Episode 28
Anne and Johnathan watched as Professor Increase Mather hurried away from his house. Earlier in the evening, while at the library and sitting behind stacks of book discussing the events of the day, they saw the professor walk quickly across the room and stop near the shadow of the stage. The man began having a conversation, which carried its way to where they sat. They overheard a heated argument the man was having with someone or something they did not see.
“I know the time is near,” they heard Mather say angrily. “Don’t worry about that, I’ll make sure everything is taken care of.”
They could hear low, ominous tones like icy fingers that seemed to reach out to them. Once again they heard the professor speak. “I will meet you by the large memorial rock when the moon is high in the sky.”
Once Anne and Jon discovered that the moon would be at its highest point at three twelve in the morning they staked out the man’s home. They shivered as the waited in the cool October night for the man to leave. When they saw him depart, they hurriedly made their way to his house and quietly pushed a slightly open window up. In spite of the cold blast of air that greeted them as they entered the house they began their exploration.
Jon had leaned against the fireplace and a panel opened revealing a secret panel. “Come on,” he whispered. “I bet this is where we’ll find something.”
“I must have been out of my mind to let you persuade me to snoop around his house for stupid clues. We don’t even know what we are looking for,” whispered Anne.
“We’ll know it when we see it,” Jon said as the light from his flashlight flitted around the room. “There,” he said pointing to a tall, dark cabinet that filled the end of the secret room.”
An hour later, the two students stood inside Anne’s home. When she reached for the light switch, Jon said, “No…leave it off.”
“Why, don’t you want to see what we found?”
“A light on at this time of night will bring attention.” Johnathan moved closer to Anne. “We need to get this to Miss Parris and let her see what we found. For all we know, it might be of some use to them.”
“All right,” Anne whispered. “But I’m telling you that you’re taking all the blame if she gets upset with us. After all, she did ask us to be very discreet in everything we do–breaking into Professor DeVille’s home is what I’d call prudent.”
Just as dawn broke that morning, Johnathan and Anne were walking toward the farm to show the two women their discovery.
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The morning came too quickly for Abigail. Sensing that no one was up yet, she dressed and made her way to the barn’s loft. Lighting the kerosene lamp hanging next to the door and taking it in her hand, she carefully climbed the ladder. Putting the lamp down on the ledge, she carefully moved a large bale of hay that camouflaged a trap door.
Opening the door, she sighed. Sarah had insisted they install the door and she was glad she agreed. It has indeed come in handy…especially at a time like this, Abigail thought.
It was indeed a well-constructed hiding place. Not only did it not have any type of handle, but also no one below, who might be looking at the ceiling, would know that the slight indentation actually held a hiding place big enough for a small child like Dorcas to hide. We need to keep her safe–she is our future.
Pulling out the heavy metal box, she mumbled a few words of a chant then slowly opened the box. No one knew of the contents existence and it was time she told Sarah about it. She lifted out a talisman that was round in shape except that one side of it had a very small nearly invisible hook. The design was rather intricate, and the center of it seemed to have held, at one time, an object.
Abigail brought the talisman to her lips and kissed it reverently. ”I have to find the other half of this Circle of Power quickly before the time of the evil is upon us.” She placed the box back in the secret place, took the lamp, and climbed back down the ladder. I need to find Sarah.
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Sarah busied herself in the kitchen making breakfast. She hadn’t slept all that well the night before–Gloria’s revelations were disturbing. Once the woman and the professor left, she and Abigail sat quietly discussing the impending doom that was sure to come. When she heard the door open, she looked and saw a drawn Abigail come toward her.
“I see you didn’t sleep well either,” she said pouring a cup of tea for the woman.
“No, I didn’t.” Abigail took the offered tea gratefully and sat down at the table. “Sarah, please sit, I have something to show you.”
The seriousness of Abigail’s voice made Sarah shiver as she sat next to the woman. “Ok.”
Abigail pulled the talisman out of her pocket and laid it on the table. “This is the Circle of Power. We will need it to be successful in the coming fight.”
Sarah picked up the beautifully intricate talisman and frowned. “What belongs in the middle?”
“The Emerald of Life,” Abigail whispered. “It was lost in the last war.”
“Will it help us without the stone?”
“I don’t know–we won’t know until the time comes.”
Both women looked toward the door when they heard a knock.
“Are we expecting anyone,” Sarah asked. “The Professor and Gloria aren’t coming until this evening.”
Abigail got up and hurried to the door. She cautiously opened it and saw Anne and Johnathan standing with solemn expressions on their faces. “Why have you come here?” she asked.
“We have found something that we think will interest you.”
+ + +
Abigail, Sarah, Anne, and Johnathan sat around the kitchen table as they inspected what was in the delicately carved wooden box.
Amber eyes fixed on the two visitors. “Where did you get this,” she demanded.
Anne’s face went red as she hit Jon’s arm. “I told you she’d be angry.”
Johnathan swallowed hard and said, “Professor Mather’s.”
“You were in his house?”
Squirming, Johnathan said, “We overheard him telling someone that he would take care of everything. We heard him say something about witches.” With eyes wide open he said, “You are the only witches around here right?”
Silence invaded the kitchen for several minutes. Finally, Abigail said, “This must be returned.”
“How?” Sarah asked.
A low, deep voice began an incantation. When Abigail said, “Make it so,” the box disappeared.
Feeling disappointed, Johnathan said, “Was there nothing in it that we can use?”
“Now, I understand,” was all Abigail said before she stood up. “Come back here this evening,” she said. “All will be revealed around the Circle of Truth.”
+ + +
Episode 29
Nos dico ut vox ut mos aide huic nostrum quest
We call to the powers that will aide in this our quest
Nos dico ut Ventus futurus nostrum rector huic nostrum quest
We call to the Wind to be our guide in this our quest
Nos dico ut orbis terrarum futurus nostrum vires huic nostrum quest
We call to the Earth to be our strength in this our quest
Nos dico ut Incendia futurus nostrum contego huic nostrum quest
We call to the Fire to be our shield in this our quest
Nos dico ut Unda futurus nostrum phasmatis purgo huic nostrum quest
We call to the Water to be our spirit cleanser in this our quest
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Abigail Parris intoned each word while Sarah and Dorcas Good, Anne, Johnathan, Professor Increase Mather, and Gloria recited the words. Their arms raised to the sky, palms out, spoke along with her as was prescribed in the Book of Spells.
As the chant to the Wind ended, the breeze surrounding the five people began to pick up. When they called to the Earth, the ground beneath their feet shook. A ring of fire, at least ten feet from the chanters, grew from the ground, surrounding them in its protective heat when they called upon the Fire. A raging downpour from the skies cleansed their bodies, as well as their souls, when they called the Water.
The three witches, the professor, and Gloria were standing in an open glade situated within a forest, miles from the small community they resided in. Abigail had chanted a protective spell around the area encircling them to keep prying eyes from seeing any of the goings on.
+ + +
Nos scisco vox protego nos ex ullus vulnero ut vires exsisto directus nostrum via huic quest nos es super conscendo navem super.
We ask the powers to protect us from any harm that might be directed our way in this quest we are about to embark upon.
Nos denique dico super vox quos nos scisco rectum nos per is quest
We finally call upon the power and ask it to guide us through this quest
Vox of Visum…Preteritus , Tendo , Posterus… ut sino nos video vidi visum ut quod nos postulo video vidi visum iuvo is letalis mulier
Power of Vision…Past, Present, Future…that allows us to see that which we need to see to help this mortal woman.
As Abigail finished the last line, a large, white cloud with images taking shape appeared over their heads.
The five spectators watched as the images came into clearer focus and they heard a deafening sound that was not there before. A soft gasp rose, but a hard glare from Abigail silenced anything else from the guilty party. Mesmerized, they all carefully observed the events that were rapidly transpiring before their very eyes.
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“A female,” said with disdain. “Take her and do whatever you please with her. The mother died during the birth, and I do not abide any female heirs.” With that, the man turned away from the person he had been talking to and went back into the house.
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“Betsy, are you done with those chores yet?” an old hag asked the small child at the sink washing dishes.
