When Papa Doc noticed that the two young women getting close, he explained to Erika that Wren was different from others. That the power of the Norns ran in her veins, and unless she learned how to work within its flows, she easily could fall into madness. "Little Bird, true weavers never make long-term friendships. It is too difficult to balance what they see and weave to live a normal life with family and friends. No matter what happens, be gentle and patient with her. She will need you, far more than you will need her." Erika had not understood it at the time, but standing there watching Wren stare into the flames, she realized how vulnerable Wren was.
Watching her now she realized that Wren would not have risked loving the Professor if she knew he would marry Jewel. No, Wren was the guarded one, the cautious one. She did not let people in and never truly let her guard down. Not even with her. Narrowing her eyes, she remembered Wren's words, 'The man I love is a ghoul...."
Stepping forward, Erika called, "Hey guys… I need your attention for a moment." The talking and laughter ebbed off as all eyes turned to her. She opened her mouth to speak the sound of laughter and merriment cut through the night. Looking up, she saw two lanterns come down the wooded path from the house.
"Erika, Wren urged her, her voice still that sing-song, childlike timbre, "it is now or never. You have to tell them!"
Feeling anxious at being rushed, Erika started, "I think it is safe to say that all of us suspect something is amiss, and I would like to suggest that we decline taking part in the bonding ritual as a group. I feel I am being pushed into something I am not 100% comfortable with much less prepared for."
Z stood up and came forward, "I agree with you, hon. Bonding and binding are far too closely related for this to be taken lightly."
Velvet stepped forward, nodding yes, "All in agreement, say...," her words were cut short as Rayne Standingfoot and Devonne appeared with a case of mead.
Shaking a bottle at them, Rayne giggled, "You guys have got to try this. It is some of Preacher's private stash - Orange Mead and it is delicious." Then with the vigor of a drunken pixie, she wandered around, pouring each of them all a glass. Devonne following faithfully on her heels ready with a full bottle once the first ran dry.
"To new friends and family," Devonne toasted merrily after pouring Wren a large glass of the honey mead.
The awkwardness of the earlier discussion forgotten; they enjoyed the honey nectar. "To friends and family," the group chorused as they drank the mead.
"More," Buck said, slamming his cup down and slapping Devonne on the back. Everyone laughed in agreement as a new bottle was opened.
With a sigh, Erika looked to Wren and then others, her frustration evident. Their playful teasing echoed over the river, everyone seemed caught up in the merriment of the moment, concern was forgotten for the time being. Standing there next to the fire, she recalled Ransom's plea urging her to leave here before it was too late and go to her mom's.
"Hey guys," she called, interrupting their good spirits, "I am about to head out. Text me later and let me know how everything goes." Becca caught her eye and motioned she would go with her.
"Sorry," Becca apologized as she joined her on the path walking back to the farmhouse. "You sure you won't stay? We won't do that ritual."
"Nah, I promised Ransom," Erika explained as they walked into the kitchen. She was digging her car keys out of her bag when Papa Doc joined them.
He had some papers in his hand that he held out to them. "I heard there might be some problems with a bonding ritual, so I came up with an alternative." He told them, giving them a weak smile.
Erika could not help but notice the dark circles under his eyes as though he had not slept in days. She wondered if he was sick and it occurred to her that he might be coming down with the virus. “You feeling ok, Professor? You are looking a little paler than normal.” She did not mention that there was a grayish hue to his skin or that the twinkle in his eye was gone but she was concerned he might be seriously ill.
“Yes, little one, I feel fine – just in need of a good night’s sleep. I am sure, I will sleep like the dead after tonight.”
Reading over the papers, Erika looked at Becca, who was already nodding yes. "I can get behind this," she told him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I think the others will be much happier with this."
Excitedly, Erika remembered reading where it was written that some of the ancients had been able to shapeshift into these animals themselves, but this was next level! What the Professor was suggesting would allow their soul spirit animal to manifest on this plane in spirit form -not just while they were on the other side of the veil but in their waking state!
"So, sis, do you still need to leave," Becca teased, noting that the black-haired girl had laid her keys on the counter.
"Uggghhhh..." she groaned, remembering her promise to her boyfriend. "Yes, but I don't want to."
"I won't tell you not to go look after your mom," the blonde sighed, "But I am sure going to miss you being here for this."
"Me too," she told her, hugging her. Papa Doc watched the exchange, confused. Seeing his expression, Erika explained, "My mom." She did not know why but she did not feel like explaining more so she did not.
In response the Professor gave her a pleading look, "Could you at least explain it to the others. Wren doesn't know, and well, the others look to you for guidance." Seeing her demeanor shift, he added, "It would mean a lot to me, Little Bird." Before she could think of why she should not Erika agreed and was walking back to the campsite with Becca.
Chapter 6
Erika and Becca approached the others, interrupting their revelry. She could feel the flow of the ley line's humming around them like a hive of bees. It was beginning to react to the energy their merrymaking was raising. Like a fine-spun web, the energy laced across Erika's skin sending a shiver through her.
She approached Wren, still sitting next to the fire and handed her the ritual details the professor had given her and Becca. "Hey lady,” she started, “The Professor has come up with an alternative to Jewel's ritual that I think everyone will be pleased with."
Reading over the ritual Wren started laughing. She turned to look at her friends, a strange smile playing on her lips. There was a wild look in her eyes that Erika could not read but she found it troubling. She was about to ask what gives when Papa Doc arrived. Damn it, she thought, thinking they would have more time before he came.
By the light of the campfire, he looked too pale. "Wren, take a moment to yourself to ground. The rest of you, do what you need to release all negativity, and set your intentions." His words held weight, but the cadence of his speech seemed off. Something seemed metallic about it... More robotic or flat. Behind him, in the shadows under the trees, Jewel stood with Preacher Tim. The two of them seemed to be arguing about something. A chill went up to her spine when they both turned to look at her as though they knew she was watching them. She dropped her gaze, trying to make it seem as though she could not see them where they stood cloaked in darkness.
Behind her, she heard Papa Doc tell Wren, "Smudge them all and have them drink this." He was pointing to the remaining bottles of the mead. He turned, bumping into Erika as Wren handed her a glass of the mead. Taking a sip, she thanked the redhead. Almost immediately her temples started to throb, and she felt a strange, dizzying feeling. Palpitations in her heart overwhelmed her. The shock took her back, and she clawed at her chest. Everything seemed topsy turvy. She felt someone grab her by the arm and heard Velvet saying in a strange distant voice, "You ok, Little Bird? There is quite a kick to the mead. I swear that boy laced it with some 'shrooms or something." The strange tingling was crawling up and down her spine. The room was spinning, and there was a bug crawling on her sensation that had the hair on the back of her neck standing up. Erika felt so connected. It was like she was not just attuned to the ley lines it was like she was swimming in them.
She closed her eyes for what she thought was a second but when she reope
ned them time seemed to have fast forward. She shook her head and wondered what was in the mead. One minute she had been ready to leave but forty-five minutes had gone by and now Wren was almost done smudging them all.
What was she going to tell Ransom, she wondered aloud? In the back of her head she could hear a voice whispering, "He doesn’t have to know. He will never have to know." Confused, Erika looked around, wondering where the sound came from. But no-one was around only the strange black cat that was Jewel’s pet.
Papa Doc now sat at the throne-like chair by the fire. He looked haggard and worn, like he had lost a battle and was waiting for death to take him. Feeling the energy of ley line coursing through her, Erika could not help herself and, for the smallest moment, dropped her own shield to test his. Closing her eyes, she opened her mind's eye. Carefully she mentally tapped his auric field. The first thing she noticed was the usually solid auric field had the warped appearance of melted plastic. The second the skin around his eyes was taking on the same molted coloring and waxen texture that her dad’s had when he died. Again, she noticed the absence of his fox fylgja and wondered where it went. Turning she shifted her focus to the others. Puzzled, she unwillingly took a step towards them, trying to get a better look because what she was seeing had to be wrong. It was as though their auras had black splotches crawling all over them like an infestation of fleas. Erika felt a slap on her third eye, the same moment a loud electric pop echoed in her ears as she was thrust back into her conscious body. In a heap, she fell to the ground as a power surge overrode her psychic vision. Startled, she looked up to find Millie bending over her, offering a hand. Getting to her feet Erika tried to steady herself.
In a moment of clarity, she saw Preach lurking, his leering eyes fixed on her while his lips chanted in a tongue she did not recognize. She could see there was something he was twisting in his hands, but she could not make out what it was nor discern what it could be. Her ears suddenly filled with a sound like the crashing waves of the ocean and as though in a tunnel, she could see Millie was speaking to her as the ocean of sound washed over her.
"I feel unwell," she gasped, throwing up on the ground beside her. Apologizing to Millie, she muttered, "it must be all the mead," and stumbled away from the fire to get some air.
Still holding her by the arm, Millie repeated drunkenly, "I was saying I thought you were gone."
"Hell, I thought I would be too,” Erika responded, sounding just as drunk. She shook her head, unable to collect her thoughts, "Something isn't right."
“Girl, that is an understatement,” Millie nodded in agreement then burst into a fit of laughter. Another wave of nausea rushing over her, Erika threw up more of the mead.
“Aw darlin, are you ok?” Becca drunkenly asked her as she and Z escorted a drunken Roxi towards the clearing.
“Wait a minute,” Erika tried to speak but her tongue would not work. Roxi had not drunk anything - she was close to eight months pregnant and far too responsible. Now the world was swimming around Erika as she felt a tightening sensation in her throat combined with an odd prickling sensation on her skin. It was almost unbearable when she heard the voice whispering, "Just give in. Just go with the flow. Just take a deep breath and let go." Looking down she saw the black cat again. Tried as she might, Erika tried to maintain control, but it felt like she was wading through mental molasses. Finally, she decided to let go and just be with her friends. A peaceful feeling spilled over her like liquid gold and with it a carelessness. Nothing seemed important anymore. Nothing but the task at hand, the workings.
Rayne helped Papa Doc escort the group of friends towards the stone circle. The closer they got to the stone circle, the louder the buzz of energy hummed with magic as the ley lines vibrated together on different frequencies. Erika’s heartbeat quickened as Jewel, Preacher, Devonne, and Jim Standingfoot approached the circle.
In her deep Cajun accent, Jewel instructed everyone where to take their places in the circle. Erika found herself standing next to Wren in the position of South. Heat lightning flashed across the sky as Preach strode to the stone that held the quarter for East. Humidity was thick in the air as a summer storm began to build. Preach, arms open wide turned to face the east. Looking to the heavens his voice boomed over the river like rolling thunder, “To the Great Guardians of the Watchtowers, I summon you, Hawk, Lord of Air, Distant One, Our Great Protector to the East and call you to bear witness our rites and guard this circle..” Turning around he lit the candle on the large stone, a gentle breeze came up from the river, stirring through the branches of the Ash. Tim bowed, “Welcome Hawk, Guardian of the East.”
When Preach stepped back into the standing stone holding the place of East, Jim Standingfoot entered the circle. Thunder boomed in the distance as the tall native walked to the stone placed in the south. He was a full-blooded south-eastern native American and looked strangely out of place in the white robes of a Wiccan priest. Erika always assumed that the only reason he was party to Jewel’s crew was because his new wife, sweet Rayne, was a student of Momma Jewel. But, tonight, seeing him--more importantly, feeling the dark magic in him resonating with the storm, Erika realized she might be wrong. Magic poured off the native like the sweat glistening on his brow. With a strong, loud voice, he yelled, “Guardian of the Watchtower of the South, Lady of Fire strong as the heat of the noon day sun, I summon you Fire Finn, Serpent of the South, wrap your coils of light around us and play witness to our rites and guard our circle on this night.” Lightening crashed miles off in the distance as Jim turned to light the candle on the stone. With a flicker, the flames leapt and danced. With a bow of acknowledgment and respect, Jim greeted, “Aho’ Fire Finn, Great Serpent, Guardian of the South.”
On cue, Rayne Standingfoot followed her husband’s call of the quarter for South. Watching the tiny woman make her way around the circle, Erika frowned inwardly wondering how deeply Rayne was involved with the woman. She was the only one of Jewel’s crew that Erika thought anything of and the two had developed a bond of friendship. Barely 5-foot-tall, Rayne had a fierce spirit under her calm demeanor. She possessed a gentle but deep magic that burned brightly, and it was close to impossible not to like her. Erika had never once considered Rayne anything but a friend and she had always felt the tiny woman genuinely considered part of their extended family. When Rayne opened her arms and lifted them to the sky, her energy was pure and strong as it poured forth while she issued her invitation, “Hail to the Guardian of the West. Actanna, Mother Jaguar, I greet you in perfect love and perfect Trust. Join us on this night and in this hour to witness our rites and guard us from our enemies.”
The hair on Erika’s arms prickled up until it was standing up as a soft rain began to mist her skin. By the torchlight she watched Rayne turn to light the candle of the West. Out of the corner of her eye, Erika could have sworn she saw the shadow of a great black cat jump down from the ash tree and curl around Rayne’s feet. “Blessings Mother Jaguar, welcome.”
Finally, as Devonne entered the circle, Erika thought she saw a shadow shift around the tree behind him. The small man carried a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other as he walked the entire circle. Coming to stand still at the power place for North, his voice bellowed out, surprisingly loud for a man of his small stature, “Watchers of the North, Ancient Ones, Ancestors, join us tonight as we strengthen the bonds in this circle. Witness our rites and rituals and stand guard of this circle.” Thunder echoed in the distance as lightning crawled across the sky. An owl landed on the ash tree behind Devonne. The short man lit the final candle. “Welcome, Guardians of the North.” Taking the staff, he closed the circle. “This circle is closed.” An audible lock could be heard as the energy in the circle shifted and strengthened.
The Professor’s black cloak billowed in the wind as he stood at the stone altar standing in the center of the circle. At his side stood Jewel, a vision of dark beauty dressed in white. Gone now were all false pretenses and Jewel looking every bit a Mambo Voodo
o Queen. She flashed the group a wicked smile more befitting a Disney Villain than the Wiccan High Priestess she had pretended to be.
Jewel approached each member of the circle and handed them a jar. As she returned to the stone in the middle of the circle, lightning crashed across the sky. Her cobra - slithered through her hair like a lover's caress as she began to chant in a Cajun French. At her feet sat the black cat with its unnatural orange eyes.
The sound of the Professor's voice drowned out Jewel's chant. "On this night and in this hour, I call upon the ancient ley line power of these realms. Tonight, we come to you to manifest the hidden nature true of these young men and women. Step forward, Becca, Child of Sun and Moon. Step forth and greet Sky Hunter, Falcon."
Becca walked to the alter. Papa Doc touched her first on her left shoulder, and then on her right. Lifting her chin up, he pressed her thumb to the space where her third eye lay. The Professor drew a symbol in the air and reached to the middle of Becca's chest and hit her with quick precision. As the girl stumbled, the Professor pulled out a shimmering silver and gold falcon. The delicate hawk squawked and flew to sit on Becca's shoulder. Shimmering in the torchlight, the creature seemed to reflect the light of the fire. A gasp was heard around the circle. The bird appeared to be a living creature, the only thing that gave away its spectral nature, the shimmering effect as if made of fog and mists. Even Jewel seemed taken aback at the substance of the bird. Marveling at the falcon, tears started to all from Becca's eyes. She stepped back to her place in the circle, whispering sweet talk to the falcon. The Professor called forth Z.
Tapestry of Worlds : Part One - The White Raven Awakens Page 5