard a bark of laughter from the main room. That would be Dominique. He was probably relieved Alex was okay and his character was more carefree than the others.
‘Sorry. I know it all seems a bit weird but I promise I’m okay. I’m not in any danger from the people here.’
Alex leaned in closer so she could smell his familiar aftershave. It was the one she’d bought him for Christmas, ‘Are you in a cult, Frey?’
Freya stifled her laughter, ‘Well, you might not be a quite what you would call a cult…’
‘Like that instils so much confidence,’ Alex reached out, took her hand which sent a thrill through her and whispered, ‘Frey are you in danger? Because you need to tell me if you are and what you are doing here.’
Freya sighed, despite not being linked to the group she could almost hear their thoughts in her mind. It was dangerous for them to be discovered.
Alex squeezed her hand and her body tingled at this touch, ‘Sorry Alex. I know it sounds a bit weird but you’re just going to have to trust me when I tell you I’m safe and these are good people. I will tell you more later but just not yet. It’s for your own safety.’
Alex leaned against the bedhead, letting go of her hand, ‘That doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence, Frey.’
Before he could say more, the door swung open and Penelope gestured for her to join her.
‘I’ll be back in a minute, Alex.’ Freya stood up and closed the door behind her she joined the others in the kitchen.
Penelope held up Alex’s phone. She knew it was his because it had a picture of her, Ali and Alex when they were in Barcelona.
‘Whose Ali?’ Penelope asked. Freya noticed her hand was shaking as she held out the phone.
‘That’s my friend. Alex’s twin sister. Why? What’s happened?’ Freya felt her heart rate increase. What now.
‘She’s been kidnapped. We need to start the ceremony now.’
Mary
Mary pretended she was tired and relaxed in the chair. She got the feeling Tobias wasn’t telling her the truth. What he had said didn’t ring true somehow. Not that she knew what to think. She didn’t even know what her real role was in all of this. She was just her. How could she make such a difference to people’s lives and how did she have the right to steer their path.
‘I know you’re not asleep.’ Tobias said softly from the other chair.
Mary slowly opened her eyes and looked directly at Tobias. They had become close in such a short space of time. He was currently the only person who knew where she was. This intense change of life meant she didn’t know him but somehow.
‘I don’t think you’ve told me everything, Tobias. I know I have a lot to learn but I feel you are holding something back.’ Mary paused, looking down she was rubbing the jewels in the brooch. It was soothing and she felt a connection to it, just as she felt something for Tobias. She felt her cheeks redden. She’d never once thought about meeting someone. Her mother had made sure she knew how unattractive she was but Tobias always looked so intently at her.
He had his head bowed now, his long blonde hair was bound in at the back by a plain ribbon. His legs crossed at the ankle and taking up most of the space in front of the fire. She realised how tall he was, for some reason she hadn’t noticed before. She wondered if he was able to disguise his appearance. What other powers did these witches have? Maybe there was a reason to be fearful of them?
‘You’re right,’ Tobias said gently. Mary sat up straight and looked at him. He smiled and she returned his smile hoping he didn’t notice the flush on her cheeks.
‘I haven’t been completely honest with you but when you understand what I’ve lived through it becomes very hard to trust people and it is so dangerous now.’ He paused and leaned forward, reaching out his hands towards her.
Mary pinned the brooch to her shawl and held out her hands. An almost painful sensation pulsed through her fingers and up her arm.
‘You feel that don’t you?’
Mary nodded, her mouth dry.
‘I didn’t expect…’ Tobias trailed off, shaking his head.
Mary didn’t know what to say. Maybe she had it wrong. Maybe he meant something to do with the book. Perhaps they were about to leave and put them in harm’s way and he was just trying to be nice.
‘I’ve lied to you Mary and I’m sorry.’ Tobias held tight to her hands as she tried to pull them away.
‘Not about the book and everything. That’s all true. We are in danger and you are the guardian but about the witchfinder and the name in the book.’
He let go of her hands and she felt almost bereft at the sudden lack of his touch. Tobias stood up and paced in front of the fire.
‘Mary. I don’t want you to be scared when I tell you this. I hope you will understand why I lied.’
Mary touched the brooch, taking comfort from it.
‘I know who the witchfinder is. I know more about the two books than I told you.’
‘Just tell me Tobias,’ Mary encouraged seeing the lines of anguish and indecision on his face. ‘The witchfinder is called Alaric and he’s my brother.’
Chapter Fifteen
‘What’s that about my sister and there is no way on this earth you are doing anything to Freya.’ Alex shouted. Freya turned to see Alex stood in the doorway. His face pale as he stared at the group in front of his crowded around the phone.
Aland growled and Kasha settled her hand on his head.
Freya moved to stand in between the others and Alex. Drakon had raised his cane and she could see Penelope was about to invoke some spell.
‘Listen. Stop. Alex it’s okay. I know it sounds dodgy.’
Alex snorted, ‘You think, Frey. This whole situation is beyond dodgy.’