“I’m just finishing the dishes, grama,” the six-year-old answered.
“You should have been done by now. Have you been playing while I was gone?”
“No, grama,” the youngster fearfully replied.
“You have, haven’t you? I’m gonna have to teach you to do as you are told to do, even if I’m not here.”
“No, grama..! No, grama..! No, grama..!” the child cried out while trying to find a safe place from the belt landing on her small body.
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“Hey, wench, where’s my supper? I’m hungry.”
A woman brings a plate of food, which she places in front of the man.
“What the hell is this?”
“Your dinner…”
“It looks more like something fit for the pigs to eat. I want real food! A nice chunk of meat and fresh bread would be real nice. I work hard every day, and it is your duty as my wife to make sure that I am happy. And this slop does not make me happy.”
“How am I supposed to get the meat and bread? Just speak the magic words and they will appear?” said sarcastically. SPLAT! She wasn’t able to cover her face, since she never saw the slap coming.
“You never better talk to me that way again, you worthless piece of dung?” The man kicked her with a boot or slugged her with his fist as he said each word. “Do you understand me?”
+
Each scene after that was more of the same and despite the woman’s efforts to avoid the abuse the man continued to beat her. But after the twelfth scene, something had changed–the woman was no longer the same.
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“Are you going to continue letting him belittle you and beat you up? You don’t have to. Come with me and I will show you how to avenge yourself from all those who have done you harm.”
“All the beatings must be making me lose my mind. I’m beginning to hear things,” she mumbled.
“No, you’re not losing your mind. I can help you. All you have to do is ask for my help. Come with me and I will show you a better life. The finest clothes, the best food, all you have ever dreamed of will be yours for the asking. All you have to do is ask, and it will be granted.”
The observers could see the woman’s mind wavering, but she did not give in to the voice. However, after a few more beatings and verbal abuse…
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“Come with me. Let me take you away from this and show you a better life.”
The woman lay on the bed after a beating and forcefully taken. The man, who called himself her owner, lay passed out next to her.
“I will help you to get your revenge on the man, and no one will find out it was you. Come with me and I will give you all that you desire.”
“I desire a slow and painful death for him for all that he has done to me,” she whispered into the dark room.
“I shall grant it to you.”
“At my hand!”
“So it shall be.”
The next morning, they found the man hanging by his feet tied to a rafter–his body, skinned and gutted had an apple stuffed in his mouth. They found the woman in bed–she was too frail in appearance to be the suspect who perpetrator of the heinous act of violence. The only blood within the confines of the small house was below the corpse. A trail of blood leading out the front door led the curious neighbor to look inside the humble hovel. Soon after the murder, the woman left town, claiming she could not live there any longer after the event. Packing her meager belongings, she headed out of town and to the clearing a few miles away where her ‘savior’ was to meet her.
“I am here. I have come to be with you and the new life you have promised me.”
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The next scenes presented to the group were of the woman’s initiation into the domain of the Evil One. The woman listened to the teachings and was quick on the uptake of the lessons taught.
They watched as calculated animosity, discontent, and chaos slowly spread over community after community. Eventually, it lead to the Great Battle between the Evil One and the Orders of the Witches.
The last scene to unfold manifested that not all people are born evil and always have an opportunity to redeem themselves from their wrongdoings.
“Aha, just who I was looking for,” announced the Evil One.
The woman, with a confused expression upon her face, looked from the man beside her to the children playing ahead of them. “Who do you mean?”
“That child before us…she will be a great hindrance in our endeavors if we do not eliminate her now.”
“She’s just a child! How can she interfere in the plans that are ready to become a reality?”
“Do you question me?” was asked in a calm, quiet voice.
The woman recognized the tone of voice, but it was a child? What possible danger could a child be? “I am questioning the logic behind eliminating an innocent child.”
Boisterous laughter was all that was heard after the woman’s statement until there was complete silence. “No one is innocent, NO ONE! And NO ONE shall stand between me and my goal!”
The woman knew what was coming, and just as the Evil One unleashed his anger, she jumped in front of the child, protecting her from any harm. The blast of energy engulfed the woman, and with her last few breaths, she turned and looked at her master with a look of peace upon her face.
“Noooooooooooooooooooo…!”
The cloud disappeared and all eyes turned to Gloria. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She had been the one to make the ultimate sacrifice.
+ + +
Episode 30
Dorcas gave the two adults sitting at the breakfast table each a long look. Neither had spoken except for a few pleasantries as Abigail entered the house for the morning ritual. To her childlike eyes they appeared to be avoiding each other as she did when one of her many games went array.
“Can you show me more neat tricks Abby?” When there was no immediate answer, Dorcas frowned and continued. “Halloween is tomorrow night–can I fly the broomstick again? It will be cool.”
Sarah who was dishing out the hash browns and bacon only half-listened to her daughter’s words. Her mind filled with the erotic dream she’d had the night before. If Abigail found out about it, she’d have a seizure. She still felt tingles running through her body at the suggestive notion of her dream about her and Abigail together in an intimate position.
Abigail looked up into Sarah’s unguarded face and saw a flash of desire in the eyes. Her breathing stopped for a second as she recalled the dream of the previous night–it was so vivid. Was it real? Not even Sarah would stoop so low as to use magic to enhance a relationship. For a few seconds more, Abigail captured Sarah’s eyes and tried to focus in on her thoughts – she wished she hadn’t.
Clearing her voice and looking down at the plate of food in front of her, she quietly thanked Sarah. Then she began to eat the food, which tasted like sawdust in her dry mouth. Sarah’s meals were normally delicious – not this time.
For a few moments, Sarah felt connected to Abigail–that had never happened before. She fervently hoped the white witch hadn’t read her thoughts. From the moment their eyes met she knew deep down that a physical relationship with Abigail wasn’t abhorrent to her. It was totally the opposite–acceptable and right.
Dorcas frowned heavily as once more her question had been ignored. Trying again to permeate the unusual atmosphere in the room, she said, “We’re going to the fair in the town aren’t we Mamma?”
Sarah heard what her child said and shook her head. “Sorry Dor, you know we can’t do that. Tomorrow night of all nights in the year we have to stay home and keep vigilant.”
Dorcas pulled a face and tears began to roll down her cheeks. “Oh mamma we never have any fun?”
Abigail drew herself out of the reverie she was in and frowned. “Dorcas, you have fun all the time. I have to go to work. I need to take care of the stocktaking.”
Sarah wanted to stop Abigail from leaving. She didn’t know why, but the dream had trigger feelings in her that now clamored for acknowledgement. She needed to feel Abigail’s icy calm and often remote expression to bring her back to reality. “Will you be home at the usual time for dinner?”
Abigail gave the question a little thought then with a shrug and no answering glance, muttered, “Probably. I’ll see you both later.”
Sarah and Dorcas both watched as Abigail pushed back her chair from the kitchen table and left the room without another word or gesture. Baltazar happily consuming his own meal growled softly as he dragged himself away from the tasty morsels to follow his mistress.
“Mamma why is Abigail mad at us this morning? I promise I haven’t done anything bad since the broomstick.” Dorcas’ eyes turned to her mother for understanding.
Sarah concentrated her gaze on the door that had shut behind Abigail. Then it dawned on her why the white witch might be spooked. Placing a hand to her mouth, she prevented the sob of embarrassment leaving her lips. The words on the other hand were not so fortunate. “Oh no she read my thoughts.”
Dorcas giggled as she saw the look of shock on her mother’s face. Cheerfully she said, “Of course she does Mamma. She reads mine all the time. Didn’t you know that?” The child giggled even more as her face turned red.
“I knew that, of course I knew that. Now Dor, I need you to fetch Tekchuba and Jules. We all have work to do.” Sarah busied herself collecting the breakfast dishes and hoped that her initial thoughts were incorrect.
Half an hour later across town, Abigail opened up the pharmacy and locked the door behind her. Striding as fast as she could across the sparkling clean floor, she opened the door of her tiny office. Once inside, she locked the behind her before sinking down in the chair opposite the computer to stare blankly at the flat dormant screen. Her mind was in chaos–a dream that had come from out of nowhere, had unsettled her. She should be concentrating instead on what was important–the Evil One. Automatically switching on the computer, she waited for it to boot up, as her mind traversed what was important. Then she realized the truth. It wasn’t just the Evil One but Sarah and Dorcas who where important to her too–perhaps more.
