Embedded Files
Devin came home to find her once spotless kitten in shambles. Pots, pans dishes, and half filled containers of spices were strung from one corner to another. She followed the incriminating flour footprints from the sink to the swinging door leading to the dining room. She paused for a moment fear gripping her. She had a horrible vision of her mother’s china shattered on the polished hardwood floor. She took a deep breath and entered, all she found were more footprints, leading to her room. Devin sighed with relief and continued on. She knew who was responsible for them the question was why he was in this mess. The footprints stopped when they reached the carpeted bedroom, but she had a feeling the guilty party was hiding behind the bed. She set her purse on the dresser and sat at her vanity table. She began to brush her hair watching the room in the mirror not saying anything. Soon she saw too little eyes poking out from behind the headboard, then two ears, two white paws and finally a head. The rest slithered out slowly, when Devin took a good look at her naughty cat her breath caught in her throat. She waited until he rubbed on her leg to acknowledge his existence she picked him up and placed him on the table in front of her. She started to look him over the tabby who once was orange was now a dark shade of green. Devin smiled at the poor thing that stood with his head down and his tail tucked between his legs. Devin tried not to laugh when she asked
“So, how was your day Nelix?" The cat just blinked at her so Devin continued. "Would you like to explain to me why my kitchen looks as if a tornado passed through it?" Nelix just looked at his feet and swished his tail back and forth. "Now don't tell me whatever you were cooking up in there make you tong tied." The cat sighed and finally spoke quietly at first but got more animated pacing back and forth his tail accenting every word.
"You just don't understand I was out on the town and the other witches' cats were on their porches. They were all heckling me about being orange instead of black. They said there was no way I was a proper cat for a witch even a red headed one. I just couldn't take it anymore so I came home and tried to change. I may be a talking cat, but I still don't have any hands. All I accomplished was turning this awful shade of green and making a terrible mess."
Devin tried not to laugh as she looked at him sternly "I hope you have learned your lesson young man magic is not to mess around with," Nelix hung his head in shame. "Besides there is nothing wrong with whom you are. You may be the only orange cat around here but I am the only red-headed witch around you and I are matching book ends just you wait and see one day your color will be just what is needed to get the job done. Now let us get that mess of yours cleaned up, trick or treating starts soon. Devin and Felix worked together to put their house back together. Then Devin put the big black pot on the stove. She consulted her grandmother’s book whipping away the many cat prints on the pages as she went. She turned to Nelix and said.
"Is there any place you didn’t make a mess?" Nelix looked at her and blinked. Devin turned back to her pot so he wouldn't see her smile at him. She added the right herbs and said the spell purposely changing the last word slightly. When it was ready he poured it into the goblet and set it down in front of Nelix who had jumped onto the counter to inspect her work. "Well go on then drink it up you know the drill every drop. Nelix glared his pupils were fully dilated the blackness covering the yellow completely, but he obeyed her. When the potion was gone, Nelix stood up on his hindquarters and then fell to the ground on the other side of the counter. Devin screamed and rushed to his side. Silently wishing she had said the whole spell correctly but to her relief when she reached him she found him licking his paws happily. He grinned up at her.
“Thank, you for turning me back to my old self!" Devin could not hide her pleasure at her handy work a big grin spread across her face so wide it lit up the room so brightly the extra light reflected in Nelix's eyes.
"What are you grinning at?" Devin could not answer him because her grin had turned into laughter. She sat that the kitchen table doubled over with giggles.
"What have you done?" Felix demanded jumping up on the counter to look at his reflection in the toaster. At first glance he thought everything was fine, both the right and left sides of his body were back to orange. It wasn't until he faced toward the toaster and tipped his head downward slightly, did he find what had Devin in such a state. There on the very top of his head between his ears he found a small green star. Devin spoke between gasps for air.
"At least now you don't have to put on a separate costume for Halloween. You can just go as a pumpkin." Nelix was so mad he jumped off the counter and strutted out of the room in a huff his tail twitching back and for behind him. Devin heard the kids outside so she rushed to get ready. In her room, she put on her forest green ceremonial dress and its matching hat. After one last check in the mirror, she went back to the kitchen where she grabbed the bowl of treats off the counter and went outside. What she found was not a group of happy children; instead she found only mayhem and kayos. Large men in leather jackets were rounding up all the witches and their cats. One by one they put them into the town hall. All the spells thrown at the bad men were reflected back onto the witches who cast them. The bodies of witches who had lost the will to fight any more paved the streets; Devin found Neelix hiding under the porch swing she put the bowl of candy down, picked him up, and walked amongst them. She reached out to their souls as she passed and to her relief felt a faint response from all of them at least they were all still alive even if it was just barely. With a little work, they could all be healed. She followed the destruction of its source there in the center of the town square was the biggest motorcycle she had ever seen, and leaning up against it was the leader. His massive arms were covered in tattoos and his leather vest barely closed over his bare chest. He barked orders at his men from his thrown and they sprang to it immediately. Devin tried to hide behind the statue of the town's founder, but he saw her and ordered one of his men to bring her to him. Nelix squirmed in her arms, but she held him tightly.
“Well now!” he said looking her up and down. “What do we have here? What brings a nice emerald...” he paused and looked at Nelix “and her pumpkin to these dreadful parts?” Devin swallowed hard and looked at the ground. He strolled the distance between them in two long strides and curled his long fingers under her chin tilting it upward until their eyes met his baby blue eyes pierced into her green ones. His breath smelled of the old bear and stale cigars. She did her best not to cough in his face. His voice turned into a low growl as he said.
“You know this is a town full of witches right?” She smiled at him to hide her surprise.
“You don't say, no wonder the real estate was so cheap.” he held her firmly by the elbow and led her to the park bench. He pushed her by the shoulders until she was down. Then he sat next to her, stretched his long legs in front of him, and placed his arms spread eagle on the back of the bench. Devin sat as far forward on the bench as she dared for fear he would suddenly have to yawn. Instead, he spoke his deep voice filled with emotion.
“I normally I am not one to believe in all of this hoke-us-pokes stuff but awhile back. I met a Gypsy woman in a bar. She sat in the shadow far booth. Her long black hair nearly touched the ground. I had one drink too many and wondered over, and sat across from her. She eyed me suspiciously through dark rimmed glasses. I pulled out all the stops and said.