Again, Freya could almost feel Dominique’s smile. She looked at him and could see the glint of humour in his eyes as he stared back at her. This wasn’t just a feeling. She often felt empathy with people or just knew what they were thinking and feeling. It’s the reason she could read people’s tarot cards so well. It wasn’t just the story the cards told. This was different. It was almost as if there was an invisible thread connecting her with these new people.
‘Frey, are you okay? Don’t zone out on me now.’
‘Sorry, Alex. I’ve told you we will explain but there is an immediate danger and we have to act, even more so now to help Ali.’
Freya’s blood ran cold. If the witchfinder had Ali what was he going to do to her and what would he expect to set her free.
‘We don’t have time for this.’ Drakon stated. He lifted his cane further as he moved towards Alex.
Freya tried to step in front of him but she couldn’t move.
Alex stepped out of the doorway, he was still pale but angry now. He was a good foot taller than Drakon’s frame and looked as if he was ready to take on all of them. In the blink of an eye, Alex’s arms slowly dropped to his sides and his features relaxed as Drakon mumbled words Freya couldn’t make out. It was as if Alex was in a trance.
‘Right,’ Drakon said, turning to address them all, ‘Let’s get on with this because I’m sick of all the small talk. If we don’t move quickly we might as well kill ourselves right now because Alaric certainly isn’t going to wait around for us.’
‘Who the hell is Alaric?’ Freya asked, ‘Is that who has Ali?’
‘Too many names beginning with A,’ Kasha muttered under her breath.
‘If you want to help your friends and the other witches then we need to do this ceremony now Freya.’ Drakon was stern, his voice commanding.
She turned to look at him, ‘I’ve told you your mind games won’t work.’
Drakon shrugged, ‘Worth another try.’
Freya was shocked how quickly his power had worked on Alex. He was still as if they were playing musical statues back when they were kids. He was always won, but now he was in the doorway staring into space.
Mary
‘Say something,’ Tobias implored.
Mary didn’t know what to say. She felt vulnerable. His brother. The witchfinder was Tobias’s brother.
‘Is he the person who killed Gerta?’ Mary cleared her throat. She needed to be stronger.
‘Yes. I’m sorry, Mary. I wanted to tell you but I needed you to trust me first.’
‘Trust you? After you’ve kept something so important a secret?’
Tobias reached out, but Mary dropped his hand.
‘I don’t know how to make you trust me. I wasn’t going to tell you yet but something compels me to tell you everything. I don’t want there to be secrets between us Mary. Since the moment we met and went through the woods I’ve felt a connection to you. It’s more than the book and the need to save the witches.’ Tobias gestured to the book on the side, ‘We have a connection Mary. You must feel it.’
Mary dropped her head to hide her blush. She had felt something but she thought it was just the thrill of leaving the village, of finding out she was more than just the dull Mary everyone thought she was. Her mother’s scorn every day. The worthlessness she felt deep inside herself, every, single day. Here she felt as if she was someone. Tobias had been so kind and now this.
Mary wished she was in her library. Wished she could hide amongst her books and feel their comfort. Wished she hadn’t had dreams to leave. Wished her father was still alive. Wished she was more. Wished she knew more. She was just a stupid girl out of her depth.
‘Mary.’
Mary flinched as Tobias touched her arm, ‘Mary, I’m sorry. Sorry to scare you and let you down but I promise I didn’t tell you because I was scared.’
Mary turned, anger replacing the shame. ‘What do you know about being scared? You know so much and I know nothing.’
‘Mary please, don’t say this about yourself. We all need to learn from someone or read it in a book. We don’t just know things. You can learn things. Mary, you are clever. I know you were badly treated and only your father ever looked out for you and you feel his loss but you are someone Mary.’
Mary shrugged his hand off and moved towards the fire, ‘I’m a guardian of a book I know nothing about. I didn’t even know you had a brother. Surely him being in the village meant I was in danger and you never said. Is he looking for us now. Does he know you are here?’
Tobias sighed but made no move to touch her. ‘He doesn’t know I am here but he will feel my presence is closer as I feel his. We are twins you see.’
‘Twins,’ Mary turned, ‘but he looks nothing like you.’
Tobias smiled, ‘Not all twins look the same, which I am very pleased about.’
Mary returned his smile. She could tell he was trying and she felt bad for being mean to him. Her life was in his hands and she felt safe. She had since the moment they’d met.
‘Can you tell me about him, Tobias? Tell me what happened? Why he became the witchfinder.’
‘I will but I have one last secret to show you.’
Mary flinched but held his gaze. If she didn’t like what he said she would ask to go back. Something inside her told her he would honour her request.
Tobias stepped towards her and held up his hands, ‘May I Mary?’
Mary nodded. Gently, Tobias placed his hands on her face and closed his eyes. She had never been so close to a man. She traced the contours of his strong features, his beard which had grown in the last few days.
His breath tickled her mouth as he spoke, ‘Don’t be scared, Mary. This won’t hurt. Do you trust me?’
