“I think I’m losing my mind, Joseph.”
“Tell me what’s been happening to you, my son. You may not be Mohawk, but the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape blood of your ancestors runs deep in your veins.”
Tony’s gaze jerked away from his perusal of the room. He stared at Joseph.
“How did you know that? My family isn’t even certain it’s true. If I have any Native American blood, it’s pretty diluted. According to family history, we had an ancestor who was Nanticoke from North Carolina. He escaped to Canada with his brother during the Revolutionary War.”
The old man smiled and nodded his head.
“Your family spoke the truth. The spirits talk to me. Now. Tell me why you’re upset.” The command in the elder’s voice was subtle, but Tony heard it and found himself relaying all the details of the strange things that had happened to him since arriving at the resort.
Chapter Four
Tony finished relating the erotic dreams, nightmares, and visions of the woman walking along the lake. Joseph nodded his head and pursed his lips. There wasn’t any sign of surprise or incredulity on his face.
“You came to the lake as a child, did you not?”
“I did. That’s where my fascination with the lake all started. Every year as a kid, we’d come from Toronto to spend two weeks camping on the sandbanks. The summer the first winery opened on the island, my folks decided to check it out. We found the Lake of the Mountain by accident. My mother loved it, and after that year, we came at least once a summer just to look at the water. She was an artist. Her painting of the lake is my most prized possession.”
Tony didn’t want to talk about the past. He wanted Joseph’s take on the present, but he knew the old man couldn’t be hurried. He sipped the last of the bitter tea Maggie had brought him, surprised to discover it had eased his headache.
“This stuff works. Thanks.”
“The old ways are still often the best. Tell me what happened when you fell into the lake as a child.”
“How did you know about that?” Tony’s brow furrowed. He’d never told anyone about his frightening encounter. Talking to Joseph was only slightly less confusing than everything else happening to him.
Joseph smiled. “I told you. The spirits talk to me.”
“The lake called to me as much as it did to my mother.” Tony chuckled. “My dad wasn’t quite as impressed with the place, but he’d do anything to make her happy. I’d heard the stories about sea monsters, and I wanted to see one so badly. One day, I was out canoeing with my cousin Joe, and we were fooling around. We decided to tip the canoes and flip them the way we’d learned to do at summer camp. I swear I felt something touch my leg when I went underwater. It wasn’t a fish. It almost felt like hands trying to pull me down, and it scared the bejesus out of me. I know now it was probably some water plant, but I got back in that canoe faster than I would have thought possible. When we got back to shore, my mother thought I had sunstroke. I was pale, wet, and clammy. I never took a canoe out on the lake again, and I didn’t swim in it either, not even where I could touch bottom. I’m not a strong swimmer. I had nightmares of drowning for weeks after. Mom died that winter, and I didn’t come back to the island until the summer before I left to start my graduate studies out west.”
He ran his hand through his hair, unable to keep his frustration at bay any longer.
“What does any of this have to do with what’s happening to me now?”
“Patience, my son. Before a doctor diagnoses an illness, he needs to know all the symptoms. Indulge me.”
There was kindness and understanding in Joseph’s eyes, and Tony relaxed. Maybe he wasn’t crazy. It didn’t seem as if Joseph thought so.
Tony stood. He couldn’t sit still any longer. He walked over to the window and watched the rain pound against it. He turned back to the room. Joseph sat as he had all through his story. The old man hadn’t moved and reminded Tony of a beautifully carved statue he’d seen at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa.
“I’d decided to study hydrology and came back to visit Uncle Pierce to say goodbye. I knew the lake and I were connected somehow. I thought I’d either find the monster located on the bottom, or discover the water’s source. I never thought I’d end up with two dead students and my career in jeopardy. Despite everything, the lake still calls to me as if it’s alive. Damn it, Joseph. I feel like I’m going crazy, and this morning’s hallucination is the icing on the cake.”
“You aren’t going crazy. Everything is happening as it should. Tell me what happened this morning.”
Tony laughed ruefully. “I guess I should since it’s the real reason I’m here.” He described the vision he’d had. “She spoke to me. I’m sure she’s never said a word in any of the dreams I’ve had.”