Moments later, she entered the code that accessed all her files and she began to download any messages as the clock on the wall chimed out the hour. Pushing a hand through her hair, she sighed heavily.“ It’s Friday and I’m going to be so busy I won’t have the time to think about Sarah or that blasted dream.” Walking out of the room, she headed to the front door, unlock it, and flip over the sign that indicated the shop was open for business. As she walked back, she couldn’t help but savior the fleeting memory of full lips pressed to her own and an insistent tongue possessing the inside of her mouth.
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Episode 31
“For all the love of the English china…can’t we ever have some peace and quiet around this house?” Exasperated, Abigail sat the big, black kettle down on the kitchen table with a bang.
Dorcas turned around to face a fuming Abigail, now covered in goop. Giggling and pointing at her, she remarked, “Now, that is what I call a vision. What happened to you, Abby?”
Before Abby could answer, they heard a loud crash outside the house. Running to the window, Abby and Dorcas saw the one-hundred year old oak had fallen–its roots resting on the ground. The once blue bright sunny sky had turned into a greenish gray color, and the wind howled picking up so fast and hard it was almost impossible to hear one another even with all the windows closed. Quickly, she gathered all the bottles containing dried ingredients for the potion she was about to make and ordered Dorcas to bring the kettle.
“Get your mother and both of you meet me in the basement, QUICKLY! NOW!
Yelling at the top of her lungs, Dorcas called to her mother, who was just running down the stairs. “Quick, Mamma, Abby wants us in the basement right away.” Without hesitation, Sarah picked up Dorcas and ran down the stairs to the basement.
“The evil one is here,” Abigail said over the loud clamor. Sarah, lock the door and light all the candles with the exception of the white pillars. Locate the dried bat wings, essence of the black spider, and claws of the wild iguanas. Dorcas help me build a fire,” ordered Abby.
Sensing the urgency of the order, Dorcas moved with speed and started gathering the dried twigs they had purposely kept in one corner for emergencies. Abby filled the kettle with water and settled it on the old stove. Waiting for it to boil, Abby and Sarah arranged the bottles of dried herbs then sat down on either side of Dorcas.
Dorcas, who was a normally an inquisitive child, remained silent. Suddenly, she jumped and said, “Gloria is at the door.” Unlocking the basement doors and before Abby and Sarah could stop her, she ran up the stairs.
At the top of the stairs, they heard the continuous loud banging as someone called their names. They found a drenched Gloria holding tight in her chest a basket covered with moss. Immediately pulling her inside, Abigail once again locked the door. “Take Gloria to the basement and make some tea.”
Dorcas went to the kitchen to get the tea box while Abby, who in her haste forgot to draw the circle on the floor, quickly prepared to make one. Once everyone was in the basement, Sarah asked Gloria, “What were you doing out there, Gloria? Why did you come here?”
“I don’t know. I sensed something malevolent was going to happen, so I ran here. Ann will not be home for another day or two. She went to see the Professor last night, but telephoned me to say she was going to spend the weekend with her friend Johnathan. I brought some of the herbs I have been drying. Please do not ask me why I did, because I do not have any explanations. All I know is that we might need them,” she replied while removing the moss covering her basket.
“Panax schin-seng!” Abby exclaimed. “Where did you find it? Sarah and I searched for days and were not able to find any!”
“Behind the house. They were not easy to locate at night. They are best gathered in the evening, after the sun has set, to keep their effectiveness.”
Waiting for the water to boil, they deftly put the right amount of herbs and the dried bat wings, claws of wild iguanas, and essence of the black spider. Sarah scooped some water out of the kettle and began to prepare their tea while Abby and Gloria pounded the ingredients they needed.
After all the ingredients were in the boiling water, they held hands and formed a circle around the stove. Abby began to chant, and soon, the three joined in. Taking two small pinches of the Panax schin-seng, Abby threw it in the kettle. The potion started to spew, and steam came out. It was time to put them in small bottles.
Soon, they were sitting around the table sipping their tea. Curiously, Abby and Sarah turned to Dorcas.
“How did you know it was Gloria at the door?”
“I don’t know. I just thought it was her,” Dorcas replied with a shrug.
“What are we going to do now, Abby?” asked Sarah.
“Wait and see if he shows up here,” the quick reply came. Then with a half smile in Sarah’s direction, she added, “Don’t forget the house is protected. No evil can enter unless we allow it.”
Sarah felt a warm glow fill her at Abby’s smile–it changed the woman’s features from austere to simply beautiful. “That’s good to know. I…I want to thank you for protecting us Abby.” She waved a hand at her child and the older woman sitting close to Dorcas. “It means a lot to me–us.”
For a moment, Abigail was stunned into silence then she nodded in her usual fashion and raised a hand to clear away more of the gook Dorcas had inadvertently sent her way. She was completely taken aback when a strong hand much smaller than her own began to wipe away the mess from her face. It felt like the gentle caress of a summer breeze in a wood–complete with the odd scratch from a passing branch as Sarah’s calloused hands moved over her face. For most anyone else, the sensation would be slightly unpleasant. To her, it had erotic connotations that sent her heart beating rapidly. Raising her eyes, she caught Sarah’s and they gazed at each other for an instant of time until they both guiltily dropped their gazes as Dorcas cried out.
“People are outside.”
Abigail concentrated hard on the outer perimeter dropping her defenses to access the true nature of Dorcas’s revelation. Through the mist in her mind, she saw three shadows walking onto the porch of the farmstead but other than shadowy images, she was unable to make out just who they were. A bead of sweat formed on her forehead as she felt the trickle of perspiration pass over the frown above her eyes. She scrunched her eyelids as tight as possible to help with her concentration. Then the darkness faded and the three figures revealed were, Professor Mather, Anne Putnam, and Johnathan Proctor. Incredibly, as soon as she recognized them, they retreated into the shadowy recess once more. Flicking open her eyes, Abigail felt the tension in the basement as all eyes looked to her for guidance. Her smile disappeared as soon as it appeared.
“Abigail who is it? Is it the Evil One?” Sarah asked as she gazed at the pinched features of the white witch.
Sighing heavily, Abigail hung her head and took in a deep breath. Although she couldn’t say why, something was wrong and it had to do with the three people who they now considered allies. “The Professor, Anne, and Johnathan.”
Sarah grinned and turned to the others. “Oh that’s ok then. I’ll go let them in.” She bounced up and was about to go when she stopped.
“Sarah, it might not be what it appears to be, I’d better come with you.” Attempting to stand from her position on the floor within the circle, the white witch felt the room spin.
Sarah shook her hand and gently pressed Abigail back down to a seated position. “You need to take a few minutes to rest. I’ll be fine. Besides, Tekchuba and Jules will protect me.” She didn’t wait for a reply as she headed to the trap door leading back into the main building. Climbing the stairs, she muttered under her breath, “That’s assuming I can find them.”
Gloria silently watched the interaction between the two witches–there was a clear bond–how deep it ran who knew. What she did glean from the few words spoken was that Abigail wondered if their friends were somehow corrupted. Many things could have happened since she’d seen them in the last twenty-four hours – too many to contemplate. Standing, she smiled at Dorcas and quietly said, “I’ll go with your mother to make sure nothing happens to her.”
Dorcas stood too and loudly said, “You can’t go Gloria. It’s too dangerous for you. Mamma is where she has to be right now.” The child turned to the woman seated on the floor. “Isn’t that so Abby?”
Abigail looked first at Gloria, saw her intention as genuine, and then to Dorcas and her sudden appreciation of what was going on. Her body might look six years old, but her mind had finally traversed the childlike stage, and the knowledge of centuries began to appear. Finally, she replied, “Will you both sit down you’re making me dizzy again.”
They both did and Dorcas sidled up to Abigail and nestled under the crook of her left arm.
Gloria reluctantly sat and shook her head. “What about Sarah?”
Abigail, gaining strength after her previous exertions, looked at the closed trapdoor. “As Dorcas said, Sarah is where she needs to be right now. The rest is up to her.”
A hollow silence descended the basement as Gloria closed her eyes and prayed. Abigail, sensing that Dorcas was fearful for her mother, pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. “She can do it Dor – we both know she can.”
The child didn’t answer. She simply burrowed her face into Abigail’s side and shut her eyes as she began concentrating hard.
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Episode 32
Sarah frowned as she heard the faint tapping on the heavy door of the homestead. With a slight smile, she loudly said, “You’d think if they knock any harder the door won’t fall apart.” In the dimness of the parlor, Sarah gazed around for one absent cat and the devoted but sometimes cowardly dragon–she saw neither.
“Tek, Jules where the heck are you?” she softly called. When no answer came, she bellowed, “Where are you?” just as she would call for Dorcas in the fields. It had the immediate effect as both Tek and Jules jumped up from their silent, and it would appear, invisible positions. They moved into her limited line of vision–the candle her only light source.
“Mistress, you…called.” Tekchuba purred. The dark slit of her eyes cleared and angled in a disapproving way.
Sarah nodded. “I did. We have visitors. Tek, I want you to go outside and check that the coast is clear before I let them in. It’s the professor, Anne and Johnathan.”
“Why me? It could be dangerous out there. What about her?” An irritated Tekchuba pointed to Jules who stood remarkably calmly and silently–it didn’t help to upset the mistress.
Sarah snorted her disgust with the cat’s cowardice. “I said you. Now go, we haven’t much time. The Evil One might be out there and you’re more than capable of looking after yourself.”
Tekchuba meowed in annoyance. “I’m not going on my own. Where’s Baltazar he should go. Better yet let Jules, she dispensable.”
Jules didn’t like the tone of the condescending cat and glared as hard as she could at the creature that had partially moved away. If only I could breathe fire–there’d be nothing left of that swishy thing she calls a tail.
“Look, I won’t have this conversation again. Go Tek or I’ll advise our Black Master Beldevrie that you are refusing to help when we need you the most.” Sarah began to walk towards the door and motioned for the dragon to follow.
Tekchuba, with a swish of her tail meowing furiously disappeared out of the room.
“What can I do to help Mistress?” Jules asked reluctantly. The small dragon felt the stirrings of evil penetrating the protection spell Abigail had placed on the house and the surrounding buildings.
Sarah smiled down at the tiny dragon–the poor creature might have been a mistake, but at that moment it was one of the best mistakes she’d ever made. “I’m glad you’re with me,” she said as she closed in on the door. “Can you reach out and sense if any evil is close by?”
“Yes Mistress,” the dragon replied. She kept her amethyst eyes locked on Sarah’s eyes.
Puzzled, Sarah asked, “Is that a yes you will do that for me or evil is outside?”
Jules had forgotten that Mistress Good was unlike Mistress Parrish–she didn’t have the telepathy connection of the white witch. That’s such a pity–especially now. “Evil is close by Mistress. It is so close that it beckons me to follow.”
Sarah gave a gasp and touched the tuft of hair on the Dragon’s head. “Disconnect Jules. I don’t want to you lose you–in fact we aren’t going to lose anyone this evening or ever.” They were brave words, but deep down, that’s how she felt.
The knocking on the door became more persistent and Sarah pondered what to do next. Wait for Tek, or open the door and allow their new friends inside. “Decisions, decisions. How does Abby do this all day long? Maybe I need to tell her once in a while that I appreciate the role she plays in our lives.” A warm feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as she thought of Abigail and her daughter.
“Mistress Parrish would welcome the words I’m sure,” the dragon replied.
Sarah felt her cheeks grow warm as she realized that she’d spoken her thoughts out loud. Fortunately it is only Jules. “Yes, well Jules I’ve decided we can’t leave our friends out there to meet the Evil One–t wouldn’t be fair.” She proceeded to the door and reached out to open it.
“If you’re sure mistress,” Jules said not entirely convinced that it was a wise move.
As she opened the door and came face to face with her visitors, she ushered them in with a welcome.
Professor Mather stepped inside first with a ready smile to greet Sarah. He then shook away the leaves that had blown all over him while they waited on the porch.
Johnathan entered closely behind him. “Wow, are we glad you’re home. It’s evil out there.”
Sarah merely flicked her eyes upwards at the young man’s words. Then she glanced at Anne Putnam who didn’t appear too eager to step inside the house. “Are you coming in Anne? I really do need to close the door.”
Anne frowned. “Thanks,” she said as she stepped inside and flicked back the hair that had fallen over her eyes.
They all jumped when Tekchuba appeared to fall through the wall into the room startling everyone and meowing louder than any catcall anyone had ever heard. When she landed on the hard wood floor, she shook herself off and spoke without looking at anyone. “The Evil One is in disguise, don’t let them…in.” At the end of the sentence, Tek glanced around and realized she was too late. Insulted, the cat said, “You didn’t wait for my opinion!”
Sarah pulled a face. “Exactly what do you mean? Who shouldn’t I have let in?”
“Why them of course,” Tekchuba said. “The Evil One is inside this house Sarah. How are you going to explain that to our white witch?” Tekchuba smartly replied. “Sorry but I think I hear my name being called by Guy.” In an instant, the cat disappeared through the wall again.
Professor Mather blinked through his glasses. “What was wrong with your cat?”
Jules drew down on her long lip wondering how her mistress was going to tell them that the cat thought they were evil. Surprisingly enough, she felt nothing untoward about them.
Sarah felt as if all the color drained from her face as she opened her eyes wide and contemplated her predicament. Tek has to be wrong. She was upset because she had to go outside. When she came back, Sarah discarded her opinion.
Anne placed her hand on the black witch’s arm. “Are you alright Sarah? You look pale. At least, in this light, that is how you look to me. ”
When the contact made a searing fire shot through her arm, Sarah moved away quickly. “I’m fine. Look, you’re safe now. Exactly why are you here?”
No one spoke immediately. The Professor frowned and said, “Actually my dear, we don’t know. One minute I was thinking that I wish to see you – my young friends here will verify it was the same for them. The next thing we knew, we were at your door. We thought maybe Miss Parrish…” Thinking that he sounded absurd, he trailed off.
Sarah glanced at the young man. “Did that happen to you too?”
Johnathan nodded. “Yes, Anne and I had decided to come over we wanted to discuss something with Abigail.” When Anne nudged him in the ribcage, he yelped, “What?” as he turned accusing eyes in her direction.
“What indeed?” Sarah this time gave Anne Putnam a direct stare encompassing all that she was in that contact.
“Jon’s right. We were heading out to see Abigail and then suddenly we were here. Look, it sounds weird and it is, but nothing weirder than Abigail and you.” Anne said pointedly.
“Anne,” Johnathan said at her rudeness.
Increase saw consternation and worry fill Sarah’s features. That’s not a positive sign. “You didn’t do this did you? And neither did Abigail.”
Sarah mumbled, “No we didn’t. That can only mean one thing.”
In unison, the three visitors said, “What’s that?”
Sarah whispered, “The Evil One is here inside the house.”
+ + +
Episode 33
Captain Hal Razor watched from behind the barn as the three figures at the door of the homestead went inside. The Evil One shielded his presence. A smile of satisfaction wreathed his lips as he contemplated his next move. The Evil One had told him to return to town and seek out the lecturer DeVille–Hal desperately wanted to see how things played inside the building. Dare I ignore the Evil One and wait until the plan here had reached fruition or…yeah the, or, is the best way. No way did he want to feel the wrath of his master. With a shrug, he made his way to his car parked behind the gate several hundred yards beyond the structures.
According to Hal’s master, DeVille should be a piece of cake and he was happy with that. As he opened the gate to leave the farm, he saw a dark shadowy figure behind a thicket of trees–was it the Evil One?
“Who’s there?”