‘Yes.’
Chapter Sixteen
‘How does it work?’ Freya asked, still looking at the blank look on Alex’s face and worrying about Ali and where she was and if she was safe.
‘It’s easy,’ Drakon replied, sounding bored, ‘we make a pentagram. You stand in the middle. We chant some words and then we stand back and see if you burst into flames.’
‘Drakon. You really are such an arsehole.’ Kasha said. Drakon stepped back swiftly avoiding what would have been a well-placed blow to his face.
‘Is it true?’ Freya looked to Dominique and Penelope figuring they would be the most likely to tell her the truth.
‘I wouldn’t have put it quite like that but essentially, yes.’ Penelope said.
Freya looked at each of the people in front of her thinking how if Ali or Alex had said they were going to do something as stupid as a ceremony where you could die she would have locked them up or the call the police. In her heart she trusted them and somehow knew it as her destiny to join them.
‘Okay.’ Freya stated firmly.
‘There is hope for us yet.’ Drakon stated. Freya took this a compliment as Dominique and Kasha rolled the large rug on the floor which revealed a dark oak wooden floor before Penelope presumably did ‘her thing’ and a pentagram appeared on the floor.
‘How does this work then? I just stand in the middle? Do I have to do anything or say anything?’ Freya asked, as she moved towards the middle of the glowing pentagram.
‘Nothing. We do all the work. You just try not to die.’ Drakon said as he positioned himself on one of the points, his cane held out before him.
‘We really need to work on your delivery, brother.’ Dominique shook his head as he took up his position.
Kasha ordered Aland to her side and they moved to their places.
‘I’d already prepared these. It’s not as if we haven’t done this before.’ Penelope removed a box from the bookshelf. As she opened it, it released an array of herbs and wildflower fragrances. There was something else Freya detected but she brushed past the smell of blood, deciding that ignorance was bliss when it came to the many questions, like the death of other witches who had tried this and with the group probably having more preparation.
Freya closed her eyes. She wished she had her tarot cards but maybe it would put her off. Her cards never lied to her even if interpreting them took years to learn. She took the brooch out of her pocket and rubbed her fingers across the ruby’s inlaid into the stem.
‘Freya.’ Penelope’s gentle voice cut through and she opened her eyes.
‘Are you ready?’ Freya’s mouth hung open as she stared at Penelope. She’d rolled up her sleeves and bright, glowing tattoos covered her arms, neck and face. Every inch of flesh Freya could see was covered.
‘Cool huh?’ Dominique said.
Freya couldn’t take her eyes off Penelope. She hoped she survived because she had lots of questions. Penelope’s eyes twinkled as she took her place on one of the points. It was like Galadriel from Lord of the Rings when she turned to the darkness. The whole room glowed.
‘Once we start, we cannot stop. It would be too dangerous for us all. This is your last chance to say no.’
‘I’m ready.’ Freya hoped her confidence came through. She trusted them.
‘Everyone.’ Penelope called and the others bent their heads. Just as they were about to say the words Alex stepped forward and stood on the remaining place.
Mary
Mary felt as if she was watching a dream. She could see and smell everything but knew they couldn’t see her. So far she’d watched Tobias and Alaric being born and seen how they had lived their lives. It was clear their parents had been suspicious of Tobias from a young age. It seemed his skill of showing people was seen as witchcraft and of course, his parents were scared but wanted to protect him. She’d watched Alaric, felt his disappointment and developing anger as he realised he had no powers. This turned to resentment as he grew older.
In a blink of an eye, she was witnessing an argument between the brothers. Tobias was trying to make Alaric see sense but he was adamant Tobias had to leave the family home or he would put them all in danger. There was talk in the village but it was clear who was feeding them this information. In contrast to Tobias’s, kind, open face. Alaric was evil and calculating. A constant frown of discontent and malice distorted his features.
Tobias finally left, not wanting to put his family in danger. Over the year Tobias found people like himself. He lived in a monastery which was full of witches. During this time, they had created the book. It was a way of looking after the witches. Making sure they could be found and looked after, guided through the difficult transition. Tobias knew what it felt like to be different and cast out. He wanted to protect them all but he hadn’t learnt his lesson that the closest to him would also cast the deadliest betrayal.
Tobias didn’t know that Alaric had him followed, that he was always watching his brother and the monk closest to Tobias, his friend, had been working for his brother.
‘You cannot take it Alaric. Please.’
Another blink and Mary was watching Tobias and Alaric on the side of mountain. A storm was gathering and flashes of lightening crashed across the sky, as thunder threatened to break open the earth beneath them.
‘Dear brother. How wasted was the power which came to you and not me. What I could do with it. Instead,’ Alaric almost spat the words, his face contorted, ‘you do nothing with the power you have given.’
‘It is a gift and a curse, Alaric. How can you not understand?’
‘Fool,’ Alaric hissed and turned to the monk, ‘Do it.’
Mary cried into the wind as she watched Tobias rise into the air, his body frozen, unable to cry out or move. Tobias flew higher and higher into the storm. She looked to his brother, a triumphant smile transformed his face and then he turned and Mary only saw the flicker of silver as Alaric drove the knife deep into the monk’s heart.
Without hesitation, Alaric picked up the book and walked away.
Mary stumbled back as she came back into her body. Her body convulsed as she cried and clung to Tobias. She felt his tears against her cheek.
When she felt she could talk, she pulled away, ‘But how did you survive?’
‘Another witch came to my rescue. They couldn’t stop the fall completely but I survived…’ he broke off, as emotion overwhelmed him once again, ‘It took many years to recover and not just from the injuries.’
‘The betrayal?’ Mary whispered.
Tobias nodded.
‘I felt betrayed when my father never returned. He knew what life was like for me. I tell myself that he died to make myself feel that he didn’t abandon me. The one person I trusted in the world.’ Mary looked up, ‘the one person I loved.’
Tobias was so close now. Mary could see his hands were trembling. Usually, she was the one who was scared. The helpless one who was only good with books. Not people. No-one ever understood her but she knew Tobias did. They shared a bond, especially now he had shared his deepest secret.
With steady hands she reached out and gathered his.
‘We will do this together, Tobias.’ She paused as he lifted his head and with tears still falling she added, ‘we will finish this or we will die trying.’
Chapter Seventeen
‘No.’ Freya heard the chaos of the others screams as she watched almost in slow motion, as Alex stepped onto the final point of the pentagram. The closest she could come to describe the feeling would be it was like being sucked into a tornado. She felt as if her whole body was going to be torn apart. Without warning it stopped and someone was calling her name.
‘Freya. Freya.’ She listened to the sound of the voice. Kasha. She thought it was Kasha. She felt something lick her hand. Aland. Freya sat up and groaned. Her head felt like the worst hangover. One of those sessions with Ali where she insisted on shots. Ali. Ali was in danger. They needed to do something. She tried to stand up too quickly and gripped onto Kasha as the room started to spin.
‘Woah there. I know you’ve just survived the ceremony but no need to pretend you’re superwoman.’
Freya slowly opened her eyes and waited a moment before she let go of Kasha, ‘Thanks. The room has stopped spinning now. I think I’m okay.’ Kasha let go. Freya smiled, Kasha was a no nonsense type of woman and didn’t expect her to act like a damsel in distress.
Alex groaned. ‘Shit. Alex.’ Freya pushed Dominique out of the way and knelt on the floor next to Alex. He looked as dead as anyone alive could look. She put to one side that she was clearly alive but had they even finished the ceremony. Other than feeling a little dizzy she didn’t feel as if she was any different. What did being a witch even feel like. Would she know what her power was.
Alex held his head in his hands, still groaning.
Freya touched him gently on cheek, he was still staring into space.
‘Alex. It’s Freya, can you hear me? Are you okay?’
Freya turned to Drakon who was sitting in the armchair near the fire. For the first time he looked dishevelled, which made her stomach turn, ‘Are you still doing this?’
‘I think you underestimate my power. After the ceremony we won’t be much good for anything for at least a few days. Perhaps the fact that he stood on the pentagram when he wasn’t invited is the reason. To be honest, he’s lucky to be alive. As are we all.’
‘Drakon’s right,’ Penelope said. She was just as white as Freya thought she must be. Her breath ragged, ‘We are all very lucky to be alive.’
‘I don’t understand?’ Freya turned, as Alex gripped her hand, ‘Frey. Is that you?’
Freya gripped his hand and turned away from Penelope. She didn’t know what the hell was happening.
‘Alex. It’s okay. You’re alright. Do you know where you are?’
His eyes finally focused on her, ‘Frey…’ Alex groaned again as he lifted himself into a sitting position, ‘you tell me. I feel as if I’ve been run over by a truck. I’m getting a bit sick of waking up on the floor.’
‘You’ve looked better.’ This triggered the smile she was hoping for, ‘can you get up?’
Freya could hear the others putting the room back. As she helped Alex up, Dominique and Kasha pulled the rug back over and moved the chairs back around the table. Kasha placed some glasses and a couple of bottles of wine on the table.
Freya realised it had gone dark as Penelope closed the curtains and switched on the lights. How long had they been laid there. Before she could ask, Alex spoke.
‘Ali. Ali’s in danger. Freya, Ali’s in danger.’ Alex stumbled towards the door but his legs started to buckle and Dominique rushed to grip his arms.
‘How does he know?’ Drakon asked, as he joined them at the table, suspicion evident.
‘Know what? Is she hurt?’ Freya asked glancing across at him, ‘They are twins. They have always known when each other is in danger.’
‘Listen Alex. I know it’s scary and I’m worried about Ali too but we know who has her…’
Alex turned sharply as he sat down heavily on the chair, ‘What do you mean someone has her? Who?’
‘What the hell.’ Kasha cried.
Everyone first turned to Kasha and then followed her gaze. Alex’s clenched fists were glowing red.
Mary
Mary laid very still listening to Tobias’s breathing. It had been strange and wonderful. Nothing like the things she had overheard married women talking about. Tobias had been very gentle. She had never seen another naked man, well, not like this. Not one she was allowed to touch. She had traced the scars on his body, only being able to imagine the pain and suffering at the hands of his own brother.
Not wanting to leave the warmth of the bed but seeing the fire was about to go out, she climbed carefully out of bed. A strange sensation as if something had twisted inside her, made her pause. She held her hand to her stomach but the feeling passed. She gathered her shawl around her and moving the few paces to the fire, she added another log and settled the kettle on the metal hook above and then climbed back in bed, waiting for the fire to warm the room and the water.
Tobias hadn’t stirred. She looked down into his face and marvelled how her life had changed in such a short time, although she didn’t know how long they had been here. Was it days or weeks. She didn’t know. Right now, she didn’t care about the dangers. For the first time in her life she thought she felt happiness. Her hand covered her stomach again as the sensation returned. She wasn’t sure she knew what happiness really was. She’d felt it when her father had come home from a long adventure and felt his loss when he inevitably left her behind.
‘Are you okay?’ Tobias wiped the sleep from his eyes and then looked at her clutching her stomach.
Mary moved her hand away, ‘I’m fine.’ Tobias frowned and she chuckled silently, ‘I promise. I’m more than fine.’
Tobias grinned at her and she knew she was seeing what loved looked like. There was no doubt in her mind. Her face reflected his emotions and he leaned in to kiss her just as the kettle started to whistle in earnest.
Tobias threw back the covers and moving to the fire he picked up a cloth, lifted the kettle off the hook and placed it on the hearth.
‘Tea, My Lady?’ Tobias enquired, with a raise of his eyebrow.
Mary giggled, a sound she had never heard herself make. She inclined her head, ‘Yes please, My Lord.’
For the next few hours, they enjoyed each other’s company but eventually Tobias sighed, ‘We must talk about what we are going to do next Mary.’
Mary wished they could stay here forever but she knew they had to do something to stop Tobias’s twin brother. They had to for the sake of the other witches.
‘What are we going to do, Tobias? Can we still lure him out as we planned but how will we kill him? I’m not sure I am brave enough and can you really do something so terrible even after everything he has done to you?
Tobias was quiet for a long time, staring into the fire. ‘I will have to Mary. He has to be stopped for the sake of other innocent people. I am not so naïve now. I realise what I must do. This is my fault and the witches need protecting.’
‘It wasn’t your fault. You created the book to help and protect the witches. To help them find one another and have support to become who they are. Like me, to ensure they were not alone understanding themselves.’
‘I know but…’
Mary reached forward, imploring him to understand. She could hear and see the burden of anguish, ‘No Tobias. We must do what we need to do. No looking back for either of us.’
Tobias’s mouth twitched, ‘Since when did you become the strong one?’
‘Since I had someone to protect.’
Tobias reached out before Mary could say more, his features changed within a blink of her eye, from love to horror.
‘What is it Tobias?’ Mary cried, her whole body tingling with fear.
‘He’s found us. My brother. Alaric is here.’
Chapter Eighteen
‘Jesus Christ,’ Alex screamed and pushed backwards, his chair slamming to the floor, ‘What the hell have you done to me?’
‘Penelope. What’s happening?’ Freya cried as the others stared at Alex’s glowing hands and Aland started barking, only to be hushed with a command from Kasha.
‘It can’t be.’ Dominique said, his voice in awe.
‘What?’ Freya and Alex called simultaneously.
‘The Sixth Witch,’ Penelope whispered but they all heard.
‘What do you mean? What’s a sixth witch?’ Alex stared, wide eyed at Penelope, his eye pleading for answers.
Penelope walked around the table and reaching out she took Alex’s hands in hers. Closing her eyes she said a few words. Probably Latin, Freya thought thinking she might have to brush up on her Latin. Gradually the red glow diminished and it was just Alex’s hands. Penelope let go, her eyes wet with emotion as Alex turned over his hands.
‘Alex is the sixth witch?’ Freya asked no-one in particular.
‘Well, there is not much else could explain the ‘glowing hands’’ Drakon said in his usual bored tone, although Freya thought she could detect something of awe.
‘I don’t understand,’ Alex said, imploring someone to tell him what was happening.
‘It’s long story Alex and are short on time if we are to help your sister…’ Penelope’s voice trailed off as she gasped and looked at Drakon, ‘could it be? Drakon, are they?’
The energy in the room was about to explode. Freya could see the familiar flash of red in Alex’s cheeks. It was rare for him to get angry but Ali was in danger. She knew he could feel it. He wanted answers and he wanted them now. Freya bent down and picked up the chair and gently guided Alex onto it, figuring they might all be calmer if they were sitting down there had been enough chairs topping over today.
Freya motioned to the others but had to grip the edge of the chair, her vision blurring.