'Hey baby what's a sweet thing like you doing in the corner?' She held out her hands to me and I thought I had struck gold. I took a long swig from my beer and placed my hands on hers. To my surprise, she gripped my hands like a vice and wouldn't let go. The candle on the table flicker in her eyes and she spoke to me her words echoing around in my head like it was an empty cannon.
'Beware of the witch
Evil ways get a switch
Freedom lost
At all cost
You earned the frost.'
Her eyes rolled back in her head and she let go of my hands. I jumped up and hurried from the bar her deep laughter followed me out the door. I heard as it slammed behind me.
'You can run but you can't hide
Witches roll with the tide
Dance with the devil as you may
There is nowhere you can stay.'
Rhyming fool I thought what beef do I have any witch right? Well, I was wrong I must have pissed off one in another liver or something because hell hath no fury like a scorned woman.
“After that my life started to fall apart all around me. Betsey there” he said pointing to his bike. “Sprung a leak and nearly caught on fire. My second in command decided I wasn't fit to be a leader anymore and tried to kill me. So I decided to take it upon myself to eradicate all the witches and rid myself of this crazy curse once and for all.” Devin turned away so he did not see her roll her eyes at him mortals they think they knew everything. She turned back to him, batted her eyelashes and said innocently.
“So what brings you to this town?” He puffed up his chest and pulled her close his hot breath tickling her neck. Well, my darling this here is the mega Mecca for all witches. The whole mother lode if you will. I figured if I had scorned a witch it is a good chance that she would be here. Devin tried not to cringe as he rubbed his rough hand up and down on the small of her back.
“So, how do you plan to exterminate all of these witches without getting hit by any stray spells?” He frowned and looked her over starting to get suspicious. She took a deep breath and tried not to crush Nelix in her lap as she leaned into him and placed her head in the crook of his arm. He smiled down at her and stroked her hair. This gesture was enough to break the ice and he spilled all of his bad guy secrets.
“Witches are not the only ones with the power I found myself a warlock with leverage. I have his family locked up in that van over there,” he said pointing to a dark van parked in front of Devin's house. Devin giggled and snuggled closer trying not to vomit all over his black boots. Taking her cue, he held her tight and continued.
“Once I have all of them rounded up in the courthouse, I'm going to seal it up and burn it to the ground.” Devin shivered uncontrollably and he snapped his fingers. One of his men came over and got his leather jacket from Betsy and brought it to him. He draped it over her shoulders and leaned in for a kiss her on the lips, but she turned slight right at the last second and he laid a wet one on her cheek. He didn't seem to notice because he said.
“You run along now like a good little girl and let you sugar daddy do his thing than you and I can ride off into the sunset on old Betsy. Devin stood and but some distance between them.
“You would take me away from all of this?”
“Sure thing a pretty lady like yourself shouldn't be hanging around here in all of this filth. Once I rid myself of this curse I know I'll it big. The boss will finally give me the good jobs this means no more petty crimes for me. With you on my arm I would be the king.” Devin realized even though he was in charge of this group of men he still was under the thumb of someone else. So even if she managed to free the warlock and his family thereby allowing her to eliminate him. She knew that if she did not take care of the whole threat others would come to seek revenge for his injustice that was their code. So once again she swallowed all of her sicknesses and went to him. He opened his arms and she fell into his embrace. Devin sighed into his muscular chest blowing out all of her air in a big huff in a feeble attempt not to breathe in his stale odor of sweat, smoke and bike grease.
“What my angel?”
“Well, I was thinking if you were going through all of the efforts may be you could get the big man to come here and then just put him with the witches before you torch the place. Then you can be the big dog.” He scratched his stubbly chin thinking. Finally, he picked her and Nelix up in a big bear hug and spun them around. Devin gave Nelix credit for staying calm this long she could feel his muscles tightening poised to scratch. She sent him calm thoughts and despite the protesting ones he sent back he went slack in her arms. The leader set them down and called.
“Hey, Bubba call the big man let’s invite him to our little barbecue and if he hesitates tell him I have a strawberry tart for desert.” He winked at Devin and she smiled back scratching the green spot on top of Nelix’s head. He purred in her arms both knowing what the other was thinking. The next trick was executing tier plan without getting caught.
Devin gave an excuse and made her way back to her house fully aware of the skinny minion trying unsuccessfully to covertly follow her. When she was safely inside she tested her phone and was not surprised when she found it dead. She would have to find another way of signaling the authorities.
The first thing Devin did was change out of her green dress into a navy blue caftan. Then she made herself a cup of tea, sitting at her kitchen table she sipped her tea and nibbled some oranges. While she contemplated what to do next, first she needed to free the wizard and his family so she should send a summoning spell but to do that she would need a distraction. Her head hurt and her eyes felt as if she just walked through a sand storm, maybe the sand and would bring her some ideas headed off to bed Devin called to Neelix but he didn’t come running she was a little disappointed but figured he was out hunting. Curling up under her covers she soon was swept away to dream land. As she dreamed Devin found herself in the park with her mother. Tears streamed down her face as the emotion of seeing her long lost mother overwhelmed her. Her mother did not speak she just pointed at the town hall. Devin shook her head she didn’t understand her move walked a few feet to the back of the founder statute and pointed to a manhole then she pointed in a slow arc toward the town hall.
“Are you trying to tell me there is a secret tunnel from here to the town hall?” Her mother put her hand in front of her palm down then she rocked it up and down.
“There is a secret tunnel to the town hall but this is not the entrance or the exit depending on which direction you are heading.” Her mother nodded. “So where is this mysterious entrance?” Devin asked hopefully. Her mother shrugged and placed her palm on Devin’s forehead brushing a stray hair from in front of her eyes.
“I know I will just have to figure it out!” Her mother smiled and waved as she slowly disappeared. Devin felt the great loss of losing her mother all over again. And a great sob escaped her lips. The sound must have been audible because he woke to the linking of a ruff tong attached to a greenish orange head. The moonlight reflected in Nelix’s eyes dance as he smiled at her. Devin laughed and rubbed his head.
