“So, he created them.” Brite pointed to the cottage.
“I’m going in,” Annie said.
“Annie, it’s late. We should go in with a clear head,” Gibbs said.
She shrugged and opened the door, standing face-to-face with the man who started it all. Everard stared at Annie, his mouth and eyes agape.
“Everard. I’m An—Anaise. The girl.” She offered a wan smile.
His eyes darted from her to Gibbs and Brite as they entered the cottage after her. “It’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you,” Annie cooed and took a seat opposite him. While Annie thought she could take Everard with one hand tied behind her back, Brite sidled up to her. She could feel his sleeve on her arm.
Everard quivered. Close up, he appeared even older than she had originally thought. She stared into his translucent skin, marked with age spots and dark veins. She thought if she held him up to the light, she would see right through him.
“You created the demons,” Annie began.
He nodded quickly. Annie now understood that the demons had been created to remove the Vikings from England, but they clearly hadn’t done so. Annie also knew the Vikings raided England for several centuries before they assimilated into English society. She asked anyway. “Why did you create them?”
Everard wrung his hands, his knuckles swollen with age.
“When the Norsemen came…” His voice cracked. “When the Norsemen conquered us, they ravaged the land, our people.”
He coughed. Annie summoned a water bottle and poured it into a glass on the table and handed it to the wizard. He took a sip and coughed again. Annie glanced at Gibbs and Brite.
When Everard’s cough cleared, he took another sip. While thumbing the lip of the cup, he said, “They raided our treasures, killed our people. My mother was a witch and my father was human. They had me, a hybrid human.”
He looked at his hands.
“Under that definition, I’m a hybrid human too. I’m not sure why you’d use that as a model for demons because we don’t go around raiding and killing magical settlements. Why create the hybrid demons?”
“No!” he shouted. “It was not like that. We needed help. We were trying to create stronger warriors. I experimented with adding demon blood to the warriors, using magic on them. Dark, dark magic.”
“What worked?” Gibbs asked. He held Annie’s shoulder with a firm grip. Annie didn’t want to hear the answer to the question.
“Nothing. Nothing worked! The magic changed the men. They had children and their children were beastly. And each generation since had children more feral and horrible than the generation before. They grew in numbers and we could not stop them.”
Annie drummed her fingers on the table. “And you don’t want to see them killed,” she said.
“No, they do not deserve that. It is not their fault. They are still living creatures,” Everard pleaded.
“They don’t exist in the future,” Annie informed him.
He seemed surprised by the revelation. “That cannot be,” he said softly.
“You created unnatural demons, with magic. They don’t belong and they need to be stopped,” Annie said gently.
“They are living beings. They deserve so much more. And I will stop you if you try to kill them,” the old man squealed.
His eyes bore through her. For a moment, he appeared strong and virile, and she felt that even with his age, he could strike her down. He blinked and that moment passed, leaving behind an anxious old man who glanced from her to Gibbs to Brite.
Annie grabbed a blanket and draped it around his shoulder. “It’s late. You should sleep,” she said gently and moved him to his bed.
He obeyed and lay down. Annie pulled additional blankets over his frail body. When he looked at her, his eyes were clouding and confused.
“They follow a pretty light,” Everard said. He fell asleep instantly.
“What does that mean?” Brite asked.
“It’s like he’s suffering from dementia and is only lucid periodically. I’m not sure it means anything,” Annie said.
“It could be an act. He created them, so he must control them,” Gibbs said. “Maybe he uses a light and the demons react to that.”
“He’s really old. That guy said something about a potion. He’s outlived his time. He’s got to be over one hundred years old,” Annie murmured.
“A potion to keep himself alive unnaturally. Now I’ve seen everything,” Gibbs said.
Annie glanced around the cottage, found Everard’s storage chest, and looked inside. It was a dump of items: one pair of pants, a shirt, old shoes, fabric, loose herbs, and crystals. She pulled up another blanket and handed it to Brite. When she looked back inside, she saw his Book of Shadows. Annie reached inside and opened the tome, quickly perusing the first two pages. “Think he’ll miss this?” she asked and turned back to the old man. He was shivering under the thick blankets, his legs twitched, and he snored.
“Maybe,” Gibbs said. “It’s time to go, Annie. Now.”
*
Although Annie was exhausted by the time she climbed into bed, she woke before dawn to the sound of Gibbs snoring. Soft light streamed through the shutters. She rolled over and groaned. Brite was gone.
Warm, stuffy air choked her. She opened the window and peered outside. Rain fell again. She lay her arms on the window sill and rested her head as she watched villagers completing their morning chores. As always, Bega and Etheldreda tended the fire.
“What’s going on?” Gibbs mumbled and sat up. He ran his hand through his morning hair.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Brite’s gone,” Annie said.
“Never heard him leave,” Gibbs said. He pulled off his long sleeve shirt and tossed it in his bag.
Annie pulled her hair into a ponytail, letting the air cool her sweaty neck. “I could use a shower.”
Gibbs grumbled and stretched his arms above his head. His back popped. “So, did we learn anything last night?”
“Besides the fact that back in the day the coven was into black magic?”
“Aside from that.” Gibbs sat. He stretched out his legs and touched his toes.
“We know who created them, how they were created, and why they were created,” Annie said. She returned to observing the village. People she hadn’t even met stared at the cottage and turned away. She wondered if the coven kept her contained on purpose, with limited contact with only certain members. Annie felt very alone as she watched the villagers prepare their morning meals, haul in laundry, conduct village business. Three small children ran about, splashing in the mud and laughing as they tagged each other.
“Everard is an unexpected problem,” Gibbs said.
Annie summoned Everard’s Book of Shadows and stared at the cover.
Gibbs opened the opposite window and glanced inside the forest. It was still silent in the trees. “It’s been generations since Everard created them. At this point, they really are their own species. He believes it’s genocide to kill them all.”
“I killed them, though.” Annie sighed.
“Yes, you did.”
“He’s going to be a problem,” she added.
“Yes, he is.”
The cottage door opened. Brite entered with an iron skillet filled with food and placed it on the small table. “I thought we could use something more hearty,” he said.
They gathered around the table, each picking up a knife and scooping up the food.
“You’re a good cook,” Annie said.
“It wasn’t easy procuring these delights,” Brite joked.
“Did you learn anything out there?” Annie asked. She scooped more eggs into a wooden bowl and sat back on the bed.
“Our man of last night was Callum Wortham. I got a good look at him when he left Everard’s cottage. He was out and about this morning. I don’t think he realized we followed him last night.” Brite dug into the shared eggs and potatoes in the pan.
“And?” Gibbs asked i
mpatiently.
“He told Etheldreda that Everard wouldn’t be a problem anymore,” Brite offered. He chewed a mouthful. Annie and Gibbs waited. “Etheldreda asked if he killed him. He said no and explained what he had told Everard. She tossed a spell into the fire, and it blew upwards and nearly exploded. Not only is that woman damn powerful, she’s pissed.”
Annie crossed her legs, placed her bowl between them, and took another pinch of eggs. She chewed slowly and finally said, “So, the old lady wants someone to kill the problem. All Everard needs to do is stop taking whatever potion or stop whatever magic he’s using to keep himself alive. At least that’s what I gathered from the conversation between him and Callum.”
“You realize they fucked up and now you’re cleaning up their mess,” Gibbs said.
“Yeah. The thought had crossed my mind,” Annie said. “I wish I could say it’s coven business and leave it alone, but I’m really worried he could get in the way. And I don’t mean by stopping us from killing them.”
Brite put down his bowl. “What’s your concern?”
“He might be old, but he knows serious magic. He could be what the future Gila Donaldson is hoping will stop me. He said he’d stop me,” Annie said. She pulled out the protection charm and stared at the design. “I think it’s time to call her.”
“We can use the help,” Gibbs said.
Annie stared at the charm again. “Let’s get the blood this morning and set everything up for tomorrow morning. Does that sound okay?”
“We do this, we do it right,” Gibbs said.
“And Everard?” Brite asked.
“Keep him away from Annie,” Gibbs said.
Chapter 28
They entered the longhouse and stood before the Coven Council as if on trial. “We expect to have it all over by tomorrow. For today, we’ll be collecting demon blood. As we’ve stated before, we need coven help,” Annie began. She observed members with anxious expressions on their faces.
“What is your plan?” Etheldreda asked.
After Annie explained the plan, a low din broke out among the council. Annie waited patiently for them to discuss and release the shock they felt.
Etheldreda held up her hand. “Are you absolutely certain demon blood is required?” she asked.
“Yes. It is the only item that links the demons together. We can’t guarantee the demons are contained in the forest. So yes, this is the plan, and the demon blood is required to fulfill it.” Annie tapped her fingers against her pant leg, no longer patient with the coven council.
Again, Etheldreda held up her hand and spoke. “What exactly do you need from us?”
“Three wizards with strong magic. Someone who can think quickly in case something goes wrong.” Annie held her breath.
“Why?” Etheldreda asked.
“We’ve managed to tap into the magic surrounding us, but using magic is exhausting and challenging. If three coven members could assist with certain spells, the plan will more likely succeed.”
Etheldreda thought for a moment. “That is well thought out.”
Again, the coven stopped to speak with each other, gesturing as they discussed. Annie glanced at Brite and Gibbs and sighed deeply.
Finally, Etheldreda raised her hand again and said, “You shall have three wizards. When should they be ready?”
“Soon. Midday. The demons should be unconscious by then.”
Etheldreda frowned. “There is a man. He may try to stop you. We are trying to stop him,” she began.
“We’ve met Everard.”
Etheldreda squinted at her. “How?”
“We followed Callum to his cottage.” Annie glanced at the ancient Gila Donaldson. “I expect that this is what your counterpart explained to you yesterday. He will try to kill me, or stop me, or keep me stuck here.”
Gila Donaldson blanched as the coven looked at her.
“What does this mean?” Etheldreda asked.
“The girl is imagining people that are not here,” Gila said quickly.
Annie walked to her and bent over the table. “I expect your secret will catch up to you,” she hissed in Gila’s ear. She got up again and moved to sit across from Etheldreda. “I expect you won’t appreciate the lies that brought me here and that are meant to keep me here. When this is over, deal with Gila Donaldson. You will be very interested in what she has to say.”
Etheldreda glanced down the table. Gila looked as though she wanted to earth to open up and swallow her.
“What does that mean?” Etheldreda asked.
“I’ve been set up to die or to remain in the past. I’d like to keep both scenarios from happening. You should have dealt with Everard decades ago. Since you did not, make sure you keep him from coming here. Callum was wrong. Everard will not stop whatever is keeping him alive. He will fight to protect those demons. Deal with him or keep him away. And whatever happens, I want three witches or wizards by the fire when the sun is overhead,” Annie said.
“Is that all?” Etheldreda asked.
Annie nodded. Etheldreda waved them away and they returned to the cottage.
“I didn’t think you’d tell them,” Gibbs said.
Annie shrugged and dug inside her field pack. “I think we need a large vial for blood. I want to make sure we have enough to do the job right the first time.” She pulled out several different sizes of plastic bottles, settling on an empty water bottle and placing it in the deep pockets of her cargo pants. She summoned the sword. It smacked against her palm and gleamed in the firelight. As she raised it above her head, yellow light burst from the metal and exploded across the cottage. Gibbs and Brite ducked low. Magic tingled through Annie’s body and then, in an instant, stopped.
“It’s like that thing was made for you,” Brite said.
Annie felt dizzy and sat on the bed.
“You okay girl… Annie?” Gibbs asked.
She nodded. “Too much magic,” she said. “So the plan.” She glanced at Gibbs and Brite.
“As we discussed once, the coven will have to freeze the area, let us collect the blood, and teleport us out quickly,” Brite said.
Gibbs sat beside Annie. “Since the blade loves you, you cut the demon and summon the blood.”
Brite glanced outside. “When they unfreeze the demons and the one we cut shrieks, how do we prevent any of them from attacking?”
“Have one of the coven heal the demon before we take off. Best you can do,” Gibbs suggested.
“I hope you’re right.” Annie returned to the window and continued to watch the village from the safety of the cottage as they waited for midday.
*
As promised, Etheldreda had three coven members waiting for them by the fire; Annie recognized them as Bryony Voxall, Rhys Younge and, ironically, Callum Wortham.
“Anaise. Who will be doing what today?” Callum asked. He pushed his red hair from his face and folded his arms across his chest impatiently.
As Annie explained what each pair would be doing, Byrony and Rhys pursed their lips together in apprehension.
“That is fruitless and dangerous,” Callum said incredulously. His jaw tightened and flexed.
“Of course, it’s dangerous. If the coven hadn’t let Everard get away with what he did, we wouldn’t be doing this at all,” Annie reprimanded them.
Callum tensed. Bryony and Rhys seemed apologetic but said nothing.
Annie looked at the protection spell. Whatever was left hung in the trees like laundry on a line, tattered and torn. “We’ll be cutting a demon and summoning blood. I want to make sure if there’s a problem, the demons can’t attack.” She looked at the tree line. “You need to recharge the protection spell.”
Etheldreda shook her head. “It is the energy surrounding us. It is limited. The three of you are draining us of our magical energy. We do not have enough to create a strong barrier.”
Annie frowned. “You give up too fast. Create whatever perimeter of protection you can muster—spell, potion, fire—al
ong the tree line.” She looked at Etheldreda sternly.
The old woman shrunk back and nodded. “We will pull what we can.” She bowed her head and backed away.
“That’s everything. Are we ready to move?” Annie asked.
“I think we should look for a demon away from the river. It will be more inconspicuous if we do,” Callum said. His look was stern and determined.
“Do you really think Everard will find us there?” Annie asked.
All three coven members blanched. Bryony’s lips were pursed so tightly together, Annie thought she might be holding in vomit.
“You were never to know about him. This is not why we brought you here. Can you not do what is required of you?” Callum argued.
Annie, unafraid of Callum and his magic, strode to him. Though he was taller than her, she looked him in the eye. “Do not tell me what to do. If you had all been forthcoming when I arrived, had you taken the time to care that I was here, or had you controlled Everard in the first place, all of this would have either gone smoothly or not happened at all. But you insist on hiding things and hindering the success of this whole process.” She was inches from him. He backed away.
“Are we ready then?” Bryony asked.
Annie held out the sword. “Yes. I think we have everything we need.”
They stood in awe as the sword glistened in the light. Annie shoved the sword into her belt and led them to the forest.
*
Gray clouds hovered over the coven, bringing with them a new storm. They stepped inside the trees.
“Feeling safe?” Gibbs whispered.
Annie sniffed; the air smelled like demon, rain, and a hint of her father’s cologne. “Yes. I smell my dad, if that’s what you want to know,” she whispered back. They walked cautiously, methodically, as they followed the path to the river, their palms out preparing to strike if one of the sleeping demons were found awake.
At the river, the group turned right and headed east. They remained close to the tree line, still under the canopy of trees, as rain pelted the river and its bank. Each time thunder clapped, the scent of Annie’s father was strong when it hit her nose. She took a deep breath to calm herself.
“I smell that,” Gibbs whispered. He glanced around him. “I suppose his energy could easily move from time to time, location to location.”
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