Monday, June 30, 2008

Magical Fantasy Novel-Dragon Domain: An Excerpt




Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to save a child; instead, Cheyenne found a home. With the help of their new friend, Jane, they created a spiritual sanctuary. But when Celeste stopped running, her past caught up with her. Dominic arrived with promises of love and passion. Instead of love, he reawakened Celeste’s dark side, turning her against those she loved the most. With the aid of the dragons, Cheyenne was barely able to ward off their first attack. With each soul they bound to them, Celeste and Dominic’s greed and hatred grew until they would not settle for less than totally destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone who knows how to steal your soul?





For a moment, Jane remained in that in-between stage between sleep and wake. Before opening her eyes, she mentally checked her body for stress points. She wasn’t looking for anything specific. It was more of a vague feeling of her energy being off. In the past, she had been able to ward off physical annoyances by just checking her energy before becoming fully conscious. Her left side seemed a bit numb, most likely from sleeping in the same position too long. She usually didn’t move around much when she slept in a strange bed. It made Maxie crazy. He said it was like sleeping with a corpse. Thinking of him suddenly brought back the anger and sadness. Part of her loved him. Yet there was something that kept her from committing to him.
She drifted downward into her body. Opening her eyes, she stared at the orange and white striped sheets. An instant later, the pain hit. Starting at the base of her skull, it raced over the top of her head, grabbing her cheekbones, trying to flip them over. She moaned and rolled onto her back. Closing her eyes, she tried to force herself back into the upper realms, where she could balance whatever was out of kilter. The throbbing continued, preventing her from concentrating. Don’t fight it, came the thought, just allow it to pass through you. Keeping her eyes closed, she breathed deeply in through her nose, allowing the pain to flow over her like a wave on the shore. The pain lessened, only to be followed be a second then a third wave. She rolled over, ducking her head beneath the pillow and holding it tight trying to block the pain. Images appeared in her mind. She didn’t understand. It was the farm. A thin dark mist hovered around it. It reached for her. She retreated. It followed. Lightning flashed up from the ground. The mist scattered and recollected itself around the house. Just as suddenly, the pain dulled to a throb. Carefully she opened her eyes. Unsure of what she should do, she pushed the pillow away and slowly lifted herself to a kneeling position. She looked around. The room hadn’t changed, yet it was different. It was the smell. Ozone. She was more confused than ever.
Sliding off the bed onto her feet, she put on the short robe Raven had left at the foot of the bed. She tied the belt and opened the door. Continuing down the hallway, she stopped at the archway.
Raven was lying on the couch, a cloth across her forehead and eyes. In spite of the warmth of the room, she hugged her favorite comforter to her chest. She shivered beneath it.
The sun streamed into the room. From her perspective, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Raven shouldn’t be having a sinus attack. Yet, Raven was having what she would describe as a four-alarm attack.
Creeping further into the room, she noticed the broken teacup on the kitchen floor. Its contents spilled among the shattered pieces.
“Good afternoon.” The voice came from the couch.
“What happened?”
“Something blew through.”
“What?”
“I don’t know. I heard you scream once. Then I got hit.” Raven lifted one end of the cloth to look at her. “My shields didn’t hold. “
“I set up temporary barriers myself last night.”
Raven recovered her eye. “I know. It didn’t help.” Her voice was a combination of bitterness and anger. “I got images of darkness around the farm.”
Jane didn’t know what to say.
“It was an evil I haven’t experienced before.” Raven waited.
The unasked question hung between them, testing their friendship. Jane swallowed hard, not wanting to hear what was coming. Carefully she knelt and picked up the pieces of the broken cup. “It was your favorite.”
“Forget it!” Raven snapped. Her hands covered her face. She moaned in pain.
“I’m sorry.” Jane couldn’t move. She felt responsible, but she didn’t know why. “I don’t know what happened.”
“Celeste happened.”
“Why do you assume--”
“Because it’s the truth!” Raven’s voice quivered with pain and anger. “Just like Cheyenne has been trying to tell you.”
“She doesn’t have any proof.”
“But she does.”
“Why didn’t she tell me?” Jane snapped back and instantly regretting it. The dull throb sharpened into to stabbing pain behind her eyes.
“She tried to.” Raven emphasized each word. “You wouldn’t listen.”
If Raven was right, this was all her fault. Jane dropped the pieces. “She was just jealous...jealous because she didn’t have a man in her life. That’s all.”
Using one arm, Raven lifted herself into a sitting position. “Both Cheyenne and I fully dedicated the Samhain after she got the farm. She has no interest in dating or mating. Her total focus is on her spiritual path. Just like me.”
“I didn’t know.”
“There is a lot you don’t know.”
It wasn’t possible, Jane thought. She’s just trying to bait me. Cheyenne would have told us. Such radical commitments were never made lightly. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Fine. Believe what you like.” Raven tried to stand, but as quickly sat back down. “It’s your rude awakening. “
“I thought you were my friend.“ Her voice sounded whiny, but Jane didn’t care. Since she started on the investigation, they had spent many hours together not only talking about the case but their lives as well. Raven was the only one who truly knew who about Maxie. She had always been open and honest with her, yet Raven chose to keep the most important aspect of her spirituality a secret. It wasn’t rational, but suddenly Jane felt betrayed.
“Could you put more cold water on this?” Raven held up the cloth. “And put the start the water for tea.”
Taking it, Jane silently walked into the kitchen, doubt rapidly growing within her. She ran the water and saturated the cloth. Wringing the excess off, she returned to the living room and gently covered the prone woman’s eyes. Raven murmured something. Jane didn’t understand. Briefly stroking the black mane, she turned and returned to the kitchen.
Could she have been wrong? But about who? Celeste or Cheyenne? Which one was lying? The past few months they hadn’t been as close. But all relationships change. Without growth, there would be stagnation and death. She filled the kettle and put it on the stove. It didn’t make sense. Nothing did. Not any more. Pulling down the herb jars, she placed them on the counter and took the mixing bowl off the shelf. Taking a pinch from the spearmint and chamomile, she ground the leaves between her fingers, allowing the pieces to drop into the bowl, and resealed the jars. A year ago, they had been planning an expansion of the classes and greenhouse. The classes had remained very popular in spite of the House of Christ. The few rented cottages supplemented the farm income. In fact, Jane admitted to herself, Cheyenne’s herbs were the only stable income they had. How did they become so dependent on her?
Across the room, the kettle began to bubble. She filled the tea balls and put them in cups. Nine months ago, she had taken a leave of absence from the TV station to help Celeste with the classes. They had built the web site. It was beautiful with pictures of the farm and information about Dragon Herbs. Both of them taught classes online. Cheyenne was too busy with the greenhouse and herbs to do more than teach one class. They were busy, tired and happy--a true team, each using their own particular talents for the best of the whole. Within a month, Dominic arrived.
