A Witch's Concern (A Witch's Path Book 4)

by N. E. Conneely

  When she didn't continue, I decided to confront the primary issue at hand. "I won't join a clan."

  Ethel didn't miss a beat. "I didn't expect you to desire a clan after the way Gretchen behaved."

  "That's a unique view from a witch in a leadership position." Since the rest of them hadn't been able to recruit me fast enough, I'd expected a similar view from her.

  She shrugged. "In my position you have to be more pragmatic. Considering your treatment, I can hardly blame you for being reluctant to pursue an association with the clans."

  I nodded.

  "However," Ethel continued, "you can't avoid the clans. You'll have to make a decision at some point, and while you have several options, I recommend joining a clan. Any clan."

  "Say what?"

  "The Wapiti or Docga would welcome you, as would several others. You may, if you choose, break off contact with all witches, including your family, remove yourself from our society, and be free of clans. Because be warned: if you decline a membership, you must never interact with a witch again, or you will be stripped of your powers."

  My mouth moved but words didn't come out. This woman had come, uninvited, to my home only to give me orders. The nerve. It was for the best that I was speechless; otherwise I would've said something regrettable.

  Elron had no such problems. "Why are you forcing her to join a clan, especially the Wapiti? Their actions go against the laws of this land and against her desires, especially after the way she has been treated."

  Ethel looked at him calmly. "It's simple. She has a path she must follow, and those are the only options available to her."

  "Those are my only options? If it's my path, why are you dictating my actions?" I asked.

  "I have my reasons."

  "Then share."

  She picked up her teacup and took a sip. "No."

  "Why not?" It wasn't just my voice. Elron had asked the question too.

  "I don't believe in tinkering with someone's destiny."

  This time my mouth worked just fine. "Then what are you doing here? Every word you've said will play a part in my choices; everything you've mentioned will affect my actions. Doesn't that count as playing with destiny?"

  "The line is blurry," she admitted. "But in this case, I think I'm expediting things."

  "What things?" I sputtered.

  "How long before she must select a clan or banishment?" Elron was focusing on important things. Good, one of us needed to, and I was too offended to exercise logic.

  Taking deep, steadying breaths, I managed to turn the pounding in my temples to a gentle tap. Truth be told, I couldn't be overly surprised. This was an extension of the determination the other witches had shown, plain and simple.

  "Sooner would be better. I can give her a month before she must declare membership or cease contact. Other… forces may not be as patient."

  Well, that gave me time, if I was lucky enough—ha!—to find a way around her decree. At least my brain was back in gear, because I knew the right question to ask. "Who or what are the other forces?"

  Ethel frowned. "Who do you think? Fate, Gretchen, witches as a whole, and even your father."

  "What does my father have to do with this?"

  Ethel just gave me a small smile and shrugged.

  I didn't bother to ask again. If she wouldn't answer, she wouldn't answer, and she could've said it simply to get a reaction out of me. "Why did you come? If all you wanted to do was threaten me, you could've done that with a wave of your wand."

  "I'm old and eccentric."

  There wasn't enough background noise to cover up my snort. This wasn't the first time I'd heard that line, and I didn't believe it any more now than I did when Elron had spouted it.

  "Come now, you can do better than that," Elron said.

  Ethel looked taken aback—whether by the mocking tone in his voice or the words themselves, I couldn't be sure. She did her best to let the intelligence fade from her eyes, giving Elron a dotty-old-woman look.

  She tried to cover up her chuckle with a cough, but I was on to her. "Why did you come?"

  "Things are about to move quickly in your life, and I needed to see if you were up for the challenge."

  From Elron's frown, I didn't think he believed that answer any more than I did, especially considering the effort that had gone into getting any answer out of her.

  After a lengthy pause, Ethel continued. "Gretchen isn't going to stop, because she sees you as the future of her clan. I doubt you could say or do anything to change her mind. As word of your talents gets around, more clans will notice, and some of them will want you. My desires notwithstanding, you'll have to join at least one clan."

  I started to protest and she held up her hand. "Believe it or not, I'm on your side. My actions may cast that in doubt, but that's because I'm hastening the inevitable." When Elron opened his mouth, she silenced him with a look. "Contrary to your view, clan matters are internal, witch to witch, making the laws of the land less binding than they would be otherwise."

  Neither one of us could argue that point. Agree with it or not, we'd seen it in practice with the werewolves. Though if I had anything to do with it, the laws in this part of the country would supersede group politics in every situation. The division of internal and external affairs was an antiquated system that only partly functioned and, in this era, should be dismantled.

  Ethel waved her hand at the witches from the other side of the room. "I've undoubtedly left you with more questions, but there's no way around that. It's late—too late for an old thing like me to be out."

  "Of course." I tried to make the words gracious.

  She winked at me. "When you're my age, you'll understand. This was an illuminating chat. I'll be in touch."

  The witches surrounded her and swept her out of the room.

  It was for the best. Everything else I wanted to say was less than cordial. The front door closed behind them as my phone started ringing. Sending prayers to any kind spirit that might be listening, I asked that this wouldn't be an emergency. The day had been busy enough.

  "Oaks Consulting."

  "It's Rodriguez."

  "What do you need?"

  There was a pause before he answered. "I just got word that your grandmother, and most of her people, have been released."

  My stomach knotted. "How? They were being held without bail."

  "Some important witch got them out by arguing that the police didn't have jurisdiction because it was an internal, witch-to-witch issue."

  I dropped the phone and barreled through the door, ready to haul that woman back in here and make her fix this, but the car's taillights faded down the driveway. The nerve of that woman, to come in here, tell me what I should do, and mess up a perfectly good arrest.

  At the bottom of the stairs, I sucked in a deep calming breath. Then I returned to the parlor and retrieved my phone. Elron, who had followed me as far as the door to the lodge, returned to the parlor too.

  "Rodriguez, are you still there?"

  "What happened?"

  "I had to check on something. Is Gretchen completely free? No tracking spells or the like?"

  "You'll have to call the locals, but my contact didn't mention any restrictions on her movement." He paused, like he knew I wasn't going to like what he said next. "Michelle, he just came on duty. She was released earlier today."

  He was right. I didn't like hearing that one bit, but I wasn't going to tell him that when he was doing me a favor. I thanked Rodriguez for the news and was muttering angry words as soon as I hung up the phone. Turning to Elron I asked, "How much of that did you follow?"

  "Enough. Gretchen is free, and you suspect Ethel had a hand in her release."

  "You bet I do." Really, who else would it be?

  He pulled me into his arms, and I slowly relaxed enough to lean into his chest.

  "You need to sleep. These problems will still be here in the morning."

  Nodding, I followed him out of the parlor. H
e was right: these problems, and the rest of the night's mischief, would be here tomorrow.

  Chapter 20: Elron

  On the way to the university, I detoured to a small grove I had discovered a few weeks ago. There were several clearings around the lodge that would welcome me, but that area had so much of Michelle's personality that it was difficult to get a true sense of nature. Although I was in favor of the woods having affection for Michelle, as it made them more likely to aid her, they had little objectivity and would attempt to sway my reflections.

  Getting out of my car, I surveyed the area. Since it was winter, you could see the group of white pines from the car. They were stately things, and as soon as my feet touched the ground I felt their welcome. Other evergreens joined in, and even a few of the trees that were sleeping through winter passed along sleepy greetings.

  This stand of trees had not met Michelle and was therefore more impartial, something I needed while I attempted to get perspective. The current situations had me worried. While I did not think it was a likely path, I could see Michelle distancing herself from other witches in an effort to preserve her independence. It would be a mistake and would likely end badly. However, if that was the choice she made, she would not waver.

  It reminded me that it had been too long since my last visit, and I assured it that I would come by more often. I settled against it with my back to the car. The view of the forest was far more soothing. Considering the excitement, even I could use a tranquil moment.

  It was more likely that she would join Greg's clan, which would present its own set of problems. While the Docga were as prepared as they could be to facilitate a smooth transition for her, I questioned the ability of witches who had grown up with a clan mentality to relate to Michelle's concerns when they had never experienced a similar situation.

  There was the crux of the problem. It was unheard of for a witch to be raised outside a clan. There was no one who could validate her experiences by sharing their own and help her find peace with the group mentality. The only witch Michelle trusted who had experience being outside the clan was Nancy, and that comparison wouldn't amuse Michelle. She would be the first to say that Nancy had grown up with a clan.

  As much as I wanted to find a solution, the more I contemplated the various aspects of the issue, the more I came to believe that Michelle would have to find a way through this on her own. While that was not the way I wanted this to go, I could only do my part and support her.

  Gretchen was a problem all her own, and I suspected things would get worse before they got better. What I could not determine was if Ethel was aiding Gretchen. Clearly the premier was a motivational factor behind Gretchen's release from jail, but that did not mean she was in favor of Gretchen's methods. Ethel could be using Gretchen as leverage to force Michelle to join a clan, be that the Wapiti or the Docga.

  However, Ethel's involvement bothered me. I could not see what she gained from Michelle being a clan member. If she wanted something, there were plenty of witches willing to do anything the premier asked, which meant that she wanted Michelle. The cryptic talk of forces at work and expediting destiny did not reassure me.

  When I had realized I had a Call, I had researched the stories of elves who had been Called. Their lives were difficult, tragic, painful, and rarely had a happy ending. Michelle deserved better than the witch equivalent of being destined for an adventurous life that left you broken at the end.

  I would not let that happen. Michelle had not asked for this attention, and I would do my best to ensure her survival and happiness.

  After letting the peace of nature wash over me, I returned to my car. The scrap of white paper under my windshield wiper put me on edge. I summoned my sword and examined the area as I slowly closed the distance between the car and myself.

  At the car, I extracted the slip of paper, still scanning the area. If there was someone here, I could not find them. Rather than risk being caught unaware, I quickly got in the car and drove away. The paper sat in my passenger seat until I reached the university and pulled into a parking space.

  I unfolded it, keeping an eye on my surroundings. This time of day, there were students everywhere, and even the Wapiti would hesitate to attack. I looked at the paper and read the single line of text.

  "Not all of us support Gretchen."