Joseph was alert, suddenly animated. “What did she say? Can you remember the words?”
“I can. It’s as if they’re seared on my mind. I have an ear for languages. I almost became a linguist instead of a scientist. She touched my lips and said Tohsa sata:ti. Then she touched my ears and uttered the word, Satahon'satat. Finally, she said Senehia:rak Eniorhen'ne iotohetston nen:tie. Senehia:rak. Does it mean anything, or is it all gibberish?”
Joseph grinned and rubbed the palms of his hands together in satisfaction. He looked like someone who’d just heard great news.
Glad he’s excited about it. I suppose one of us should be.
“It isn’t gibberish. It’s Mohawk, pronounced in the old way. It means be quiet and listen. Remember. Tomorrow afternoon. Remember. Did she say anything else?”
“What the hell does that mean? Be quiet and listen, I’d figured out for myself. Tomorrow afternoon? What’s going to happen tomorrow afternoon? Remember? Remember what? Yeah, she said one more thing. I asked her name. She answered Tayouroughay. Is that a name or something else?”
The elder threw back his head and laughed. Anger rose in Tony.
“Look, this isn’t a joke. Two kids are dead, and I’m losing my mind. The mayor thinks I had something to do with their deaths. What the hell’s going on?” He realized his voice was loud in the silence of the room, and felt his cheeks heat. The last thing he needed was Mike and Maggie running in to defend their father against a lunatic.
Joseph sobered. “No, it isn’t a joke. It’s a sad and serious thing, but it’s also an old man’s most cherished dream come true. Let me tell you a story.” He raised his hand before Tony could interrupt. “I believe all your questions will be answered. Now sit. Be quiet and listen. Remember.”
Tony shivered as Joseph’s words echoed those the woman had spoken.
Joseph spoke, and the hypnotic quality of his voice forced Tony to listen attentively.
“Long ago one of the Mohawk gods, Sky Woman, lived high above the land, came to earth, and gave birth to a daughter. Sadly, the child didn’t survive. In her grief, Sky Woman buried the child, and from the child’s body sprung The Three Sisters, Corn, Beans, and Squash, the great providers of life.
“The Three Sisters chose to remain here and dwell in the special waters of Onokenoga—the Lake of the Gods. The Mohawk people visited the lake often, making sacrifices, offering thanks for the bountiful harvest, and requesting things like plenty of fish and game. The Three Sisters answered their prayers and carried others up to Manitou, the Great Creator.
“There was a chief whose daughter was envied by all the other maidens. She was tall and gracious with raven hair and kind eyes. Every brave wanted her for his bride. One brave, Annosothka, wanted her and went out of his way to please her father. At first, the suit found favor with the chief’s daughter, but one day when she was in the woods, she came upon an injured stranger, who called to her heart, but he was her tribe’s sworn enemy. She nursed him, and they fell in love. He would not leave the island without her, and eventually, he was captured by the tribe and tortured.
“During the night, she released the prisoner, and they made plans to leave the island together the following night. T
hey were to meet near the edge of the lake where the waterfall went down the cliff side. The following evening, her father announced he’d given her hand to Annosothka. There was no way she could be the bride of any man, but Gowanda, her lover. She fled the village to meet him and escape, but her uncle and new husband chased her out onto the lake where she threw herself into the water and was swept over the waterfall. Gowanda saw his love in the grips of the water and tried to save her, but The Three Sisters pulled the enemy down into the depths of the water. Even in death, their spirits were kept apart, and they have sought one another ever since. Family lore says the maiden was from my clan. I have begged the spirits to release her for years. The maiden’s name was Tayouroughay.”
Despair gripped Tony as he realized what Joseph had said.
“She’s dead? The woman I’ve been seeing on the beach and dreaming of really is a ghost?” But I love her, his heart cried out.
“She is.” Joseph’s voice was sympathetic. “She comes to you as a messenger for The Three Sisters. The spirits need your help. They spared you that day in the lake because they knew this day would come. No one escapes their grip unless they release them. Tell me, Professor, do you believe in reincarnation?”