The calm night settled all around him but he heard no reply. Frowning, he once more shrugged and then pressed the automatic door unlock on his keychain. The lights flickered as the click of the doors releasing greeted him. Then, he felt, rather than saw movement from the side and turned quickly as he removed his gun from its holster. “Who’s there? If this is a prank you’d better be ready for the consequences,” Hal growled.
A purring sound from the trees became louder and louder.
“Darn it. Don’t tell me there’s a cat up a tree – probably some kids chased it there for fun. I guess I’d better take care of it. I hope DeVille will appreciate the few more minutes of leisure he’ll have–before I deal with him.” He replaced his gun in the holster on his hip and moved towards the trees.
The closer got to the trees, the louder the pitch of the cat became. He edged into the darkness of the thick stand of trees. He couldn’t see any sign of a cat until he heard an almighty scream–a feline in pain. He looked toward the sound and his eyes bulged. The next thing he felt was the pain of a large object pouncing on him and toppling him to the ground. Then, as he tried to grapple with what he now recognized as a mountain lion, he began pummeling the animal’s back. He fleetingly wondered if he’d ever heard of a mountain lion in that part of the county–he hadn’t. As he tried in vain to ward off the sharp, long claws he was snared in a mesmerizingly glare from the animal. He gave an almighty scream of fear as knife sharp incisors sank into his neck while claws pinned him to the ground. He was in excruciating pain.
His last conscious thought, as he fainted from the pain, was why the Evil One had deserted him.
+ + +
Episode 34
Gloria itched to get up and leave the basement–she wanted to find out what was going on upstairs. Surely it doesn’t take this long to let someone in the house and then bring them to the basement. Unless something has gone wrong. Then a voice inside her head said, “Nothing is wrong…yet.” Her eyes shot over to Abigail who was protectively holding the child to her body and shielding her from any harm–real or unreal.
Abigail saw the motion of the woman’s head and she returned the gaze. “She’s sleeping. It’s been a long few days for her.”
“She can sleep? I wish I could,” Gloria said quietly as a small smile played on her lips.
Abigail considered her words carefully before she replied. “When all this is over you will sleep again.”
Gloria wondered if there were a double meaning to her words–if she were dead she’d be asleep for a long time. “Yes, I’m sure I will. Now, I wish I’d gone and collected the tickets for that vacation Lisa offered me.”
“Lisa?”
“Yeah Lisa, my boss and Anne’s aunt. She was supposed to take Anne away on vacation but something cropped up and she couldn’t get back in time. The flight was tonight,” glancing at her wristwatch she sighed. “They’ll be boarding now.”
Abigail glanced down at the head nestled close to her and she absently kissed the top of the fair head.
Gloria noted the tender scene and felt her heart swell for this odd family set-up. “She’s a beautiful child. Full of beguiling innocence and yet remarkably grown up from what I’ve seen of her so far.”
“Yes she’s beautiful inside and out. However, don’t let her innocent expression deceive you–she can be mischievous at times. Sarah often wonders if she’s really her daughter.” A wry smile crossed Abigail’s lips at the notion–Dorcas was definitely Sarah’s daughter. No doubt about it.
“You know I don’t remember much about being a kid, except the day I learned to ride a bike and fell into a puddle. I scraped my knee and didn’t want to ride again. My dad insisted. He said it was the only way to learn sometimes. What about you?” Gloria felt better conversing about trivial matters. For a short time, she could forget about the dark forces that surrounded them.
Abigail answered, “I never learned to ride a bike.”
Gloria’s face contorted in surprise. “Really, I thought all kids did. Even now when they have computer games and stuff kids still learn to ride a bike. What about your earliest memory?”
Abigail frowned. “My earliest memory?” It was over three centuries ago, how am I suppose to remember that time.
“Yes, surely you remember being like Dorcas.” Gloria smiled waiting for any morsel of information from the virtual stranger.
As hard as she concentrated, Abigail couldn’t recall a time when she had been like Dorcas. “I’ve been around a long time Gloria, perhaps longer than you appreciate.”
Gloria chuckled. “Hey, I’m as old as dirt and I can remember. Look, if you don’t want to say that’s fine.” Her eyes traveled to the trapdoor once more.
Abigail saw the woman’s crestfallen expression who happily relished the opportunity to relive the past–she didn’t. But, she could come up with something if it would help alleviate the tension the Evil One evoked in them all. “We used to take the buggy to church every Sunday. My uncle would let me hold the reigns.”
“Really, were you once a part of an Amish group?” Gloria asked delighted at the tidbit of information.
Abigail was about to answer when they heard noises from above. She cast her sight outside the basement to the level above. At first, she felt Sarah’s presence and she felt invigorated by that. Then, as she cast her mind to the others, her head spun so suddenly it was like whiplash–it almost snapped her neck.
Dorcas felt the jerk of the firm yet comfortable object she was sleeping against and woke up immediately. Her mind attuned automatically to the events happening around her. “It’s Mamma.”
Abigail was fighting for breath as she tried to disconnect from the evil now taking over her thoughts. Burning sensations and terrible images rushed through her brain. It hurt–she hurt. The pain–the pain of the sufferers was the hardest to bear. She focused on the sound of Dorcas’ voice and one word–Sarah. She wrestled to free herself from the evil hold as dust floated down from the now open trapdoor.
Sarah’s voice said, “Look who we have guests.”
Abigail stood up, as did the others as Sarah and the three others crammed into the basement.
Sarah’s eyes immediately sought Dorcas who turned to her mother with a wide smile. Then she focused on Abigail who was looking pale and drawn. She should have recovered from what affected her earlier.
Abigail felt Sarah’s eyes on her and she sucked in a breath and returned the inquisitive gaze with one that had complete control. The woman was at least three people deep away from her so there was no chance of a discreet conversation. Then she felt it again–the piercing of her mind with pain and fire–it was closer and stronger. Her legs buckled and she fell to the floor.
Sarah, with an anguished cry, pushed through the throng of the bodies in the small basement and knelt down next to Abigail. “I’m sorry so very sorry.”
Abigail tried to concentrate on that sweet voice but she couldn’t–it was too late–she was lost. There was only one way left for her. “Sarah, remember the pact we made?”
With tears flowing freely, Sarah nodded. “Yes…but I can’t.”
Abigail breathed in deeply and reached for Sarah’s hand. “You can. You always have. Do it for me.”
Sarah gazed at the glazed eyes of the white witch and knew she had to do what they’d arranged. She withdrew a bottle hidden by the numerous folds of the belt of her dress. “I love you,” she whispered before she poured the potion into Abigail’s mouth.
Abigail smiled as she swallowed the liquid and felt that she was drifting away almost immediately. She managed to say, “I know, I …”
Gloria and the others watched as the surreal scenario unfolded “Have you killed her? Why?”
Sarah didn’t speak. When she felt the comforting hand of Dorcas thread into hers, she lifted her head in defiance of any negative reaction. “It’s the way it had to be–once I allowed you and the Evil One through the door Abigail knew what would happen. Now all that matters, is that we’ve trapped you here Evil One and the only way out is to extinguish us all.”
All eyes looked in Sarah’s direction.
Professor Mather asked, “I don’t understand. Are you saying that the Evil One is here?”
“Yes, as it was, as it always will be. This is the portal–the Evil One will either resurrect or terminate in this place. We need to stick together.” Sarah quietly said the words as, with a tears still drying on her cheeks, she looked once more at Abigail. I will see us all through this the last stand–Abigail did not diminish in vain.
Stunned to the core at the death of Abigail, Johnathan asked, “What do you mean as it’s always been?”
Dorcas spoke with a voice, though childlike, held more maturity than most in the room. “We are all connected. Not directly, but at one time our paths all met. It is that link, which makes the Evil One require us all to be here at this spot–at this time.”
“What about Abigail?” Anne asked belligerently.
Dorcas was about to speak when Sarah’s quiet voice said, “Abigail is our forfeit. She always has been–always will be–it was her choice a long time ago. In the time she had to resist the forces of evil, she tried to educate us.”
Johnathan frowned. “If you knew all of this, why couldn’t you do it without sacrifice?”
Sarah clutched her daughter’s hand. “Because we don’t know until the Evil One penetrates our consciousness. He did last night. All we knew was that it might happen and if it did we knew what each of us would do. Each time it’s different.”