“Thank you, my friend. We need to find the secret entrance to the town hall.” He smiled even bigger and twitched his tail.
“Do you know something I do not my little Nix Knox? “ He jumped down and padded out of the room she stepped into her slippers and swooshed after him. He went through the dining hall down the stairs and into the basement. In her library which she had nicked named the dungeon because it had no windows he went to the large bookcase built on one wall and brushed up against it. She went to it feeling around the edges. Was that cold air she felt? How was she going to get it open? As far as she knew the whole shelf was one piece and very heavy. She had put all the books on the shelf when she moved in so it wasn’t going to be as easy as pulling out the right novel. Instead, she felt along the bottom edge of the large rug which lay in front on the shelf but she found nothing then she ran her hand up and down both walls looking for a loose brick or something. She stood in front of the shelf frustrated. Slowly Devin started to back up into the room to see if she could glimpse the top of the shelf without getting a chair and was not watching where she was going she bumped into a tiffany floor lamp. When she turned to catch it to keep it from falling she noticed something under the base. When she tilted it back further to see what it was the whole wall slid forward pushing up the carpet. Then it pivoted to the right. She almost expected there to be a hand full of Nazis behind it screaming at a map and tapping out Morris code. Instead, there was just an empty hallway which traveled on for seemed like a mile long she knew the town hall was only a few blocks away maybe it branched off and there were multiple paths. She pushed the lamp back down and fixed the rug. Devin couldn’t go wandering around in a dark passage without a flashlight in her pajamas. She hurried back upstairs, knowing full well she should go back to bed as the next few hours were going to be long and grueling but her heart and mind were racing so intently that she couldn’t possibly sleep anymore.
Devin hurried upstairs showered and dressed in a blouse and blue jeans. Putting on her favorite boots she tucked in the cuffs and brushed her red hair. Dressed she hurried to the garage and got a nap sack. After a bit of searching, she found a first aid kit, a flashlight and a thermos. Then she went into the kitchen and gathered some spices and other essentials to make a summoning spell as she was reaching into the cupboard she glanced out her kitchen window outside the back of the van a couple of thugs sitting in sagging lawn chairs. Devin giggled as she imagined the chairs with little mouths screaming out “Help Us!” as they tried desperately to hold the massive weight of the two men. Hurriedly she made tea for the thermos and a sleeping potion she wished he had some beer to put it in but tea will have to do luckily it was cold outside. She put the two steaming cups on a tray and carried it out to the men. They instantly snapped to attention when they saw her approach.
“You look so cold and thirsty out her I thought I would bring you a cup of tea.” They gave each other a look which seemed to say, Are we man enough to drink tea? She giggled and batted her eyelashes at them.
“Awe boys I know you’ve got a flask of something and I bet the boss man said no drinking it till after the job is done right? They both exchanged a glance again and nodded. “Well now just put some this tea and it mill masks the smell of it. You know mix the two together that way if anyone catches you; just say the boss’s strawberry tart gave you a nice cup of tea to chase away the night chill.” They both smiled and accepted the tea. Then after adding the medicine from their flasks they threw it back like a shot paying not mind to the fact that it was hot. She took back the cups and turned on her heal heading back toward her house before she even took ten steps they fell forward and were snoring faces in the mud in a fetal position the poor chair still stuck fast to their bottoms. Devin hurriedly set the try on the porch and carefully checked the two men for the van keys but found nothing. She checked the door, but it was indeed locked so she went to the passenger side but also found it to be locked. Frustrated Devin almost gave up and smashed the window but she looked through the passenger window and spotted the keys in the ignition hurrying to the front she grabbed the keys and ran to the back where she unlocked and threw open the door. Inside the wizard huddled with his family Devin smiled and waved for them to get out of the truck. When they were free she shut truck, locked it put then keys back and then she motioned for the wizard to help her set the two men upright. When they did they found that both of the bad guys were busily sucking their thumbs and it was all Devin and the newly free wizard could do to keep from falling down in fits of lighter. Instead, they hurried into Devin’s house and out of site.
When they were all safely inside they wizard engulfed the whole bunch of them including Devin in a big bear hug. Nelix rubbed against their legs the wizard looked down seeing Nelix with his orange body and green head was more than the wizard could stand he burst into a deep infectious laughter which caused everyone else to laugh also. Soon everyone was holding their sides and gasping for breath. Nelix tired of everyone laughing at him instantly sobered the mood by crying out.
“Hey, they are waking up.” Devin sprang into action she grabbed her nap sack and handed each member of the wizard family a water bottle and a power bar then lead the way to the basement where flipped the lamp switch. The wall swung open and the family hurried in. Devin started to follow them when Nelix stopped her.
“What if they find this place you need to fix the carpet and find a way of losing the door?” The wizard and his family hurriedly checked the other side for a switch but found none.
“I will stay behind!” the wizard’s wife volunteered she tried to step forward but the wizard stopped her and stepped up himself.
“Nonsense I got us into this mess I should be the one to stay” Devin shook her head
“We cannot risk them capturing you again.” Nelix hissed at them all and they jumped.
“Really humans are so frustrating. Help me to get the carpet to lean up against the bookshelf so when I close it behind you the carpet will fall back into place. I will then go to the court house and keep an eye on the thugs while you get everyone to safety.” Devin picked up Nelix and gave him a big kiss then she and the wizard fixed the carpet so when the wall swung perpendicular to the wall again it would slip to the floor as the shelf slid back into place. Devin and the others waited on the other side and Nelix pushed the lamp back upright slowly the wall resumed its former position and Devin called to Nelix in her mind.
“Be Safe my friend” his reply though laden with sorrow came back instantly.
“We will meet again.” Nelix ran up the stairs and out of the house. While the others followed Devin down the stone passage the smallest wizard child said.
“I sure hope we don’t run into a three-headed dog sleeping by a trap door.” Devin smiled and continued on. After a while, the path split into three paths one each to the right and left the other continuing forward. Devin pointed to the left tunnel
“I believe tunnel heads west this means it should lead you to the caves by the river where you can escape. I am going to the right to rescue the witches from the town.” The wizard looked at his wife and they both shook their head in unison.
“I am sorry we appreciate you setting us free but we cannot just let you go on alone.” The wife placed her hands over Devin’s.