The kettle whistled. Startled she grabbed for it and turned off the burner. Filling the cups, she watched the steam rise, carrying the scent of the herbs. She breathed deeply. For a few moments, her mind quieted. The tree outside had a bird’s nest safely tucked in one of the branches. From her perspective, she couldn’t see if it was inhabited. Elsewhere, birds sang. Traffic rolled to and fro on the street. People living their own lives. Were they happy? Or sad? A bit of both, she thought. Did they feel what happened earlier? Or was it hidden from them like a rude surprise to be sprung on them when it was too late to do anything? She returned the kettle to the stove, the contents still rumbling with the heat. Steam continued to rise from the cups. It was fascinating how the steam formed shapes and patterns. Sometimes, she just wondered why. She didn’t expect an answer. It was just something to occupy her mind, to keep it from asking questions she didn’t want answered. Dangling the tea balls by their chains, she watched the water color. It was such a simple thing. Judging the tea to be strong enough, she dropped the balls in the sink and picked up one of the cups.
Raven was still lying on the couch, the cloth over her upper face. With, her black curls fanned out on the pillow; she looked like she was posing for a centerfold. A chicken pox scar on her left temple was the only blemish on her otherwise smooth skin. How old she was, no one really knew. Some how Raven had always been able to dodge the question. She seemed in her late twenties, very early thirties. Yes several of her commits gave the impression and the ages of her two sons made her somewhere in her late forties. She had two sons by two different men. One she chose to marry, the other was a good friend who for one night became more. Now divorced, she had her own home, her own money, her own path to follow. Her children were a source of pride and pain. The eldest chose his father over her; the rules weren’t as strict. She shared custody of her youngest, but his primary residence was with his father. She loved him enough not to bounce him back and forth between the two homes. Some on the farm thought less of her for not having her sons with her while they were growing up. They didn't she wasn’t maternal enough to worship the Goddess. Her attitude was “whatever”, using the familiar hand gesture. It was something Jane had always admired about her.
Bending over, she placed the cup on a coaster and slid it within her reach. Raven didn’t stir. Sometimes sleep is the best medicine.
Taking her own mug out the back door, she sat on the steps. The shadows kept the cement cool, but soon they would creep back toward the house with the turning of the day. Protected by only the thin robe, her butt and thighs quickly felt the cold. Standing, she walked down the path into the sunlight. It warmed the back of her head and brought a smile to her lips. Mentally, she thanked Ra for putting his loving arms around her. The cup was hot in her hands, but the steam no longer rose from the liquid. She took a sip. It was good; lemon would make it better. The scent made her nose tingle.
The shadow of a bird flew across the lawn. She looked up. It was a jay. Ever present, ever watching no matter what the season. Some people didn’t like them at their bird feeders. Jane liked their tenacity and their ability to adapt to whatever life presented to them. They were character traits she wished she possessed. Sometimes she felt as if she had no control over her life that she was always reacting to someone else’s game plan.
Looking back over her thirty-six years, Jane realized that most of her life she did what was expected of her. It was like she checking off chores on a list that someone else wrote for her. Her thirty-seventh birthday was nearly four months away and she still didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. She no longer had a clue how to fill the rapidly growing void in her. For a while, the television station gave her a purpose, then it was helping Celeste and Cheyenne. She was tired of playing peacemaker between them, yet she wasn’t brave enough to confront them.
She sipped the cooling tea and continued to walk down the path, taking the left fork toward the swing. Sitting, she swiveled, crossing her legs and tucking her robe down between her thighs. Pulling on the support post, she started the back and forth motion. Closing her eyes and leaning back, she allowed the rhythm to comfort her. It reminded her of how her mother rocked her as a child when the monster in the closet wouldn’t let her sleep. Her mother had been dead for many years, but remembering her joyfully brought her back. A smile crossed her lips. She released the need to think beyond the motion. Alternating between shadow and sunshine, she enjoyed both. Her other senses filed in the blanks left by her voluntary relinquishing of her sight. She allowed the sensory information to pass though her without keeping note.
Somewhere close by a vehicle drove up and parked. Moments later, the swing jolted to a halt, spilling the tea into her lap. Her eyes snapped open. Maxie stood in front of her. Angrily she jumped to her feet, the spilled tea running down the front of the robe to the ground. She tried brushing it off before more could soak in.
“I thought you heard me.”
“Does it look like I heard you?” Jane snapped. “Look what you did to Raven’s robe!”
“Sorry okay.” He snapped back.
“Will that get the stain out?” She allowed her anger to flare. It was how she felt-angry and very much put upon.
“I’ll buy her a new one. Just get off it.”
“Get off it?” Her voice rose to a shriek, sending the birds, resting in the trees, into to flight. “I’ll get off it, you and the investigation!” She spun on the balls of her feet and headed toward the back door.
He grabbed her upper arm and yanked her toward him. “You listen-”
That was enough. She allowed him to spin her partially around. Using the momentum he provided, she flung her free arm around. The heel of her hand landed firmly on his chin. Stunned, he released her, staggering backward. Her robe slipped off her shoulder, opening at the front. She ignored it and stepped into a defensive stance.
Holding his chin, he glared down at her. “I could arrest you.”
“Really officer. On what charge?” She no longer found him cute and cuddly, fun to talk and make love with; he was just one more needy person. She met his eyes. They were angry and demanding. Last week, even yesterday, she would have given in and apologized. But not today. “On what charge?” She repeated.
“Striking an officer!”
“An officer who over stepped his bounds.” She countered.
“Just get dressed. They expect us at the station.”
“I quit.” It wasn’t a decision she consciously made. The words surprised her, yet at the same instant, a heavy weight was lifted from her heart. She knew it was the right thing to do.
“We don’t have time for this!”
“I do. What you do-I don’t care.” She spun and rapidly continued toward the house.
“You can’t!
Suddenly he was in between her in the back door. “I won’t let you ruin this!”
“Just what don’t you want ruined. The investigation or your sex life.”
“What ever bug flew up your ass last night--just get over it! Just get your clothes, we‘ll talk about it at home.”
“I’m not going with you.”
“Just do it!”
A breeze bellowed the robe open further. The sun warmed her breasts. He could arrest her for indecent exposure. “No!”
Taking a deep breath, he clenched and unclenched his fists. “I love you.” His voice was calmer, but the anger boiled just beneath the surface.
“Really sounds like it.” The back door swung open and Raven stepped out. “Who could resist such loving words?”
“It none of your business!” Maxie growled.
“It’s my yard, my house, my guest, and my business.” She matched his tone.
“Bitch-dike.”
“How quick the bigotry rears its ugly head. Just yesterday we were good friends.”
“Raven’s not a--”
“Don’t explain!” She walked down the steps. “Get lost or do I make a phone call to your supervisor? I’m sure she’d be real interested in this conversation. “
“What about your secrets?”
“Secrets? I don’t have any secrets. My life is an open book.” Raven smiled nastily. “You are the one who broke the departmental policy.”
“Jane doesn’t work for--”
“But I do!” Raven firmly planted her fists on her hips. “You have invaded my privacy. You have made sexual comments.”
“Jane this isn’t over!” Snapping around heal to toe, he marched back to his truck. The engine roared to life and leaped backward. The tires screeched and he was gone.
“Gee that was fun!” Raven reached out and closed the opening of Jane’s robe. “You keep flashing my neighbors and poor, old Mr. Radcliff is going to have a heart attack and the brat boys next door will have accidents in their drawers.”