Anne immediately said, “Where does this leave us?”
Sarah smiled slowly and then looked at her daughter. “It is what it is.”
Professor Mather interjected, “My good lady.” When he saw Sarah’s head indicate he carry on, he said, “We don’t understand. You accept Ms. Parrish’s death as inevitable–why?”
Sarah felt strangely unconcerned about the mortals and she answered accordingly. “Abby is where she has always been. You will decide if her sacrifice allows resurrection.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Oh yes it does,” Sarah said as she cast her eyes on all that occupied the basement. “Now which one of you hosts the Evil One?”
+ + +
Episode 35
There was a gasp from almost everyone in the room as all eyes turned to Sarah for clarification.
“May my oath as the black keeper not be stretched too far,” she muttered as she clutched Dorcas’ hand tighter. With a heavily indrawn breath, she tried to remain patient–not one of her stronger points–it had always been Abigail’s forte. The thought of Abigail spurred her forward. “Did anyone bring with them the other half of this?” She dragged out the half Circle of Truth that Abby had given her.
Professor Mather’s eyes widened. “Why, I have one just like that–my mother left it to me.”
Sarah’s features brightened. “If you’ll please give it to me Professor we can begin to sort out this sorry mess.” With palm up, she held out her hand to the old man.
“I’m sorry my dear,” the old man said. “I have a talisman with me, but it doesn’t quite look the same. The other is home in the box of my mother’s treasured things.” When he saw the look that appeared on Sarah’s face, his face creased into disappointment. He fished in his pocket and pulled out his talisman of protection.
Sarah’s cheeks began to grow more ruddy than normal. “You left it behind? What kind of warlock are you?” She wanted to turn the man into a tasty delicacy for when the war was over.
Stormy silence invaded the basement. Finally, Anne asked, “What’s so special about that old thing?”
Sarah, still fuming, remained silent as she wondered what to do next. She dropped Dorcas’ hand and moved to the center of the pentagon. Closing her eyes, she began to chant softly.
In spite of the fact that the words were definitely not what a six year old would speak, Dorcas’ childlike voice said, “A long time ago three talismans were forged in the pit of evil. Each had their own special powers, protection, control, and truth. Individually they can help one person–the true owner. Together, they possess the power to rid the world of the Evil One in a raw state. Currently, the Evil One has not manifested itself because it searches the yielding souls who died for Abigail. When it cannot locate her, he will return and complete his mission. In the time that Abigail gives us, we must place the three talismans in the center of the pentagon and create the vortex.”
Anne cast her eyes to the softly chanting black witch and asked, “And if we don’t…what then?”
Dorcas calmly said, “All will be lost.”
“That’s it…all will be lost?” Anne shook her head in disbelief. “That sounds as if it doesn’t matter.”
Dorcas looked like a child with tears dripped down her chubby cheeks as she reached for Baltazar who had sidled up next to her. She said, “We’ll never see Abby, Jules, or anyone else for that matter again. Mamma and I will always be together but worse than before.” Her small arms tightened around the dog’s neck – it didn’t appear to mind.
Anne nodded her head. “Right, well in that case, Sarah, is this what you’re looking for?” She reached inside the pocket of her jeans and withdrew a talisman–the twin to the one Sarah held.
Sarah, at the sound of her name, turned to the onlookers. She stared in surprise before delight crossed her face when she spied the object in the young woman’s hand.
Professor Mather gazed in horror mixed with relief when he saw the talisman. “How did you get that young lady?”
Johnathan who had been quiet through all the proceedings scowled and placed his body between Anne and Sarah. “I thought you’d put that back–now everyone will think we’re thieves.”
Anne rolled her eyes. “Johnathan, in about ten seconds the world as we know it will change. If someone is going to tar me as a thief but we save the world I’ll happily take the consequences. Now, let me give this to Sarah.”
“No!” Johnathan’s voice boomed–the power and tone wasn’t his.
“Oh please Johnathan now isn’t the time. Let me pass.” Anne pushed him and as she did, a bolt of energy emanated from the man and shot her back against the wall hard. Everyone watched as she sagged against the hard surface dazed and confused.
Gloria’s eyes widened. “Johnathan is the Evil One? How can that be?”
Sarah, for her part, didn’t give a damn–she needed to get the talisman before it was too late to save them. She scrambled across the floor to Anne and was about to take the object form her clenched fist when Johnathan barred her way.
“It is no use black witch. You have no protection from me now. How easy it was this time to trap you all here and have you all bend to my will.” The voice crept along the floor like a low mist and chilled everyone who listened.
Sarah shook her head and then gazed at her daughter for a brief second before she reached for the talisman and found that a forceful hand dragged her back by the hair. Then energy bolts, tiny at first but gathering in strength, sparked with each second he held Sarah.
Dorcas was about to rush to her mother to help, but Baltazar interceded. “You cannot help little mistress. It is what it is.”
The professor, in a state of shock, moved to Johnathan’s side and with the talisman of protection clutched in his hand, he pushed at the slight body of the young man. He silently chanted one of the incantations taught to him by his mother as he continued to push against Johnathan.
Johnathan’s body turned toward the older man as eyes, the shade of coal, glared malevolently at him. “You cannot harm me–you are insignificant.” An arm rose to flick the old man’s body away as if he were swatting a fly.
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Increase bravely allowed the energy that was draining Sarah’s life away to divert toward him. As it did, he felt invigorated–like a young man again.
The Evil One shifted its attention to the professor as it held Sarah’s hair–her body hanging limp ten inches above the ground.
Taking advantage of an opening, Dorcas slowly made her way to Anne, grasped the talisman from Anne and the other from her mother. Moving quickly toward the pentagon, she placed them together–a glow began to form around the circle.
Baltazar, Jules and Dorcas moved to the protection of the circle and motioned for Gloria to follow. Reluctantly, Gloria joined the others. “Why can’t we help them?” she asked in anguish.
“We will,” Dorcas confidently said. Turning to the dog and the dragon, she quietly said, “Will you bring Anne here now.”
Both animals nodded and jumped out of the circle and forged their way to the spot where Anne was slowly regaining consciousness. They avoided the bolts casting toward them from the Evil One who was preoccupied with the Professor and Sarah. Moments later, Anne Putnam was in the circle.
Dorcas cast a knowledgeable eye over the various potions that Abigail had been working on. She turned to Gloria. “You know the potion of slumber?”
“Yes, yes I do why?” Gloria asked in surprise.
“Can you tell me which of Abby’s potions is sleep and I will fetch it for you?”
Gloria shook her head. “You can’t go out of the circle child…it’s too dangerous.”
This time Dorcas giggled. “I’m the daughter of a black witch and the apprentice of a white witch I can bring it here without the need to move.”
Gloria understood and pointed to a bottle on the back of the small table in the room. Seconds later, it was in Gloria’s hands. “What do you want me to do with this?”
“Please administer enough to Anne and yourself. Sleep will heal you both and when you wake up all will be well.”
“I don’t understand. I’m not ill.”
Dorcas gave the older woman a long look then smiled. “You are. You just don’t know it. Besides, if you are susceptible to the Evil One when he releases my mother and the professor we might not win. With you asleep from the potion, you won’t dream–your mind is safe–Abby knew what she was doing.”
Gloria vaguely understood then looked at the professor. “Will Professor Mather be ok?”
Dorcas didn’t answer immediately as her attention was on the euphoric features of the old man. She nodded. “Gloria, take the potion before it’s too late.”
Gloria administered the potion to Anne who relaxed immediately and fell into a deep sleep on the floor. Then, placing a comforting hand on the child’s arm, she whispered, “Good luck child. Will we see you again?”
Dorcas smiled warmly. “No,” she said as she watched as Gloria took the potion and immediately sank down next to Anne.
As Gloria succumb to sleep, there was a cry of rage from the body of Johnathan Proctor. The Evil One withdrew his attention for a split second from Sarah Good and she dropped to the floor. Her eyes stared at the child and the beasts in the circle.
“You will pay for taking her from me,” the Evil One roared. “There will be no light ever again for you.”