“We are going with you. This is now our fight as well. No one messes with our family and gets away with it.” The wizard stepped forward
“I was a coward before when I let him capture us in the first place but I am ready to do what is right.” Devin blinked back tears
“Thank you please called me Devin.” The wizard smiled and said
“I am Thanatos this is my wife Athena, our two children Hercules and Ariel. They all hugged then headed down the path to the right in the direction she hoped would lead them to the town hall. After traveling for nearly an hour, they came to a big metal door. Try as they might they couldn’t budge it. Then Devin remembered something her mother had given her as a child. From around her neck took a gold chain from which dangled a flat piece of gold with a raised engraving of a dog on it. She had figured her grandfather had it mad to honor his Australian Sheppard but now she believed it had other purposes. He slipped it into a bone shaped slat in the center of the door. As she slit it back out again she felt the groves of fur catch on the tumblers each clicking out of the way. She turned to the others
“I am glad you came with me I would have hated for you to have gone all that way to encounter a door you couldn’t open” The door swung inward and they found themselves in another library. Upon further inspection, Devin realized these were law books the door had opened in the basement of the town hall she excitedly hurried forward in search of her friends. She found them hen a large meeting room holding hands around a large table chanting. Devin cleared her throat and everyone jumped in surprise they all spun in unison and cast a spell at her but Thanatos stood in front of her he stopped the spells turning them into balls of light which sizzled around the room then he absorbed them into himself. Devin was instantly grateful and then horrified as he collapsed at her feet. Athena ran to his side calling his name Devin kneeled down and felt for a pulse. She found a weak one and said
“He will be alright it just drained him to absorb all of that energy all at once. It is a good thing there is a magic blocker up or he would be in a lot worse shape.” She turned to her friends and scolded them.
“So this is the thanks I get for rescuing you?” suddenly Thanatos grabbed her wrist she felt a prickling in her fingers and some of the power was transferred from the downed wizard to her. She gasped as a new found strength filled her. She heard Nelix screaming in her head.
“Devin, Devin they have me please help.” She instantly sprang into action.
“You, you, and you take this key and the wizard’s family straight out of this passage keep going until you are to the river then use this stuff to make a summoning spell to bring the authorities here. The rest of you go with them until they open the door then take the key and come back down the hallway you came until you get to where it splits then go to the left and see if it exits out into the North Mountains. The wizard said that is where he has set the power blocker go and destroy it then everyone surround the city with as much positive energy as you can I will need all the help I can get to tame these wild beasts and hopefully I have enough red to distract these bulls until help arrives. Now Go!” Like ants, they all scurried away never before had they even given her the time of day let alone listen to her without question. She didn't have time to ponder it though she must go save her friend. How was she supposed to get upstairs? The main exit door was blocked by a thug she would have to find an alternative route. After a moment of pondering she remembered her grandfather's chambers were down here and inside his office was a back staircase to the courtroom. Without further hesitation, she hurried up the stairs touching the railing her Grandfather had used thousands of times begging his spirit to guide her. When she opened the door she saw two men arguing in the middle of the room one of them she recognized as the deadbeat who imprisoned her friends the other must be the big man himself. She said a silent chant of protection then inched from the stairs and further into the room. As the men fought she inched her way along the outer edge of the room until she reached the main entrance she opened the door quietly then slammed it shut. Standing to her full height she strolled down the aisle with more confidence than she felt.
"May I have my cat back, please?" She said holding out her hand. The underboss laughed and held Nelix out to her the poor cat swung back and forth from the scuff of his neck. Devin grabbed him and held him to her chest.
"See Boss I told you she is a feisty strawberry tart." The main boss's face turned red with rage.
"What is wrong with you Bruce?"
"Whatever do you mean Mac?"
"This is a ridiculous thing you have ever done. Taking a whole town hostage you can't possibly think this was a good idea? "
"Hey, man don't worry I have it handled." Mac looked at Devin with a little pain in his eyes then for some reason he smiled at her with true feelings he said.
"I am sorry for all of this." Devin blinked at him taken aback by his sudden change.
"If you are so angry at your brute why don't you just put a stop to him?"
"I came here to do just that but he has some sort of spell on this town." Devin paced in front of him impatiently.
"You are not a witch why don't you just shoot him or punch his lights out?" He started to laugh.
"Well, Bruce was right about one thing you definitely are one sweet strawberry tart." He said as he licked his lips. Devin saw Bruce's pained expression over his bosses shoulder and she giggled in delight both men miss read this Bruce grew angry and shouted.
"Hey, you two love birds I'm still here you know." Mac was about to retaliate when the air in the room became supercharged. Devin instantly knew the magic barricades had been destroyed. She set Nelix down and he ran to where the other cats were being held she quickly said a nonbinding spell unlocking the door. Nelix opened the cage to let them all out they surrounded him licking and purring their gratitude. Then the whole lot turned their attention to the thugs who stopped fighting long enough to realize what was happening. They looked at Devin in surprise she smiled at them and pointed in their direction. They went instantly stiff no longer in charge of their own bodies. She spun her fingers and they snapped back to back with another flick they sank to the floor. No matter how hard the pair struggled they were stuck fast.
"Now it is time to deal with the rest of your men." She spun in a slow circle chanting all thugs around town were instantly rooted to their location. "All we have to do is waiting for the authorities to arrive and your reign here is done." The witches' cats circled the helpless pair who tried uselessly to escape their advances. Mac growled
"Now see what you have done? I told you this wouldn't end well."
"How was I supposed to know that strawberry jam was a witch I figured all witches had black hair and black cats? Just look at that cat it might as well be a pumpkin." Bruce whined.
"She lives in an entire town filled with witches what else would she be? Once again, you were thinking without using your brain." Bruce was struck dumb by this statement and sat pouting Mac turned his attention to Devin and pleaded
"Please let me go I had nothing to do with this twit's actions here today." Devin knew the truth but eyed him suspiciously anyway.
"What about you motto of I have your back no matter what? How do I know you’re just not trying to play me to get everyone set free?"
"I couldn't care less about this idiot and his goons! My business is low key I don't go on kidnapping whole towns and drawing attention to myself. I want to be as far removed from him as I can get. Besides I believe he was going to set me up to take the fall for this. Why else would he call me in the dead of night just to offer me a girl he clearly wanted for himself? In my book, that is mutiny and we don't stand for that." Devin sat on the railing and smiled. Bruce chimed in
"She told me to do it."
"Shut up Bruce!" Devin and Mac yelled together. Devin stood and paced back and forth in the hardwood grooves' warn in by hundreds of lawyers pleading cases. Much like them she had to prove his guilt or innocence. He sounded sincere, but she didn't know him very well he could just be playing her for a fool. As her feet carried her back and forth her mind wondered she hoped the first group had finished with the summing spell and if the authorities were on their way. If she got out of this alive she would talk to the town council about having a permanent police force. As it stood right now the courthouse was just a meeting place. Without an internal force, they were vulnerable to outside attacks like this one. In the distance, she heard sirens apparently the spell had worked this would be all over soon. She turned to her captives on the floor and snapped her fingers. Mac was released he stood slowly shaking out his sore muscles as he heaved his massive form off the floor.
"Thank you."
"Get out of here before the source of those sirens gets here."
"You want to go get a drink or something?"
"Are you hitting on me now? Really are you mad or something?"
"You can't blame a guy for trying can you?"
"Yes, I can now go before I change my mind." She almost cast an amnesia spell on him but changed her mind at the last second she may need him to remember this act of kindness someday.
"Maybe another time and place perhaps," He said then turned on his heel and headed out of the courtroom. Somewhere outside, she heard as Harley start and the scattered gravel as he sped away. She cast a protection spell to keep him out of sight until he was way passed the incoming horned. The wizard and his family entered from the chamber door with the witches from her town so once again she took charge.
"We need to gather all the bad guys and tie them up with Bruce here. Unless you have a good explanation why a dozen men are stuck to the ground all over town." Without question, they all followed her lead soon there was a neat little parade of thugs filing into the courtroom. They positioned them in a circle on the floor next to Bruce. Then they bound their wrists and ankles to the person next to them. Devin sent one witch to be the welcoming committee so they didn't barge in guns blazing. The rest of the troupe sat on the courtroom benches and waited. The police entered and took over they transported the prisoners to waiting vehicles then took everyone s statements. Devin sat in her grandfather's seat petting Nelix watching it all go down. Finally, the chief of police came up to the bench and smiled up at her.
"That seat suits you." He said tipping his cap to reveal a shiny question ball.
"It is too big for me," Devin said as she stepped down to look him in the eye.
"Nonsense from what I hear from the other witness you single handedly took down the bulldog gang." Devin blushed and tried to turn away, but he grasped both of her hands in his stubby ones shaking them fiercely.
"Please accept this reward of ten thousand dollars." He held out a check which had more zeros on it then she had seen in a long time. She was about to refuse when Nelix meowed she thought better of it and accepted the check figuring he knew something she didn't. Later that evening while she sat at the table drinking tea Nelix jumped onto the table.
"You know we have perfectly good chairs."
"I cannot look you in the eye if I sit in the chair."
"You are getting orange hair in my sugar."
"If you paid attention when I talked I wouldn't have to be in your face to do so."
"At least I give you the chair I could make you spend all of your life two inches on the floor. Nelix sat down stretched his long leg over his head and began to groom himself between licks he said.
"If you wanted obedience you should have gotten a dog." Devin gathered Nelix into her lap and scratched behind his ears. Nelix cried out
"Oh you know what I like baby!" and they both laughed.
"What canary have you all flustered this time?" Devin teased.
"Your mother" Devin almost spit her mouth full of tea everywhere.
"What about my mother she has been dead for years."
"Since when has death ever stopped anyone in your family?"
"Your right what message did she has for me?"
She didn't say much alright she didn't say anything at all she just implied that we must be ready for a long journey and to make sure to take the reward money." Devin touched the green spot on Nelix's head suddenly the room started to spin.
When Devin awoke she found herself in her bed her dreams still fresh in her head. The light of the morning crept in around the curtains and Nelix was curled up at her feet.
“Get up Nelix the morning is upon us and we have a great journey ahead of us. Nelix yawned and looked at her through one eye.
“What could be so important it has to start at the crack of dawn after a long hard night?”
“Well, my dear cat we have a dog, a bird, a vampire and a child to save!” Nelix backed into a corner his tail tucked between his legs.
“We have to save what?”
“My mother told me I must rescue a very important do and you are going to help me.”
“I will do no such thing!”
Do you want to get my mother out of you head?” Nelix hissed but followed Devin out of her room. She was read for this challenge and she knew it was only a matter of time before Nelix was ready to. Together they could accomplish anything after all a red-haired witch and her orange cat were rear this meant they had a special kind of magic unique only to them.
After they were packed Devin took one last look at her beautiful home he said a silent prayer that one day she and Nelix would see it again. Then with no regret in her heart set out on her quest Nelix riding in his favorite spot on her shoulder. He neighbors came out of their houses as she pass they gave her gifts and blessed her journey. Even the wizard and his family who had decided to stay in town wished her well. Devin thanked them all then continued on. She could feel them all watching until she crested the hill and disappeared from view.
“How are we supposed to find this dog?” Nelix asked from his perch “and why are we walking you have a car?”
“My mother told me I must sacrifice much on this journey including my sight I wouldn’t want to endanger anyone by driving.”
“You are going to go blind?”
“Yes and may be worse but I am willing to risk it.”
“This must be some do you are trying to rescue.”
“Yes, she is a one of a kind wolf>”
“A Wolf now you are kidding me?”
“Sorry Nelix if I told you from the start she was a wolf would you have come with me?”
“No, I would be still sulking in the house, but now we have traveled so far I am too lazy to go back besides you need me.”
“Oh is that so my little pumpkin you are going to help me then?” Neelix sighed and curled into a ball around her neck purring softly in her ear. Devin trudged on unsure of the path they were going to take but happy she had a loyal companion to share the journey with.
Part 2 The Wolf
"You should rest."
"Why are you so bossy?"
"I only seem bossy because you refuse to listen and I have kept repeating myself."
"Harrumph."
"Don't talk back it is not nice. I am only trying to help if you want I can just leave."
“Maybe I would be better off. At least then it would be quieter around here.”
“Suit yourself best of luck to you.” With a ceremonial flair, Bran turned and flew back the direction they had come. The wolf stopped and sat down. Well doesn’t that beat all? What has gotten into him? She wondered as she watched her raven friend fly further away. She waited until he was just about out of sight then called.
“Wait I am sorry I didn’t mean it! Please come back.” Bran hesitated then made a wide turn and headed back to the wolf’s side.
“Took you long enough, I was almost out of earshot.”
“You are a raven you have excellent hearing, besides you and I are linked we know where the other one is at all times.”
“Fine you win this round. You know she is coming I do not know why you are trying too hard to get to her.”
“You know why if she dies so you do. He is hunting her as we stand here arguing.”
“I have lived a long time why is this happening now?”
“For some reason we are all connected the red headed witch her orange cat, the vampire and the two of us. We have to rescue the girl before the evil takes her.”
“Why pick on us?”
“You are the smart one you figure it out! I am just following Artemis. She comes to me in my dreams a Goddess is not someone to be ignored.”
“Fine but if you waste all of your energy trying to get to the witch you will not have enough left to fight. I say we find a place to hold up for the night and continue on in the morning.” Wolf knew Bran was right but was never going to let him win so she trudged forward Bran flying on ahead flapping his thick black wings in front of her face as he swooped down then back up again.
“Stop that!”
“Why should I listen to you” he pecked at the wolf’s ear. The wolf snapped at the raven that flew to safety just in the nick of time they continued this dance for a while as the traveled ahead. Suddenly the wolf stopped and crouched down. The raven was not paying attention crashed into her shoulder.
“Sh, you fool he is close.” The wolf whispered through clenched teeth.
“I can’t see him.” The raven said nervously.
“I cannot either but I can smell him.”
“You have the best nose he could be far off yet.”
“No, I can also hear him breathing.”
“Not good tests as your ears are almost as good as your nose.”
“Why must you always have to debate with me?” Just then, a figure in a long black cape stepped in front of the pair.
“Well, if it isn’t my old friend Bran and his pet.” The wolf growled low in her throat. Bran laid a wing on her head. The creature laughed. Before Bran could stop her she lunged at him its laughter increased as it threw her across the forest and into a nearby tree. The wolf whimpered then lay still. Bran flew to her side.
“Wolf, are you alright.” When the wolf did not respond he turned to the beast and yelled.
“What have you done?”
“Don’t worry my little friend she will live. I need her and that witch to lead me to the child.”
“What, you the all powerful evilness cannot find one little child all by yourself?”
“Shut up you worm! An evil force is protecting her.”
“There is an evil Force greater than you?”
“Not more evil per say there is a dark force which is evil yet not evil protecting her. I cannot see where she is.”
“Well maybe you are not as powerful as you pretend to be.”
“How would you like to spend the rest of you journey on the ground?’
“Ha Ha you wouldn’t dare wolf needs me and you heed her. Why don’t you go pick on someone your own size?”
“The black bird with the silver tongue strikes again. Know this you will find the witch and her cat but along the way you will have three challenges a test of faith a test of love and a test of courage. The wolf with no name and the raven with a silver tongue will have to work together to find the child.”
“Why are you talking in riddles to tell us what we already know?” With a wave of its hand a dramatic bow it said.
“Well, I am the villain that is what I am supposed to do.”
“No, you are supposed to lock us in some dungeon while you monolog about how you are going to dispatch with us. The role of weird helper usually falls to the beggar woman who turns out to be some exotic queen or an angel. Who are you really? You cannot possibly be the evil sorcerer he would have dispatched with us both by now.” The would-be sorcerer laughed so hard it had to sit down when he could catch its breath again he turned to the raven.
“Do the legends are true you are a very old and wise my friend I wish you well on your journey. Don’t lose hope even when you believe all is lost. We will meet again.” Then the mysterious figure was gone. Bran checked on his friend who groaned and stood on shaky legs.
“What was that all about what it meant three challenges?” the raven flapped his wings in frustration.
“You were awake the whole time?”
“You bet do you think a little tangle with a tree could get me down beside playing dead is the best way to gain information without anyone knows you are listening.”
“Dogs” Bran flew into the air and circled around surveying the area.
“There is a cave not far from here we can rest there for the night.”
“Rest I don’t need rest. I just spent the last few minutes resting. I am ready to go.” Bran screamed and flew on ahead the wolf scoffed and followed along with him. After a mile or so her pace slowed and her head drooped down. Raven saw his friend getting drowsy. So he headed slowly toward the cave. As they approached it the wolf said.
“Hey look there is a cave. Why don’t we rest for a bit?” Bran smiled to himself and flew down to the wolf’s shoulder.
“Sounds good to me your wise as always.” Wolf was too tired to argue she just slowly made her way into the darkness of the cave. With a couple of spins and a great harrumph, she laid down and tucked her nose under her back haunch bran flew to a ledge nearby and put his head under his wing. Bran heard a strange noise, but her thought it was a part of his dream until he heard his friend growl. With a great flap of his wings, he awoke with a start. To his utter horror, he looked down at a freighting scene wolf was standing in front of a large black bear. They were in a stare off teeth bared and growling at each other. He flew down to his friend who yelled through clenched teeth.
“Get out of here!”
“There is no way I‘m not leaving you here with that thing.”
He is just defending his home. We forgot to make a reservation to stay here last night.” Bran puffed up his chest there was no way he was going to let his friend die in the jaws of some oversized bully. With a great cry, he dived bombed the bear then retreated when it snapped at him. Repeating it again as he cried out.
“Run I am right behind you.”
“I won’t leave you.”
“Don’t be stupid I can always fly out of his reach I will be right behind you trust me.” The wolf whined but did as she was told. True to his word the raven was not far behind unfortunately he was not alone the bear came barreling out of the Cave entrance right behind them. Clear of the roof, it stood to his full height and swatted at him with his massive paws. One lucky shot and raven was sent cart wheeling across the sky he landed a few feet away wolf howled and charged the bear. She nipped bit and barked at it. She ran in circles in and out between his massive legs. The bear dropped down on all fours again. With great ceremony he growled at her his gaping mouth showing off all his razor sharp teeth for a moment she was frightened but the she saw bran on the ground. A great furry cursed through her he charged the bar dodging his mouth and sank her teeth into his front leg. The bear howled in frustration and pain. He flicked her effortlessly across the forest, but she recovered easily and charged again, driving the bear back. She charged barked bit and circled until the bear had enough. With a great growl, he turned and disappeared into to trees. She wanted to go after it, but she was concerned about her friend. Despite her desire to finish the bear off she decides it was best to check for life first if he was dead then all bets were off she would spend the rest of her life hunting him down. Swiftly she bounded to his side.
“Bran are you ok?”
“Ouch, that hurts.”
“Where does it hurt?”
“Everywhere”
“Can you be more specific?”
“Nope”
“Will you live?”
“Nope”
“Oh, Bran my friend I will avenge your death.”
“Awe how sweet but not just yet.”
“I meant I wouldn’t live forever right now I will just have to ride on you back until I get my strength back.” Wolf stalked off in mock anger.
“Oh, you a little kidder I can never take you seriously again if I can ever start my heart back up.”
“Well, if you were not so gullible it would not be so much fun to tease you.”
“I see you are recovering nicely let’s go before the sun gets too hot. I’m hungry and I smell a mouse nearby. I want some breakfast.” The wolf sauntered off toward the forest Bram perched on her shoulder.
“You couldn’t catch a mouse if it approached you and offered to remove a thorn from you paw.” Bram said into her ear. Wolf shook making Bram fly
“Oh shut up I would like to see you do better.”
“I could out hunt you with one wing tied behind my back.”
“Oh, yah prove it. We each hunt the first one back here gets to eat first.”
“You are on Buster!” Bran flew slowly into the air. Wolf looked at him her head tilted to the side genuine concern in her voice she asked.
“Are you sure you are okay?” She knew her friend would never admit it but was still worried about him. Bran proved her right when he replied.
“Why are you scared I will win?”
“Never” The wolf bounded off into the woods making a mental note to give him an extra good sniffing later to make sure he was truly okay. Wolf smelled to of interesting scents and wished she had the time to go explore them, but he know that even though Bran was hurt he would try hard not to lose. Nose to the ground, she followed a fresh trail. Boy, this little guy really gets around wolf thought as she weaved in and out amongst the trees. As the scent grew stronger she spotted it not far off nibbling on a bit of grass crouching low. She was no longer content with just a mouse she stalked a tasty hare his nose twitched and his long ears swooshed back and forth. She crept as close as he dared then with one final exhale she pounced much to her dismay the sneaky creature squealed and leaped away just in time. Right, lift right it zigzagged through the forest. Wolf ran after it as she ran she couldn’t help but keep time with a little song.
“Here little rabbit come to me. I don’t want to hurt you I just want to have you over for breakfast.” She laughed and almost lost sight of her prey. She doubled her efforts and just as it was about to jump into its hole she snatched it right out of the air. With a swift crunch and a shake for good measure, it lay motionless in her mouth. Not a great hunter? Not bad if I say so myself. Holding her pray by the scruff she turned and headed back to the meeting place.
Meanwhile, Bran flew in slow low circles in a nearby clearing. His sharp eyes scanning the ground much to his joy he almost immediately saw a tasty morsel. He much preferred to scavenge for his food, but he couldn’t let the Wolf win he would never hear the end of it. He slowly circled each time getting a little bit closer taking special care to watch his shadow keeping it well away from the mouse’s line of sight. Despite his best efforts, the mouse sensed danger after a moment of hesitation it bolted. Bran let out a cry of frustration and dived at the fleeing creature. The first time he did not compensate for the mouse’s natural instinct to swerve and his talons missed it by a hair. He quickly recovered and dived again this time making contact. The small mouse struggled, but Bram held fast and headed back to the rendezvous point.
Just as Wolf was nearing the clearing by the cave entrance from the east Bran was flying in from the west. They saw each other and quickened their pace full throttle they raced towered the fish line. Just then, they heard a loud scream.
“I strike ye in the name of the empire.” Wolf could only watch in horror as a large hawk swooped in from the south plucked her friend from the sky pierced him with his long talons then dropped him to the ground where he lay motionless.
“Bran” Wolf howled and ran to her friend’s side. Blood oozed from a gash on his chest and his wing itself looked broken.
Quickly Wolf licked at the gash until stoped bleeding she nuzzled him sniffing and making sure he was still alive. She felt a weak but steady heartbeat food forgotten she carefully lifted him and carried him to the edge of the forest. Unsure of what to do she put him on the ground and laid down next to him. She knew she had to get Bran to the witch somehow she was meant to fix this. Slowly she stood making an effort to carefully move Bran. Trudging on slowly she made her way to the river knowing deep down that was the way to go. As she traveled through the forest she tried to think positive. She wondered who this witch was from her dreams she knew her and her cat were redheaded if the normal was black how does the red affect her demeanor. She hoped she would be compassionate about Bran and not write him off as dead. Her feet were sore and the emptiness in her tummy was almost to much to bare. If her mouth had not been full of her friend she would be grinding her teeth. Soon her pace slowed and each step was labored. When she reached the edge of the river she could go no farther and fell down her eyes closed and was sleeping before her head hit the ground.
. A wonderful smell filled her nostrils and she opened one eye. Within the range of her vision sat a beggar the dirty woman tended to a small fire. The flames lapped at the underside of a pot, and the steam which bubbled over the top carried smells which were so tempting to the Wolf's nostrils she was unconsciously pulled forward. Abandoning any sense of danger to tired an too sad to even care. Wolf crawled on her belly to the feet of the beggar. With the last of her strength she let out a sorrowful howl before passing out again. When she awoke she felt no better it was if she had not slept at all. Wolf figured she was just hungry she opened one eye and looked at the woman who was still squatting before the delectable pot. The woman smiled at her and said
"Are you going to just lay there and pretend that you are not paying attention?" Wolf sat up and tilted her head to the side. Who was this mysterious person she seemed very familiar.
"I am only what you wish me to be" the woman replied Wolf started had she read her thoughts?
"Of course I did silly why do you think I am here? You called me."
"Is that pot for me?"
"It depends on how much you care for your friend over there."
"Excuse me?"
"If you eat this you will fall into a deep sleep when you awake you will feel full and refreshed."
"How will that hurt Bran?"
"If you go to sleep now you will not make it across the river in time to meet the Witch and her cat therefore Bran will die."
"I am so tired, how will I ever make it across."
"That is something I cannot tell you. You will just have to find out for yourself."
Wolf took a deep breath and howled then did what a normal hungry wolf would do in the same situation she limped over to her friend and with what felt like the last of her strength picked him up and dove into the icy water. She began to swim each stroke burned with a fire so hot it made the cold water turn into steam. Soon she was swimming in a fog so think she could not tell were the other bank was to make matters worse the frigid waters woke Bran from his sleep. Frightened and in shock he thrashed against her trying to escape. With all of her might she fought for him both physically and mentally.
"Please Bran calm down we need to get across the river." No matter how hard she swam the fierce current pulled them further down steam. Wolf feared they would get caught in an undercurrent and be lost forever but at the very last moment of her will her feet struck solid ground. Hoping she had made it to the correct side of the river she dragged their wet bodies onto the shore and collapsed. As the cold and exhaustion over took her physically unable to do anymore her last thoughts was a prayer to the gods that the foretold Witch would find them in time.
Part 3 The Child
A small child crouches in the back of a dark closet, afraid of what is on the other side. Most children hide from the monster in their closet, her ogre was in the rest of the house. As time passed, she grew tired and weary and she hoped that it would be all over soon, for she longed to be at the window watching the rainfall. From the back of the closet she could, hear the thunder crash and the lighting was visible underneath the door. When she was not in trouble, she stood at her window, for hours, gazing at the night sky, mystified by the flashing wonder. This time, however, the child knew better than to go out there and be caught. The heat in the small closet was making her sweat; drips of perspiration were slowly trickling down her face as the rain was on the window. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine that the droplets of sweat were really mist from a large waterfall that would hit her face as she spans and danced in the stream. Magically she was whisked away to a wonderful world of make-believe free from this closet, from the house, and most importantly free from the beast. A smile formed on her face as the girl dreamed of happier times, but the dream was shattered however when the doorknob rattled. The ogre has found her again! Maybe, the ogre can just taste the child’s fear, bringing her directly to her hiding places. In self-defense, she pushes back deeper into the closet and prays that she could for once be absorbed into the numerous boxes being stored there. The girl hid her face as the door creaked open and the lights chased away the shadows in the closet. The beast grabbed the girl by the ear and dragged her out of the closet with such force that if it had let her go when its arm extended, the girl would have surly crashed through the bedroom window. Desperately, the girl bit her lip to keep from screaming. Without missing a beat the beast hauled her off to the next room and forced the child’s face into the toilet bowl until the tip of her nose was touching the dirty water.
"How many times do I have to, remind you to flush the toilet?" the beast roared, its voice rang through the small bathroom and vibrated, the toilet where it was still holding the girl’s head. The fumes of the bile were making the child gag so she held her breath to keep from coughing and inhaling the contents of the bowl. Just before the girl passed out, the ogre removed her head, dragged her to the front door, opened it and shoved her out into the stormy dark night. Goose bumps immediately began to form on the girl’s bare legs and arms.
Lightning flashed, and threw creepy shadows across the ogre’s face as it stood on the threshold, to give her orders. The thunder that followed was not of natural origin; it came from the beast itself.
"Now run around the house and repeat I WILL NOT FORGET TO FLUSH THE TOILET and you better not dare stop until I say you can!" It bellowed over the storm and then was gone, locking the door behind it. The young girl had only been in the rain for just a few seconds but she was already soaking wet. Not wanting to make the ogre madder she began to run, her feet slipping and sliding on the wet grass. Sticks and rocks dug into the girl’s unprotected flesh but she kept right on running, chanting her familiar chant. Many times, she has traveled around these walls, calling to unknown phantoms, trying to embed some forgotten rule into her stubborn memory. At first, the girl tries to count her rotations to pass the time away but after the first hundred, she always loses count. As the sun began to make an appearance over the horizon, the sky cleared and the storm passed by the girl wished she could ride a cloud out of this valley and no longer had to run away from demons she could not see. As the hours pass by, the trips around the house seem to get longer, and the girl wished that at the next pass the beast would come out and allow her to go inside once more. Each time she is greeted only with a shadow filled porch and the night sky. The stars blink at her with wonder and pity, far too afraid to look upon the horrors unfolding below, and the birds sit silently in the treetops for no one can find the right words to express the dread they feel. The girl’s legs are weak and sore from the stress of their labors. Her feet are thrashed and swollen from all the many obstructions along the path and her lungs are on fire, burning in need for a breath. Desperately she tries to intake enough air so that she can keep moving and not miss saying her rhythmic chant.
"I will not forget to flush the toilet! I will not forget to flush the toilet!" When the girl just cannot take the pressure any more, her whole body goes numb and she runs and speaks automatically. Since she no longer has to concentrate on the task, her mind is free to wander and she can escape to her flower room in the depths of her subconscious. There she finds sanctuary from all of her pain and suffering. Her friend Kattie takes over and protects her.
The beast says that Kattie is just an imaginary friend, just something that the girl created in her mind. To the girl, however, Susan is as real as you or me. With Susan in total charge the girl does not realize that she has stopped running and is standing in front of the beast telling it that she has definitely learned her lesson this time and that she will never do it again. The girl does not choke on the cold water coming out of the shower nozzle that the beast is shoving into her face, one of the ogre’s favorite ways of cooling her off after a long punishment. She does not mind sleeping naked on the hard wood floor right next to her brand new bed with only newspapers to cover her. Susan takes good care of the girl and she never has to worry about anything when she is around. The girl just spends her time in her little room with the flowered wallpaper. Whenever she gets scared of the storm outside, she can hide in the closet where she keeps the boxes. From the back of the closet she can hear the thunder crash and the lightning is visible underneath the door. When she was not in trouble, she stands at her window for hours, gazing at the night sky, mystified by the flashing wonder. This time, however, the child knows better than to go out there and be caught. The thunder rolls and she jumps, expecting it to be followed by the sound of stomping feet, but all is silent and the girl is safe from the inevitable just a little longer.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse