The Witch of the Western Gate: Dragon's Gift

by P. K. Brent

  "Will do," Blue promised.

  With a half-formed idea in her head, Blue stopped at the Salvation Army and bought a used child's snowsuit for three dollars. "I think Took would fit in this," she mused to herself. Then Blue decided to stop in at the Pink Pony. Aunt Violet was there minding the shop and Raveen was helping still. The front display areas had a variety of Newage gifts, books, and jewelry. A lot of the books and such Blue found very amusing, like Read Auras in 30 Days, Change Your Luck Find Love and Wealth, Unmask the Beauty Within, Palm Reading by Numbers. These books were stocked to please the tourists and other customers, and not actually used by anyone who knew about esoteric arts. The serious work of the shop consisted of the teas and charmed bake goods. Aunt Violet always included special herbs and spellworking to infuse the baked goods with health, wealth and good fortune. There also were special blends of teas, some of them also spellworked and some ordinary medicinal teas. People drove for miles to buy Aunt Violet's Happy Momma Fertility Tea, her Arthritis Be Gone tea, and her Lucky Money tea.

  Aunt Violet's usual store helper often didn’t show up. Cousin Daisy meant well but was very disorganized and often scrambled up her schedule. Nonetheless, Aunt Violet tried to employ the least fortunate of the Escarpment witches. Fortunately Raveen had been there all day to help. She’d been busy unpacking and shelving stock and wrapping online orders for shipping. Half of Aunt Violet's business was done over the internet, so a lot of shipping was involved. She did a brisk business with her parent’s crafts too, selling Grandma Lou's needlework and Uncle Lou's carvings. Blue often stopped by to help, and to visit with Aunt Violet. Blue finished unpacking and shelving a few boxes of new merchandise, bells, jewelry, books, goddess figurines.

  ”There’s not much to do here today.”

  “No, there’s not. Raveen has been a tremendous help here today. You really know how to work girl!

  "She’s done more in a few hours than Cousin Daisy does in a month,” Blue laughed. Grandma Lily and Aunt Violet tried to take care of their more eccentric and less functional witch relatives, giving them money and helping them to find shelter and jobs. Cousin Daisy was too eccentric to hold a regular job, so she helped Aunt Violet in her store and did light housekeeping at the McChesney house.

  "I hope Raveen didn't tire herself out, you know, with a baby on the way."

  "I didn't let her lift anything heavy, and I made her sit with her feet up while sorting the mail orders."

  "I had more rest here than I've had in weeks," said Raveen. “I’m happy to help you, Violet. You and your family have been very kind to me. Even if things don't work out the way I want, I shall remember your family's kindness.”

  "Honey, when it comes to love, things rarely work out the way we want," Aunt Violet sighed. "But keep faith and you might end up being one of the lucky ones afterall."

  Blue recalled the furtive whispers behind Aunt Violet's back. She had been in love once, a long time ago, and her beau mysteriously disappeared a few days before they were to be married. There had been no one else since.

  "That goes for you also, Blue." Blue lifted her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders. No use hiding anything from Aunt Violet. Of course she knew about Rafe. Raveen looked quizzically at Blue but was too polite to ask for details. It was clear enough that all three of them suffered the same problem -- unrequited love.

  Blue sat down with Raveen and Aunt Violet to enjoy a cup of Cinnamon Happy tea and a few Happy Fortune sugar cookies, and was happy to change the subject, and talk about anything besides men.

  "I have a deadline with that uh project I'm working on, so I need to be going."

  "Thanks for stopping by, Blue," replied Aunt Violet. "Call me if you need me."

  “I’ll walk you part of the way home, Blue," said Raveen. I need to take these last few envelopes over to the post office. Then all the outstanding orders are shipped.”

  "I can drop them off for you," insisted Blue. "You should rest. You look like you're ready to drop that baby any minute."

  "I'm restless and the walk will do me good," insisted Raveen.

  Blue and Raveen walked in silence. Blue was determined that she would not break it first. She knew that for the wolven the first to break an awkward silence was often the more submissive wolven. Raveen finally broke the silence.

  "I apologize for my gruff behaviour this morning. It was a shock to me when Talon left and it stings to be left for another. I found out so recently, and then to meet her…"

  "I understand, but truly, you would like Stella if you knew her. She only just met Talon and barely remembers his name. She has done nothing to steal him. Now that he's going to be a father, she'll want nothing to do with him." Raveen looked down, uncomfortable, but didn't correct Blue about who really had fathered her child.

  "I know that," replied Raveen. "I hate her nonetheless. I can't help it. But I am bound by your Grandfather's words and will not harm her in any way."

  "That's good to know," replied Blue, feeling angry. She really wanted to tell Raveen off the minute harming Stella was even mentioned, but decided that the wolven woman meant no insult and was trying in her own clumsy way to make amends. She also wanted to tell Talon where to go, making eyes at Stella when he had a baby on the way. That would have to wait.

  "I am glad you see that Stella is innocent, and I understand completely the anger and hurt that comes from unrequited love."

  "Is that why I am so angry?," mused Raveen.

  "I've been thinking of that topic myself, Raveen, so I have figured it out. There's a power imbalance. The beloved has more power because they feel no attachment. The one suffering unrequited love is at their mercy. Resentment grows, especially if you’re misused or taken for granted."

  Raveen nodded. "Even at a young age Escarpment Witches are wise."

  "Blessings to you," replied Blue, saluting Raveen in wolven fashion, as their ways parted.

  Chapter 12

  Before she knew it, the clock said 7:00 p.m. and it was time for Blue to visit Stella. Blue remembered that tonight was a wake for Mrs. Butterfield, age 94, a well-known Presbyterian widow lady whose family had lived in Lockport for generations. Stella was handling the parking. This was the type of death Stella found easiest to deal with, as she helped park numerous cars before the wake started, directing them with a flashlight in the deepening dark. The deceased, Mrs. Butterfield, had led a long, full, and happy life. Although she would be missed, it was her time to die, and no one could grudge that. Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield had raised 5 children, enjoyed innumerable grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. They lived a quiet and honorable life, enjoying their family and simple pleasures.

  “That is a life to be proud of,” thought Stella. “Mrs. Butterfield was truly a fine lady, and I’ve buried enough of the other kind to know.”

  All the employees at Holly Grove Funeral Home knew the latest town scandals and news, like when Mayer Hopkins passed at Motel 6 with a new lady friend at his side.

  "Talk about it among your selves but not in Town, Stella's father always said. It was important that people knew they would be treated with discretion and respect at Holly Grove, no matter what. There was no scandalous gossip to be had about Mrs. Butterfield, but word was out that she had left half of her estate to the Pendleton Town Park and the other half to her surviving children, so there was some speculation as to how her generosity would be viewed by her relations.

  Blue had been lurking in back of the funeral home for several minutes before Stella noticed her discrete wave and waved back. She'd be done with the parking soon.

  Although their houses, mansions really, were across from each other, they were arranged kitty corner, so that each looked out upon the other house's expansive grounds rather than into each other's windows. To remain unseen Blue had crossed the street and walked through the funeral home’s meditation garden and all the way around from the back. Stella wondered what Blue had to tell her, maybe something more about the dragon, or Ivy. For
a second Stella thought she saw someone lurking behind Blue, in the wooded area toward the back of the property, but when she looked again the shadow was gone. Must have just been the way the headlights shone. In the frosty air voices carried a long way, and Stella could clearly hear Hannah Butterfield and Jane Butterfield Bolton in conversation.

  "Did you see Marianne Butterfield?", said Hanna Butterfield Jones. "She flew here this morning from Long Island for her grandmother's wake and arrived just barely in time, then plans to leave tonight. She'll miss the funeral tomorrow! Says she has an important meeting at the office tomorrow. Sails right in like the President."

  "Yes, and did you see her hat?" replied Jane. "It's enormous, nearly took out my eye. To think that a country girl from Pendleton would put on such airs. She's only been away downstate for four years."

  "Yes, I saw that hat. Looks like a kite on her head. Hmpph!"

