Any Witch Way (17 page)

“Who are you, who brought you here, and where do you come from?” Adrienne MacDougall stood her ground though Sadie had taken a step backwards.

“I don’t have to tell you anything, but since you’re going to die anyway, I see that it can do no harm. I am Sintar, a part of the Reaper Clan. I was brought from my world on the 15th plane of existence by the Master. He promised plenty to eat and, indeed, that has been true.”

As he said this, he picked and then pulled a rotting, detached hand from between two of his enormous teeth, threw it into the air, and gobbled it down.  “We’ve never been able to travel to other planes of existence before; now that the Master has found a way and shall rule all, we can go where we want and will—until we are all that’s left or for as long as he allows. I’m here to dispose of those who oppose him. You will be next,” it said with a deep, ominous growl. “I can smell the goodness in you, and it makes me SICK!”

“Sadie, quick, W!” her mother shouted.

Sadie knew what she meant and threw up the sign over her heart while holding tight to her mother’s hand. Instantly, a protective shield filled the air around them as the creature charged forward. Quicker than Gur on a cookie, it hit the shield and sparks flew, blinding all three of them. In the moments it took to regain their composure, the beast was up and charging again. This time it hit the force field in a different spot and once again was flung backwards as sparks burst into the air.

“Sadie, I don’t know how much longer our shield will hold. This creature is very powerful. Our Magik can only do so much, and it doesn’t seem to be working properly—again. See how the shield ripples in places? That’s a tear in our magik. We can’t transport or even materialize somewhere else while the shield is up so we’ll have to try to disappear quickly as I let go of the force field. We have to time it just right so be ready. We’ll aim for somewhere else in the forest, though I don’t know how close to the nymphs I can get us. Are you ready? Can you do this with me?”

Sadie nodded, her mouth dry as the desert and her hands shaking with tremors. The beast charged again with the same results, except this time, when it hit the ground, Sadie’s mother released the protective shield, and they both gave their signs of W over the heart.

The beast, realizing they were vulnerable, charged again. In a split second it was close enough for Sadie to see the dark, stinking inside of its throat, but in that same split second the mother and daughter materialized into a deeper, darker part of the woods. Back in the clearing, the beast seemed disoriented and then roared so loud the trees shook. At their new destination, both Sadie and her mother heard the roar and trembled a bit in their shoes.

“Come on; we’ve got to make time. We’ve got to get to the nymphs and then back to the Guild before that thing finds us,” said Adrienne as she took off running with Sadie in tow.

They ran with the ever present sound of the bellowing beast in the distance. They stopped when the forest seemed to block any more movement from any creature, living or dead. The tree branches stuck out in awkward places that they shouldn’t be growing. They grew from the sides of trees, from the ground, and even on strange looking bushes. It was as if the flora had built a wall.

Breaking through a particularly snarled and tangled batch of tree limbs, they stepped into a clearing that seemed untouched by the changing seasons. As they did so, a whizzing arrow flew past their heads and embedded itself in a tree behind them before turning into just another branch. Sadie had hit the ground; when she did, she realized that lush green grass carpeted the forest floor now and fruit tress of every kind hung heavy with their precious bounty. Butterflies flitted about from gorgeous flower to gorgeous flower. Birds sang and the air was warm and inviting.

Will this magik stuff ever stop amazing me?

“Is that you, Adrienne? Oh, my, we thought you were dead. I’m so sorry about almost killing you. We thought you to be that beast that’s been tormenting and destroying us for the last few months. Oh, it comes from a dark place that one. Sorry again for almost killing you. Hey, everyone, it’s Adrienne MacDougall,” said a voice from within the trees.

“Yeah, I suppose I’ll get that lots in the next few days. It’s a funny thing, coming back from the…uh, I guess we’ll call it—dead. This is my daughter Sadie, and we’ve come to ask for your assistance in our fight against the Syndicate. Will you come to aid in our fight?”

(The beast roared a little closer than all present would have liked.)

“That is, if we can get out of here before that beast comes back,” said Adrienne.

“We’ve been hiding in these trees for months now, at least those of us who didn’t fall prey to that monster. There’s not many of us left. We don’t know what that creature is or why it’s here, but if you could get us out of here, we’d gladly help in your fight,” said a pair of eyes peering out from the tree tops.

“Great, then come down from the trees to stand with us, and I’ll do my best, along with my daughter’s help, to get us to the safety of the Guild,” replied Adrienne.

Slowly, one by one, several small elf-like creatures emerged from the trees. They were brown skinned, nimble, and graceful. Sadie thought they were absolutely stunning. They had large doe-like eyes framed with extraordinarily long eyelashes, long thick black hair, and wore shifts made of something paper thin that moved like silk.  

Some had mistletoe wreaths worn as crowns while others had flowers around their ankles and wrists. They smelled divine, like honeysuckle on a summer’s day; when one brushed past Sadie, it felt like a warm wind had blown past her arm. She sighed and inhaled the rich scent while they all gathered around.

“We’re all that’s left, Adrienne. All that haven’t been eaten by the beasty from Hell,” said one who stood apart from the rest.

“It’s okay. We’ll sort this mess out once back at the Guild,” replied Adrienne. “All of those already consigned to the battle are out gathering forces as we are; when we meet up again, I’m sure all of us will have much to discuss.”

The beast roared somewhere near, and all the nymphs drew arrows. Sadie wondered how she had not seen them before, but now these beautiful little creatures all sported carved wooden bows and quivers full of arrows with brightly colored feathers.

“Stand close, all hold hands; those closest hold onto Sadie and me. Steady now, are you ready, Sadie? Okay, let’s give it a try,” said Adrienne.

As she spoke her last word, the beast broke through the tangle of vines and branches and flashed his tongue. He began his charge just as Sadie felt herself begin to dissipate.

What’s taking so long? Sadie thought, as the beast came closer in a stalking like prowl. Some of the nymphs began to squeak and squeal. One broke loose and tried to run for the trees, but the beast soon devoured it in one large bite. As they all watched in horror, the two nymphs that had been holding the recently deceased one’s hand joined their own hands, and the scene in the forest began to fade.

Soon, in a heap of relief and some cries of grief for their friend, the remaining nymphs, Sadie, and her mother were standing in the foyer of the Cranberry Grove Funeral Parlor. Adrienne MacDougall collapsed on the ground. Sadie quickly dropped to her knees beside her.

“Mom, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” asked Sadie in a panic.

“Yes, dear, I just need some rest, desperately. It took much out of me transporting all those nymphs. You’ll soon learn all about the woes of transporting. Get Ms. Cabot to come to me as you take the nymphs out back; they feel safer in trees…oh, and Sadie, you did marvelously back there,” she said before closing her eyes and falling fast asleep.

Sadie was sitting next to a very grand fireplace in one of the many rooms at Cranberry Grove Funeral Parlor. She was watching the nymphs play in the trees of the barren garden out back. At least, it had been barren when she took them out there the prior evening. Now, it was coming back to life regardless of the snow falling all around. She watched two of the nymphs carefully grasp some of the reeds from within the center fountain, which had been frozen over, and gently blow on them.

Suddenly, they burst to life, sending ripples around the fountain and green replacing brown all the way around. Two beautiful blue undines leapt from the water, doing flips in the air, and only splashing back down once they had kissed the wood nymphs on both cheeks. Sadie sighed and wondered when she too could do such wonderful magik, that is, without it fizzling out over the top of her head.

“In time, lass, in due time,” said Tara as she strode into the room full of purpose.

Sadie was delighted to see Tara again and ran to her, arms wide, despite the fact she had read her mind, again. Even though Sadie had asked her not to, it didn’t seem to bother her. She was just glad to see Tara.

“I’m so glad you’re back. Mom’s still sleeping. I think it took much out of her to transport all those nymphs. And we ran into a creature from another realm, and….”

Tara laughed. “Sadie, Lass, you’re such an excitable child. And you do ramble on. I’ve already spoken with Ms. Cabot, and she filled me in on what happened in the nymphs' wood.

“The fifteenth plane had been blocked from all visitations for as long as I can remember and for good reason, as you saw. Any removal of creatures from any plane has always been banned for millennia. Obviously, the Syndicate has found a way to overcome our magik. They’ve found a way to overcome all magikal laws and regulations.  

“This is both dangerous and a horrible mistake. This leader of theirs, what’s he called, the Master? Well, he obviously thinks he can control these creatures, but he or she, or whatever it may be, will soon find out what an evil den of awful he’s opened the door to. We’re now trying to figure out how he did it, and what other creatures he’s brought here that shouldn’t be. Oh, lass, if only things were the way they used to be….”

Tara seemed to drift off, her eyes were distant and little glassy. Sadie wished she could read her mind like Tara could read hers and others. Actually, Sadie just wished she understood all this magik, the rules that applied, why certain people had certain gifts and others had different ones. She wanted to know why some people could transport, some could read minds, while others couldn’t and some had gifts within them while others needed talismans and magikal objects. She just wanted to know how it all worked, how her magik worked, and how she fit into the grand scheme of things.

If only she weren’t stuck in the middle of this horrible war, she could well be on with her learning. There were so many things she wished to do, so many things she needed to learn. And she was so confused about everything.

“Well, you two look like statues. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were under some sort of spell,” said Adrienne MacDougall as she strode into the room, smiling and refreshed. 

Her voice broke both Sadie’s and Tara’s trains of thought and snapped them back to the reality of their present situation.

Tara smiled and went to sit in one of the big, comfy upholstered chairs by the roaring fire. Sadie hugged her mom; she couldn’t get in enough hugs these days. She had vowed to herself to hug her mother even more, now that she had her back. Her mother smiled and reciprocated before ushering Sadie with her to fill the remaining seats by the fire.

“Sadie, there are some things you need to know, and some things I need to tell you, as your mother, before we leap headfirst into this nasty battle between the Guild and the Syndicate,” her mother started.

“How can I possibly learn all of my magik before then,” asked Sadie, “there’s too much. It’s so complicated, and I’ve only just become a witchling. Am I not supposed to have at least three years of training or something?”

Her mother smiled at her and reached out to stroke her long, brown hair. Sadie brushed it away from her eyes before beginning to twist it between her fingers.

“If truth and righteousness be with us, you’ll have ample time to learn all that you need about magik, but for now, I need you to know several important facts that will affect the outcome of your magik and, quite possibly, this war,” said her mother.

“And what your mother is going to tell you, you need to take to heart, lass. It’s of the utmost importance,” added Tara.

“Sadie, my Ladybug, as a witch or witchling or any magikal being, for that matter, you are no longer bound by space and time, nor any of the laws of nature that apply here on this earth in this human realm. With that power and knowledge comes great responsibility. All magikal creatures discover this, and you will soon as well.” Adrienne cleared her throat. “Some magikal beings use their powers for good, some for bad, just as men do in the human world. You must remember that whichever path you choose affects everything, and everything you do returns to you—threefold.”  

Sadie was a little offended. How could her own mother think she would possibly choose evil over good?

There are some old classmates of mine that I would like to shock into reality, the ones who teased me so relentlessly in school, but I would NEVER be a bad person or witch, she thought to herself.

“Mom, I….”

“Please, Sadie, let me finish. Now, some of us, including myself, Tara or even you may not make it back from this clash. If you do survive, you must go on with or without me. For you hold the Ataraxia Heart in your possession, and its powers can help every world, always, ‘til you pass it on to your daughter.” (The thought of losing her mother again made her stomach lurch, and who said she wanted to have kids?)

“And I want you to be the best and kindest witch this side of the magikal realm. You have a great power and responsibility by being the Keeper of the Ataraxia Heart. Use it well and wisely. For it’s hard to correct all the evil or bad you’ve done once it’s put out there in the universe. The reason being is that since it revisits you threefold, it’s just hard to catch up to it all.

“I’m telling you all of this because I am your mother and I love you. I want you to succeed in all your endeavors. I want, I need…we all need for you to discover the Heart and all that comes with its possession,” her mother finished as she looked Sadie right in the eye.

“Are you trying to read my mind? ‘Cause I hate that, and I’m teaching myself how to block any unwanted mind visitors,” said Sadie.

Her mother laughed and so did Tara, their combined voices sounding like music hanging in the air.  

“No, Sadie, I was just admiring what a beautiful young woman you are becoming. You look so much like your father, and I miss him almost as much as I’ve missed you these last three years,” she said.

A single tear slid down her cheek, making a dark spot on the deep blue velvet dress she was wearing. Sadie didn’t know what to say; she never really thought of her father. She KNEW he was dead. At the same time, she had never seen her mother cry for him; she always seemed so, well…together.

Sadie guessed that if she had known him, her feelings would be different and she might cry, as well. She made a mental note to talk to her mother more about her father when all of this was over, if they lived through it.

Wiping her cheek and smoothing her hair, she stood and spoke. “Well, I didn’t expect to get so emotional about everything. Now, we’ve got to get ready for our mission and this battle. Shall we go to the meeting chamber? I think the Three are waiting for us there.”

Tara stood, as did Sadie, and they followed Adrienne out of the room. They made their way to the office of Ms. Cabot, One of Three, and the witch that Sadie thought to be the most powerful out of everyone she had met. And the most intimidating, she didn’t mind admitting to herself. She also didn’t mind admitting to herself once again, of course, that she felt she was in no way ready to really do magik let alone fight in a battle that could affect life on several plains of existence. Sadie wondered what a thirteen-year-old girl could do in the face of such evil, even if she were a witch or witchling.  

“‘ello Dearies, would you care for a cuppa?” Mrs. Teak questioned. Grimm lay curled up on her lap, and he purred while she stroked him. Mrs. Teak looked down at him with a smile. 

“‘e’s been staying with us while Abigail Felis ‘as been off on some mission collecting artifacts and talismans that may ‘elp in this endeavor. I personally think ‘e’s more content ‘ere. I give ‘im as many biscuits as ‘e wants. Abigail always monitored his consumption, saying she didn’t want a fat cat. Cats are supposed to be a bit fat, don’t ya think? Would you care for a biscuit, Sadie?”

“There will be time for that later, you English twit. We’ve got work to do,” responded Miss Bruja in a rather nasty tone. “I swear that woman has the personality of eighty grit sandpaper and the brains of a mentally impaired troll. How could she possibly lead the Guild, much less the Three?”

“I apologize for these two; they’ve been arguing for the entire day about who should become number one should I meet my demise. You see what power does to people; all they want is more, even within our ranks. And it’s not like they get a pay raise with the position. Don’t let them get to you. As I told them, nothing will bring me down save for the constant bickering from these two that I can’t escape. I was about to put a deaf spell on myself to avoid any more of this squabble,” she said.

“And I would pray thee give me some relief as well, but who listens to a meager chair, even one who breaks his back giving seat and service to some rather large guests that you have—most all the time I might add,” said Arthur.

Sadie smiled, remembering her initial shock at her first encounter with the talking chair; it was yet another part of her here and now that seemed like centuries ago.

“The three of you, along with a small army that was not conscripted, but volunteered to go with you, are to infiltrate the Syndicate’s main offices while the legions we have amassed will begin our attack on every Syndicate stronghold around the world slightly before you enter your target. This should give you ample room to move about. I’m assuming most of the Syndicate and its minions will be off fighting the rest of us once word gets ‘round…and it will rather quickly.

“As for the Master, your guess is as good as mine. Use any magik necessary; should things go awry, the North Wind has offered his lodgings as a hold up. Now remember, we’ve learned that the Master, oh, how I hate to say that name—NO man is my master—has brought creatures and beasts from plains of existence that do not belong here, nor should they have ever come here, but it is what it is, and we’ll deal accordingly.

“We also know that he has unlocked some sort of magik stronger than our own, or this Master has done something to affect our magik and our laws of magik. Some spells aren’t working as they should be, as I’m sure you’ve all noticed. Our biggest hope in winning this war hangs on you, Sadie, the Keeper of the Ataraxia Heart.”

Sadie’s own heart sank, as did her stomach. How could they expect a girl, a witchling with no powers of her own who didn’t even know where to begin looking for said Heart, to save all of humankind’s existence as well as that of the magikal realm? She shook her head and her palms began to sweat. Twisting her hair between her fingers, she felt as though her legs were going to give out on her. Swallowing proved difficult with such a dry throat so she tried to lick her lips instead. Her mouth felt as though it were stranded in the desert surrounded by peanut butter cookies. 

“Pardon me, Ms. Cabot, I would love to be able to do as you ask, but I know nothing. I don’t know where to find this Ataraxia Heart. Perhaps if you were to give me some time to look for it, I could be better equipped to do what you ask of me,” said Sadie in a weak voice, trying not to throw up in front of everyone.

“Witchling, we have no time. I believe in you; we all believe in you. Be strong and open to all possibilities. Do what you feel inside to be the right thing to do. Stay close to Tara and your mother and my lands, child, do not let yourself be caught again. I’m not sure we could save you this time. Now, if there’s nothing further, you three must go so we can start this war and, with any luck, finish it for good,” Ms. Cabot said with her usual commanding voice.

Sadie knew her last word had much more meaning attached to it than intended.

Before Sadie could protest anymore, Tara, her mother, and eventually she joined hands making the usual W sign over their hearts. Sadie kept her eyes on her mother, hoping for some sort of sign, but Adrienne was lost in concentration. As the spell began to take effect, Sadie looked to the Three and watched them blur and fade from sight. In the midst of the transporting spell, Sadie could still hear the Three speaking to one another.

“Why do I feel as though I sent the lamb to the slaughter?” queried Ms. Cabot.

“Don’t worry, Felicity; the girl is stronger than she thinks,” said Miss Bruja. “And her heart is pure; I saw it. And I saw something else in it as well.” This caused Ms. Cabot, Mrs. Teak, and Grimm to look up from what they were doing.

“She’ll figure things out soon enough...I hope.”

*  *  *

No sooner than the room came into focus did Sadie smell the stench of something burning once again. She knew they were back in the place that she least wanted to be, but had to be; and a huge war was about to begin. Tara put her hands over her eyes and then pulled them away a minute later.

“All the rest are outside waiting for our call,” she said.

“Good, now, if I remember correctly, this corridor leads to the dungeons. Maybe we can release some of the others to help in the fight, at least, the ones who are still strong enough to fight,” said Adrienne.

Sadie just stood there, wondering what she could do, and why she was even there. She still felt she would be of better service if she had been given time to locate the Heart and possibly learn some magik. She squeezed her hand over the smooth object in her pocket.