by Ciara Lake
“I feel so sad about Donna. I feel responsible.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, making his shirt wet.
“You’re not responsible.” He caressed her back. “Don’t cry, my love.” He kissed the top of her head. “Your grandmother will be safe, and you’ll be safe here with her. The Empusa won’t be able to take her soul. Your grandmother never uses much magic, but I’ve always sensed she was a powerful being.”
“She may be powerful, but the Empusa could still kill her.”
“Yes, and she could kill you too. But that won’t be easy. You’re both immortal, and you’re fighters, and you’re together. She’s a coward, and you’ll both be ready for her.”
“I don’t want anyone to be in danger because of me.” She frowned.
“Meet Genevieve first, then decide if you’ll stay here with her. While you’re here, I’ll figure out how to catch the Empusa and arrange a meeting with Zeus’s Council to try to get a writ of execution.”
“Oh, what am I thinking? I can’t stay here. I’m a professor, remember? Tomorrow’s Monday. I have classes to teach.”
“You can’t go back and interact with your students. They’ll be marked for death. Call in and tell them you had to go away on a family emergency or tell them you’re sick. Tell them something, anything, just stay away from the school.”
“Oh gods.” She put her hand to her head. “The next thing I know, I’m going to be a suspect in Donna’s death.”
“Why?”
“If too many people who are associated with me die, and I’ve mysteriously left town, that looks bad. Doesn’t it? I need my cellphone.” She bit her nails until she drew blood. “I can keep up to date with my cellphone. And I can call the school.”
“Where is it?”
“In my car in my purse.”
“I could just summon the purse and phone here, but I’m going to make sure my car is okay where I’ve stored it. Stay here, I’ll be back.”
“Okay.”
Terra watched him disappear. Then she walked to a log on the edge of the path and sat down. The nearby plants called for her attention.
“What am I going to do?” she asked a wildflower. The plants often gave her good advice.
“I’m back.”
She looked up to see Aetius standing in front of her. He was holding her purse.
“Now, let’s go visit your grandmother.”
“Wait, first I have some questions for you. I’ve been thinking of these questions for some time, but I didn’t want to interrupt our adventure with them. But now, I want to know.”
“Sure.” He nodded. “Ask me.”
“How do you know my parents and Genevieve?”
He grinned. “You know, since I’ve met you, I’ve talked more than I have in centuries. But I don’t mind.”
“Good, you’re going to need to talk a lot more, please.” She smiled back.
He sat her purse down in front of her, then he sat down on the log next to her. “I’ve known Genevieve for decades. Well, since you were born. I met her because of my Enforcer duties.”
“Zeus’s Council sent you after my mother and Crexan?”
“Yes, that’s right.” He nodded. “I was ordered to find and imprison them. I caught your mother red-handed while she was draining the earth.”
“Being a Master Elemental helped you locate her?”
“Exactly. The earth communicates with me, and it was calling out in pain. When I found Aife I was so infuriated by what she and Crexan had done, I captured Aife and put her in a prison cell under the ground. Unfortunately, Crexan got away, but I had Aife.”
“I thought no one got away from you. That’s what you told the Empusa.”
“Crexan is the only one. I didn’t need to tell her of my one failure. I’ve never been able to capture him.”
“So, what happened to Aife?” she asked.
“Genevieve learned her daughter was imprisoned. She contacted me and tried to negotiate her daughter’s freedom. She knew her daughter was corrupt. But Aife’s her only child, and she couldn’t stand to see her suffer. I agreed to release Aife, and she later gave birth to you.”
“I’m surprised you agreed to release her.”
“Your grandmother is very persuasive.” He looked down at his hands. “And I was sympathetic Aife was going to be a mother. Then Aife raced off and left you with Genevieve. Your grandmother decided it would be best to allow mortals to take care of you to keep you safe. Because if Aife and Crexan had raised you, you would have been tainted.”
“So, how did you happen to show up at the coven meeting?”
“I learned you would be there, and I wanted to meet you to make sure you weren’t like your parents. I was happy to learn you’re a wonderful woman who loves nature.”
“I passed your test?” She smiled.
“A test sounds cold and calculating. Which I admit I can be at times. But yes, you passed with flying colors.” He winked.
“That’s a relief.”
“It was to me too. I wanted to make sure you hadn’t inherited your parents’ dark ways. But then I didn’t know you weren’t Crexan’s child.”
Terra looked up at him. “I’m still trying to figure out how I’m Goddess Gaia’s child. It seems crazy to me.”
“She’s a goddess, there’s nothing more to figure out, and everything can seem crazy with the gods.” He shrugged. “But you’re her child, made from her.”
“I know you can expect the unexpected. My emotions are all over. So much has happened to me and changed in a short amount of time.”
“Yes, I realize that.”
She leaned against him. “What a whirlwind.” She was quiet for several moments. “We must get rid of this Empusa. So, what can I do to help you? I’ll do what you suggest.”
“I’m going to take you to Genevieve. You’re going to stay here a while. You need to rest. I’ll get an audience with the council. Once I do, I’ll take you to Mount Olympus with me. I can introduce you to Zeus and the other gods. They should want to meet the unexpected daughter of Goddess Gaia.”
“All right, that sounds great. I guess it’s time I meet my grandmother.” She stood up and offered him her hand. “Come on, let’s go see if she’s home.”
Chapter 7
Aetius and Terra walked through the woods, following the well-manicured paths to Genevieve’s house.
“Aetius, do you smell it?”
“What?” he asked.
She stopped and closed her eyes and inhaled. “The wet earth mixed with the aroma of vegetation growing with wild abandon. That’s the smell of spring.” She opened her eyes and grinned. “When I’m unhappy about something or worried, nature always makes me feel better and appreciate life. This is a gorgeous place. It’s as beautiful as the jungle, in its own special way.”
“It is.” He nodded. “The earth has many beautiful places.”
“Hear the blackbirds and the robins? I love their songs.” She started to walk again. The forest animals were moving about, gathering their breakfast. They stopped to peek at Terra.
“Like I said, you’re a very special woman.”
“Is special good?” She laughed.
“Yes, it’s perfect.” He smiled at her as the wind whipped her hair around her face. “The wind loves you too. The wind is the hardest of the elements to get along with. It’s finicky.”
When they exited the woods, there was a Tudor-style farmhouse in a clearing surrounded by gardening plots and vined trellises. It was a quaint, picturesque home. The early morning sun shined down on the house, and the brown stone shimmered.
Terra gripped his hand. “This house looks like it’s out of a fairy tale. Don’t you think?”
“I suppose one could think so. Genevieve has always taken great care of her property. She loves the earth like you do.”
“I hate to say it, but it looks like the house Hansel and Gretel come upon in the deep woods.”
He grinned. “I didn’t leave any bread crumbs.”
He hugged her to him. “Don’t worry, Genevieve isn’t a cannibal witch. I have met some.”
“I’m sure you have.” She rolled her eyes. “There are so many nasty creatures out in the world.”
“There are.” He nodded. “But no worries, I dispatch them quickly. Can’t have immortals eating mortal’s children. There would be a wave of panic.”
“Good point. That should apply to the Empusa. It shouldn’t matter that she’s Hecate’s evil offspring. Just because you’re a child of a god shouldn’t mean you can kill people just because you’re hungry. Gods shouldn’t kill indiscriminately either. Like Amuliana and Hecate, they should be punished for killing your sister.”
“Yes, those are good points, and I’ll make them to Zeus and the council.” He nodded. “Or you’ll be able to make those points to them.”
“I’d be happy to make those points.”
“Come on, let’s go knock on the door, so you can meet Genevieve.”
“I guess it’s as good a time as any.” She moved forward and tugged on his arm.
He followed her. They walked up onto the front porch. There were potted plants everywhere and small flowerbeds. She had several hummingbird feeders and birdhouses too.
“See, she has a lot of things here that I knew you would appreciate.” He pointed to the large planter of flowers.
When they got to the door, it opened. A pretty woman with brown hair and hazel eyes stood at the door. She was Terra’s height and appeared to be her age too. She gazed at them with amazement.
“Hello,” Terra said.
The woman’s eyes twinkled with happiness. “Enforcer Aetius, is this my granddaughter?” She smiled first at Aetius and then at Terra.
“Yes, Genevieve, this is Terra.”
“She’s lovely.” Genevieve reached for her. “Can I have a hug?”
“Yes.” Terra hugged her.
“I’ve missed you so much. I’m so sorry.” She let go of Terra and stepped back to take a good look. Tears were in her eyes, and they flowed down her cheeks. “Look at you, all grown up. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me?”
“I’m here.” Terra stepped closer and hugged her again. “Aetius told me you were protecting me from Crexan, and even your daughter, Aife. From what I understand, I can appreciate the choices you made. It was a difficult choice to allow others to raise me.”
“You’re very kind.” Genevieve smiled.
“See, Genevieve.” Aetius gestured to Terra. “She’s a nice, young woman. I’m pleased and impressed with her.” He put his hand on Terra’s shoulder.
“Thank the gods, especially praise be to Goddess Diana.” She touched the amulet around her neck.
Terra pulled back to get a better look at the woman. “You’re too young to be my grandmother.”
Aetius chuckled. “Terra, being an immortal witch means you don’t age.”
Terra shook her head. “It’s hard to remember, since I’m not around immortals very much, and...well, I’m young.”
“Why are you both still standing outside? Come on in.” Genevieve stood back and waved them inside. “I’ll put the kettle on and make some tea.”
“Tea sounds wonderful.” Terra stepped inside. The house was eclectically decorated. Plants lined the window sills and hung from the ceiling in macramé holders. “I like your house.”
“My home is your home.” Genevieve glanced back as she walked to the kitchen.
Terra and Aetius followed her into the kitchen. Again, the room was filled with plants lining the windows. There was a bird in an ornate cage, who happily chirped in the corner of the room.
“Genevieve, we have a problem with an Empusa.” Aetius pulled out a chair at the kitchen table.
“Dear gods, an Empusa. That’s horrid. I’ve not heard of one troubling mortals for decades. Has she killed anyone you know of yet?” Genevieve took cups out of the cupboard.
“Yes, a woman I work with was killed.” Terra sighed. “I’m so upset about it. And the Empusa has threatened to kill other people I know.” She walked over to the picture window. It looked out onto the backyard and deck. “This is a lovely place.”
“Thank you.” Genevieve smiled at her. “I love it here. I’ve been here for forty years now.”
“It seems we pissed the Empusa off.” Aetius sat down at the table.
“What did you do?”
“Not much. I made it rain on a garden party where she was the special guest. Then I pushed her off the porch with the wind.” Aetius shrugged. “Just having a little fun with the queen of mean, and she got seriously bent out of shape over it.”
“Is that all? I guess it doesn’t take much for her to target someone to kill. She wants to kill. If she picked on you, she was just looking for an excuse. You could have looked at her wrong. If not your friends, it would have been someone else’s.”
“Yep, her whole goal is to eat mortals. She likes to make a game of it. It’s who she is. Evil!” Aetius put his head in his hand.
“She’s used to being worshiped or feared too. And obviously, you didn’t do either.”
“Why would she expect an immortal to fear her?” Terra asked.
Genevieve added the loose tea to the strainer. “One can never understand insanity. She preys on young, handsome men mostly. I’ve heard stories of her seducing them and then killing them when she was done with them.”
“She told us she’s going to kill anyone Terra has even talked to. And her students and her coven are at risk.” Aetius leaned back in his chair. “It’s a nightmare for the town. Terra didn’t bring her there, a woman named Lucy did. It’s all her fault, and she’s going to pay for it too.”
“That is terrifying.” Genevieve frowned. “You’ve got to stop her.”
“Yes. I can’t get the vision of Donna’s dead body out of my mind.” Terra gazed out the window. “It’s like I’m living a nightmare.” Tears rolled down her face. “We have to kill the Empusa to try to release the souls she’s eaten. Donna needs to have an afterlife and not be stuck in oblivion.”
“Yes, that should work, if you kill her soon. I remember learning that once too much time has passed, you can’t free the souls she’s consumed. They’re gone forever. But no one knows for sure.” She shrugged.
“Why not?” Terra turned to look at her. “I thought we knew for sure it would free the souls.”
“No.” Genevieve shook her head. “None of the Empusia sisters have been killed, that I know of. Do you know of any, Aetius?”
“No.” He played with a piece of paper on the table. “It’s only speculation the souls will be released. There have been so many Empusa, I’m sure one or more have been killed, but there is no recorded history of it or passed-down tales from witnesses.”
“An Enforcer can’t kill the daughters of Hecate without permission.” Genevieve put the tea cups and the sugar on the table. The tea kettle started to hiss.
“I’m going to leave Terra here with you. If that’s okay?”
“Of course it’s okay. I’d love to have the time to get to know Terra.” Genevieve smiled at her granddaughter. “You can’t imagine how much I’ve thought of you over the years.”
“Great,” Aetius said. “I’m going to take care of a few things and get an audience with Zeus’s Council. Once I get the audience scheduled, I’ll come and get Terra. I’m going to take her to Mount Olympus.”
“You’re taking her to the council?” Genevieve’s voice was a bit shrill. For a moment, she seemed concerned. “That will be an interesting experience.”
“Yes, I’m taking her to the council.”
Genevieve stood at the stove and poured the hot water into a china tea pot. She carried it over to the table and poured hot water into each of their cups.
“The tea smells great.” Terra inhaled deeply. “I love basil tea.”
“You recognize it?”
“Yes.” Terra inhaled again, then took a swallow.
“It’s good. One of my favorites.”
Genevieve sat down and sipped her tea.
Aetius drank his tea and stood up. “I’m going to go now. I hope you enjoy each other’s company. You have a lot to catch up on.”
“Like my whole life.” Terra lifted the tea pot and poured herself some more tea. “But you finished your tea so quickly.” She glanced at Aetius.
“I did.” He nodded. “I think it’s best I get going so I can take care of the Empusa as soon as possible.”
“I guess that’s true,” Genevieve said. “Her threats are scary, and she’ll probably kill more if you don’t stop her. Before you leave, Aetius, I’d like to have a few words with you in private. I hope you don’t mind, Terra.”
“No, not at all.” Terra sipped her hot tea.
“Let’s go outside and talk.” He offered his hand to help Genevieve out of her chair. “Could you go out on the deck and wait for me while I say goodbye to Terra?”
Genevieve smiled at Terra. “Certainly.” She flashed out onto the deck.
Terra watched Genevieve sit down in a lounge chair. Near the deck, two fawns were nibbling on nuts. Genevieve smiled softly as she watched them.
“She’s not at all what I expected,” Terra said.
“No.” He grinned. “She’s a young, beautiful witch, more your contemporary, at least she looks that way.”
“Yes, exactly.” Terra nodded. “I was expecting a grandma-type woman. Like the other grandmothers I’ve seen.” She chuckled. “I hadn’t thought about her not aging. All of this is going to take some getting used to.”
“Yes, I suppose it will for you. However, I think she’s only a few hundred years old. She’s really young for an immortal.” He took Terra’s hands in his. “Terra, I’m going to miss you. I’m going to hurry back.”
“I feel the same. Please do hurry back.” She stood up and hugged him. “I’ve never connected to anyone like I have with you.”
“That’s a sweet thing to say. And it sounds promising to me.” He kissed her nose.
“Please be careful.” She rubbed his arm.
He kissed her lips, and their tongues met and entwined. Her arms wrapped around him, and she held on to him as his hands traveled down her back to cup her behind.