* * * *
Michelle swallowed another mouthful of the bitter coffee she didn’t really want in an effort to stave off the inevitable.
“Aren’t you finished yet? I’ve never seen you have three cups of coffee at supper—even if it is decaf.”
Realizing she had no other choice, Michelle picked up her cup, drained it, and stood to put on her coat.
“Dinner’s on you since this is your idea.”
Tasha smiled and reached for the check. She opened her purse and pulled out the hot pink wallet Michelle had given her for her birthday last June.
“Fine by me. It’s stopped raining. We can walk to the shop quicker than if we go back to the car and try to find another parking space.”
Michelle nodded and waited for Tasha to settle the bill. It may have stopped raining, but the temperature was unseasonably cold and the winds strong. She zipped her jacket and wrapped the ivory scarf around her neck. She put on the matching beret and donned her kidskin gloves.
“It’s ridiculous to have to bundle up like this. It’s only the end of October. The kids will freeze trick or treating next Thursday night.” Tasha pulled her knitted hat down and reached for her gloves. “I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. I hate the thought of a long winter. I know you don’t think this will work, but think positive. Audra has helped thousands.”
“I’m going, aren’t I? Don’t push it.”
They left The Copper Kettle, crossed the street, and walked the three blocks to the small shop, Ages Past, where Audra held audiences and sold unusual books and New Age paraphernalia.
Each step brought her closer to the shop and amplified Michelle’s discomfort. Tasha had accused her earlier of ignoring the problem she had with water, but she was wrong. Since it had gotten worse, she’d tried to find an equitable solution to it, but nothing had worked. Not being able to take a shower and wash her own hair was ridiculous, and she knew it.
Her aquaphobia had intensified shortly after her arrival in Thunder Bay, about the same time she’d started seeing Mohawk Madam. She’d tested her theory about the ghost being attached to the motel rather than herself earlier when she’d tried to wash her face in the tub. Just bringing her hands full of water toward her face had almost brought on a panic attack. Thank goodness she could still use pre-moistened towelettes to remove what little makeup she wore and keep her face clean. She could bathe and wet herself up to her neck, but what would happen if the time came when she couldn’t?
She’d tried taking the bull by the horns and had gone the municipal pool in Thunder Bay. When she’d tried to put her face underwater, her terror had been so extreme one of the lifeguards had thought she was drowning and jumped into the pool to save her. The ensuing scene would have been comical had it involved anyone else. Michelle had been mortified. The lifeguard had suggested she seek medical attention.
“We’re here.” Tasha’s words brought her back to the present. Michelle looked at the storefront and shook her head. It didn’t look promising. Curious, she peered in the window. The shelves and counters teemed with all kinds of books, crystals, candles, and other objects apparently designed to cure whatever ailed you and balance your spiritual self.
How can Tasha believe in this stuff?
According to the poster on the door, Audra, a denizen of the spirit world, was empowered to help those in this dimension. For twenty-five dollars, she could contact the spirits and help you with whatever ailed you. You could lose weight, quit smoking, end chronic pain, and overcome fears.
Yeah, like this one’s for real.
Tasha opened the shop door, and Michelle reluctantly followed her inside. The store smelled of incense and age. Some of the books moldering on the shelves must be a hundred years old. There was some kind of punk music playing in the background—not a musical style she enjoyed. She looked around her. There were crystals of every shape, size, and color, some on chains, others in dishes. Cones and sticks of incense, burners, and candles in every scent known to man littered the counters. She noted the numerous apothecary jars filled with powders of various colors all neatly labelled.
If I look hard enough will I find eye of newt and mandrake root? Michelle relaxed. I don’t think I have anything to worry about here. There’s no way this woman will figure out my secret.
The young Goth girl standing by the cash register didn’t even look up when the bell attached to the door announced their arrival. The open magazine on the counter engrossed her. Dressed entirely in black, a spiked dog collar around her neck, she had short, black hair with tips dyed to match the blood-red lipstick she wore. She was quite pretty if you could overlook the ghoulish makeup and way too many piercings.
