An older woman caught his eyes. She had long silver hair, draped over her homemade clothing, and sat in front of a flimsy table with a set of cards in front of her. She must be a fortune teller or trying to convince people she was.
“Do you speak English?” Darion asked, his Spanish not good enough for a detailed conversation.
“I do. Take a seat, and I’ll read your fortune.” She had a heavy Spanish accent but spoke English well.
The light metal chair swayed under his weight, and he wasn’t heavy. “Can I buy your time and not my fortune?”
“You have questions you need answered.”
“If you can.” He knew the odds this woman would hold the answers slim, but he had to start somewhere.
She shuffled the worn cards in front of her. “Show me your payment first.”
He placed two copper coins on the table.
She paused to pick one up and felt the weight. Setting it down, she resumed shuffling. “What is your question?”
“Do you have a person skilled in medicine? My friend was shot and is getting warm.”
“Yes. Henry at the end of the block. He has a blue door with a pentagram on it. Tell him Anna sent you.” She lined the cards up in a row. “Is that all?”
Darion placed two more coins on the table. “What does the gold pentagram that everyone wears mean?”
She watched him for a moment before answering. “It means we are the chosen people. The gods themselves came to our lands. We don’t imprison them but honor them with gold thrones. Those that perfect themselves in this life take a pilgrimage to walk with them.”
He paused at the last sentence. “Do you mean wizards take the pilgrimage?”
She shook her head. “Wizards don’t walk with them, they control them. It’s different. Anyone can learn to walk with them.”
“How is it different?”
She motioned to the pile of coins on the table.
Reaching into his pocket, he dropped two more copper coins on the table. He wondered more about this religion of the gold pentagram and what it really meant. Stewart would be able to tell him the cult version of it. Was there more?
“Why don’t you wear the gold pentagram?”
A sly smile crept up on her weathered face. “It’s in the back being polished.”
He slid the two coins away from the others and back towards him.
“Many here strive their whole life for a pilgrimage. Strive to live their lives, in the manner others see fit to be selected. They revel in the small taste of magic the demons share with them, and work towards their version of exaltation.”
Religion wasn’t new for Darion. While his parents never believed in it, they were always quick to pick out the errors in everyone’s beliefs. Some sort of awakening of magical experience always proceeded religion, and he didn’t see how this was any different. “And what do they do when they return? Preach about the golden pentagram to others?”
She chuckled. “Only one ever returned, and he did quite a bit.”
“Lazaro.” The words escaped in a hush whisper. It was insane. Why would people give up everything to try to repeat what Lazaro did? For power? Magicians were a bloodthirsty bunch and demon names were worth gold.
If people were still trying to follow in his steps, there would be information. If a dimension could be open, there had to be a way to shut it.
Without coin or question, the woman flipped over the three cards each with a demon.
“Shedim.” She pointed to the card with the face of a goat and six legs placed in a circle.
“Azazel, the scapegoat.” This card held a gruesome face of man twisted with a goat. His horns turned up and a pentagram was drawn behind him. “I won’t even have a picture of him without a pentagram to keep us safe.”
“And last, Eisheth Zenunim, one of the queens of Hell, she is said to eat the souls of the damned.”
“What does it mean?”
“There will be a sacrifice, and the Queen will devour those dark souls.”
The hair on his arm rose, as a peculiar feeling flowed from the woman. He wasn’t believing this stuff, but he really didn’t understand it. “Thanks for the information.” He stood to leave.
“Whatever you’re planning,” her silver gaze bore into his, “someone will die.”
Chapter Ninety
Caleb’s stomach churned with the falling sun as they got closer to their destination. Meeting Richard was one thing. One old magician whose allegiance was in question versus a whole coven of women who weren’t big fans of men. The fact Andre hadn’t seen them for years didn’t make him feel any better either. Who knows what or who awaited them?
They drove for almost sixteen hours before they made it to their destination. While Richard’s home was desolate and falling apart, this was the complete opposite. Large trees covered with peach blossoms lined each side of the path. There were so many blossoms that Caleb had a hard time believing they were natural. Matching roses appeared below the trees. Picture perfect didn’t begin to describe it.
“It smells amazing,” Elizabeth spoke beside him, while staring out the window in awe.
“Doesn’t look too shabby either,” Nikki said.
The perfection bothered him though. With a magician nothing ever was as simple as it appeared. “Is this real, Andre?”
“It isn’t an illusion, if that is what you’re asking. Though I’m sure they used magical means to grow these plants. And if I’m not mistaken, this is only the beginning. She owns several acres of gardens and pools.”
“Are they that vain?” Caleb asked, remembering what Andre told the girls earlier.
“It’s not so much about the beauty, but about not wanting an era to die. Sylvia’s older than me, though she doesn’t look it, and before the uprising she lived in a world where manners, beauty, and art defined the worth of a person. Of course, all of those things required a great deal of money as well.”
“So, she’s vain?” Nikki didn’t appear impressed.
“It goes beyond that. She hates Lazaro and how he destroyed the world she knew. Slavery, demons, and destruction is not pretty or kind. And though she has her share of demons and a strength to survive, no one sees that—not unless she wants you to. If anyone has a desire to end Lazaro’s rule and return the world to what it was, it’s her.”
“We have one thing in common then.” Caleb understood that desire. Growing up away from the city and pretty secluded, he had a simple life. His parents often spoke of the days before the uprising. They were children at the time, but they spoke of the kind of stories told on a video screen. Playing outside with neighbors and people in cars would sell ice cream. A world of zoos and museums, and people acting on stage, telling stories. He didn’t blame Sylvia, he wanted that world back too.
As they continued driving, a metal gate automatically opened letting them in. Were they that lax in security or were they watching from afar? They approached a beautiful home that wasn’t gaudy or outlandish like Ryma’s but took after the Victorian style. With large wraparound porches, it rose two stories high with bay windows and a balcony. It spoke of not only wealth but beauty and care.
“Remember your manners,” Andre said as he turned off the car.
“Somehow I feel under-dressed. Wish I had a dress at least.” Elizabeth tugged at her sweater.
Caleb understood the sentiment. “I don’t think it would matter what I wore. I’d always feel under-dressed.”
They filed out of the car and headed towards the house. At the bottom of the stairs, a man greeted him in a black and white suit, something Caleb had never seen.
“Good evening. Are you expected?” the man asked. His hair was short and neat, and he spoke in a sophisticated accent. Upon closer inspection, Caleb realized the man was a demon pet. His pitch-black eyes were hard to notice with the sun fallen past the trees, but they glinted off the light. A demon resided within this man, one that the magician held the reins to.
Any friendly sense
of feeling towards Sylvia vanished. No one deserved to lose their soul to a demon. Caleb might have been a bit sensitive since he was put up to market for the same sort of thing himself.
If Andre was bothered by the presence of the demon, he didn’t show it. “We apologize for the unexpected visit. Can you tell your mistress that Andre is here to pay his respects?”
The man’s eyes twitched, and he was silent. After a moment he blinked and focused on Andre. “Please come inside. I’ll take you to the sitting room.”
“Thank you.”
Andre followed the servant, and Caleb pulled up the rear. It didn’t matter if they were on a mission or social call. Leon had always taught Caleb to be prepared. Mundane or not, Caleb knew how to fight. He resisted the urge to touch the amulet under his shirt.
He didn’t want to give anyone the heads-up that he might be protected. Becca created that amulet with the help of Darion. It meant a lot to him. The cool stone remained inactive and cold as they walked into the home. A good sign that maybe Andre was right.
They were escorted into an empty sitting room. Dark wood bookshelves lined one wall, while the others held large paintings. Amazing paintings of picturesque places. These women did know how to decorate.
The man pointed them towards floral couches. With how long it had been since he washed his jeans, Caleb didn’t dare sit down. The others took a seat while he perused the titles, looking for a clue inside this coven, and also possible weapons. Andre made him leave his bow in the Jeep, and all he had with him was a couple of knives.
The titles looked old and were nothing he recognized, but he was never much of a reader. He traced a finger along the spine of a book and found not even a trace of dust. The place was immaculate. He didn’t want to think about who cleaned it regularly.
The door opened, and Darion spun around to find the butler ushering in a woman. Andre was right, beautiful didn’t describe her. Her hair was golden, not blonde or yellow, but shone like gold polished to perfection. It hung around her shoulders, not a hair out of place. Her emerald green eyes shone bright, accenting her porcelain skin. Perfection was the only way to describe it, yet it didn’t feel real or natural. She lost her true beauty along with her soul.
She wore clothes from another time. A deep cut dress that cinched her waist yet expanded at the hips to a full skirt with several layers. White lace gloves traveled up to her elbows.
Andre stood and bent at the waist, then offered the woman his hand. “I’m sorry that we’re unacquainted. I was expecting Ms. Sylvia Mathison.”
She lay her gloved hand inside his and gave him a small nod, permitting him to lay a light kiss on it. “My mother has retired for the night. She does not accept company anymore. I’m the new leader of the coven, Ms. Scarlett Mathison.”
Andre released her hand. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s health, but congratulations on your new position.”
Nodding, she scanned the room, taking in the others while Andre introduced them. Elizabeth beamed under her gaze. Growing up, Caleb always thought Elizabeth would fit well in this kind of world. Nikki, on the other hand, bristled under Ms. Mathison’s critical eye and gave the witch a forced smile.
When she turned her gaze to Caleb, she flashed a smile and the amulet against his chest warmed. He reached for it with a hand and returned the smile. He knew to rule a coven, she must be powerful. If she wanted to take him down, he couldn’t stop her. She was testing the waters. Hopefully she found them icy.
“A Mundane,” she said. “Attractive, too. Did you bring me a gift of good will?” She turned to Andre.
“I apologize for any confusion. This is Caleb, a trusted member of my security team. Even without magic, his talents are quite impressive.”
“Oh. How nice.” Her face fell a little, like she smelled something offensive. “Please sit, everyone. We’ll have tea, while you tell me the real reason for this surprise visit.”
A woman in a modest black and white dress, another demon host, entered the room with a cart. Andre motioned for Caleb to sit down. Uncomfortable with the witch and demons in the room, Caleb sat in a mauve chair separated from the others on the sofa.
After Scarlett stirred her cup of tea and took one sip, she set it down on the table between them. “My mother has told me about you, Andre. The rebel wizard that can move the ocean.”
He chuckled. “She’s too kind.”
“And he is too modest.” Nikki set her tea down as well. She had a predatory look about her, and Caleb didn’t blame her. This wasn’t a woman he’d let his guard down around.
“Are you now looking for refuge?” She tilted her head, her eyes wide and enchanting.
“So, you have heard about our exploits?”
“Yes, I’ve heard. The price on your head could help me redecorate the ballroom.”
“Are you like your mother who detests Lazaro’s heavy hand, or do you take after your father?”
Scarlett pulled back, noticeably insulted. “You cannot manipulate me into putting my coven into danger or into Lazaro’s crosshairs.”
“We’re not asking for refuge,” Nikki said. “We’re looking for allies.”
The witch considered this for a moment. “Allies? I heard you barely escaped after your duel with Ryma. What could you possibly have to make me enter a battle you cannot possibly win?” Scarlett didn’t let up. “Tell me, are you as powerful as your father? Does your power lie in the earth and water? Can you control the ocean? Do you two plan to flood Lazaro out of his home?” She laughed lightly at her own joke.
“No,” Nikki admitted. “I’m not as powerful as my father.”
“Pity.”
Anger at this woman burned inside Caleb. How could she not realize Nikki had more beauty and strength than most would ever have? And it was a natural beauty. His response startled him a moment, his own feelings bigger than he realized. He pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the conversation.
Andre continued to push his point. “We have allies through the south and more will come. Lazaro is getting old—”
“You are too, dear Andre,” she interrupted. “Maybe his time has come, but someone younger, stronger, will have to take his place.”
“Maybe you?” he offered.
She laughed. “No. Appealing to my ego will not make me stupid. I am entrusted to protect my sisters. We have lived this long by supporting each other and keeping to ourselves.”
“Hiding.”
“We’re not hiding. Lazaro knows we are here and knows we mean him no harm. Once that changes, our whole way of life will change.” She stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. “While I appreciate the kind words, it would be best if you were on your way. The less time we harbor fugitives, the less tempted I am to disappoint my mother and her old friend.”
Andre stood. “You’ve been more than gracious.”
Not able to say the same, Caleb remained silent as he stood.
“Thank—”
“No.” Elizabeth stood, hands fisted by her side. “I saw you there.”
Scarlett pulled back. “Excuse me?”
“I saw you, before we ever came here. You’ll fight, you and your amazingly beautiful and strong sisters. I watched you on horseback even. This doesn’t end here, you will fight.” The emotion in Elizabeth’s face worried Darion.
The woman stilled, staring at Elizabeth in disbelief. “Little bird, are you a seer?”
Biting her lower lip, Elizabeth nodded. Caleb stepped up by her side and took her arm.
Scarlett turned to Andre. “Why didn’t you say you had a seer?”
“Her powers were sealed for years. She’s only recently coming into her own.”
“But you know how rare a seer is? Lazaro’s seer is so old she’s blind. Rumor is she’s dead, but of course he won’t confirm that.” She looked at Elizabeth with renewed interest, as though somehow she could now see the magic on her skin.
“Yes, she is valuable,” Nikki said with a stiff protectiveness in
her voice. “but she’s also a sister, a friend, and worth more as a person than her powers.”
“What a novel concept, but I don’t wish to discuss theology. I’m just in awe of a witch so talented. A talent I’ve never seen before.”
“Well, it is late. We better be on our way.” Andre headed towards the door and the others followed.
Caleb stayed close to Elizabeth, not liking the attention the witch was giving her.
“Wait,” Scarlett said.
Andre stopped, his hand on the open door. Did Andre do this on purpose? Offer Elizabeth up like a prize pet? No, that wasn’t Andre. He didn’t even want to bring Elizabeth. But she knew she had to come, and this was probably why. God, Caleb hoped she wasn’t putting herself in danger.
After a moment, Scarlett continued. “I can’t believe I’m risking my coven, and I’m not saying I’ll join this crazy cause of yours. But it is late at night. We can talk more tomorrow.”
Stepping back to her, Andre reached out for her hand again and placed a kiss on it. “You are as generous as you are beautiful. Thank you for the consideration.”
“Just don’t make me regret this.” Her red lips turned up in a cruel smile and Caleb saw it for the threat it was.
Chapter Ninety-One
Even though Becca knew what to expect, when the bitter taste of the medicine hit her throat, she struggled to finish swallowing it. She started the medicine when Darion first returned yesterday and had taken it twice since. Third time was not a charm. It felt like dirt mixed with some weeds, not medicine. She wiped her mouth and shot Darion a dirty look. “Who did you buy that from again?”
“He came recommended. Promise.”
She reached for the glass and drank, the cold water washing down that vile taste. Having slept most of the day, her pain had lessened. She’d rather contribute it to the sleep, not the medicine. “I hope it works better than it tastes.”
“My mom always says it has to taste bad to kill the germs.” Navina returned from the bathroom. “Something to do with vegetables or grass, I think.”
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