  "Don't people have any idea how far their voices carry?," wondered Stella, shivering. Although she was wearing a peacoat with an orange reflective vest over it, Stella was chilly. Underneath she had on only a white tailored blouse and a black smock embroidered "Reception." Soon as the cars were parked, Stella slipped toward the back of Holly Grove Funeral Home and met Blue at the service entrance.

  "Come on in, I'm freezing," Stella whispered, wondering why she whispered at all. They entered the mansion and ran up the back stairs toward the kitchen.

  "Did you eat yet?"

  "No," replied Blue. "I didn't feel like cooking just for myself, with Corwin gone. I was hoping to mooch some of your Mom's great leftovers.

  "I didn't eat yet either," replied Stella. My Mom makes a big pot of something in the afternoon during gymastics season. I just grab food when I can. She and my Dad ate earlier, while I was at practice."

  "Stella opened the microve and quickly reheated a plateful of sausages, then opened the honey barbecue sauce, and Blue retrieved whole wheat buns from the breadbox. Stella dumped a bag of salad in a bowl with a can of chickpeas and set cherry tomatoes and grapes on the side. Blue nodded, thankful that Stella had recalled that she did not care for tomatoes in her salad.

  "Wow, this is great sausage," said Blue.

  "It's lowfat chicken sausage mixed with spinach and feta cheese. General Meats carries it."

  "Yum, goes great with honey mustard."

  "Sure does," agreed Stella.

  She and Blue both had a sausage and two bowls of salad. Blue looked longingly at the sausage but knew that with her small frame seconds were out of the question except on rare occasion.

  "Have this!" Stella said, tossing an apple Blue's way.

  "Thanks. Hey, look what I found at the Salvation Army for your collection." From her pocket Blue drew out a Raggedy Andy doll.

  "Oh Andy," crooned Stella. "This is a good one. From the seventies I would guess. Come upstairs with me while I find him a spot."

  "Glad you like it," said Blue.

  "I'm always looking for Andys because they are more rare," replied Stella. Blue knew that Stella particularly liked the antique Raggedy Ann and Andy's.

  The girls dashed up the stairs. The back stairs served the family and connected their rooms together, on three different levels plus the attic. Kitchen, family room and bath were on the first level. Bedrooms and baths were on the second. Stella had her own large bedroom and bath on the third floor, across from her parents office. The attic, which was used only for storage, was above. The basement and front rooms of the mansion were used by the mortuary business. Plenty of room for Stella and her parents.

  "This one is new," said Blue, pointing to an antique black Raggedy Ann.

  "Yes," replied Stella. "I found that one on Ebay and got it for a steal. The colored ones are rare and the most valuable in my collection.”

  “I thought we were supposed to say African American?” replied Blue. “I thought colored was one of those old fashioned prejudiced terms.”

  “I call them "colored" because that's what they were called back then, not African American Raggedy Anns."

  "She's in very good condition," replied Stella. "Her outfit looks almost like new, only faded a little."

  Stella had explained many things to Blue over the years about African American culture, what she knew of it anyway, from her mother and mother's side of the family. When they were small Blue and Stella used to style each other's hair, and once Stella had rubbed her hair creme into Blue's waves and braided them into cornrows.

  "Doesn't it bother you, Stella, that there are so few peope of color around here?"

  "Not really," replied Stella. "It might if I was normal, but being a necromancer, I have more in common with other paranormal folk than I do with people who have my same skin color."

  "That's true," replied Blue.

  "But I am aware that there are special issues for people of color," replied Stella thoughtfully. "I just don't have the energy to deal with any of that right now. I guess someday I'll process it."

  "Makes sense," replied Blue. "Actually, everyone should be aware of it and process it."

  Blue flopped onto Stella's bed. The room had two twin beds, convenient for sleepovers, though the exta bed was mostly used to display the Raggedy Ann and Andy collection. There was white painted bead board 3/4 of the way up the wall then an eight inch wide display shelf made of molding going all the way around the room. This was all taken up by Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, cups, plates, and collectibles. Many of them were antiques. The top part of the wall was painted pale yellow, the ceiling a pale blue with clouds dusted in, while the curtains were a red and white gingham check. The spreads were white chenille with red and white gingham checked pillow shams.

  "So how is Took doing?" asked Stella.

  "Much better, replied Blue. "Food and rest helped a lot, and his burn is healing nicely. No infection. He will be ready for release in a few days. If he continues to improve, Friday I'll release him. Once he's back with his family I'll have to banish them all. Hopefully they'll fly back to the Canadian wilderness.

  "I'll help you," replied Stella. "Just let me know when. Are you sure they're in the old Birdsill Holly factory?"

  "Yes, replied Blue. "Somewhere in the ruins. That's what the tracking spell showed me. "Rafe, Brando and Talon are going to help us release Took."

  "Good idea bringing some muscle along," replied Stella.

  "Yes," agreed Blue. "None of us have been to the dragon nest to investigate, so we don't really know what we're up against. I talked to Brando earlier and he thinks we should do a reconnaissance mission."

  "That's too dangerous! It's bad enough to go there once, on Friday, to go there twice is insane. We're sure to be seen or caught."

  "We can't just show up on Friday with Took and have something go wrong," said Blue. "Brando insists on a reconnaissance mission. Tonight. He's on his way there already, with Rafe and Talon."

  Stella relaxed her hold on the newest doll.

  "I suppose they'll be safe. Wolven can move unseen and unheard when they want. I was afraid you were going with them."

  "I want to," Blue admitted. "But Brando wouldn't let me. Says it's too dangerous."

  "Brando is right. If Quantrill doesn't catch you, then you'd be sure to fall through a rotten floor. It's an awfully dangerous old building. Someone should tear it down. Every year kids sneak in and someone gets hurt or killed in there. I don't like the wolven in there either."

  "They'll be careful, replied Blue. "Also, I gave Brando spell reflect amulets for them to wear."

  "Good idea."

  "I didn't mention it to Brando, but these amulets will also let them see astral beings that might decide to travel to that location as well."

  "I see where you're going with this...," replied Stella. "So the wolven will be able to see our astral forms tonight, while they wear the talismans.

  "Yes," replied Blue. "Without the talismans only Talon could see our astral forms, since he's a shaman."

  I don't want to be left out, since Took is my resp
onsibility. If we travel there in astral form we won't be in danger."

  "Does Brando know we're coming in astral form?" asked Stella.

  "No, but he'll find out when we get there."

  Stella giggled. "Good idea, I don't like being excluded either. Then we can check out the situation at no risk. I want to come too."

  "I figured you would," replied Blue. "But you haven't taken off that ring in a long time. I wasn't sure you were up to it."

  Stella inhaled deeply. "Last time scared the heck out of me, I admit. But I must learn to deal with the spirit world. If I move fast, I'll be OK."

  Blue did a quick banishing and drew an imaginary circle around the room. It then became a real protective energy field. Inside the circle, Stella lay on her back on one bed and Blue on another. During her years of magical training, Blue had built up a magical personality, a simulcrum. This she summoned up. It looked like her, but also different, and had wings. In a split second Blue projected her consciousness into the simulcrum and flew to the Birdsill Holly plant with Stella beside her.

  Astral work was easier for Stella. It was a natural ability for a necromancer, as easy as breathing. Stella was able to project either her consciousness or her entire body into the astral. But once the protective ring was removed, she could see ghosts and ghosts could see her.

  At this point in her training, Blue could only project her consciousness. It was an enormous feat for a magus to project their body also, and that was something few mastered.

  It did not take long for Blue and Stella to find the three wolven.

  "What the heck are you doing here!"

  "Nice to see you too, Rafe. I want to see what we'll be dealing with inside the factory."

  "Bonsoir," said Talon, with a bow to Stella.

  "I figured you'd show up," said Brando. "You didn't look very happy earlier when I said it was too dangerous."

  "This way you don't have to worry about us and we won't slow you down," assured Blue.

  "Your spirit bodies are as I expected," observed Talon.

  "What do we look like?" asked Stella.