by T S Paul
“A pliable one. Lord Set planned this fate for her from the very beginning. He saw how vain she was as a child and put the idea in her head that she was special. The chosen one and the heir apparent. Unbelievably, she listened to humans and took their advice. She was a ripe plum just ready for the taking.”
“She may not know anything, my Queen, but what you just described tells us a lot about the Blackmores.” Esta glanced toward Camilla’s cell and smiled.
“What?” Ysabel focused her complete attention on her council member.
“They are lackadaisical when it comes to both their children and their Magick. If they were from one of our families could an outsider get that close? Even to one of the mundane?” Esta pointed out.
“No. Our soldiers and guardians would kill them first. Even the boys are watched closer than this one was. Very astute Esta.”
Ysabel left the room to arrange the ritual preparations.
Esta started to laugh because she could see the fruition of all of their planning.
Chapter 8
Sybil Tomasso, historian and sage to the Strega, sat in her cell staring at the Book of Undying. If it had a true name, it was lost in the depths of time. The art of Necromancy and the strange powers that come with it had been studied and experimented with for centuries. The book was there for all of them. The Dragon Ambassador actually told the Strega information they didn’t have, first, that there was more than one copy of the book and second, that there was a hidden library.
Carefully turning the pages, Sybil wondered which copy this one was. Was this one lost in Haiti or in California? Haiti was where its influence was felt the most and where it came into its own as a work of immense power. Magickal historians liked to gossip about great works, lost scrolls, and ancient masters of the art. Necromancy was one of those topics. The Book of Undying was supposed to be legend or myth. Paracelsus was said to have owned it, as was John Dee.
Dee had both the most to lose and gain from the book. Death if caught with it and acclaim and riches from his Queen if he could give her an army of the dead to fight Britain’s battle for her. Simply owning the book wasn’t the key to it. The holder must possess great power. He or she must have the will and the certainty to use the Magick found within. John Dee may have been a mystic and seer, but he was only human.
Sybil paused for a moment. A cold chill, colder than the walls of the cell, brushed across her body. She looked around checking for someone at the door. Its blackened surface was still bolted and barred from within. The safety of the book was paramount. Turning her head to one side, she listened carefully. Her ears caught the faintest whisper of sound like a muttered conversation in a closed room.
“My imagination is getting the better of me.” She said to herself. Much of the first part of the book was research. Pages and pages of experimental data conducted, written in many hands and languages. Only a scholar could read it now.
The cold chill returned. Icy tendrils crept up Sybil’s legs and back. Another whisper, this time in her ear, caught her attention. “Power.”
Sybil’s head came up suddenly as the word crept into her conscious mind. “Who?” She blurted.
“It could be yours and yours alone.”
Standing, Sybil walked over to the door. She opened it with a jerk and stuck her head outside into the hall. Looking both ways she didn’t see or hear anyone. Only the sound of dripping water echoed in the halls. Stepping backward Sybil closed the door and approached the book. As a historian, it was she who narrowed down the many other choices to this particular book and its twin. Only The Undying contained the necessary rituals of power to not only raise the dead, but to swap souls, and control those that live in the lower planes of Hell.
The book was black as night with runes of destruction and terror carved upon it. Sybil ran her fingers down the spine and over the runes themselves. “Why serve her when you could rule? So many worlds to take. Why not this one?”
Sybil’s eyes almost bulged out of her face. It was true! The book was possessed. Some of the stories about it claimed it could twist weak-minded souls and control them. Casting about with her mind Sybil could feel a very faint spell of both confusion and control. Quickly she stripped out of her blouse and reversed it as she put it back on. Sometimes it was the little things that countered an unknown spell. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out packets of salt and sprinkled them across the desk. The spell traces faded, and the book was silent once more.
<<<>>>
“The book is very dangerous to the unaware, my Queen.”
Ysabel looked down at Sybil with faintly glowing green eyes. “Then don’t be that way. We are about to undertake the most powerful working of our entire lives, and you are giving out worthless warnings! What do you truly think of this book? Are the spells real?”
Sybil bowed her head. “Yes, my Queen. The book is the one we have searched for. It, and I assume its companion, were made from the flesh and bone of a living magician. Whether he was the general spoken of in the Christian’s book remains to be seen. Great power surrounds it in multiple layers. As the reader descends through each layer of spells, the voices become more distinct and powerful.”
“Voices? What sort of voices?”
Sybil swallowed then looked up. “At first it was but a whisper. I could feel it on the edge of my consciousness trying to get in. As I read further into the book, the voice started to ask me things. Cold chills ran across my body almost caressing me through my clothing. It was a man’s voice I heard.”
“This general?” Ysabel glared at the woman.
“Possibly, my Queen.” Sybil squinted as if concentrating. “There are spells built into the binding that can possess and even steal the soul of the unwary. Only the Gods know how many souls are contained within it.”
Ysabel nodded. “That would make a certain sense regarding the legends. Is the zombie spell included in the work?”
“Yes. It is one of almost a dozen highly advanced calculations. Ysabel, with this book we can change the entire world.”
Ysabel leaned back into her throne. “I know. It is better to divert attention away from us and onto these Americans. Showing our cards now might bring the Councils down upon us. Politics or no politics, they would unite in their desire to destroy us. We must be like the spider behind the picture. He waits until his prey is within reach. Ever watchful, ever hungry, the perfect silent predator. Let the world come crashing down as the Prince fulfills his contract with us. We will emerge to pick up the pieces and rule.
“Catalog the spells and take note of the ones that we will require to do this deed. I will need for you to take one of the corners. Do not worry. Someone expendable will read the final spell.” Ysabel stood and stepped down from her throne. She extended her hands and caressed Sybil’s face. “I won’t allow my best historian to be harmed. Do as I ask.”
Sybil bowed her head waiting for the Queen to leave. She touched her face where Ysabel’s fingers had touched her. Icicles and frost coated her skin. A slight chill ran up her spine. Ysabel led the Strega through the use of power and manipulation. What could the power of the book do for her?
<<<>>>
“Put out a call. All of our initiates are to be at the ritual site in three days, no excuses will be accepted. This will mark the beginning of our rule over the humans and others.” Ysabel made her proclamation from the throne room. Other high-ranking Strega surrounded her.
The Captain of the guard nodded. “It will be done as you have proclaimed, my queen.”
Massima Novara looked left then right. The other sisters of power either looked away or down at the cavern floor. “Ysabel, many of our husbands and other brethren are far away at work on tasks that you set for them. Would you have them drop everything to come home?”
“Yes. I would. I…” Ysabel paused. “We make the decisions, and they serve. It is our way and the way that we have lived for more than a century. If they wish to reap the rewards, they must hold the sickle.
This is not a game, sisters. We will change the face of the Earth with this.”
“And if they are late, Ysabel? What then?” Massima asked.
“If they do not appear then they are dead to us. If they withhold support, then they are traitors to us. Traitors will be destroyed. This is the will of the Gods and me. This thing of ours requires loyalty and sacrifice. Tell them to remember that.” Ysabel pushed off her throne and stalked from the room.
“This could be the end of us,” Massima muttered to the others.
“Or the beginning. If this isn’t the goal we have strived for all these years, then what is?” The Strega known as Terza replied.
”We wanted power above all else and in doing so made a deal with the devil. I told you what she was a year ago, but none of you chose to listen to me. Including you, Massima. Now the great work is upon us, and you have misgivings? Foolish. Think of the fate of my husband and pray she doesn’t do that to you. Electrocution is a messy way to go.” Fabiana pointed out.
“Don Auletta was a traitor. Ysabel was just dispensing justice. He deserved what he got.”
“If you truly believe that Alegra, I feel sorry for you. What Ysabel will do when your husband fails to appear will make my own husband's death pale in comparison.” Massima smiled at the smaller woman.
“Enough of this!” Every woman in the room turned to stare at Sybil.
Standing in the doorway, Sybil glared at them all. “Keeping us at each other's throats is what she wants. How better to keep her throne. Ask yourselves this. Who benefits the most from the ritual? Remember your history. The last time a being such as this entered our world, millions died, and a world changed. Unlike last time, we have the power to control him. Do you truly believe that Ysabel is going to share it with you?”
“You should learn when to stay silent. We weren’t prepared for the sheer power of him last time. You forget that I was there to see. Your predecessor reached too far and brought up a Prince. He was not the one we prepared for. The circle was meant to keep him in, not allow him to possess our ally. That is not a mistake we will make again. We have the true ritual now, don’t we?”
“Yes, Esta. We do. But I am allowed to wonder. If the Demon we call is trapped, what incentive is there for it to help us? The last time we did this, we appeased it with blood and power. Why give up the very things that we expect to receive from it this time?” Sybil pointed out.
<<<>>>
“Is everything prepared?”
“Yes, my lord Set. The offering is in good health, and Esta has the requirements in place.” Ysabel knelt in front of the main altar.
“Good. You must keep the others off balance until the rising. The Prince has prepared many servants to aid you but will require offerings for them as well. You have done well, daughter.” Set’s voice echoed in the Strega Queen's mind.
Chapter 9
“What have I done to you?” That was one of the many questions I cried out to my captors, these dark women and their servants. How was I to know that the men that I hired to take care of business were subservient to these?
None of the women chose to answer. They had come all at once, throwing open the door and binding me with their Magick. I could speak, but not resist. Visions of dark hallways and doors beyond counting flashed before me as I was dragged through their lair.
“I have family, and they will search for me. You won’t get away with this.”
The women stopped and stared at me. I could see the faint glimmer of dark Magick in their eyes. An unholy green light sparked and flashed in the darkness from their eyes. “Family? Friends? You have nothing, Camilla Blackmore. We have listened and learned as the spell you cast magnified itself. Your entire life has been as a tableau. A window into your thoughts and soul that all could see. We know the truth even if you choose to deny it.
“You shunned Magick because it got in the way of your fun. You scorned and shamed your sister. All she wanted was attention and help from you. You were too busy, so wrapped up in your own self that you allowed her to drift lifelessly in the world above. If you had been there, she might not have gotten involved with the Shinigami family. Terrible things are in store for her now. What is this yearning of yours for power over the Coven? Why would they select someone such as you over your niece?”
“The Coven is mine by right. Everything I’ve read says that I’m the heir. They have to pick me.” I can still see the books in my library at home. All my research, all my studies. I would rule the Coven.
Laughter filled the air as the women began to chuckle. “Witches Covens don’t work that way, child. Power is all that matters to them. Who is the most powerful to take the Coven to the next century and beyond? Why would they care about an heir?”
Struggling with my bonds, I answered them. “All the books, articles, everything says that is how it is. It’s my right. They needed to know that it should be me.”
“Stupid girl. Books are written by humans, not Witches. They are tools, nothing more. We watched your life flash before us and wondered. Why would a Witch believe humans over that of her own kind? Vanity. Vanity is your curse, Camilla.
“You drove your family from you until they didn’t care for you anymore. So, you married one husband after another in search of power, money, and that which you could bend and twist to your way. When the men in your life had nothing left to give or were about to gain insight into your soul, you had us eliminate them.
“Five perfect murders. So perfect that even the human authorities with all their science and technology couldn’t detect foul play. If we could get away with them, we can get away with this. They already believe you to be dead. Remember the battle? The family that you cry for left your scorched body upon the grass. No one is coming for you.”
“But… But the God! Set told me I was his chosen. He promised to give me power over others. He said I would rule at his side.” I know what I know. Why else would I go this far, do what I did? They were lying. Set promised me. I can even remember when it was. We were in the library at school.
<<< >>>
“What made you want to teach me Magick?” Running my fingers through Setesh’s flaming red hair, I cupped his head. I really wanted to know more of this man who swept me off my feet with such passion.
Setesh pulled away from me and turned. “You are my chosen one, Camilla. When I look at you, I see a destiny unfulfilled. You are the one that I need to complete a great work that has been put in place for centuries. Such potential for one so young. You are perfect, my dear.”
Hearing compliments from one such as he made me feel alive. I had been seeing Setesh for about six months now. First as a student, and then as a lover, he taught me much of how Magick worked and its uses.
“Your initial training is almost complete. Soon you will join the ranks of my priestesses.”
We had been dating for several months when he first told me he was a god. At first, I didn’t believe him. Why should I? Anyone that believes such has a serious mental problem. His demonstration of power and the door he took me through changed everything. It looked like a normal door. A closet that you would find in any building anywhere in the world. But when this man opened the door there were no brooms inside. This door led to another world. A place of fantasy and terror. Storms and earthquakes. A place that only a God would find hospitable.
“Am I to be your High Priestess?” That was the job for me. If I couldn’t have the Coven, being High Priestess would be ideal.
Setesh laughed. “Not yet my dear. Not yet. You have a destiny and a Coven to rule first.”
It was all I could do to not laugh. “The Coven. Yes. Ruling my mother's coven has been my one and only goal for so many years. Does this mean you will help me take over?”
“The future is hidden to me. I can only affect the present. You are fated to rule the Coven in my name. That much cannot be changed. What I need from you is a commitment. A joining of our bodies and souls for a greater purpose. One that will bring power an
d glory to those that follow me and those that have brought about the great work.” Setesh smiled down at me.
A great work? “You will include me in a greater working? I thought you said they were not for beginners.”
“They are not. You need training before you should attempt any working. It used to be said that no magician should undertake any working unless they can understand both Latin and Hebrew. Both are at the core of the human Magickal systems. But we are not human.” Setesh pursed his lips.
“What does that mean for me?”
Setesh smiled. “You have the potential for great power, Camilla. Drawing it out will be the challenge.”
I nodded. In my mind, I envisioned a training program that would teach me what I need to know. “Training?”
“Yes. But not right now. I will come to you and teach you what you need to know. Conquer your fears and settle your affairs with the Coven. For in the future, we will fulfill your destiny.”
<<< >>>
Closing my eyes, I cursed. It was so simple. Set took advantage of my willingness and desperation to learn Magick. He manipulated me for years.
“You see it now, don’t you? We all have a purpose in this life. This is not your death, but the culmination of your life. Through you, we will control it all, the Covens, the governments, and the world. All will fall before us. We will celebrate the gift of your body for the rest of eternity.” The dark Witch stared at me with glimmering green eyes. “But first you must come with us.” She yanked the cord and continued to drag me down the corridor.
<<< >>>
The first thing I noticed was the sound of water dripping. It echoed with each drip. The sound took me back to when I was a child. Mother took us on many trips to acclimate us to our environment and to do what she called “broadening our minds.” One such trip was to Debsconeag Lake. The best part of the small resort we stayed at was an adjoining cave. It was the highlight of the trip and the largest natural cave in the state of Maine. I may have been young at the time, but I still remembered the damp air and echoing sounds of what the inside of a cave sounded like.