by Falls, Bella
The night air still carried a little humidity, but the cool breeze that funneled down the dirty driveway from the water to our house cooled the area. Only the noise of our spoons scooping up cobbler and a few chirping cicadas bothered us until a car horn interrupted our quiet rocking.
Although we took Mr. Daniels advice to limit our use of magic to heart, it became necessary to spellcast to protect ourselves. We’d been determined not to let what had happened affect our lives and had kept the big barn with all of our stuff for sale plus the vendor slots for our friends open. The uptick in customers seemed promising, but it quickly turned into a problem when all they wanted was to take pictures, ask questions, or even sling accusations.
After we got back from our trip to Myrna’s, Dad had painted a large wooden sign that he and Uncle Jo tacked up on two posts by the driveway that stated we would open for customers by appointment only. As an added measure, the two of them conjured a small repelling spell that would keep out regular humans and any witches who we didn’t know. Since it only extended over the front part of our driveway, it sometimes didn’t hit the driver until they’d already slowed down, blocking traffic. The occasional blaring horn was the price we paid to safeguard what privacy we had left.
“The Rise & Shine Cafe hasn’t ever been so busy. I guess it’s putting money in our pockets, but I’m getting mighty tired of having to tell people to mind their own business.” Aunt Delia paused to take a bite of her cobbler. “I know this will probably blow over eventually, but it’s dang inconvenient.”
“You’re telling me, darlin’.” Uncle Jo scraped the bottom of his bowl with his spoon and lifted it to his lips to suckle the last of the mixed fruit juices and melted ice cream liquid.
Although the cobbler smelled amazing, my appetite for more information outweighed my desire to eat the yummy dessert. I rocked in agitation, still trying to work things out in my mind. “Crystal called me today. She found a possible decoy glass ball and stand we could use from the stock at her boutique, and I’m supposed to go there tomorrow to pick it up. I fear it might not look even close to the real thing, but it would give us something that someone like Deputy Caine might believe Croy was looking for.”
Dad craned his neck to check out my bowl and dipped his spoon into the remaining cobbler. “Don’t suppose we could fool Ebonee with it, huh? She called again, reminding me of my promise to let her take a look at the real thing. I’m pretty sure I would put her on a list of people I would not want to sell that object to.”
Based on stories my dad had told me since my childhood, different members of our family had found larger and more dangerous magical items in our past. But in my short time of following tradition and becoming a player in the family business, I couldn’t remember any other item having so much potential to wreak havoc on multiple levels.
I stopped rocking in the chair when a memory got jogged. “Uncle Jo, why did you tell me that crystal balls are few and far between?”
“I don’t know. It’s just something I’ve heard passed around and I guess accepted as fact. I’m not exactly sure I’m the right person to answer your question accurately.” My uncle sat forward in his chair with the wood creaking underneath him. “Although now that I think on it, our grandmother was supposed to do some research of her own with our departed relatives.” He pushed himself up and collected the bowls from his wife and daughter.
Dad took my almost full dish from me and stacked it on top of his empty one, finishing up my portion. “Your brain is working hard enough I can see steam billowing out of your ears.” He tapped my head with his spoon.
I followed the rest of my family inside the house. “I’m trying to see the whole picture, and right now, there are too many holes that need to be filled.”
We all gathered at the door outside of the kitchen, watching Granny Josephine put food away and finish cleaning up. She almost dropped a plate when she jumped at the sight of us staring at her.
“What in tarnation are y’all doin’? You almost scared the last bit of life I’m clinging to clean outta me.” She clutched a kitchen towel to her breast.
I pushed my way to the front of the group. “I’ve been trying to figure out the nature of crystal balls in my head, but I guess I could use some real research. Have you been able to find anything out, Granny, through your connections?”
My great-grandmother placed the clean plate in the dish drain and folded the towel, laying it on the counter. “I did. It took me some time and convincing, but I found the right spirit who can give you more information. But it’s not going to be easy nor a free ride to get her here to you. It’s why I hadn’t told any of you yet.”
“Can’t she just tell you the information and you can pass it onto us?” Dani asked.
Our friendly ghost in front of us shook her head. “I think it’s not my story to share. But if you want to hear it, then go on into the living room and wait.” She shimmered and dissolved out of sight, and the rest of us went into the other room.
We waited like we were told, and I listened with great intent to my father and his brother listing off the departed family members they knew by name to try and guess who it might be. They ran out of those they could remember before Granny Josephine reappeared, and we sat in nervous stillness until she manifested in full.
“I need y’all to form a small circle of intent and hold hands.” She pointed at the spot where she wanted us. “When you’re ready, start the conjuring spell to summon Sarah Francis Jewell to the center. She’s one of our ancestors who might be able to reveal more about crystal balls than most, but since she’s not as tethered to our world like I am, she’s going to need a little boost of power from all of you to see and hear her.”
While we moved some of the furniture around to make room, we discussed who would take charge. Dad spoke up in his deep voice, “It’s Rue who wants to know more. I think she should be the one to lead.”
My heart dropped into my stomach. “But I’m not as experienced in dealing with the dead as you are,” I countered.
“Then I think it’s time you learn. It’s your determination to figure things out that will keep the intent of what we’re doing focused on the right thing.” He lifted his chin with confidence. “You can do this.”
While my head nodded yes, my flipping stomach screamed no. But I instructed everyone to grasp hands with each other. I took my dad’s warm hand on my left and reached out to accept Uncle Jo’s grasp, keeping myself between two of the strongest witches in our family. My aunt and cousin stood across from me holding onto each other and completing the circle.
Needing to center myself, I drew in three deep breaths and bowed my head. Unsure of how this ritual would go, I chose to do my best imitation of the formal style of conjuring Dad was so good at.
Clearing my throat, I began the invocation. “We honor those who have come before us and remain here. Um, your presence in this house is a…a…testament to how strong the Jewell family bond has grown over time.”
I paused, unable to come up with the next thing I should say. Dad squeezed my hand, prompting me to continue, but my frustration got the better of me. “Oh, grits and ghosts. Sarah Francis Jewell,” I hollered. “If you’re anywhere in this house, please visit our circle. We’ve got some questions for you.”
Opening one eye to peek at the rest of the group, I expected to see scowls of disapproval but found smirks of amusement instead. The more seconds that ticked by, the more my heart pounded. Maybe I should have been more careful and tried harder to be more like Dad.
About the time an apology for my failure reached the tip of my tongue, the hairs on the back of my arms stood up, and power zinged to life inside me. The audible gasps in the room confirmed the effect we were experiencing together. I opened my eyes to check on everyone. Within our enclosed circle, our collective magic remained contained and steady, and I breathed a sigh of relief. The floor underneath our feet shook and the few glass and breakable items in the room rattled. The lights in the
house flickered on and off, and I struggled to keep still.
“Whatever happens, don’t let go of each other. Stay focused,” my father instructed.
Every bulb in the room brightened beyond their capacity until each burst one by one from the supercharge of energy filling the space. Plunged into darkness, my eyes focused on a faint otherworldly glow pulsing in the middle of us. The point of light morphed into a wisp of smoke that swirled and grew tendrils like a plant, growing rapidly in size until it took the shape of a woman wearing the garb from another era long past.
The clearer the spirit appeared to us, the more it drew from the magic flowing through the circle. While I had a new appreciation for the big dinner we’d eaten to fuel us in the moment, I didn’t know how long we’d be able to sustain the spectral visit with the pull on our power.
The ghostly figure grew into its full strength, and a voice almost too soft to hear tinkled in the air like distant music. “Who calls my name and draws me forth?”
When nobody answered, both my father and uncle squeezed my hands. “Oh, that would be me. I mean, I do,” I claimed, trying to compose myself. “Hey, Sarah. I’m Ruby Mae Jewell, one of your descendants I guess.” Offering a weak smile, I hoped my clumsy address wouldn’t offend the spirit.
“My dear, you are an answer to a question I have had in my mind for oh so long.” The entire luminescent smoky figure dipped in the air in what I could only guess might have been an attempt at a curtsy. “Would it surprise you to know that I possessed the foreknowledge during my lifetime that tonight would come and that I would be here with you as we are now?”
“Yes?” Without knowing what answer the ghost expected, I erred on the side of both an answer and a question.
“Ask me what it is about which you wish to know more,” our ancestor requested, her British accent surprising me. “Be quick as I am unsure of how long I can remain in this form.”
Straightening my spine, I raised my eyes to give her the respect of attempting to meet her ghostly gaze. “Share with us what you know about crystal balls.”
Her spectral form shivered in front of us. “They are a devilish tool created as a means to cheat time and life. I cannot speak to how any of them were made or how many of them existed during my time in my homeland of England. The only knowledge of the objects and their history as I was told is that someone with great power accessed ancient knowledge and replicated a source of magic to be used in the foretelling of the future, placing that power inside a glass or crystal sphere.”
Knowing how to make a crystal ball wouldn’t help us figure out why it had such a draw or why it had already caused a problem in such a short time. “Did you have one?”
“I did not,” her light voice replied. “However, a girlhood friend of mine whose father stood as the head of our witch community somehow found her humble status in life reversed within our English society in a short time. Money and good fortune flowed within their household. She bragged to me that her father had predicted to which man she was to be married, and within six months, her words held true, elevating both hers and her family’s status.
“Like ivy crawling up the side of a house, envy invaded my every thought and overwhelmed my love for my friend. I struggled to locate my compassion when I wanted the same privileges. However, such a powerful instrument that reaps such rewards cannot be hidden forever, and eventually, her father used the orb to wield his control over us all. He would grant each member of the coven a small opportunity to use the crystal ball at a cost, which would vary by individual.”
Sarah paused in her story, allowing me time to think about what she would have been willing to give at that point. Croy’s sad demise gave me hints to the lengths he was willing to go to in order to claim the crystal ball for himself. I hoped our ancestor had not paid too high a price.
She uttered a forlorn sigh as soft as a gentle breeze. “I am ashamed of my actions, and yet I cannot deny that I did benefit. For after being shown a glimpse of my future, I crossed the sea and found my beloved Barnabus Jewell to marry. And I have remained tethered to this location long after because it was also revealed that I would be needed in a time not of my own.”
Her story moved me on a personal level, but I couldn’t help noticing that for her, it was able to provide something good. “If you found your true love and happiness, then using a crystal ball wasn’t all bad?” I ignored my father’s immediate concerned glance, needing to know her answer.
“Do not fall under its spell,” Sarah warned with vehement force, her spectral form burning brighter. “Once I departed from my home, I heard word that my friend’s father had fallen victim to a burglary resulting in his untimely death and the ball was taken from their home. Poor Kitty fell into hard times after that, and I am afraid I do not know her ultimate fate. It would be better to get rid of all such magical objects of its ilk than to release even one on this earth.
“Although it is tempting to comprehend what is coming for us, all that one of these orbs can offer is a piece. We ultimately harm ourselves in how we interpret what we are shown. Yes, I am one of the very fortunate who found happiness, but there are many who discovered their doom too late.”
I opened my mouth to debate her point, but Dad interrupted me. “We thank you for your counsel, Sarah. Your words will be carefully considered.”
The light emanating from her figure wavered. “We must make haste. There is one more thing I must convey to you before our time comes to an end, but I fear I grow weaker. If you are addressing me this dark night because you know of someone in possession of one of these evil instruments, if you value their life or for any others who may come into contact with it, you will find a way to rid the face of the earth from its influence. Better for its seductive powers to die than to steer any others to their destruction.”
Although I acknowledged her clear message, her answers created more questions. Could a strong enough witch or psychic control it better? What if it was only used on a very limited basis? If I went into it knowing the dangers, could I protect myself if I wanted to use it for the good of our family?”
Uncle Jo stepped on my foot to get my attention. “Let her go, Ruby. She’s earned her rest.”
Humbled, I bowed my head. “Thank you, Sarah, for imparting your wisdom and advice. If you stayed here only to speak with us all these years after your time, then we release you into the afterlife you choose.”
Her second sigh of the night held no sadness, only relief. “Thank you, daughter of my descendants. Love and light to you and yours. I go to join my Barnabus.”
Sarah’s form melted in front of us, the smoky tendrils fading into wisps and disappearing. The faint unearthly glow dwindled and dissolved, and her last draw on our energies ceased. The five of us let go of each other and almost collapsed on the spot.
A tray full of glasses and iced tea waited on a nearby table. Granny Jo reappeared and poured one for each of us. “Here, this’ll help you recover a little faster. Don’t complain if it’s sickeningly sweet. Y’all need the boost.”
Uncle Jo and Dad moved the furniture back into place, and we all dragged ourselves into the seats. Whatever we’d shared tonight, it caused us to contemplate with quiet deliberation long enough for my great-grandmother to bring in leftovers for us to devour and refuel.
Once my head stopped spinning, I placed my glass on the coffee table. “I feel like we got more information and less answers at the same time.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired after calling on the spirits or even spellcasting.” Dani placed her head on my shoulder. “Why did it take so much out of us?”
Dad glared at his grandmother. “I think we should have been warned it would be like that, don’t you?”
She threw up her hands. “I did! I said I hadn’t told you about her because I knew it would cost you something. Even though this house is full of us spirits, it doesn’t mean every one of them wants to interact like I do. Because Sarah had the foreknowledge of tonight’s
special ritual and speaking to y’all, she wanted to manifest at full strength like me. Since it’s been so much longer since her living days, it took far more energy than I require.”
My father apologized for his stern response and made an effort to lighten his tone. “I don’t think I would have put my daughter in charge if I’d had better understanding of what was coming.”
Heat rose in my cheeks. “I’m sorry if things didn’t go well.”
Dani put an arm around me and gave me a tight squeeze. “You did great. Better than I would have. And I think she really liked you.”
I made a funny face at my cousin and pushed her off me. “I don’t think that’s true, but I appreciate the lie.”
Aunt Delia pushed herself off the chair and held out her hand. “Husband, I’m tired. Take me to bed.”
“I’ll get the rope,” my uncle joked, and Dani and I erupted in grossed out noises.
Dad rubbed his face with his hands. “I think I’ll retire for the night as well.”
“Wait, don’t we need to talk about what we should do with the crystal ball after what we just heard?” I couldn’t believe everyone wanted to leave without us making a single decision. “Just for a few minutes,” I pleaded.
“No good will come from a discussion when we’re all wiped out, butter bean.” My father approached me and kissed me on the forehead. “Although I don’t know how much we have to discuss. It sounds like our next step will be figuring out how to get rid of the thing all together. We’ll talk about it later. See you in the morning.”
Left alone with my cousin, I didn’t have to hide my pout. She draped an arm around me and yawned. “You gonna stay up here at the house tonight?”
After being in the presence of one special spirit, I didn’t think I could muster the strength to remain in a place where ghosts lingered in every nook and cranny. “No, I’m gonna go back to my place. You can come with me if you want, Dani Jo.”