Conflicted: Keegan's Chronicles

by Julia Crane

  “Well, you are going to read the Book of Shadows. Find a dream spell, and an enchantment spell. I’ll memorize them and write them down once we get back to the coffee shop.”

  “You can do that?”

  “Of course, I have a photographic memory.”

  “How could I forget? The Great Thaddeus.”

  “That’s me.” He came to an abrupt halt, one arm swinging out to stop Anna. “Ok, we’re here.”

  “What do you mean we’re here? There is nothing but woods.”

  Thaddeus just grinned. “Anna, take my hands and close your eyes.”

  Anna did as he said. Suddenly, she felt like the floor had dropped from under her and her stomach flipped. As quickly as it started, it was over.

  “You can open your eyes now.”

  Anna did, and looked around the room in awe. “This is beautiful. Hey, I thought you were supposed to cloak me or something like that?”

  “This was easier. No one will know you are here and we’ll just teleport out.”

  “So this is the famous vault?” Anna walked forward, Thaddeus at her back as she gazed around the room, taking in as many details as she could.

  The walls were a shimmering gold color and home to intricately carved wooden bookcases that held what, by sight, seemed to be thousands upon thousands of books. In the center of the room under high ceilings, several heavy wood tables were spread, some of them already holding opened books beneath softly lit lamps. The vault had the dim, comforting feeling of being underground, and it literally hummed with an energy that tickled Anna’s skin.

  “Somehow I doubt it’s famous. But yes, this is the vault. Pretty cool, huh?”

  “I’d say.” Anna ran her hands along the jewels that were imbedded in the gold walls. There was a variety of colors, catching the lights from the tables so that they sparkled as she moved past them. They looked like a treasure.

  “Okay, let’s get started.” Thaddeus moved to the center of the room and closed his eyes, his hands hanging loosely at his sides.

  Anna had a moment where she thought she could see the man he would become one day. She always forgot he was only twelve because he was so much more mature due to his gifts. For just a moment, she saw past the twelve year old and to the person he would be. It was an odd sensation. She’d known him since he was little; the idea of him growing up had never occurred to her.

  Opening his eyes, Thaddeus walked to a bookshelf in the left corner and grabbed purposefully for a leather bound book. It was the Book of Shadows.

  “How did you do that? Magic?”

  “Some would say it’s magic, but I just used my photographic memory. So we didn’t have to waste a lot of time trying to find the book.”

  “You are pretty cool, Thad.”

  “And you are weird.” He handed her the thick black book.

  “Thaddeus, it’s charged with energy. It completely surrounds it.”

  “I would hope so.” He grinned. “It was someone’s magic book at one time.”

  Staring down at the book between her hands, Anna slowly shook her head. “I can’t believe I am touching a real Book of Shadows. One from another witch. I have dreamed of this moment for a very long time. I’m afraid to open it.”

  Thaddeus reached over and opened the book, putting it on the table in front of them. “There. Now find the passages we need.”

  Anna rolled her eyes at him for ruining her moment, then closed them and placed both hands on the book. Thaddeus paced around her, his lips pursed as he waited.

  “Page 333,” Anna said excitedly after a few minutes. “The numbers 333 keep playing over in my head.”

  “Well, check it out.”

  Anna flipped ahead in the book, careful not to harm the aged, yellowed pages. “Oh my goddess, Thaddeus. It is page 333. How cool is that? The enchantment spell.” A note of reverence was in her voice. “Thaddeus, we could do so many things with this one spell.”

  “Anna, don’t even think about it. We are here for one reason and one reason only. Do not make me regret bringing you here. You would not like the consequences.”

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. Magic is just so powerful. Okay, so here is the spell. Do you want me to say it aloud or do you need to read it to memorize it?”

  “I’ll read it.” He scanned the page quickly. “Ok, now we need to find the dream spell.”

  Once again, Anna closed her eyes and placed her hands lightly on the book. “I’m not getting it, Thad.”

  “Try again and relax your mind.”

  Anna thought about the way her mind cleared when she sat and watched the sunrise or sunset. Since Magdalena had asked her to do the seven day exercises, Anna had tried to keep up with doing it at least once a week. She found that same peace and stillness inside her, then her eyes popped open. “Page 213. Incredible.”

  “Hurry up, we can’t stay in here too long.” Thaddeus tapped his fingers on the long wooden table.

  “Ok, here it is, 213. I can’t wait to try these out.”

  “Well, if everything goes as planned you can start the dream spell tonight.”

  Anna jumped up and down.

  “What is it with you guys and always jumping around like fools? You’re not three years old.”

  “Did you memorize it? That’s it, Thaddeus, I’m hugging you and you can’t get out of it.” She slipped her arms under his and picked him up, spinning him around the room. He was a lot heavier than she expected.

  “Put me down,” Thaddeus growled.

  “Fine. Can you show me the rest of the vault?”

  “No. Close your eyes and grab my hands.”

  Anna had that same feeling as if she was dropping from the sky. When she opened her eyes they were back in her car. “Hey! Why did we have to hike that hill if we could have teleported from the car?”

  He grinned. “I missed my workout this morning.”

  “Ugh. Thanks a lot. My legs are already sore.” She smacked him on his shoulder.

  “Ok, give me a piece of paper.”

  Anna grabbed her notebook and handed it to him. He started writing so fast Anna couldn’t keep up.

  “Ok, here are the spells. I’m not a witch so I don’t know everything you are supposed to do. Do you have an altar?”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay, well I’ll just give you the spell and you get a hold of the things you need. If you need any help finding something, send me a text. Don’t forget no one is allowed to know we are doing this. Not even your mom.”

  “I know, you can trust me. Keegan is my best friend.”

  Anna glanced sideways at him. "So are you going to erase my memory now?"

  Thaddeus chuckled. "You are so gullible. I was just messing with you. You couldn't find your way back there if you tried.

  Chapter 23

  Anna emerged from her bath and blew out the candles. The scent of rosemary, lavender, basil, and mint filled the air. She inhaled deeply, taking in the relaxation of the room. Walking slowly to her altar, she lifted the quartz crystal pendent from where it lay across her wooden pentacle and clasped it around her neck. She reached for her white robe, pulling it on while trying to remain calm and not let her excitement take over.

  Her hands were shaking as she grabbed the loose earth she had collected from outside and poured it into her antique crystal bowl. She lightly placed the bowl down so it was facing north, the place of power. She paused, kneeling before the small bowl, dipping the fingers of her power hand into the earth. Magadalena had taught her to take just a moment to attune herself with each element by reflecting on how it had touched her life recently. Earth was stability and knowledge, just as Magdalena had become Anna’s stability and an endless source of magical knowledge.

  Lifting the censor and a small cone of incense, she placed them to the east, letting the cone rest atop the pile of sand in the censor. She lit a match and the smell of sandalwood filled the room. Inhaling deeply, she let it fill her senses, thinking of the warm winds of spr
ing slowly blowing in as winter faded.

  Taking the silver candle from her altar, she lit the wick and placed it to the south next to a moonstone. She kneeled before it, staring into the flame. She thought of how fire was strong and determined, as she was determined to bring Keegan’s bond back.

  Anna picked up the last element—her small brass cup that was filled with water. Carefully, she carried it and placed it in the western quarter. She swirled a single finger in the liquid, watching the water ripple. Water was an emotional element. It made her think of love.

  Seating herself in the center of the circle, Anna lit a single purple pillar candle on the floor in front of her. She lifted both of her arms to the ceiling and closed her eyes, her voice flowing smoothly into the dimness of her room.

  God and Goddess I ask of thee

  Give me the ability to send forth this dream

  Across the Earth or water’s bound

  Whether he be in the sky or on the ground

  By the powers of fire let it shine bright

  By the powers of the earth and air send it tonight

  By the powers of water to sweep within the dream’s door

  And by the powers of 3 shall Rourk remember it evermore.

  Anna kept her eyes closed, focusing on the images she wanted to place in Rourk’s mind.

  ***

  Rourk sat on his bed and stared at the ring. The ruby and diamonds sparkled in the light as he twirled it around his finger. His mother whispered in his ear, “It belongs to Keegan now.”

  Rourk shot out of bed, his breathing ragged as he swiped his hand across the sweat on his forehead. It was only a dream.

  It had seemed so real. He couldn’t remember the last time he had heard his mother’s voice. Rourk ran his hand through his hair. His heart was pounding. He glanced over at the clock to see it was barely past midnight. He hadn’t been out very long. Closing his eyes, he tried to will himself to fall asleep.

  His father was holding the ruby ring in his hand. Crystalline red prisms of light danced on the walls. “Your mother would want her to have it, son.”

  Rourk reached for the ring, taking it from his father’s hand. “What if she says no?”

  “You will never know unless you ask. The ring belongs to her.”

  Rourk tossed and turned, wondering where the dreams were coming from. They were so lifelike and he rarely recalled his dreams.

  Keegan’s face lit up, the ring on her hand glowing with a brilliant light. “I love it! I love it! Thank you, Rourk.” She threw her arms around him and kissed him, sending electricity through his body.

  Rourk angrily threw off his sheet and jumped out of bed. Wrapping his arms around his waist, he leaned forward, squeezing his eyes shut. He wasn’t sure he could take the pain much longer. He missed her so much. The dreams were just another element of torture.

  It was useless trying to go back to bed. Stepping into his running shorts, he headed out for a ten mile run.

  As if he could run from her.

  ***

  Anna smiled as she blew out the candle and wondered if it worked. She figured that would be enough for tonight. She planned on sending him dreams for the next three days, and after that once or twice a week. She couldn’t believe it could be this simple.

  Please, goddess, let this work.

  Chapter 24

  He was avoiding sleep as much as possible because every time he closed his eyes, the dreams haunted him. He threw himself into his training and pushed himself as far as he could, trying to push the images out of his head. That damn ring was driving him crazy, and hearing his mother so often made him want to punch something.

  There was one point during training they had to go four days without sleep or eating. He started hallucinating scenes with his mother and Keegan. They were spinning around and around with their hands clasped between them. The ruby ring was throwing light around like a disco ball. Rourk tried to get to them, but every time he got close, they disappeared. He was worried he was losing his mind. Although, he knew lack of sleep and food could make a mind do strange things.

  He finally gave in and called his father.

  “Father, I will need the ring for Keegan’s birthday.”

  “I advised against this.” His father’s deep, gruff voice came crisply across the line.

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Then, why?”

  “I won’t know unless I try. The worst she can say is no.” Although, Rourk thought, that would be the most terrible thing to ever happen to him if she did.

  “How do you know you’ll be here for her birthday? What about training?”

  “I got selected as weapons specialist so I will have plenty of weekends free. I will be able to make it for her birthday. I would be there even if I had to go AWOL.”

  “You’re a grown man. I won’t stand in your way.”

  “Thanks Dad.” Rourk hung up the phone. He was exhausted, but he still fought sleep as long as he could. Eventually, when he drifted off, his mother came to him again.

  “You did the right thing son. You know the ring belongs to her.”

  Rourk woke up and he could have sworn he felt his mother brush his hair to the side. He was losing it.

  Rourk wasn’t sure what happened, but that was the last dream he had about the ring. He was relieved; his body needed the rest.

  He couldn’t wait to see Keegan again, even if she did turn him down. He knew he had to ask her. That is what chosens do. He had told her he was coming back for her on her birthday and he wasn’t about to break that promise.

  He didn’t get to see Tommy as much, because he got picked up for the engineer program. Rourk got selected for the weapons slot which was fine by him. The training was much shorter, and they had a lot more freedom to do what they wanted. They had their own rooms, and were able to come and go as they pleased as long as they didn’t miss training. The training was fun for Rourk. He loved guns and he got to shoot a lot. He figured Tommy was having a good time learning how to blow up things.

  When they got their duty stations, Rourk was surprised that Tommy also got 1st Group in Washington State.

  “That is pretty crazy. I’m sorry you didn’t get 5th Group like you wanted.”

  “I actually requested 1st. I figured if you could put up with rain and cold, so could I.”

  Rourk gave his friend a big smile. “I’m glad, Tommy. Maybe we will even get on the same team.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping.” Tommy grinned.

  ***

  “Mom, I’m going to get the girls. We're going to look for our prom dresses.” Keegan reached over her mom and grabbed a chip from the bag on the table.

  “I thought I was going to take you?” Keegan had never seen her mom pout before.

  “Sorry, I’ll text you the pics and you can help me decide.”

  “Ok, don’t forget.”

  “I won’t.” Keegan kissed her mom and headed out the door.

  Summer was quickly approaching. Keegan decided to take down the top to her Jeep before she went to get her friends. Two seconds after trying, she realized what a pain it was to do it alone and ran back inside the house.

  Her mother was still at the table. “Mom, can you help me take the top down?”

  “Sure, give me a second.” She slipped on her shoes and headed out.

  With the two of them doing it, they got the top down in record time and Keegan slid in to the driver’s seat, cranking the engine.

  “Don’t forget to send me the pictures,” her mom yelled as Keegan pulled out of the driveway. Keegan waved an arm to show she had heard her.

  She loved the breeze against her skin and the sun beating down on her bare shoulders. She cranked up the radio and sang along on the drive, navigating the roads with ease.

  Keegan stopped at Lauren’s first. Lauren ran out in a yellow tank top, cut off jean shorts, and flip flops. She pouted as she hopped in the passenger seat and slammed the door behind her. “Ah Keegan, my hair is going to g
et messed up.”

  “Stop being a baby.” Keegan reached over and popped open the glove box, pulling out a bandana. “Here, put this on till we get to the mall.”

  “Fine.” Lauren pulled down the mirror while she pushed her mass of curls under the bandana. “I actually look pretty cute.”

  “You always look beautiful,” Keegan answered, signaling as she turned off of Lauren’s street. “Now, let’s get Anna. I’m so excited she actually wanted to go shopping with us.”

  “I know. I think she’s sad we are all going to be moving soon for college,” Lauren said loudly over the sound of the wind in the car.

  The thought of it subdued Keegan, as well. “It is sad! You’ll be in California, I’ll be in Alaska, and Anna will be in Seattle. At least we’ll all be on the west coast. I’m sure we’ll manage to get together often.”

  “I hope so. Although, don’t plan on me visiting you too often in Alaska. I have no idea why you want to go to that frozen Tundra.”

  “It has a great marine biology program.”

  “So does California and you don’t have to freeze to death.”

  They pulled into Anna’s driveway and she came bouncing out. She was dressed pretty mild today with a black T-shirt and a black tutu skirt. She had black flats on her feet and streaks of red in her hair.

  “You make us look so boring.” Lauren turned in the seat to stick her tongue out at Anna.

  “Can we stop at Starbucks on the way? I’m in need of caffeine,” Anna said as she vaulted the side of the Jeep and plopped into the backseat.

  “You won’t get any arguments from us,” Keegan told her, aiming for the nearest Starbucks.

  Once they got to the mall with coffee cups in hand, they chose to check out the dresses at Macy’s first.

  “I know short dresses are in, but I really want to wear a long dress to prom. That’s been my vision of prom since I was a little girl.” Wrinkling her nose, Keegan put the short purple dress she was holding back on the rack.

  “Good luck finding one.” Anna spread her hands out at the sea of short dresses in front of them.

  “Plus, you’re so short you’re going to have to get it tailored big time.” Lauren fingered a shimmering blue dress. “Let’s just try on some of the short ones first. If you still want a long dress we’ll search the whole mall if we have to. What do you think of this one?” Lauren held up the short strapless dress with scrunching and fake gems she had been eyeing.