Dorcas caught the stare of the Evil One and felt the power of his mind attempt to induce her over to his side–it wouldn’t work–Abby had taught her well. “Now Balty,” she commanded.
Baltazar sprang from the circle and moments later pulled Sarah into the protection of the circle. Groggy but gradually regaining her strength, Sarah began to come around.
Dorcas felt her mind slipping as she waged a personal war with the temptations the Evil One threw into her path. She knew she had to hang on a little longer until her mother was fully back from her ordeal. However, the tantalizing images of playing in sun washed fields with a kite and other children who all giggled with delight tried to take hold. Her control was weakening. Unlike Abby’s ordeal with pain and suffering, hers was with the illusion of happiness beckoning her over to the dark side. Then, just as she felt she couldn’t hold on anymore, she heard another voice insidiously fill her mind–Jules. The dragon began to show her images of her mother and Abby, along with the animals that lived with them. Hilarious mistakes her mother made and the wonder of Abby’s magic. The images brought her back from the edge so she could fulfill her role in the war with evil. Seconds later, she was close to a familiar place–her mother’s heart when she felt her hand clutched in another. Opening her eyes, she stared into her mother’s eyes that were brimming with tears.
“You’ve done well Dorcas. I’m proud of you,” Sarah softly whispered. Turning her attention to the dragon, she tipped her head in gratitude.
Jules preened her tuft in satisfaction and then re-focused her mind. The next step was at hand, all she needed was the word from her mistress.
Sarah blinked away her tears of happiness that her daughter hadn’t succumbed and then drew in a deep breath. They needed to save the professor and the talisman to complete the circle and rid them once again of the Evil One’s forces.
“Let’s give the Evil One a taste of his own medicine,” Sarah said. “Dorcas take care of our friends. If we lose them all is lost.” She smiled tenderly at her child who appeared drained from her experience.
“I will Mamma. You can count on me,” Dorcas replied with a bright smile.
“I know. You’re a very brave and accomplished girl. Balty, you know what to do.” The hound inclined its head. Then, Sarah smiled at the dragon–her big mistake hadn’t turned out to be such a big mistake after all. “Jules, one last time please.”
The tiny dragon blinked it’s incredibly long eyelashes and swiveled its head to stare directly at the vessel called Johnathan Proctor–the Evil One. Then, she concentrated on linking with Evil One and was proudly surprised when she felt a sense of surprise coming from that direction. Jules blew out a smoky breath and quietly announced, “Now, Mistress Good.”
With a slight hesitation, Sarah sighed. “At all costs Balty. It’s up to us now.”
Baltazar raised his head and replied, “Mistress Good, she had faith you could do it.”
They didn’t need to say the name, for they both knew exactly who the ‘she’ was–Abigail.
Sarah sat crossed legged in the circle and began to chant.
By the powers of truth and control
I command ye to falter
By the covens of the witches combined
I command ye to deliver
By the strength of the innocent fallen to darkness
I command ye to halt
Baltazar waited, watching the movement of everyone in the room. She paid particular attention to any change from the professor. As if on cue, his eyes opened as he directed his attention to the dog for a few seconds. His eyes then tracked back to the Evil One who seemed to channel his energy in two directions.
Although he felt physically invigorated with the protection talisman, he knew it would begin to waver and then it would be of no use to the others. From the recesses of his mind, he recalled a note he’d once read,
There are the ones that protect
To the ones in need of protection
Combine the strength of the guard
With the eyes of an innocent child
To lead to the heart of defense
Where your shield is sacrifice
And, he knew exactly what to do.
Sarah engrossed in her task didn’t see the look in the professor’s eyes, or the talisman that dropped from his fingers as he launched his own attack. The Evil One retaliated with unimaginable strength and crushed the old man’s body into a mangled artwork that dropped lifelessly to the floor.
Baltazar, who had seen everything, rushed across the space, caught the talisman in his mouth, and fleeting seconds later returned within the circle. He dropped it into Sarah’s lap.
Sarah felt the motion, opened her eyes, and ceased chanting as she spied the final piece of the puzzle in her possession. Placing it carefully in its required position, her eyes concentrated on the effect of her action.
Immediately a blue glow began to fill the room. As Sarah touched the small dragon, her connection to the Evil One stopped. “Where’s the professor?” Sarah glanced around and before anyone could say anything else, she saw the mangled body next to the statue like body of Johnathan Proctor.
Baltazar saw the bodies and said, “He didn’t make it Sarah. He made a choice.”
Dorcas moved closer to her mother whose eyes now welled with tears. “That wasn’t supposed to happen–he doesn’t die,” she wailed.
Jules, clearing her mind of the pitiful and horrific connection to the Evil One, found her scattered wits and said, “He chose to sacrifice himself to save the rest of us. The essence of the protection talisman was fading. If we lost that, we would lose everything–he knew that.”
Sarah, feeling it was her fault, scratched the top of her head. Did she failed in this too, Does everything I touch always ended up like a sow’s ear rather than a silk purse.
Dorcas tugged at her mother‘s sleeve for attention. “Mamma you must end it now.”
“Yes, I must end it,” Sarah muttered and began to chant again. With each word, she gained energy from the circle that surrounded them.
Evil is no longer power we banish you from this place
Let the circle of the ages imprison you this day
Close the bridge and caverns of darkness
Allow light to enter the world today
And innocence to walk free again
As she chanted the blue cloud that filled the room, began to change and a vortex appeared around the body of Johnathan Proctor. As the cloud slowly seeped around and through the young man until a swirling mist covered him whole.
Then, without fanfare, the room cleared of everything except those left in the circle.
“It’s over,” Sarah announced quietly as she hugged her daughter close.
Dorcas grinned. “We did it…we did it.”
Baltazar and Jules looked at each other in satisfaction of a work well done. Then, they all heard a knocking at the door and Baltazar announced, “As usual, he’s late.”
Jules cast her mind to the visitors and saw Tekchuba and Guy De-Ville on the front porch. “Yes, you can always guarantee when you need them the most, they won’t be here.”
Dorcas looked up at the tear stained face of her mother. “Mamma it’s time to go home.”
Sarah nodded then cast her gaze to the professor’s body. “Do you think maybe we can ask the Black Master to bring him back?”
At that moment, the room filled with a glow–the heads of the two orders of witches descended on the basement.
Glastonbury the leader of the White Witch order looked over the scene. “Thank you once more for saving our orders Sarah, Dorcas, Baltazar and ah yes, the mistake Jules.” The old woman smiled warmly at the dragon that looked less than impressed with the witch’s observation.
Beldevrie curled his lip. “I see we had casualties.”
Sarah felt the eyes of the Black Order leader roll over to her and she keenly felt the barbed tone. “I don’t understand why…I thought I’d done everything possible just as Abigail and I arranged.”
“Ah yes, Parrish–a collected and well thought out plan. She should have been one of mine.” His eyes moved to the bodies of Anne and Gloria. “I’d better have DeVille take care of this before he returns to me. I will talk with you later Glastonbury.” He drew his cloak theatrically around him and disappeared.
“Do all warlocks do that?” Dorcas asked as she laughed at the ridiculous exit.
Glastonbury smiled benevolently at the child. “Only in the Black Order.” Then she switched her gaze to Sarah. “Now, we all need to go home. Isn’t that right.”
Baltazar nodded and walked towards the White Witch. “I’m going to be glad to be back home and in my own bed.”
Glastonbury waved her hand and the dog was gone.
Disappointed, Sarah whispered, “He never said goodbye.” She then took her daughter’s hand in her left hand and Jules claw in her right. “We’d better go home too. I’m glad we could help again,” she said as her eyes rested on Increase Mather. “But I am sorry about the professor.”
Glastonbury merely nodded. “He did what had to be done. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.” Then she waved her hand and left with the sleeping bodies of the women. With a sly smile, she waved her hand again and they were gone. “The Black Order is always just a little too late. Beldevrie must really work on that aspect of his training.” She smiled and with one last glance that all was well, she too left the basement
+ + +
Epilogue
Anne Putnam opened her eyes and yawned surprised she was in her own bed at home.
The sounds of the radio from the floor below and the smell of bacon cooking was a sure sign everything was normal. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she frowned. “Oh no, I’m going to be late for my first class.” She bounced out of bed flinging the bedclothes everywhere as she hunted for the nearest set of clothes she could comfortably wear. Five minutes later, she dashed down the stairs and rushed into the kitchen.
Two sets of eyes looked at her. “Why the bat out of hell impression?”
“Why didn’t you wake me I have class remember?” Anne sat down at the kitchen table opposite her aunt.
Lisa smiled and shook her head. “You don’t. It’s Saturday and we’re off on our vacation today. Anne, I’m surprised at you forgetting we’re going to China. You’ve been dying to go there ever since I mentioned it.”
Gloria grinned as she placed a hot breakfast of eggs and bacon in front of the young woman. “Yes, I’m going to have peace and quiet for a whole month.”
Anne frowned. How did I forget that? She had been looking forward to the vacation ever since her aunt told her they were going. “I had the most horrendous dream last night. I really thought it was real. Witches and evil and stuff…it must had addled my brain.” She chuckled and then settled into the breakfast in front of her.
Lisa turned to the housekeeper who had a quizzical expression on her face. “Why Gloria, didn’t you say the very same dream? Maybe you and Anne need to swap dreams–there could be a meaning behind them.”
Anne looked at Gloria who kept her back turned. She softly said, “Oh, I’m sure Anne and I don’t have the same dreams. Mine are filled with old professor’s and talking dogs.”
Anne didn’t say a thing as she munched on her bacon. Then she said, “Mine were of a young man and dragons.”
Snorting softly, Lisa shook her head and picked up her financial newspaper. “You both must have eaten too much spicy food or something before going to bed last night.
+ + +
Sarah looked over the comfortable, clean and tidy kitchen where she, Dorcas, and Jules sat. It wasn’t home–or not that she recalled. Maybe with all we’ve done we got an upgrade.
Dorcas cast round intrigued eyes around the place. She took in the kitchen table set for dinner. “Wow, I’m starving. Do you think we gained a cook Mamma?”
“I don’t know what we gained but from the looks of it, I’m going to like it.” Sarah had a delighted smile on her face at her daughter’s eager acceptance of their changed circumstances–she was hungry too.
For her part, Jules smiled inwardly. She knew exactly what had happened. She cast her mind around and felt the inner warmth of the building and those that resided there. “I’m going to check out the other rooms.” The dragon with a spring in its step opened the door before Sarah could answer and left.
“Oh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea…” She stopped speaking as the door opened and a dog that resembled Baltazar ambled inside. “Baltazar?” Sarah queried.
“Why Mistress Good, we thought you’d never arrive.”
“We?” Sarah squeaked out wondering what was happening.
Then the door slid open a little further as a woman with a steaming bowl held in her hands entered. “Yes we, welcome home Sarah and you too Dorcas.”
Dorcas squealed her delight at the arrival of Abigail Parrish. She left her mother’s side to fling her arms around Abby’s waist. “Oh Abby I thought I’d never see you again.”
Abigail shook her head as she placed the bowl on the table. Bending to pick up the child in her arms, she hugged Dorcas tightly. “It’s never going to happen. Besides, you’re the best apprentice I’ve ever had. I can’t let you go to the other side with all my secrets can I.”
Dorcas giggled and clasped her arms around the woman’s neck fiercely. “I love you Abby. Thank you for bringing us home.”
“My pleasure Dorcas. Now why don’t you and Balty go and find Jules then we’ll have dinner.” Abby released the child and placed her on Balty’s back then they ambled off together with the child screeching in delight.
“Why?”
Abigail turned to a dumbfounded Sarah. A part of her wanted to do exactly what Dorcas had done and feel those strong dependable arms around her.
“Don’t you like it? We can change things around if you want I really don’t mind. Except Balty’s bed of course–he loves being beside the fire.” Abigail cast a glance to the dog’s old blanket next to the open hearth.
“I’m a black witch Abigail. Why am I in a white witch’s home?” Sarah asked as she tried to find some logic behind her presence here.
Scratching the back of her head, Abigail replied. “I wanted my family back. I’m sorry if I presumed too much and if you want to go…”
Sarah saw the tiny twitch of the eyebrows as Abigail was talking. “I want my family back too,” sobbed Sarah. She ran the short distance between them and felt the security of Abigail’s arms surround her.
They remained wrapped in each other’s arms for a short time until Abigail pulled away slightly to stare into the tear drenched face of Sarah. “If this isn’t what you want Sarah…you still have choices.”
Sarah realized that Abigail was giving her the chance to make her own choice in what she should do. Puzzled, her brow furrowed. “How did you manage to persuade Glastonbury to let us be here?”
“Well, Dorcas was easy–Glastonbury was eager to have her join the Coven of White. You my dear Sarah were a little more difficult.”
Sarah frowned. “Me,” she said touching her chest. “Why? I can’t imagine Beldevrie being upset if I wasn’t here.”
Abigail saw the frown and touched a tapering finger on the bridge of Sarah’s nose gently to smooth it away. “Glastonbury has knowledge of your track record Sarah. She was uncertain that you’d blend in.”
Sarah’s face dropped. “Oh. I guess I’m only here then because they want Dorcas –they really don’t want me but had to take me if they were going to get my daughter. It was a package deal right?”
Immediately Abigail said, “Wrong. Perhaps you are a part of a package Sarah…but it’s my package and I want you both. I love Dorcas as if she were my own and you.” She swallowed hard as she returned the intense stare from the woman in her arms. “I love you too Sarah. We are a family. Glastonbury had no choice if she wanted me to remain here.”
Sarah cocked her head as it dawned on her exactly what Abigail was saying. “You would have gone over to the black side for me?”
“Yes, willingly. Fortunately, that wasn’t an option for Glastonbury. Besides I pointed out how important you were in the whole scheme of things and that she may never need to rely on the Black Order ever again. I think you suddenly became the most important person around here.” Abigail laughed as she recalled Glastonbury’s appreciation of Sarah’s worth.
“Oh my, you mean now I’m important too?” Sarah asked in wonder.
Abigail replied, “Yes, didn’t you always know that.”
“Professor Mather died because of me,” Sarah whispered.
In a matter-of-fact tone Abigail said, “I know.” She drew Sarah closer. “This time it was meant to be. Once the Evil One gained strength it was inevitable someone else would perish.”
“He can’t ever come back though can he? Not like we do?”
Abigail chose her words well before replying. “I’m going to let you into a secret. Jules read his mind a split second before he died and transmitted his wish to the white watchers. We were able to capture his soul before he died.”
“You mean you can bring him back?”
“No I’m afraid not. However, we think that he will be pleased with where he went.”
‘Where?” Sarah asked.
“His soul was reunited with his mother. He’s where he always wanted to be Sarah.”
“And Johnathan Proctor,” Sarah asked. “What became of his soul?”
“I thought it was an odd choice for the Evil One to choose a boy who was weak. I suppose he didn’t have time to dominate the girl for she was much stronger. However, that doesn’t answer your question does it? He’s in his dorm room at the University. He’s probably working on that computer he loves so much. All his memories, as it is with the others, are in dream form.”
“Do you think the Evil One will come back again?” Sarah snuggled closer into Abigail’s warm body.
“Perhaps in time–if it does, we will be there to battle it again. Now, shall we call the rest of the family and have dinner.” Abigail moved away slightly.
Sarah had other ideas as she clutched at the arms that were about to drop from around her. “I have one more request.”
Perplexed that there would be more, Abigail said, “Go ahead.”
Sarah grinned. The look on Abigail’s face was classic. Yep, I’m definitely home. “Will you kiss me, please?”
Abigail’s heart leapt as she heard the heartfelt plea. With a tender smile, she whispered, “I thought you’d never ask,” before her lips touched Sarah’s for the first time.
+ + +
In the basement of the homestead, a black syrup-like substance trickled from the walls onto the stone floor before it seeped into the ground. For a few seconds while it passed from one form to another, a voice echoed off the walls. “I’ll be back…”
The End