  Chapter 21: Michelle

  After an early breakfast, Elron had given me a hug, told me he'd be back for lunch, and headed off to the university. As soon as he was out the door, I left another message on both my parents' phones informing them of my visit with the premier and Gretchen's release and asking them to give me a call back. Last night's message hadn't generated a reply, but that wasn't surprising.

  I was paging through the book Tammy had left, trying to find anything that would explain Gretchen and Ethel's interest, when my phone rang. A section on clan scars had caught my attention, and I answered without looking at the caller ID. "Oaks Consulting. This is Michelle."

  "It's Tiffany." Her voice was scratchy, and it sounded like she'd been crying.

  "What's wrong?" I asked, abandoning the book.

  "You know you're like a sister me to me, right?" She sniffled.

  "Did the Wapiti take you? What do they want? I'll get you back." Damn Ethel for letting Gretchen out of jail. If she was still behind bars, she wouldn't be causing trouble like this. Maybe her followers would make a few attempts, but it would fall apart quickly without their leader around to keep the doubters in line.

  "See? That's the problem. It's always a life-threatening emergency with you. There're other reasons for a person to be upset."

  "Wait… what's going on?" Now I was confused.

  "It's you, Michelle. You put the people around you in danger, and I can't do it anymore."

  "Who have I put in danger?"

  "Everyone."

  "Like my parents? Who were on the run from the Wapiti before I was born. How about Elron? He came with his own problems and was more than willing to help me fix them. Amber's abduction wasn't related to anything I did." If she was going to accuse me, I wanted her to get her facts straight. I was almost always the one cleaning up messes, not creating them.

  "You killed someone."

  Well if she was going to be like that… "Which someone, Tiffany? Gremory, Sylvia, or Thomas?"

  She didn't say anything for a moment. "How can you say that?"

  "Well, you called me and picked a fight. I'm doing my part. Shall we talk about Sylvia? Remember, I burned her alive." And I still woke up hearing her scream and smelling burned flesh. "Thomas was actually killed by Ty. If my memory is accurate, I told you that at lunch."

  "I remember. You were so cold and detached. It was like you didn't feel anything. Then that teacup attacked, and it was all business as usual for you. How can you live like that? Knowing your family is willing to hurt you and your friends. Any one of us could've gotten that tea set."

  "Let's be clear. I was detached so I could tell the story without crying. Do you think I'm happy that Thomas is dead?"

  She didn't answer.

  "Well do you?" I paused just long enough for her to fit a word in, but she didn't. "I'm not. I wish I could go back in time and figure out a way to prevent all of that, but I can't because I didn't choose to send him after me."

  "You're still the reason he's dead. How long do you think it will be before someone you care about dies? That teacup was only the beginning, and you know it. You're putting Amber in danger, and you're putting me in danger."

  "I can't even connect the teacup directly to the Wapiti." Sure, I thought they were the likely suspects, but a hunch wasn't proof. I needed proof if I wanted them to be held responsible for that incident.

  "Don't be dumb."

  "What is wrong with you? Who replaced my friend with this hateful person?"

  "I'm not your friend anymore. You're going to get one of us killed, and I won't be a part of it."

  Tiffany had never been one who was up for action and d
anger. I'd been stunned when she'd thrown herself into rescuing Amber, but in retrospect, those actions were motivated by guilt rather than bravery. Ever since, she'd been increasingly uncomfortable when something dangerous or exciting happened.

  "You're blaming me for things that aren't my fault."

  "No one else attracts demons and evil witches. I won't risk myself, and I won't watch anyone else get hurt. Good-bye, Michelle." She hung up.

  I sat there in stunned silence, trying to figure out what had just happened. In the space of a few minutes, I'd lost a dear friend, and I didn't really understand why. It was no secret that Tiffany's idea of an exciting day was sitting in a car outside a hotel waiting for a guy and his mistress to walk out. However, her definition of exciting didn't really explain ending years of friendship.

  My phone rang again. It was Amber. I answered before I could think better of it. "Hello?"

  "Michelle? Are you okay?"

  "No."

  "I'm sorry. She called me first." Amber blew her nose. "I should've warned you."

  "You knew what she was going to say?" Her words surprised me enough that I took notice of how Amber sounded. Whatever Tiffany had said to Amber had brought her to tears. I wasn't the only one who'd been hurt.

  "Sort of. She told me she couldn't be my friend as long as I was your friend. Then she said she would be ending her friendship with you."

  "Apparently everything is my fault. I'm sorry if I've messed up your life." With that I started crying. "I don't understand. She was blaming me for things that I didn't even do. And she said my grandmother was responsible for the teacup, and I don't even know if that's true," I wailed.

  "I know. I told her that right before I said a little danger wasn't going to get between you and me."

  "You did?" Part of me had thought that Amber was slowly working up to telling me she was following Tiffany out the door. Those feelings didn't give Amber the credit she deserved. Sure, she was the soft-spoken, gentle one, but she had a spine of steel under those feathers.

  "I did." Amber swallowed hard. "I told her that she could go to the devil. You are my friend, you faced down a werewolf for me, and I was not abandoning ship because your life has gotten exciting."