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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Alternative Reality Storylines for Days of Our Lives-Part 21

INT: BRADY PUB: MID-DAY
Lucas, Nicole, and Chloe walk in.

NICOLE
I don't know why Victor was making such a big deal about us working there. It's not like there wasn't enough room.

CHLOE
We did clean off the table.

LUCAS
It was fine for me. I'm hungry. Besides, I want to get Caroline on board. Let's sit in the corner.

NICOLE
Why? Are you ashamed to be seen with us?

LUCAS
No. The two of you will have fewer distractions and we'll get more work done. One the way over made a few calls. Grandma Alice and Julie are willing to help.

CHLOE
I loved singing with Doug.

NICOLE
Yea, yea. Don't need to hear it again. What can Alice do? She's like a hundred years old.

LUCAS
It's going to be the most popular booth in the fair.
(Gloating)
And I get to help them with it.

NICOLE
I can't believe Philip agreed to that.

CHLOE
It was a compromise. You'll still get your mucky-muck event.

NICOLE
At Chez Rouge. I was thinking of thousands of people. Not hundreds.

LUCAS
It'll be expensive and elite. Isn’t that what you wanted?
NICOLE
Yes. But I wanted grand and glitzy.

CAROLINE
(Walking up with menus)
You wanted what grand and glitzy.

LUCAS
Caroline, how would you like to part of something that will not only be spectacular, but will make a big difference?

CAROLINE
I don’t do grand and glitzy.

CHLOE
How about homey, family oriented and fun?

CAROLINE
I can do that. What do you need?

LUCAS
What you do best.

CHLOE
Philip realized that the vets in the country weren’t receiving the care they needed. He and I came up with an idea to help change that.

CAROLINE
How can I help?

NICOLE
We are organizing a national fun raiser.

CHLOE
It will be like Comedy Relief meets the Labor Day Telethon. There will be a national event that will interlink the local ones.

NICOLE
Salem will be the center of the action.

LUCAS
That hasn’t been decided yet. The three of us are the local organizing committee.

CAROLINE
(To Lucas)
You are going to have your hands full.

CHLOE
We decided--

NICOLE
You decided.

LUCAS
We decided.

CHLOE
To have a local fair.

NICOLE
Maggie has also agreed to host a fun raising dinner concert at Chez Rouge.

CAROLINE
Do you want me to host a dinner here?

LUCAS
Not exactly.

CHLOE
We want you to open an out door restaurant at the fair.

CAROLINE
That’s going to take a lot work.

CHLOE
It wouldn’t have to be anything fancy.

LUCAS
What if we could arrange for someone else to do all the work at the fair? All you would have to do is cook. Would you do it?

CAROLINE
I guess that would be alright. I’ll even donate the food.

CHLOE
Instead of a restaurant--a buffet or just offer a meal. They could choose between two main courses and several side dishes. We could have people serve as the people walk past.

CAROLINE
It would make it a lot simpler. What would you like me to serve?

CHLOE
Do you think it’ll be too hot for chowder?

CAROLINE
Hot soup on a summer day?

CHLOE
I get your point. But I will have a cup for lunch and half a Reuben with ice tea.

CAROLINE
How about chicken and ribs. Hot dogs for the kids.

NICOLE
Sorry. I suddenly realized how hungry I am. Salad for me.

LUCAS
Maybe we should order lunch first. We can decide the menu later.

CAROLINE
What do you want to drink?

LUCAS
(Warning)
Nicole.

NICOLE
Fine. Lemonade.

LUCAS
Regular lemonade.

NICOLE
Take all the fun out of it.

LUCAS
I’ll have the other half of her Reuben and an order chili fries. With ice tea.

CHLOE
Make it a large. We’ll share.

LUCAS
Get your own.

NICOLE
Selfish. Chloe will you share an order.

CHLOE
Yes. I will.

LUCAS
Wow! The two of you agreed on something without a fight. A miracle.

NICOLE
Shut up!

CHLOE
Yea, Lucas. Shut up.
CUT
INT: COLLIN AND LAUREN’S STORE: MID DAY
The door rattles. Lauren stands in front of it; the St. Michael’s candle held before her. Collin pushes Lexie toward the center of the store and picks up second St. Michael’s candle. He steps beside Lauren.

LAUREN
God forgive this soul wandering in the shadows of ignorance. Lord- light the lamp of knowledge for this being wasting opportunities to move forward to illumination. Spirit hear my voice that demands you progress! You who causes me chaos with your evil energies-STOP! DESIST! God make this spirit learn and forgive me if I have committed anything grievous against this soul. Accept responsibility for what you do and choose enlightenment and peace. Go with your guardian into the light and DO NOT RETURN AGAIN!

The door stops rattling. The glass turns translucent. The image of a petite dark haired woman appears in the glass; her hair is piled high on her head. She has a three dimensional quality that the defies the thickness of the window as if the glass was the doorway to another dimension and she stands on its threshold. Her facial features never become clear.

WOMAN
You helped deny me the justice.

LAUREN
We did what we thought best.

WOMAN
What right do you have to judge what is best? You sided with evil.

COLLIN
We sided with none. We only tried to help you find peace.

WOMAN
By locking my soul away as Stephano locked my body.

LAUREN
There was a way out.

WOMAN
I will take that walk into the light when I receive justice.

COLLIN
Justice or vengeance?

WOMAN
They are one in the same.

LEXIE
Who are you?

WOMAN
(Refocusing her attention on Lexie)
You are your father’s daughter. You followed in his footsteps. You stole a child like he stole mine.

LEXIE
I was ill.

WOMAN
With the sickness of your father’s blood in your veins.

(Walking closer, her hand pieces through the glass into the store)

You will be the first, but not the last.

Lexie starts to gasp for breathe.

Her forearm to the elbow emerges and Lexie drops to her knees. The red stones in Lexie’s cross begins to glow. The glow radiates out and in front of Lexie.

WOMAN
Marie, you would not stand in the way of a mother’s justice. Let not my daughter’s murder go unpunished.

The glow begins to fade.

COLLIN
(Stepping forward and holding his candle out in front of him)
Glorious St. Michael especially favored by our God and destined to guard and protect us for the salvation of our souls, we receive your mercy during life and after death. Humbly we ask you look upon us with grace and defend us against our enemies as our angel of peace. As the right hand judge of God, you weigh justice. As the general against the heavenly rebellion protect us against these evil rebels that walk the earth. You cleansed the heavens of angelic sinners against God--for the faithful you are protector. We implore you save us from evil as the obedient envoy and general of God in all things divine.

The woman is pushed back into the glass. The door violent shakes. The glass shatters.
CUT
EXT: BRADY RESTAURANT: MID DAY
Abe is walking toward the Pub. He hears glass shattering. Stopping, he looks to find the source. People in the courtyard are pointing and walking toward the Collin and Lauren’s store. Abe follows. Half way there, he meets Celeste.

CELESTE
Abraham, what happened?

ABE
I don’t know. What are you doing here?

CELESTE
I was meeting friends.

ABE
I don’t know. I heard glass breaking. It seemed to come from over there

A crowd gathers at the top of the steps leading down to the store.

CELESTE
Lauren? Collin?

Celeste runs toward the store; Abe follows. Pushing her way through the crowd, Celeste runs down the stairs, but stops before going in. The door is in pieces; part of it still hangs loosely from its hinges. The glass has been shattered; most of the pieces lie in single line in front of Collin as if they were stopped by a solid wall.

What happened?
CUT

INT: COLLIN AND LAUREN’S STORE: MID DAY

COLLIN
We have a problem.

LAUREN
(Sarcastically)
Still the master of the understatement. She nearly materialized.

LEXIE
(Terrified)
Mom.

CELESTE
(Seeing Lexie, she enters)
Alexandra. What are you doing here?

Abe is walking down the stairs.

COLLIN
We sensed her presence. I reached the top of the stairs in time to see her attacking Lexie in the courtyard.

ABE
What is happening here? Lexie?

CELESTE
(Kneeling beside Lexie to comfort her)
That’s not possible.


LAUREN
But it happened.

ABE
Lexie?
(Going to her)
Are you okay?

LEXIE
(Standing)
Abe? I’m not hurt. Just scared.


CELESTE
Look around Abraham. Does this look like a simple intruder?

ABE
What are you talking about?

CELESTE
She did this.

ABE
She who?

COLLIN
(Shaking his head)
I won’t say her name and bring her back. All we did is make her angrier.

ABE
Are you talking about the vengeful spirit again?

LAUREN
We have to let the others know. Celeste, she targeted your daughter.

LEXIE
She knew about the mistakes I made.

LAUREN
She is using them as a justification.

CELESTE
You have to leave. There isn’t another choice.

COLLIN
As powerful as she is, do you think distance will stop her?

ABE
I don’t accept this. Any of it. There is a logical explanation.
(Looking around)
What is this place?

LAUREN
Accept it or not. The broken glass you are stepping on is real.

LEXIE
Abe, I saw her. I heard her.

ABE
She who?

COLLIN
No!

LEXIE
She seemed familiar. I don’t know where I saw her. Abe, she said I was just like my father!

ABE
(Embracing her)
That’s not true.

LEXIE
If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t believe--she came out the glass.

ABE
Did she break the window?

LEXIE
No. It was like she was inside the glass itself.

ABE
That’s not possible.

COLLIN
She nearly manifested.

LAUREN
St Michael’s prayer was only able to push her back.

CELESTE
Oh my God. She’s unstoppable.
CUT

Friday, June 27, 2008

Dragon Domain: Magic, Suspense and Wiccan Magic: An Excerpt



Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-0-9) is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combine in a tale of horror. Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a home and open her bookstore. Instead, she becomes the catalyst in exposing a murder and the target of a violent cult. She is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely to save herself and all she loves. Will she be able to control the power of the dragon as it rises giving her the power to save all she loves or will the flames from within destroy her?



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Cheyenne awoke to the hundreds of tiny shooting pains on her face and arms. How long she had been asleep, she didn’t know. Vaguely she remembered being awaken, sometimes just to talk, other times to eat. Once Lilith helped her to the bathroom. The bandages still covered her eyes. She reached up and touched them.
Out of the darkness, a hand gently encircled hers. “Shush.” Jane whispered. “It’s okay.”
“Jane?” Startled, Cheyenne reached out with her other hand. “You’re back already?”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you.” Jane’s voice quivered. “I’m never seemed to be when you need me.”
“It’s not as bad as it looks.” Cheyenne felt the mattress beside her sink under Jane’s weight. “Did you find what you needed?”
Suddenly Jane burst into tears. “I’m sorry! It’s all my fault! Cheyenne you have to forgive me.”
Someone ran into the room. “Jane? You didn’t tell her?” The voice was Lilith’s.
“What’s going on?” Cheyenne demanded, sitting up. There was something more going on.
Jane snuffled. “She has to know.”
“Tell me what?”
The mattress sank on the other side of her. “Cheyenne.” Lilith took her free hand. “You have to try to stay calm. There was nothing we could do.”
“Nothing--” Suddenly Cheyenne panicked. “Where are Mercury and Aries? Aries! Mercury! Come!” She tried to slap her leg, but both women held on to her hands. She struggled to free herself.
“Cheyenne stop!” Jane cried. “Aries is outside. He’s fine”
Startled, Cheyenne stopped struggling. “Where’s Mercury?”
Lilith rubbed the inside of her arm. “I’m sorry. His heart...his heart just stopped. It was in his sleep last night.” She added quickly. “There wasn’t any pain.”
Cheyenne felt herself go cold from the inside out. Behind the bandages, the tears welled up and burned down her cheeks. The air wouldn’t go into her lungs. She gasped for breath. The pressure increased. Her chest hurt.
“I’m going to take him to be cremated later this morning.” Jane whispered. “We wanted to tell you first.”
“I want to see him. Take the bandages off.”
“But Lady Margretta said--”
Cheyenne cut off Jane. “Take them off!” She jerked down her hands, freeing them both and yanked at the front of the bandages, but only succeeded in pulling her head forward.
“Okay. Okay.” Lilith conceded, grabbing her hands. “I’ll do it. Jane go get Lady Margretta.”
Immediately Jane jumped up and ran from the room.
On the left side, something was pulled free and the pressure around her head lessened as the bandage was unwound.
“Keep your eyes closed.” Lilith ordered. “It’s nearly off.”
She felt the end of the bandage touch her shoulder and the pads on her eyes being removed. Ignoring Lilith‘s order, she opened her eyes. The brightness startled her and she closed them again. Without waiting for them to adjust, she flung back the blankets and felt for the edge of the bed. “Where is he?” Her eyes fluttered as they adjusted to the light. The pressure on her chest increased. She stood. The room spun around her. Her knees started to buckle beneath her. She didn’t care. It was her fault. She should have been there for them.
“He’s downstairs. Let me help you.” Lilith pleaded. “It wasn’t anybody’s fault!”
“Yes it is!” Cheyenne screamed. “It’s mine!”
Harshly Lilith grabbed her and spun her around. “No! Don’t you even think that! It isn’t your fault. It theirs--Celeste and Dominic’s. They caused this to happen. Not you!”
Lilith’s words were lost in a tornado of would-da, could-da, should-da--but didn’t do. Snapshots of all the missed opportunities to prevent it--but she had listened with her heart to Celeste’s promises when every other sense and intuition screamed against it. She had listened and Mercury paid with his life. He trusted and loved her; she failed him. Her knees folded; she landed on them with a thud. She didn’t feel it. The pain in her chest out matched it. She shivered. The room dimmed around her. Her hands and feet went numb.
Somewhere far away, Lilith yelled for Lady Margretta. Footstep ran in the direction. There were voices; they called to her. It didn’t matter. She had to find Mercury.
Suddenly something cold nuzzled her check and whined. Through the shifting haze, she saw Aries. He alternated between lying across her lap and nudging her in the face with his nose. She felt his fear. He licked her face. His tongue was warm on her skin.
The two realms over lapped. In the doorway, Mercury’s spirit sat, watching them. His tail wagged. He crossed the room, walking though Jane’s legs, and joined with her. He was inside her and she could hear his thoughts. He told her how much he loved her and Aries. It had been his time to go, not hers. He begged her to stay. Aries still needed her. The others, who loved her, still needed her. He promised to come back. But now he had to go through processing. Whatever happened, he would always be grateful for the time they spent together and would be there to greet both of them when it was their turn to cross over. She tried to hold on to his spirit--to keep him inside her. He transformed from the dog into his true form of a loving soul of light. He kissed her forehead and released her. Backing away, he smiled and disappeared.
Cheyenne felt empty and alone, lost between the two worlds. Her body began to weaken from the stress. She saw the cord that kept her connected. It would be so easy to snap it. Aries whined. Without words, he asked why she wanted to leave him alone. Mercury had left. Didn’t she love him too? Yes, she cried, dropping her own cord and wrapping her arms around him. Her whole body became hot then cold only to become hot again. She opened her eyes. The room was crystal clear again. There was something over her face. She tried to push it off.
“No. No.” Lady Margretta whispered. “It’s oxygen. Just breath. You‘ll be okay. We‘re going to take you to the hospital.“
Unable to talk, Cheyenne shook her head. She reached out and found fur. Aries licked her hand and laid across her stomach.
“No. You have to go.”
Aries growled, exposing his teeth. The hair raised on the back of his neck.
“Aries. Come.” April reached for him.
He snapped, finding her forearm. She screamed. Jane pulled her back and wrapping her arm in a towel to stop the already dripping blood.
“Aries!” Lilith scolded. Just as quickly, her voice softened. “Aries. We just want to help your mommy. She is very sick. If you don’t let us help her, she will go to Mercury. “
Aries growled, refusing to give ground.
“Aries. Please. You know me.” Jane knelt before him. “I love Cheyenne. Please let us help her. I can’t be without her either.”
“No. Wait.” Gripping her injury with her free hand, April suddenly shook her head, her eyes blinking rapidly. “If she leaves the farm, they’ll find her.”
“Who--” Lilith answered her own question. “Celeste and Dominic?”
“No matter what happens. We all have to stay here.”
“I can’t.” Lady Margretta knelt beside April and examined the bite. “I’m on call. Two women are due in the next couple of days. If I get a call. I go. April, you’re going to need stitches. Not many. Two or three.”
“Oh, great!”
“I can do them.”
Jane looked up at April. “You can’t be serious. Lady Bridget, Shelly and I are due to meet some people from out west this afternoon.”
April’s voice took on a deadly serious tone. “If you leave the farm, I get the feeling you’ll die.”
“Okay. Okay.” Lilith injected. “Everybody stays. What can we do for Cheyenne? We can’t just leave her on the floor!”
Lady Margretta snorted. “Like at this moment we have a choice?”
“Yes. We do.” Lilith walked around and stood in Aries direct line of sight. “Aries. Help me get your mommy back to bed. She’s staying. And so are all of us. We need you to protect her. Understand?”
After a moment, he relaxed his guard and shifted his weight off Cheyenne. Slowly Lilith moved forward and lifted Cheyenne back into bed, covering her back with the sheet. Immediately, Aries jumped up and laid down beside her.
“Good boy.” Lilith reached out and stroked his head.
He licked her palm and stretched out beside Cheyenne.
Feeling the warmth of his body next to her, Cheyenne relaxed. The pain in her chest ease but did not go away. Breathing became easier and deeper.
Lady Margretta brought a glass of water and a couple of gel capsules to her. “Take these. It’s valerian root. You need to sleep.”
Cheyenne pushed her hand away. “What about Mercury?” Her voice was a mere whisper.
Lady Margretta looked to the other.
“I’ll make sure his body is taken to the vet. I know you want his ashes back.” Jane stepped closer to the bed. “Before he leaves, I cut some of hair for you.”
“I want to see him.”
Jane shook her head. “You don’t have the strength to come down. I promise you. He was peaceful. There wasn’t any pain for him. “
Lilith sat down beside her and brushed her hair from her cheek. “Really sweetie. I walked into the kitchen and started tea. I didn’t even know he was gone until he didn’t get up with Aries. It was too late to call the vet.”
Cheyenne nodded and accepted the pills. Until the water touched her lips, she hadn’t realized how thirsty she was. She drained the glass.
Lady Margretta took the empty glass from her. “More?”
“Yes. Please.”
Moments later, the glass was refilled and returned to her. Before she finished drinking it, the herb had already begun to take effect. Her body relaxed into the mattress and her eyelids closed. The air mask shifted back into position. She drifted into the nothingness of the chemically induced sleep. There were no dreams. No emotional confusion. Only the emptiness to surround her and keep her company.
Briefly, she would rise to consciousness. Once a young woman, she didn’t know, stood beside the bed. Her hair was long and dark; she smile was full of love. One of her hands rested above Cheyenne’s heart; the other on her solar plexus. Her skin beneath her hands felt hot.
“Shush,” The young woman whispered. “I’m Shelly. Jane’s friend. Let me help restore you. It’s a combination of Reiki techniques. Don’t worry. You can’t drain me. It’s the universe’s energy. I’m just directing it where you need it.”
Cheyenne shifted in the bed. The air mask had been removed. Aries still lay beside her. She tried to thank her, but sleep once again drew her downward. Time was irrelevant. How long she slept, she didn’t know. In the distance, she heard the phone ring several times. She’d surface briefly, only to dive back under when it was answered. It seemed the phone was more active than normal. It was an important piece of information. Cheyenne wondered why...the thought was lost before it was completed.
The phone rang again, only this time she came fully to the surface. The last shadows of twilight stretched out across the bed. Within a few moments, they would fade into the darkness of night. Aries no longer lay beside her. For an instant, she panicked, only to have her fears relieved with his familiar barking outside in the yard. Shelly giggled and called his name. Happily barking he answered. Cheyenne recognized the sounds of play; it brought a sad smile to her lips. She was grateful for Aries strength, yet sad that Mercury had gone beyond. It was all different. Nothing would ever be the same. There was emptiness in her heart where Mercury had lived. She remembered telling someone once that the emptiness would only remain as long as you mourned what you lost, instead of being grateful for what you had. They were foolish and cruel words, she thought; what was I thinking?
It wasn’t you. Came the immediate answer. It was me speaking though you to another child of light who needed comfort. The voice was the one she heard when her hands touched the earth and when she asked for healing advice. So now I say to you. Cheyenne, child of my heart, you have lost nothing. The love and joy you shared remains within you. As always, his spirit will never be far from you or you from him. His lessons were learned and it was time for him to move to his next task. If in hadn’t been now, it would have been soon. I will bring others to you who will need your love and wisdom. Do not let the pain you feel now deprive you and other of the bounty of love in your heart.
“Spirit Mother.” Cheyenne reached with her spirit. “I am grateful, yet--”
I know child. No other words were said, yet the meaning was so clear. No matter what she felt, the endless supply of unconditional love would continue to flow to her and through her.
