Dead Moon Awakens: A tale of Cherokee myth and Celtic magic (Mystic Gates) (6 page)

That evening after supper, Morrigan helped Aishling
with kitchen duty. “I’m telling you, tonight’s the night to leave. It’s
perfect,” Morrigan said as she dried a plate. “I’ve already gotten the keys.
Everyone is uptight about slave boy. They’ve all gone to their rooms. And since
he’s in the hospital, he can’t interfere. We have to go tonight.”

“Don’t you care about what happened to him today?”
Aishling rinsed the last plate.

“No. He shouldn’t have been reading my diary.”

“Why was it on the floor where he could find it?”

“Didn’t you say you had forgotten to put yours
away, too?”

Aishling sighed while unplugging the sink. “Yes,
but I was upset.”

“And you think I wasn’t? I was worried about you
and forgot to put mine away.” Morrigan slung the dishtowel over the towel rack.
“Let’s not think about that now. This is our best chance to leave. You know it,
too.” She glanced out the window. “It’s still almost a full moon tonight. We’d have
plenty of light. It’s perfect.”

Aishling wiped the countertop and dried her hands.
“You said you already have the keys?”

“Yes.”

“When did you get them, Morri?” She grabbed the edge
of the counter.

“Oh, when all that hullabaloo was going on with
slave boy, after the ambulance came. I just slipped into the preacher’s office
and took them. What? I think it was quite clever of me. It’ll give us more time
to pack tonight before we go.”

“Morri, it’s almost like you planned the whole
thing.”

“Well, that really hurts my feelings. Here I am
going to all this trouble and taking all these chances to help you, and you say
that to me.” Morrigan crossed her arms and began tapping her right foot.

Part of Aishling’s hearing dream popped into her
mind—
Be aware of a person’s actions more than their words.
But then, she
thought of the other part of the dream—
Follow my Morrigan. She’ll help you.
She hesitated, trying to decide which part of the dream to follow. “You’re
right. Tonight’s the best time to go. But, I wish I could say goodbye to
Kelile. Are you sure he’ll be all right?”

“Yes. The spell is temporary. I imagine they’ll
bring him home tomorrow morning.” Morrigan bounced on her toes once and quietly
clapped her hands. “By then, we’ll be gone.”

Stars glittered in the night sky, but a golden
haze cradled the full moon, creating a haunting effect. Aishling’s stomach
churned, and her heart drummed against her ribs as she followed Morrigan to the
storage building. She couldn’t get over the feeling that it was her fault
Kelile had been hurt. Would he really be okay? An owl screeched. She halted and
stood listening. Crackling noises came from the bushes not far from the river’s
edge. She stopped breathing as she listened again. But, hearing nothing else,
she continued trekking after Morrigan.
Slow down, Morri.
She skipped to
catch up. “Wait on me. You’ve got the flashlight, and I can’t see.”

“Shh! We don’t want anyone to hear us.”

By the time she reached the storage shed, Morrigan
already had the key in the lock. “Come on, quickly.” She unlocked the door and
rushed through. As soon as Aishling was in, Morrigan shoved the door closed.

They hesitated while Morrigan searched with the
flashlight. “Over there.” She led Aishling to the canoe. “Wow, it’s big.
There’ll be plenty of room.” She placed her backpack inside. “Look. There are
the lockers. Your stuff should be in one of them.”

Aishling dropped her backpack in the canoe. They
maneuvered through scattered piles of boxes before reaching the lockers.

They searched for the right locker and matching
key. Aishling couldn’t stand still. She jiggled on her toes, breathless.

“This is it,” Morrigan said, unlocking the door.

As soon as she saw the box, she reached for it.
Morrigan grabbed it first but abruptly backed away. “I feel like I’m going to
throw up.”

“I’ll get my stuff,” Aishling said, helping
Morrigan over to a bench with a broken armrest. “You sit a minute.” When she
returned, she sat on the bench next to Morrigan and opened her box.

A tattered, thick and black, leather book with a
piece of purple cloth glued over part of the front cover was on top.

Morrigan grabbed for it. “That looks like—” She
slumped back against the bench. “I really feel sick.”

“Why is this here?” When Aishling picked up the
book, her amulet slid out.

Again, Morrigan reached for it first, but jerked
her hand back, covering her eyes and mouth. “Every time I get close to your
stuff, I want to throw up.” She moaned. “Everything is going black. I can’t
see!”

On instinct, Aishling stashed her amulet in her
pocket and set the book in the box, placing the lid back on. She touched
Morrigan’s arm and said, “I put it all away. Can you see now?”

Morrigan opened her eyes and hesitated several
seconds before answering, “Yes. I thought you said your mother didn’t do
anything harmful. She’s put a curse on those things. You’re the only one who
can touch them. No wonder Mrs. Dawes didn’t want to give your stuff back. They
must have had a dreadful time getting that box in the locker.” She pushed
herself off the bench and stepped away. “I don’t think—”

The door to the storage shed flung open and slapped
against the wall.

Return to Beginning

entanglements and burns,

“W
hat’s
going on?” Lance’s voice exploded from the doorway.

“Oh, Lance.” Morrigan sighed, lightly touching
Aishling’s hand. “It’s just Aish and I. We were trying to get her personal
things that this silly ol’ place won’t give her.”

Aishling set her box aside, stood, and watched the
beam from his flashlight move toward them. He bristled forward but stopped.
“What are these backpacks doing in my canoe?” He picked one up and rummaged
through it.

Aishling lurched ahead. “Lance, don’t be mad, I
can ex—”

Morrigan grabbed her from behind and pulled her
back, motioning for her to be quiet.

He pointed the flashlight in their faces. “Kelile
warned me you two might steal my canoe.” He threw the backpack at them and
snatched the other one up, throwing it aside. “Don’t you ever get near any of
my stuff again!”

“Lance, wait!” Morrigan stumbled toward him.

“No. You and Aishling stay away from me and
Kelile.”

“Wait, Lance. Please, let me explain,” Morrigan
cried.

“I said stay away from me!” He pulled the paddles
from the canoe. “I have these now. You can’t get anywhere without them.”

Aishling caught up with him and reached out for
his arm. He shoved her away and stormed out of the shed.

After gaining her balance, she huddled next to
Morrigan who was sobbing. On the verge of crying herself, she clutched her
stomach and held off the first wave of tears. When that subsided, she grasped
Morrigan’s hand. “Morri—”

“Leave me alone.” Morrigan yanked away and ran
from the building.

“Now what do I do?” Choking her tears back again,
she staggered to the bench and picked up the flashlight. She gathered their
backpacks and returned to the bench, slumping next to her box. The tears came
now. Why wouldn’t he let her explain? Would he ever talk to her again? Would he
turn them in? Should she stay there? Go back to her room? Or, run?

April 2

I’m using my old diary now. It feels safer than
the one Morri gave me. I don’t know whether to be mad, sad, or afraid. Morri won’t
talk to me. Lance won’t talk to me. Kelile won’t talk to me.

I finally came back here Sunday night because I
didn’t know what else to do. Even though I put my box back, I kept my amulet.
Morri was asleep when I got back. She still had her clothes on, and the keys were
lying next to her. I snuck into Preacher Collins’ office and put them back
where she said she’d gotten them.

Kelile came back from the hospital yesterday.
He seems okay. I’m glad about that.

I’ve been so scared the last two days. I just
knew Preacher Collins or Mrs. Dawes would pull us out of class and question us.
But they haven’t.

I’m happy to have my amulet, but since I can’t
let anyone know—not even Morri—I hid it underneath one of my shirts hanging in
the closet. I used the enfolding enchantment. No one should be able to see it.
I don’t know if it was worth it, though. Why won’t Morri talk to me? Maybe she
really knows I have it and is mad because I lied.

April 3

I had that burning nightmare again last night. I
woke up screaming. When I looked over at Morri, she had sat up in her bed. I
thought she was going to say something, but she jerked away and wouldn’t look
at me anymore.

I waited all day again, but no one came to pull
us out of class. I guess Lance didn’t tell anyone. I wish he would let us
explain.

April 4

How long is Morri going to act like this? I’m so
mad at her right now. She was just as much at fault as I was.

And it’s not my fault Lance caught us. I want to
scream!!!

April 5

Well, I guess you, diary, are the only one I can talk to
now. Mrs. Dawes even acted weird this afternoon. She didn’t say anything about
last Sunday or about running that couple off. She told me she had something
else to do today, so I wasn’t even there very long. I bet she’s planning on
sending me somewhere else. I need to leave before she does. I wish I knew what
was going on. Ma, I’m so mad at you!!! Why don’t you come after me? Oh, I hate
you too!

April 6

It’s Saturday morning. Morri already left. I
don’t know what to do all day. There are no classes and no one to talk to. What
did I do before she came? Oh, that’s right, I was a zombie.

I’m sorry, Ma. I didn’t mean it. Please forgive
me. But why can’t you tell me what’s going on? I know you’re not dead. Was the
fire my fault? Is that why you won’t come get me?

I had such a stupid dream last night. All these
feathers kept falling from the sky and landing around me. And the more I picked
up, the more fell. Another dream that makes no sense! Oh, and I saw a flying
white horse. Blah!

April 7

Yesterday may have been bad, but today is
worse
!!!!!!!
I’ve tried talking to Morri. But every time I do, she runs away. Even at night,
she won’t answer me. She just ignores anything I say.

I thought about throwing my amulet in the trash.
Because of that stupid thing, no one likes me anymore.

After church, I saw Morri talking to Lance.
They were smiling at each other. I can’t believe it. They’ve made up, but she
still won’t talk to me.

Then Kelile was walking toward me, and I
thought he was going to speak. He just hadn’t noticed I was in front of him.
When he saw me, he ran away too!

I had a bad dream last night. Not my usual
nightmare though. In this dream, everywhere I looked I saw Morri laughing at
me; and every time I saw her, that evil shadow-woman from my other dream was
next to her. I’m afraid something awful will happen to her. Why should I care? She
doesn’t care about me.

Oh, I just want to die!

“Here, Aish, why won’t you write in this one?”
Morrigan interrupted, laying down the diary she’d given to Aishling.

Aishling flinched. She hadn’t heard Morrigan come
into the room. After wiping her tear-streaked cheeks, she picked up the diary.
“How did you get this?”

“Have you been crying?” Morrigan leaned backwards against
Aishling’s desk and crossed her arms. Looking down at the other diary, she read
the last sentence aloud, “ ‘Oh, I just want to die!’ I’m sorry, Aish. I’ve been
dreadful to you. Forgive me?”

Just like that?
“You haven’t talked to me
in days. You really hurt me.”

“I was hurt, too.” Morrigan turned and plopped on
Aishling’s bed. “I couldn’t stand what had happened, and all because I was
trying to help you.”

“You’re going to blame me? You’re the one who
wanted to leave Sunday night, remember?” She shoved away from her desk and
stood.

“Oh, all right.” Morrigan rolled her eyes. “If
that’s what you want me to do, then I’ll take all the blame. I’m sorry.
Everything was my fault.”

Aishling wanted to cry again.

“Come on. Let’s make up. I’ve got exciting news
for you. Don’t look so sad. Smile.” She crossed her eyes and stuck out her
tongue, making a funny face.

Involuntarily, Aishling snickered. “Stop it.”

“See, I knew I could make you laugh. Best friends
again?” Morrigan hugged her.

“Oh, Morri, I was so sad. I couldn’t stand us not
talking to each other.” She sniffled.

Morrigan let go of her and reached for a tissue.
“Here, wipe your eyes, and let’s go swing. I want to tell you my exciting news.
You’ll be surprised.” She skipped to the door.

Aishling followed Morrigan to the swings.

“Lance and I have been talking the last couple of
days.” Morrigan sat on one of the swings and pushed off.

“I know.” Aishling sat in another one. “I saw you today.”

“I knew you saw us, but Lance and I had just
started talking again. I didn’t want to scare him off.”

Morrigan slowed her swing. “He’s gotten upset with
everyone here and with the state. He’s been telling them he wants them to
contact that Cherokee guy I told you about before. But no one is listening.
They have this other family interested in him—you know, the couple he went with
last weekend. They want him to go with those people for an extended stay.” She snickered.
“Oh, Aish, this is so good. I can’t drag it out any longer. Lance asked me if I
still wanted to leave this place.” She lunged out of the swing and landed on
her feet, laughing. “He wants to leave, too!”

“No! Really?”

Morrigan nodded and twirled.

Aishling stopped swinging. “What did you tell
him?”

“Of course, I said
yes
.”

“Yes!” she said, hopping out of the swing.

Morrigan grabbed her shoulders, holding her still.
“But, listen to me. Under no circumstances can you act like you know yet.”

“Why?” She frowned.

“Because, he’s still mad at you. He thinks you
hurt Kelile and that you made me help you try to steal his canoe.” She squeezed
Aishling’s shoulders.

“What? Why does he think that? It was
your
spell that hurt Kelile, and—Ow! Don’t squeeze me so tight.”

“Listen. That was the only way I could get him to
talk to me again.”

Unable to breathe, Aishling wheezed. “What about
me?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk him into letting you come
with us. But you must promise you won’t say anything to him until I do.
And
,
that you won’t tell Kelile.”

“Why?”

“He doesn’t want Kelile to go. Now, promise.”

“That doesn’t make sense. He and Kelile are best
friends.”

“Do you want to go or not?”

I can’t believe this.

“Well?”

“Okay,” Aishling whispered.

Morrigan released her and danced around, chanting,
“We’re leaving. We’re leaving. Yes, we’re really leaving.”

Monday, April 8

Lance had his shoes off, and his feet dangled in
the river when she and Morrigan met him after classes.

“Hi, Lance. Isn’t that water too cold?” Morrigan said.

“No.”

“Hi, Lance.” Aishling smiled.

“Hi,” he mumbled, without looking at her.

Gee, he’s still mad.
She sat on the grass a
few feet away while Morrigan sat next to him. What could she say to get him to
look at her?

“What’s the matter?” Morrigan broke the silence.

“Mrs. Dawes just told me the Jamesons want me to
spend this weekend with them, too. They’re putting pressure on her every day
for me to do an extended stay.” He threw a rock into the river.

“Then we need to leave as soon as possible.” She
looked over at Aishling and nodded.

Aishling’s voice quivered as she said, “Let’s
leave Thursday before you have to go.”

He scowled at her. “We have to be smarter than
that about it. I don’t want to get caught.”

“I don’t want you to get caught, either, you
know.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Aishling said, on the verge of jumping up
and running away.

“Then we have to do things
my
way.” His
eyes jabbed at her like an ice pick. “And why don’t you want Ke—”

“Okay, you two. Let’s don’t squabble,” Morrigan
said. “We all want to leave, and none of us want to be brought back to this
dreadful place.”

Aishling caught Morrigan giving him a slight shake
of her head. What was she up to now? “What’s—”

“I don’t know how we’re going to do it, Morrigan,”
Lance said, wiping his feet on the grass. He put his socks on. “If we take the
canoe, they’ll know that’s how we left. I’ve got to figure out a way to make
them think I got rid of it or something.” He stood.

Aishling hopped up. “Lance. When you’re gone this
weekend, Morri and I could take your canoe out of the shed and hide it. Then,
when you come back, you could report it missing.”

“And how do I know you won’t take it and leave
while I’m not here?”

She hunched over, crushed. How could he think she
would do that? “Look, we weren’t going to steal your canoe. We were—”

“Lance.” Morrigan stood, brushing dirt off her
shorts. “Aish—”

“Look, I’m sorry! I guess we didn’t think things
through very well before.” Aishling pointed at Morrigan. “But, can’t you
forgive me like you forgave her?”

He kicked at the ground. His silence drowned her
heart.

“Come on, Lance. Both Aish and I will do whatever
you say. We don’t want to get you in trouble. We want to help you as much as
you’d be helping us.” She held out her right pinky finger. “Pinky promise?”

He clutched her wrist and moved it down to her
side. Turning to Aishling, he said, “Okay, I guess I
have
to forgive
you, anyway.”

What does that mean?
Why was it hard for
him to forgive her when he’d been able to forgive Morri? Aishling hugged her
stomach.

After several aching moments, he said, “You know,
that’s not a bad idea. Like you said, when I go on my visit, you all could hide
the canoe. When I come back, I’ll ask Preacher Collins if I could get my
camping gear ready for my next visit with the Jamesons. I’ll discover my canoe
missing and report it. We could wait a couple of weeks while they’re searching
for it, and then leave. That’s a great idea, in fact.” He briefly smiled at Aishling
before looking at Morrigan. “Listen, I’ve got to meet Kelile in the gym. I’ll
slip you a note tomorrow. Think about where you would hide the canoe. I’ll
think about it too. Bye.” He jogged away.

Tuesday, April 9

That evening after dinner, while Morrigan took a
shower, Aishling hid her original diary again, this time underneath her
mattress. She also used an enfolding enchantment on it so even Morri couldn’t
see it. Then she sat at her desk and opened the diary Morrigan had given her.
She paused and studied the maze spell, wondering if it could hurt anyone else.
Then she wrote: