by Vega Lizzie
“You just returned from a well-deserved family trip,” he chuckled, “Need a vacation to recoup from your vacation? Angela has shared a little of what it was about. It’s good to tighten family ties.”
“Yeah, that happened. And my father seems to have gotten himself into something that has supernatural implications. I beginning to think it’s a hotbed of issues out there.”
She watched his expression change slightly to one of recognition, “I would say your perception is right on the money.” He shrugged, “it’s just your methods that have aroused some concern.”
“Oh dear. My methods. All I’ve done is asked some questions based on a list of people my father has had some contact with.” She watched him nod his head, “And that’s a problem for someone on the list.”
“Not just one, and I will tell you that Marcus’s way of doing things is as fascinating as he is accurate. Two of those people have reached out to me in the last two days.”
“They’re mad. Crap.”
“They’re concerned, Shannon, but, most assuredly, not angry as they have nothing to hide. That’s why I’m here. Tell me what you think is going on out there and we’ll take that next step.”
“Concerned, sure. I stepped in a pile of something, didn’t I?”
“Shannon, no, it’s not like that,” he said with a smile, then he hedged, “not yet, and to be honest, I might have you do it on purpose after a while. Smaller steps, but you are the one I want to have do this.”
“This is the I will lead part, isn’t it,’ she said softly. “Didn’t think it would really be the case…or come so soon.”
“You are more than capable. Is your grimoire handy?” he asked casually, “We’ll need it in a minute or two.”
Shannon was quick to rush into the studio and snatch the old book from her desk. Directing her to place it on the kitchen island, Colin raised his hand slowly and started what Shannon recognized as a triggering sequence. As her eyes narrowed, the wizard was quick to calm her. As a small white orb appeared, he smiled, “There will be a knock…”
Spiraling down to the countertop, the little white orb flared briefly as it perched atop Shannon’s magic encyclopedia. Transfixed by the tiny but elegant display, she caught herself talking out loud, “Ollie would love to see this, it’s kinda becoming her thing…” then jerked in surprise as a sharp rap on the door startled her. Colin continued to observe the flickering ball of light, “It’s for you,” he grinned, the orb making his eyes sparkle.
Suddenly the setting became familiar, the only thing missing were the rest of the family and Shannon began to struggle with an odd feeling of guilt. “I haven’t done anything wrong,” she said quietly, then moved to the door, “am I being sanctioned?”
Colin only nodded toward the door and Shannon felt a pulse of adrenaline coarse through her body. Opening the door to the surprise visitor, it only got worse. Shannon’s unfounded suspicion of a sanction was fully realized as the young woman on the step looked back at her. She had been the one to deliver the Third Council’s individual sanctions following the fight with David and Arthur at the car dealership.
Shannon’s shoulders fell and she sighed, “Dammit.” Then reared back as her embarrassment washed over her, “I’m so sorry…oh God, please come in.” Hanging her head, Shannon pointed to the kitchen, “You know where to go.”
“Thank you, Principal, I am honored to be with you, again,” the petite brunette said softly as she walked by carrying a flat box in her hands. Shannon thought it was like the one that held the letters of license that returned their then fledgling magical abilities.
“A great deal has changed since your last visit,” Shannon said hopefully as the woman placed the box next to grimoire on the island. Shannon caught a quick smile from her to Colin and her anxiety dropped a small notch.
“It has indeed, Principal,” the woman said as she turned to face Shannon, “Would you join me please?” Moving to stand in front of the mystery container, she gestured for Shannon to stand at her grimoire, then nodded to Colin. He moved to stand on the opposite side of the wide countertop, then took an additional step back. Shannon, now completely unnerved, realized that she was shriveling right in front of them.
She took a breath and straightened her shoulders, “Alright. Let’s get this done.”
Whatever sense of ritual or formality suddenly vanished as the woman looked at Shannon. Now, it was she that seemed surprised. She turned to Colin, “It is as you have said, Geataire.” There was a pause as she seemed to take the same breath as Shannon had just done. “I understand, now. I will proceed.” But she stood still, then backed away from the table.
“I assure you, Cassandra, that Shannon is more than equipped to understand what we are doing here.” The suddenly informal tone caught Shannon by surprise. The scene began to take on a different mood as the young woman huffed in a moment of defiance.
“With respect, Sir,” she shot back, “What you are doing…I’m trying my best to understand but my position is made more precarious by your un…conventional request.” Again, she looked at Shannon, “Believe me, I am trying to understand.”
Shannon shot a characteristic look to Colin. He answered with a knowing smirk to his messenger, “It will be fine. Continue.”
“Sir,” she protested, “Please…are you sure about this?”
Shannon was suddenly tired of feeling guilty in the middle of what was beginning to sound like an argument. “Perhaps,” she interrupted softly, “perhaps, Cassandra, if you told me what he is asking you to do, and why you are not comfortable. I, um I apologize for a…” her tone sharpened, “lack of awareness, but nothing will happen here without your consent.” She smiled sweetly to the young woman, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s your choice.”
With a sharp intake of breath, she turned to Shannon, but quickly glanced to Colin. Shannon’s request had been not only deliberate, it also quickly defined her persona.
“If I’m out of line here,” Shannon continued, “Fine. This is my home. No one gets forced into anything under my roof. That includes you, Cassandra.”
From her expression, Shannon could tell that this woman was not used to hearing such a defiant tone delivered in such an honest, yet warm delivery. Cassandra looked at Colin, “Can she be protected?”
“Wait, what?”
“I guarantee it,” Colin said, bypassing Shannon’s sudden comment, “but what she just said to you is now the way I wish to proceed. She will be protected.”
“But Sir, the ritual is dangerous, and you know it,” she said, her voice gaining some volume towards him.
Colin glanced at Shannon, then addressed Cassandra firmly, “I know it because I have experienced it, firsthand. I seek to give her insight to the tasks at hand. She craves the awareness to move forward.”
“Dangerous ritual,” Shannon said quietly to herself, “Can I just jump in here? What are you expecting of me and what are the risks?”
Cassandra bristled at her questions, “You haven’t even told her what she is going to do. Sir, I respectfully request to depart.”
“Just show her the book,” he said softly. “Let her see where we come from and let her see why we come. The book will speak for itself. Please.” His voice had changed and the almost pleading quality of it made them both stare at him.
“What are the risks,” Shannon asked, her curiosity obviously piqued, “I could just hear him out.”
Cassandra carefully removed the cover of the box. Unlike from the sanctions before, the container held a torn and tattered leather-bound manuscript. The small orb that had settled atop Shannon’s grimoire pulsed brightly and Colin pointed to it, “See? There is already an established connection.” He looked at Shannon directly, “Is the Ivory Witch ready to take the next step?”
“If I accept this, what will change for me?” Shannon asked.
“Principal, please,” Cassandra interjected, already seeing the curiosity in Shannon’s expression, “it is critical that y
ou understand the ramifications of this decision.”
Shannon’s eyes never left the old book, “Colin, what changes for me?”
“Your life stays the same,” he answered, “as did mine. Those important people around you will not be aware that anything has happened. I know that is your utmost concern.”
“This is blasphemy of the highest order,” Cassandra muttered under her breath.
“Because it is time for action,” Colin thundered in a withering volume, “Fate demands that we take a stand and not sit by as our worlds are destroyed by the inertia of the old guard.” He pointed to Shannon, “With her, we ensure the future…her family’s future.”
“I’ll do it.”
“At least tell her what happens, Geataire. At least give her that.” As Casandra picked the ancient book from the book, the orb pulsed brightly. Shannon gasped at Colin, “Geataire,” she whispered, “You’re the Gate keeper.”
Now Cassandra’s eyes narrowed, “How is that possible?” she asked. Colin only shook his head and addressed Shannon directly, “Once she places the book on your grimoire, both you and your book will update. Shannon, I will warn you. There will be surge of energy and you will see ahead. Like snapshots, scenes from your life will begin to play out.”
Shannon raised her hand, her fingers trembling, “Some of that, I’d rather not experience a second time, if you don’t mind.”
“I understand,” Colin said, “but I predict you will garner a theme from what you see. Some of your worst times have made you into the woman that we now so desperately need.”
“Alright.”
“But it is not where you have been that is critical to observe.” He shared a long glance to Cassandra, “It is what lies ahead for you.”
“Ollie does that,” Shannon said absently, already looking back in her memories. She caught herself, “Would I have seen Merrick, had we done this sooner?”
“Likely, given the severity of the situation,” Colin answered quietly, “If I can give you a word of advice, try not to look back at what might have been. Use your new awareness to direct how you wish to live your life,” he paused, “even if you feel selfish on occasion. I wish I had been told this in the beginning.”
“I’m going to see my future?”
“Not just yours, my friend. Ours as well.”
“No pressure, swell.”
“Shannon, one last suggestion, if I may?”
“Of course.”
“What you see, both the good things and bad, it’s important that you keep it from the family. How you learn to interpret the images, to gauge their importance, I failed to do that in the beginning, and what we have experienced in the last few months, may be a result of my lack of thought.” He looked around the kitchen and out into the empty living room, then smiled to Cassandra, “my lack of connection. That gift you have isn’t the result of any spell or magical influence, it’s just who you are.”
Shannon took a deep breath, then held out her hand, “I’m ready.”
Chapter 19
Shannon held her trembling hand just above the old book. As Cassandra had placed the crumbling text over Shannon’s tasseled grimoire, the air pressure in the kitchen surged in her ears. She glanced up at the proximity sensor placed over the beam from the front door and for a moment thought that it had triggered.
“Continue,” Colin said, as Cassandra moved beside Shannon and gently grasped her wrist to move it toward the top of the old tome.
“Set your hand on the cover. Hold as still as possible.” She threw an apprehensive look to Colin across the counter, then refocused on Shannon, “There will be a pulse, perhaps some heat on your hand but it will only last a moment.”
“Okay,” Shannon said breathlessly, “I’ll see my life. I’ll protect my family. It’ll only take a moment.” She grinned nervously, “I can be selfish.” Suddenly a tear rolled down her cheek, “I will protect my family.”
“Your family now,” he added softly, “and for those that will join you in the future.”
Cassandra released Shannon’s hand and for a moment she paused. After a deep breath, she gently placed her hand on the rough leather surface of the book. At first nothing but a sensation in her fingers grew and she began to push down on the stack. The orb between the two books spread out from beneath and began to wrap itself over the cover, ripping and flowing like water along the creases and folds. In seconds, it reached and rolled up over Shannon’s fingers, tightening and pulsing, pulling her hand down hard onto the magical books. She grimaced at first as the pressure intensified, then the briefly mentioned heat began.
“Uggh,” she groaned, then gasped as the light began wrapping around her wrist and began crawling slowly up her forearm.
“I can’t move,” she said through gritted teeth, “It hurts.” Her vision began to blur as she stared at the light moving up her across the soft skin in the crook of her elbow, “Make it…make it stop.” She missed the horrified look that Cassandra gave to Colin as he stood there, emotionless, watching her writhe in pain.
“Wait,” he said sharply, as she reached for Shannon, “it’s almost over.” His stoic expression gave way as Shannon’s knees began to buckle and he rushed around the island just as the light shot across her shoulder and struck her in the temple.
The kitchen was silent as they cushioned her to the floor, “What the hell is happening?” Cassandra spat, “what have you done?”
“Mine wasn’t this aggressive. It only took seconds.” Cradling her head, he tried to revive her with no response. “Quick, help me get her into the living room.” A groan from Shannon seemed to calm but then she cried out as Cassandra touched her arm as she placed them in her lap. As Colin carried her into the living room, she began to flail her arms, then her body went board straight.
Cassandra shrieked, then Shannon relaxed and slumped into the cushions, her shallow breathing began to stabilize. Only then did Cassandra begin breathing on her own.
“What…what’s happened to her?”
“I don’t know,” he answered as he pulled Shannon’s eyelid open to see if she was conscious, “My experience was calm compared to this, but…this is…not right?”
Just then Shannon took a deep breath and for a moment, appeared to smile softly.
“That’s better,” Cassandra said, wringing her hands at Shannon’s side, “that looks normal to me. It’s like she’s dreaming. I wonder what she will see?”
“I apologize for putting you into this situation. I respect your desire to keep it by the book.” He arched an eyebrow at his choice of words, “She is going to see both the good and the bad of what will come. If she’s lucky, she will embrace the knowledge that she has seen portions of her future life, but not lose the spontaneity of what makes her special.”
“You have shepherded this family since the beginning Sir, what is it that makes her special?”
“Her family background is intertwined deeply within the magic world but,” his face darkened, “The sense of freedom and strength that she displayed as a teenager, caused a deep rift in her family, a miraculous interruption to what her life would have become.”
“How much risk to the Third Council with your interference? You must understand the consequences if you are found out.”
“If Shannon had stayed in Montana, we would…” he turned to face her, “we would one day, witness her power on a battlefield as she wields it against us. Third Council falls and the balance of power is irrevocably shifted to the Dark.”
“She was Conclave from the start. You knew that?”
“No,” he shook his head, “That’s the irony of all of what has happened. She’s not Conclave. She is part of a broken sect of the hierarchies. The conquest nature of the Conclave pales in comparison. Shannon has no idea. Her daughter is beginning to harness some of their magic sequencing. The fact that she also can see to some degree tells me that Shannon is the source and is likely still suppressing her full abilities.”
“Oh, God, sh
e will see what lies ahead.”
Shannon suddenly arched her back and sighed before settling into the sofa. She moved her hand and grimaced. Cassandra looked at the palm of Shannon’s hand, “That’s really red. It’s going to blister.”
“Mmm,” Colin agreed, reaching out, “I can fix that.” Taking Shannon’s hand, he gently placed his palm against hers. With a grunt of his own, he withdrew, happy to see the color of Shannon’s hand had already faded to a slightly amplified pink, “More like a sunburn, now.” He flexed his fingers, having transferred the burn to his hand. “That does sting a bit. You need to return the book to the Council vault. I will leave a few notes for our new Gatekeeper.”
“I like her, Sir. If I’m allowed to say so. She seems…real, but, um flawed in ways that draw me to her.” Cassandra looked away, “You called her my friend.”
“I did,” he smiled softly, “I’m sure if you approach her a day or two from now, if you choose to, she would like to be your friend, as well.”
“But that’s…I wouldn’t know the first thing to do.”
“Absolutely allowed,” he said firmly, then he shrugged, “Back in the day, we couldn’t think of such superficial things like friendship but it’s yet another way she is turning the Third Council on its head.”
“Sir, you’re risking your life for her,” she whispered, “Is her friendship that valuable?”
“When I told her to be a little selfish, that was what I was talking about. She has an effect on people that is hard to describe. The family that you have met is just the beginning of who will ultimately follow her. Yes, she is that valuable.”
“I still don’t understand,” Cassandra sighed, “what you’ve just done, it is a massive contradiction. It’s like having the lion guard the lambs.”
Colin smiled at her choice of words, “You have no idea how accurate you are.” He smiled softly down at Shannon, “In this case, the lion will teach the lambs to be strong. Strength will be empowered by her heart. Together, they will rise fight the wolf.”