“Can I help you?” She didn’t take the time to look at them and sounded as bored as she probably was. The place didn’t look as if it had had customers in days.
“Yes, you can.” Tasha spoke before Michelle could turn tail and run.
“My friend is here to see Audra. Is she accepting clients tonight?”
The girl’s head jerked up, like a bobble-headed doll pressed too hard. Surprise and excitement glowed in her startling, black-lined, green eyes. She smiled, showing off teeth so white they must recently have been bleached. She looked from Michelle to Tasha and back to Michelle again.
“This is like, so cool. Audra said you were coming. She always knows.” She pointed a black-fingernail-tipped finger at Michelle. “You’re Michelle, right?”
Tasha gasped. “How did you know her name? That’s freaky!”
A frisson coursed down Michelle’s spine. What was going on here? There was no way this woman could know her name. While Michelle believed in ghosts, witches and warlocks were the stuff of fairy tales. Tasha!
“You called ahead and made an appointment? You’re pretty sure of yourself,” she accused.
“As God is my witness, I didn’t call. How could I? I didn’t even know you were going to go through with it. I waited all afternoon for you to call and tell me you were going on that case and leaving right away. That’s why I’d arranged to meet Simon at The Copper Kettle too. He’d have been there if it hadn’t been for that accident, or are you going to accuse me of arranging that four car pile-up?”
Tasha tried to look indignant, but the combination of awe and fear on her face spoiled the look, and convinced Michelle she was telling the truth.
The girl behind the counter giggled self-consciously and closed her magazine. She’d been following their conversation closely. While she might have been told to expect them, she seemed slightly spooked too. Michelle’s level of discomfort rose.
“This is so awesome! Audra said you’d be skeptical. Your friend’s right. She didn’t call or anything, but Audra knew you were coming. She even told me you’d be the dark-haire
d one, and I should treat you with respect. Are you a witch too? I’ve never been told to be especially nice to anyone before.”
Tasha laughed. “Let me think, I’ve heard her called something like that, but I’m sure it started with a ‘B’.”
The girl giggled again, the innocent sound at odds with her macabre appearance.
Michelle glared at Tasha. “Very funny. I love you too.”
“Go on back, Michelle. She’s waiting for you.” The girl pointed to Tasha. “Sorry, but Audra says you’re to wait out here with me.”
“Dang! I wanted to sit in on the audience.” She made a face and pouted. “You’ll tell me everything, promise?”
Michelle nodded, and Tasha fell into the overstuffed chair in what must be the reading/waiting area.
“Okay. You’re on your own. Since it’s my idea, I’ll pay.”
“No, you won’t,” the cashier interrupted. “Audra says there’s no charge.”
Michelle looked from one woman to the other, shook her head, and turned to face the heavy black velvet drapery separating the audience area from the rest of the store. She felt a sense of impending doom.
What the hell is going on here? I should just turn around and walk out of this place.
As much as the idea of leaving appealed to her, she realized she couldn’t do it. It was like watching two cars speeding toward each other. You knew something bad was going to happen, but you were powerless to stop it. She separated the curtains and stepped through.
She’d entered a different dimension. Gone was the punk rock music in the background. Even the smell was different in here. How was that possible? Michelle looked around the small enclosure, her gaze coming to rest on the woman standing behind the small, round, black-cloth-covered table. She blinked.
If you wanted someone to pose for one of Macbeth’s witches, Audra would be the perfect choice. The woman, old and bent, resembled everyone’s Halloween-inspired image of a sorceress—minus the warts. She had long, gray hair, which probably hadn’t seen a comb, or shampoo, for that matter, in years. The minute Michelle sat on the chair in front of the seer, she knew she wasn’t a fraud. The spirits were with this woman, and Michelle had long since learned to respect the spirits even if she didn’t like the hold they had over her. The woman sat after she did and smiled. The gesture transformed her. Suddenly, instead of an old crone, the woman who sat before her had an ageless beauty and wisdom about her. Her sightless eyes remained as before. She was calm, and Michelle relaxed.
Echoes of the Past Page 6