by Vega Lizzie
Terra stepped back to Shannon, “That bad? Hillbilly witches,” she mused, “I kinda like it.”
“Nah, not that bad, plus young Olivia would hate that. Karly is coming over for dinner. They’re gonna do both versions of homework and Karly is beginning to be quite comfortable with her aura work. It might come in handy someday.”
“And so, we grow larger.”
Later that night, long after they had gone to bed, Terra’s phone pinged from the nightstand. Shannon rolled over and opened one eye, “That’s the fifth one, if someone were to be counting such things.”
“I’m on it,” Terra yawned as she picked up the phone to respond to another text from Chloe, “I get she’s an hour ahead of us. Must be a night owl.”
“Ya think?” Shannon snarked as Terra read the text. “Pretty obvious she’s excited. She’s got her alarm set to be up an hour before sunrise to watch the orb again.”
Shannon raised her head off the pillow, “That’s as cute as it is obsessive. Tell her to go to back to bed.”
As Terra returned a final text, she wondered, “What all did you put in the orb? It sounds pretty intense.”
“A little of this and a little of that. I had some extra crystals left over from when I did the protection talismans. It’s not a dark magic trigger, but it probably does a decent light show.”
“I love you,” Terra said softly as she turned off her phone and placed it quietly back on the table. She snuggled up behind Shannon to spoon with her, “Wait until she meets you. You’re gonna blow her mind.”
Shannon took Terra’s hand in hers and tucked it against her chest, “Maybe she should meet Eliza. They can discuss the Dewey Decimal system, or something.”
Terra started to snicker, “Yeah, the Swedish goddess and the virgin librarian. Sounds like a movie. Oh my God, you know who would be better?”
Shannon laughed out loud, “Tess. Chloe would hang out with her for the weekend and cut a swath through most of the men at the college. Ewww, poor choice of words.”
“Probably a few of the women as well,” Terra whispered softly in Shannon’s ear, “A tattoo here and there, we wouldn’t even recognize her.” She settled back onto her pillow, “We’re awful. I think you’ll like her just the way she is. Are you packed yet?”
“In my head, fully packed,” Shannon grinned. “I just can’t grab a backpack and go like you. A tad envious ‘bout that.”
“Sorry,” Terra acknowledged, “I wish I knew a way but both Toni and Tatsumi were adamant to the point of yelling at not to screw around with the idea.”
“Tatsumi yelled at you?” Shannon shifted and looked surprised, “He’s so mellow, I would have liked to have seen that.”
“Most of it was loud and frustrated Japanese, but he actually got a little emotional at the end. I promised him. Toni’s description was a little more graphic about what happens. Let’s just drop it, okay? Where all are you going?”
Shannon hesitated, “I don’t want to waltz around town and draw attention to myself, but I’ll start with Chloe, then after a more remote visit, I’ll see if I can get Maggie out of the restaurant to get her to watch for odd customers or…well,”
“Your Dad being odd.”
Shannon sighed heavily, “That’s kind of a given, right? Iris said I should visit the Dolmen. She had a nice moment of insight when she and Stefan visited. Maybe I can balance out some of what Colin has told me.”
“Full plate,” Terra smiled softly, “You’re gonna go back to the bone circle, aren’t you? I remember you looking back several times as we rode away. You’ve had the same look a couple of times, tonight especially. Remote,” Terra suddenly repeated and watched Shannon wince, “Oh God dammit, I prefer if you don’t make me ask.”
“You don’t have to worry. I know you trust me.”
Terra sat straight up in bed, “You know I’m not worried about you. I’ll go with you…I’ll back you up.” One look at Shannon and Terra flopped back on the bed, “This is one of those, I can’t tell you moments, isn’t it? She’s fucking dangerous, Shan.”
“Listen to me,” Shannon said sternly, her quick tone catching Terra of guard, “Augusta and I had a conversation, and you know all about that. I’m going to pay a call to her for information only. Given what I know about the area, she’s gotta have an idea about the bone circle.”
Terra was quiet, but Shannon could feel the bed beginning to shake, “I know you would always have my back, but…and I’ll share everything I learn. You can ping me and I’ll check in constantly. I’m going there after I meet Chloe. There is something else happening, Terra, something that’s going to touch all of us.”
“You’re scaring me,” Terra sighed, “I was more afraid of her than I was of Merrick. That black tendril stuff, I still think about that.”
“That’s because with Merrick, we had a team. During the fight in the park, I watched you more than you realize, your confidence and focus was…” She blew out a long breath, “You just did it again. You take my breath away.”
Terra popped up on her elbows, “I will give you points for that, but I reserve the right to get cranky about Augusta. Why don’t you facetime with the old bat, hash tag demonic lunatic?”
“Pretty sure where she is reported to be living, Twitter’s not a thing. Plumbing might not be a thing either. I will keep it short.”
“I don’t like the idea of her one on one with you, at all.” Terra slumped back down, “That didn’t come out right. I am really sorry.”
Shannon hid a quick grin, “I missed that, what? I was still thinking about your shoulders and arms glistening in the sun as you wielded your mighty plasma ropes.”
“Whatever,” Terra said mockingly before she gave in, “I won’t interrupt your meeting, but I might be having coffee at the closest truck stop, just in case. Can I at least do that?”
“Okay, fine,” Shannon was relived and quickly agreed, “leave your college jeans at home. The truckers will think you’re a lot lizard. They’ll want to show you their big rigs.”
“Gross, that’s awful.”
“Indeed,” Shannon chuckled, “I’ll let you try to get that image out of your head for a while.”
Terra rolled over and kissed Shannon on the shoulder, “I will admit, you were pretty smooth right now. Serious stuff, then dropped the bad news, then sucked up to me a nice compliment. Almost as good as I am.” She raised her arms and flexed, “Glistening shoulders…at least you didn’t say moist.”
“Ahhh,” Shannon bellowed, “and break rule number one of your smutty books? I know better.”
Chapter 13
As Shannon approached the main desk at the school library, she was looking at Chloe, but couldn’t help looking at the other librarian as well. Both women seemed starstruck as she stopped at the desk.
“Hi Chloe, I’m Shannon. Can we chat for a little bit?”
“Oh, my God,” the other librarian loudly blurted out, interrupting her already blushing associate. “Second room on the right. She’s been over the moon all morning. Take all day.”
“Thanks,” Shannon chuckled, “Maybe a half hour or so.”
Like before, Chloe got up and made a grinning beeline for the hallway leaving Shannon momentarily at the desk. “I don’t know what you and that other girl have done for her, but she is so…different the last couple days. It’s kind of amazing.”
Shannon smiled, “Just got her to open up a little, I’m told she can be a little shy. Invite her out for coffee once in a while. She’s a late bloomer.”
“We will. Thank you so much. Are you like, from New York or some modeling agency?” Her eyes got wide, “I’ve always told her she was pretty. She’s got those good angles.”
Shannon grinned, “Maybe share that with her too. I better catch up, okay?”
Closing the conference room door behind her, Shannon grinned, “How ya doing?” You are feeling good?” Chloe just stared at her, a smile frozen happily in place, “I’m fine, the orb was so beaut
iful, I cried. I’m really happy that you’re here, I’m really rambling right now, sorry.”
“It’s okay, “Shannon said, trying to lighten the moment, “I do it too sometimes.”
“No, you don’t,” Chloe blurted suddenly, “You’re…you’re in control, you have a direction and you’re going to get there.” She stopped suddenly, “I…didn’t mean to say all of that, it…just sorta came out.”
“Like magic,” Shannon winked, “That’s quite a gift you have. I’d like to think that what you said is true, but honestly, sometimes I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“But you still do something, you just don’t sit there and let the world roll over the top of you.”
“Chloe, listen. That’s truer lately, but not too long ago, I was not who you think I might be. Terra had a great deal to do with that, my daughter, so many others. My point is, don’t think…don’t force yourself to believe this kind of thing happens overnight. Go slow, learn to cherish who you are now.”
Chloe sighed, “Terra told me you’d say something like this, but so many questions, so much of the doubt I’ve had…fell into place.”
“That’s excellent. As you would guess, we are always to be a secret, so you’ll have to make up a story about why we are coming here to visit.” Shannon paused, “when I leave, I’m going to give you a head start because your friend at the desk thinks we are, um…”
“Shrinks?” Chloe guessed but the Shannon’s relief, her face blossomed into a beautiful smile, “well, not much ever happens in this town so, hot psychiatrists would be her exact words so…it’s not like a surprise if you stick with her idea. I suddenly don’t mind at all.”
“Well, then,” Shannon grinned, “I’ll leave it up to you. Don’t be surprised if you get a coffee invite or two this week. The way people have perceived you is going to shift a little, so be prepared.” Then she shrugged, “Have a little fun with it.”
“Terra is amazing, isn’t she,” Chloe blurted out, then turned red, “Duh, like you don’t already know that.”
Shannon only smiled, “And, she’s an excellent judge of character. She had some amazing things to say about you as well.”
Chloe just sat back in her chair and stared at Shannon. It made her chuckle, “Terra told me that you might feel overwhelmed by all of this. It’s one day at a time, okay?”
“Okay…sure.” Chloe grinned but then laughed out loud as she watched Shannon stand from her chair. A quick frown was quickly replaced, and her eyes went wide, “I can feel…you. I can feel Terra as well. How you think…God I can only imagine you both in the same room, it must be…” She looked at Shannon with happy tears in her eyes, “magical. Sorry,” she apologized, “that sounds so dorky. I guess you have to go.”
“It’s not dorky at all. Terra is actually a big nerd, thank you,” Shannon smiled, “yes, she means the world to me.” Shannon held her hand out formally, “We’re a lot to take in all at once, but someday, if you feel comfortable having us around,” she grinned as Chloe clasped her hand, “welcome to the family.”
Expecting a grin, Shannon watched Chloe as her words sunk in. The young woman’s words caught in her throat, “But…what if-” She stopped, stuck as her emotions spilled over. She looked around the room as if drinking in the energy that Shannon was projecting. “What if I’m not worthy?”
Shannon put her arms around her and drew her close, “You know better. It’s one day at a time. When we finish our business in town, you and I are going to have a long lunch and I’ll tell you a few stories about how our family came to be.”
Chloe gasped, “I would so love that. I really don’t want you to leave, right now.”
“You have to work, today, sweetie. Know that with each book you check out, it might be that student’s ticket to a great life.” She took Chloe’s hand in her own, “When I first saw Terra, oh boy,” she hesitated, “I’m so gonna crush your fantasy of me. I was in jail and I was so obnoxious, I puked on her shoes. That was almost two years ago. I was at the end of my rope with nowhere to turn.”
“You’re serious?”
“The second time, I threw a bar stool through a plate glass window, just so they would arrest me again. I requested her as my lawyer.” Shannon wiped the tears from Chloe’s face, “Don’t tell me you’re not worthy, got it? Better yet, don’t tell yourself.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she answered in all seriousness, “you had to do it twice?”
Shannon nodded, “Our first meeting was chance, but I knew, deep down she would be the one for me. What happened after that…” She grinned, “I’ll leave that for our future lunch, okay?”
“Okay,” Chloe whispered, “I’ll go and do my librarian thing…change student’s lives.” She said it without a hint of sarcasm or regret. Shannon reconnected for another hug, “We’ll see you soon.”
Chapter 14
As Shannon drove out of the city limits toward the distant rock formations, she replayed her conversation with Chloe. Under all that angst and now bubbling enthusiasm, there was a challenge waiting. Chloe’s staggeringly quick assessment of Shannon’s momentum had only taken seconds. While she was reluctant to completely buy into it, Shannon began to explore options as to how they could nurture the young woman’s talent.
So taken with the thought, she drove past the exit that would take her to the dolmen rock formations. Instead of turning around she decided to get the most unknown part of the day out of the way. She hadn’t been entirely honest with Terra when she commented on how calm she seemed in revisiting the woman that had caused so much trouble. In truth, Shannon was shaking as she began watching for the old mining road that led through the woods to where Augusta had been reportedly seen.
Watching carefully for signs of Augusta’s presence, she passed by several service access roads that branched from the main line. After the first two, she noticed a subtle marker had been placed on the left side of each road. A short three stone stack of rocks served as a marker for the overgrown side roads. Passing the fourth side road, a taller mound of rocks stood out on both sides of the road. This particular cairn, usually seen as a hiking marker to denote a path, this arrangement stood out.
As Shannon climbed out of her car and quietly closed the door, she realized it was more likely the large dead tree that towered above the stack of rocks. If Augusta was intending to send a message, it had worked. Shannon began to sweat as her nerves overpowered the relatively cool mountain day.
A closer look at the tree revealed a subtle manipulation of the bark pattern of the old gnarled oak tree into a small Roman era cross. Suddenly questioning the validity of the tip she’d received, she reached down to pick up the top stone from the stack. Turning it over, a pentagram was carved into the smooth bottom and a shift in the air around her made her sigh in frustration, “Oops,” she said under her breath, “so much for the element of surprise.” A few more quiet steps down the barely used road and the air shifted again.
Shannon gasped as she heard a familiar voice from behind, “To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?”
Shannon turned slowly, “Augusta, it’s me, Shannon. It’s not like I have your phone number. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to ask a question or two. If not. I’ll go and leave you be.”
“I’ve been aware of you since the second marker,” she said softly, “can’t imagine you’d come all this way for only a question or two. Must be serious.” Dressed in khaki hiking shorts and a flowered shirt, Augusta looked more like an aging flower child rather than Shannon’s first dark nemesis.
Shannon was quick to comment. “I was raised in Helena. My parents still live here. You look…nice, uh, if you don’t mind me saying so.”
“It’s a composite of a few of the locals around here,” a sly smile crossed her lips, “if you’re worried that I’ve borrowed someone again. I assure you that is not the case.”
The ancient monk turned her head slightly and glanced behind her, “We're alone?” she asked uneasily, “no surprise party
waiting behind me?”
“No, no surprises from me. I’m just looking for information about some larger magic that is beginning to manifest regarding my father.”
“Around these parts, that could be many things,” Augusta chuckled, “Odd, we didn’t cross paths sooner, then.”
“Still probably a good thing,” Shannon commented “no offense. I haven’t actually lived here in many years.”
“None taken. I see that you have moved forward in your teachings. That is going to prove helpful for you. To be fair,” she offered, “I’d be willing to exchange information. Maybe more than one or two questions. Perhaps something like mutually beneficial for each of us.”
The unexpected offer made; Shannon was quick to accept. “As I’m the one who barged up here and spoiled your hike, you get the first question.”
Augusta chuckled, and for a moment, Shannon was back in the parking garage bargaining for her daughter. Augusta seemed to sense the moment. “You’ve been shown another level of the hierarchy. Does it make you uncomfortable?”
“Very,” Shannon blurted, “if I’m to be honest with myself. Seeing into the near future…I’m not comfortable with it.”
“You were given foresight, that’s remarkable. Was there a full ritual?”
Shannon shook her head, “No. Me and two other people.”
“Your reference, updated?”
“My grimoire, yes. Almost constantly so.”
“The information you received,” the old woman paused, “it was helpful for you, it gives you a sense of direction in your magic?” Though it seemed the questions were increasingly one-sided, Shannon was learning, nonetheless.
As Shannon hesitated, Augusta oddly withdrew her request, “never mind, child. It’s better I don’t know.” She chuckled, “and now it seems I’ve picked a foolish spot to settle my bones. I was just getting used to the place.” Pointing up the path she moved ahead of Shannon, brushing against her. Augusta turned with an odd smile, “First, a young untested witch in search of true love. Then, just as quickly you find yourself as the Ivory Witch. Ever wonder why?”