A gentle hand in the small of her back. Dominique she judged. ‘It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot and it can take a few days for your body and mind to settle.’
She turned and smiled at Dominque. He was certainly the caring one in the group. Alex turned and scowled at Dominique and Freya remembered that he had bashed Alex on the head.
‘It’s okay.’ She said to Alex. Sitting down and gripping his hand on the table. His frown turned to concern.
‘Are you sure Frey. This all a bit X files for me.’
Freya smiled. They’d all been addicted to X-Files and binged watched the series more times than they would admit it.
‘Okay, Mulder. Let’s get you some answers.’
Kasha called over from the other side of the table. Alex flushed and Drakon tapped his cane on the table and brought the meeting to order for Freya hoped was the final time. Penelope had been busy in the kitchen and brought out some freshly brewed coffee and a pile of cookies and cakes.
‘What’s everyone else eating?’ Dominique enquired. Kasha slapped his hand away as he reached his large shovel of a hand over the top of the cookies.
‘New cult members eat and drink first.’ Drakon stated as he poured himself a coffee. Taking a flask from his pocket, he unscrewed it and topped up his cup. He saw Alex staring and tilted the silver flask in his direction.
‘Hell yes. Thanks.’ Alex reached over and poured a generous measure into his drink.
Whilst they drank and ate biscuits Freya imagined finding out she was a witch and part of a group she wouldn’t have ever thought she would be with Alex and calmy eating cookies and drinking around a table in cabin with the sunlight dancing on the ceiling. She would have imagined darkness, mystery and well just a little bit more witchery shenanigans. She zoned out a little bit as Penelope retold the story she’d already heard. She was impressed that Alex kept so quiet and only asked the odd question.
Freya stared down at her hands, wondering why her hands hadn’t glowed. What did it mean? Maybe it hadn’t worked but they had said she would die if it wasn’t right and she certainly wasn’t dead. Other than the dizzy spell she didn’t feel any different. How was she supposed to find out what her power was.
Finally, Alex spoke, ‘Well, shit. That’s a lot to take in and despite the glowing hands I’m not sure I believe you. You could have done something to me when I was asleep. But more important than that. How do we get my sister away from this Alaric?’
‘You’ve left out the most important part?’ Drakon cut in.
‘Drakon.’ A warning from Penelope.
Drakon ignored her. ‘Freya and Alex have repeatedly told us they want to know everything. Why people are in such a rush nowadays I do not know. We used to have to wait months for a letter to arrive by ship. None of this instant communication. It’s spoilt humanity.’
Kasha sighed, ‘Get on with it Drakon. We don’t want another lecture on how much better life was hundreds of years ago.’
Freya touched Alex’s leg and squeezed, warning him not to ask. As she started to move it, his hand covered hers.
‘It’s quite clear to me that we should have all died during that ceremony. It’s dangerous enough with one witch. We’ve already established that our newcomer here is the Sixth Witch, with our boat girl Freya, this completes our coven.’ He paused to take a sip of his drink as if he had all the time in the world.
Kasha coughed and with a quirk of his eyebrow, Drakon continued.
‘It has never been like this before. The fact we survived and do not feel drained of our power. If anything, I haven’t felt this charged up since our last full coven. It is no coincidence that Freya and Alex know one another. As usual Alaric is one step ahead of us. Alex and his twin sister are blood kin to Mary.’
Alex choked, ‘Wait Mary as in Mary and Joseph?’
Once the laughter had died down, even Drakon wiped a tear from his eye.
‘I think we are going to enjoy having you around, Alex. No. There are other more famous people than that Mary. One that is spoken of only in the shadows. She is a guardian of the witches’ book and along with Alaric’s twin brother, Tobias gave birth to twins. They have the birthright and blood lineage to two of the most important witches of our time.’
Mary
Mary knew she was with child. She knew it wasn’t normal to know so early but she did. It changed her. She wasn’t alone. She had someone to protect. Someone’s life depended on her. Right then the old Mary who had been cocooned in a chrysalis since she born, finally transformed. She would fight to her death for her child.
‘What shall we do?’ Mary asked and Tobias turned at the new tone her voice. Assured and confident. No sense of fear. He didn’t have time to think about it more. His brother was here.
‘My brother will have more people with him, Mary. You must escape. Out plan to outsmart him will not work. You need to take the book and leave. You must keep the book safe. You need to find a full coven as I have told you and they must write Alaric’s name in blood in the book and then you must burn the book.’
Mary tried to take it all in, conscious that they time together had come to an end. She felt an overwhelming sense of loss.
‘But won’t burning the book damage or kill the other witches, Tobias. I cannot harm them?’
‘No. Only the Sixth Witch has the power to kill other witches using the book. The scribe must write the name in Alaric’s blood.’ Tobias looked upwards as the clear sound of people digging above caused dust to drop down, ‘then the Sixth Witch has to burn it using the power of the coven. In that order, Mary. It must be done this way. Do you understand?’ Tobias gripped her hand, a shock ran through them.
‘I cannot leave you here, Tobias. We must try to stop him. I cannot do this without you. I don’t know enough.’
‘Do not panic. The women you met on that first night will protect you and guide you. They are ready to take you away.’
Tobias pulled a lever in the bookcase and it opened to a dark, cold tunnel stretching endlessly into the earth.
‘Go quickly. Keep going to the end and wait there. They will come for you soon. You must trust them. They are part of my coven and will protect you until the end. Here…’ Tobias grabbed a bag with the book and hooked it over her shoulder.
‘But how will get the Alaric blood to end this?’
Tobias stroked the red brooch which held her cloak together, ‘His blood is inside. Do not tell anyone else. Not even the other witches. No-one must know this other than you. Not until you find The Sixth Witch and the coven. Not until you can end this.’
The sounds were getting louder above, ‘I cannot live without you Tobias. We have had so little time together.’ Mary cried.
Tobias reached out and placed his shaking hand on her stomach, ‘Long enough my darling.’
Wide eyed, Mary realised that he knew her secret.
‘I will protect our baby, Tobias. I promise you I will. I will keep them safe.’
‘I know you will. It could be more years than you’ve ever thought possible. You will have to change your name and identity many times. You will have to protect our family. Your father will help.’ Tobias touched her cheek as she started to protest, ‘I’m sorry. there is still so much to tell you but know your father will protect you. He is still alive. You can trust him, you’ve always known that.’ Tears spilled down his face as he reached forward and gently kissed her before closing the door and leaving Mary in the dark.
Chapter Nineteen
Silence covered the group. Freya didn’t know what to say. This was one of the weirdest conversations of her life and the fact that her childhood friends were part of it blew her mind. She thought back to a tarot reading many years ago and wished she’d paid more attention.
‘Okay,’ Alex finally said, leaning his arms on the table and showing off his impressive muscles. Freya looked up to see Kasha smirking at her and turned away, blushing, ‘Me and my sis are blood lineage to this Mary and Tobias and Alaric is, was, whatever,’ Alex waved his hand dismissing the complication, ‘his twin brother. Because we are related it means me, along with Freya, who is also a witch scribe.’
Penelope decided not to interrupt him to correct the term.
‘Can write Alaric’s name in blood in this witch book and then when we burn it we will kill him and save my sis.’
‘Correct.’ Drakon stated.
‘Well, sounds easy. The question is, where is the book and how do we get Alaric’s blood? Do we even need it? Wouldn’t my blood work as we have the same DNA?’
‘No. We need his blood but you don’t need to worry as Freya already has it.’
‘I do?’ Freya asked wondering if she’d missed something. She still felt very out of it and concentrating on Alex’s voice was soothing but she wasn’t concentrating.
Penelope leaned over and pointed to the brooch, ‘Alaric’s blood is inside.’
Freya touched the brooch, a slight feeling of revulsion as she looked closely and could see it wasn’t a solid ruby as she thought. It was liquid. Blood.
‘So,’ Alex said, ‘we have the blood. What about the book?’
Penelope turned and muttering a few words a waist height glass display cabinet appeared in the corner of the room. Freya stole a look at Alex as his eyes widened, just as hers had when she’d seen Penelope’s little witchy trick.
‘Neat.’ Alex exclaimed.
Freya pushed her chair back and walked over to the cabinet. Inside was a very old leather worn book and next to it a quill, which she thought could be made of bone and a stone ink well. Her fingers itched to touch it. She flicked open the catch and raised the lid.
‘It’s yours, Freya.’ Penelope whispered softy at her side.
Freya reached inside and closed her eyes as she gently stoked the book. It felt as if it was hers. She couldn’t explain it but it was as if she’d found a long lost favourite book which had been stored away and rediscovered. Opening her eyes she turned the page and her eyes scanned the names, each group of six had at least one name scratched out.
Turning the pages she found them. Her coven. Her people. She traced her hand down the names; Penelope, Drakon, Dominique, Kasha in faded red flowing script. Caitlyn and Willian crossed out and two new bold red names, Freya and Alex.
‘Well, would you look at that.’ Penelope said in awe, as the group gathered around to stare.
Freya’s finger left the page and traced the bone quill. It glowed under her touch as she stroked down the ridges. It felt familiar. Without knowing why, she took off the brooch and placed it carefully into the stone bowl, which was stained brown with many years of past use from the blood used to write in the book.
She stared at the gems, wondering if she needed to break them somehow to get to the blood. Penelope reached over her arm and hand glowing with tattoo’s she hovered it about the bowl. As they watched the sold gems turned to liquid and dripped into the bottom of the bowl.
Freya picked up the quill and dipped it into the blood.
‘What do I do now?’ she asked.
Mary
Mary cried silently as the door closed behind her. The dank, dark smells and noises assailed her senses and she covered her mouth and she felt the bile rise in her throat.
She couldn’t bare to hear the noises and ran as quickly as she could stumbling on hidden tree roots. She wondered if she would spend the rest of her life running in the darkness. At the point of exhaustion, she saw a dim light in the distance.
‘Come.’ A female voice she recognised from the day she’d first been brought into this world. Were they always destined to meet in the darkness.
Mary was grateful to lay in the cart. She’d had to argue with them because they had their orders but she wasn’t the quiet Mary anymore. She had loved and lost and she had a baby to protect. The idea had come to her as she had travelled through the darkness.
She stared up fondly at the room which held her old life in the church and in the cover of darkness she dug a hole and hid the brooch. As she turned to go, she spotted a fox watching from the shadows of the tree. A piercing noise shattered the night, as a beautiful barn owl landed on the tree above.
She could feel the urgency to leave but also a peaceful feeling settled on her. She nodded at the fox knowing the brooch would be safe until the time was right.
They arrived at the docks many weeks later. Her father was waiting as Tobias had promised. Sobbing she ran into his arms, heedless of the smell and filth which surrounded her.
‘Come child. You are no longer alone.’
Chapter Twenty
Alaric lifted Ali’s lolling head. She had put up a fight. He’d smiled as she’d held the glowing poker in front of her. If he needed any further confirmation that they were indeed related then this secured it in his mind.
He’d been hoping to capture the brother but she would do as bait. It was strange how throughout the generations one twin had the power and one did not. The universe would have its balance.
Ali’s eyes opened and it was if he was looking into his brothers’ eyes. He let go of her head and she grunted as it snapped back down.
Alaric’s head turned sharply as he saw a shadow. It had been a while since Tobias had appeared to him. It came as no surprise it came now as he was on the cusp of securing the book. He’d wished he could have turned his brother to his side but he had never understood the need to be something more. He had the power. Alaric turned his ageing hands which should have turned to dust years ago but he had found a way with the witches he’d persuaded. He smiled, his brother wouldn’t have used that word. He’s been lucky enough to meet a witch on his wavelength, who was sick of playing nice. Between them they’d found other witches on the list and held them captive to ensure the loyalty of the others.
‘Where am I?’
Alaric clapped his hands, grateful to let his brother’s ghost go.
‘Ali. It’s so nice you could join us. Sorry if my friends were a little forceful. They weren’t quite prepared for the resistance.’
‘I don’t understand who you are or why I am here but you better let me go because I will not go quietly.’
‘Now you,’ he pointed at Ali, ‘should have been The Sixth Witch and not your brother. Maybe I would have changed my plans if that had been the case. We could have had so much fun with your spirit.’
Ali scoffed as she rubbed the back of her hand, her eyes darting around the disappointingly barren room void of any weapons. Alaric watched her looking around. She reminded of him at that age.
‘What the hell is this about a witch? Are you one of those lunatic fanatics because you’ve got the wrong person. I don’t believe in any of that shit.’
‘No,’ Alaric said bending down in front of her, ‘but your very good friend Freya does.’
Ali’s face paled, ‘What do you know about Freya?’
It was the first time he’d heard her sound scared. Humans were so weak. Concern for others was always their weakness. People could endure endless days and nights of pain, he’d inflicted a lot over his years but put a loved one in danger and they would crumble and give him anything he wanted.
‘Your little tarot loving friend is currently hiding out in a cabin with your brother Alex.’ He lowered his voice to a whisper even though they were alone, ‘they are plotting my demise, thinking they are being clever. As usual, they are one step behind.’
‘I don’t believe you.’ Ali declared, challenge in her tone.
‘Oh, my child, it doesn’t really matter what you believe. You have no concept of time and patience. Of the sacrifice required to wait for the perfect moment. I have been waiting for your friend Freya for a very long time and not to mention your brother. They are the final pieces.’
‘What do you mean? Are you completely mad.’
Alaric barked a laugh. This Ali was entertaining. It was a shame she would have to die but all great moments required sacrifices.
‘Maybe, my dear. Maybe. We will soon see.’
‘Freya and my brother will not let you get away with this. Freya has powers you know. There has always been something about her. I think you ought to just forget it and let me go.’
Alaric could feel his thoughts pull towards her voice and he looked sharply back at her. Maybe she did have some power. Maybe she was the one and not Alex. Doubt tugged at him for a second. No. She it was her off hand direct manner he decided.
Ignoring her he continued, ‘Did Freya perhaps mention that she’d come across a gravestone with her name and date of death?’
Ali sat up straight but didn’t answer but her action was all the confirmation he needed.
‘I added that little detail. Sadly, her date of death will be a lot sooner but it served a purpose for her to find the brooch and here we are.’ He raised hands, ‘everyone where they need to be.’
‘Wow, you’re so clever.’ Ali said drolly, ‘If my hands weren’t tied, I would clap.’
Alaric felt a slight annoyance and then laughed, ‘You really are one of the most entertaining people I have met. It’s not surprising we share a blood line.’
Ali’s eyes went wide at this as Alaric explained their shared heritage and exactly what he was going to do to her friend and brother.
The next post has chapters 21-26
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Power the author
C.L. Peache 