She sighed and tossed off the blankets. The cool air awakened her further. Stretching, she sat up. The room spun once, but immediately settled. Her feet touched the floor; it was still slightly warm from the sun. Stumbling and weaving, she made her way to the bathroom. Standing and washing her hands, she got a look at herself in the mirror. The sight shocked her. Her hair was damp with sweat. The dark circles made it look like she had two black eyes, which was made to look more extreme by the paleness of her skin. Her mouth had a pasty taste. Without thinking, she reached for her toothbrush and paste. Quickly brushing, she turned on the shower, letting it run until steam seeped through the slightly open door. Quickly stripping, she stepped into the hot stream and closed the door. The water massaged her; it felt good. The steam filled the shower stall. She breathed it is as deeply as her sore chest would allow. She was no longer in pain, but the prolonged fight to breathe had left a dull ache behind. Shaking her head, she forced herself to think of other things. She couldn’t get stuck.
Reaching for the shampoo, she quickly lathered. Pain shot through her scalp and face as the soap seeped into her cuts. For an instant, anger flared; how could she have misjudged Celeste so much, for so long? Stepping back, she rinsed and rubbed conditioner in the short strands. She wasn’t sure who she was angrier with Celeste or herself. Picking up the soap, she lathered the sponge and gently washed herself. The texture of the natural sponge stimulated her senses, but it also irritated all the tiny cuts on her face and upper body. She focused on the pain, forcing it to awaken her endorphins. Breathing deep, she let the pain flow out of her with the water running down her body. She began feel more like herself. She slowly rinsed and turned off the water. Her skin tingled. Her stomach growled. It was time to get back to business. She opened the shower door and stumble on her way out. Rubbing her big toe, she smiling at herself, thinking so much for declaration of strength. Quickly she dried and wrapped her hair in a towel. At least her hair no long hung out and dripped, she consoled herself. She dressed and slowly walked downstairs. Hearing voices in the kitchen, she followed them. She turned the corner, but stopped out of sight. She didn’t know why.
Jane and April sat at the table. Lilith leaned against the sink. A woman she didn’t know paced between them; her hands moved as she talked. The voices were too low to understand their words, yet there was definite tension between them. The phone rang; Jane jumped up and answered before the second ring.
“No.” Her voice rose in tone and pitch. “She isn’t here. Did you try Rachael’s? She likes to hide there.”
Lisa? Something was wrong. Cheyenne stepped into full view. “What’s wrong with Lisa?”
Startled, Jane nearly dropped the phone. “She’s missing.”
April stood. “You should be in bed.”
“I’ve slept long enough. How long has she been missing?”
The voice on the other end, yelled for Jane. She returned her attention to the person at the other end. “Yes. She just came downstairs...I’ll tell her.... Yes. We’ll look around.... I will. You call too. Right. Bye.” She hung up the receiver. “That was Carmen. They still can’t find her. She went off with Melanie late this morning. No one has seen her since. I told Carmen, we’d look around the farm again.”
“Ok.” Lilith pushed off from counter. “Everybody but you.” She pointed at Cheyenne. “You maybe vertical and coherent, but you still look like death warmed over.”
“Good. I’d hate to feel this bad and no one notice. I’m hungry. What’s to eat that is fast and not eggs or pancakes?” Turning her attention to the new comer, Cheyenne held out her hand. “Hi. I’m Cheyenne. Who are you?”
Smiling and clicking her tongue on her teeth, Bridget accepted her hand. “Bridget. We met earlier but you probably don’t remember. Shelly and I took turns working on you.”
“I vaguely remember Shelly.”
Bridget nodded. “She said you chatted briefly. She’s outside with Aries. He’s a good dog. He only left your side, when he really had to go.”
Cheyenne nodded. “Where’s Mercury’s body?”
“At the vet.” Bridget continued. “Shelly and I took him. We also did some shopping--.”
“Why are you here?” Cheyenne cut her off.
“Cheyenne?” Jane intervened. “She came with me.”
“No.” Lady Bridget motioned for her to be silent. “I understand.” She turned back to Cheyenne. “I am here because you inherited a problem that we didn’t take care of when we had the chance.” She shifted her weight from one foot to another. “Shelly and I are here to help you take care of the problem you shouldn’t have had.”
Cheyenne licked her lips and met her gaze. “Our problem isn’t all your responsibility. We had a problem,” she glanced at Jane, “we just didn’t know it.”
Jane slowly nodded. “Only you saw it, but no one wanted to believe you.”
Cheyenne realized she had a choice; she could dwell on all their mistakes, including her own, or she could forgive them both and not piddle their energy away on guilt. She already knew Mercury still loved her; he did not hold her responsible. The Goddess didn’t. Why should she? And if she wasn’t, then neither was Jane. She cleared her throat. “Jane, neither you nor I caused Mercury to die. It wasn’t our fault. I don’t blame you and neither does he.”
Blinking rapidly tears filled Jane’s eyes, quickly over-flowing on to her cheeks. “I thought you would hate me.”
Slowly Cheyenne shook her head.
“You’d have every reason to.”
“No. If I hated you. I would have to hate myself.”
“Why? You tried to stop them.”
“But I didn’t do enough.”
“Because I stopped you.”
“No!” Cheyenne snapped. “Listen. I am the sole owner of the farm. All the decisions were ultimately mine. I chose to listen and believe her as long as I did. From the very beginning, I had bad feelings about him. But I didn’t listen to them. If only--”
“If only,” Lady Bridget cut it. “If, would have, should have...could have. If we get stuck second guessing--20-20 hindsight then we will make the same mistakes.”
“Ok.” April injected. “We need to focus on the problems at hand. Which is finding the little girl, feeding you,” she pointed at Cheyenne, “and preparing for whatever they are going to pull next. Cause you know they aren’t done.”
“Agreed.” Lilith picked up the thought. “I’ll send Aries back in to guard the walking wounded. April could you stay as well, you qualify. You’re also the best cook. Feed the woman while the rest of us will have a look about the farm.”
April encircle the bandaged part of her arm with her other hand. “What makes you think they’ll come here?”
“Intuition. Paranoia.”
“And tonight is full moon.” Bridget planned her hands on her hips. “He was always more active for the three days--one before, the night of and the day after.” She quickly added. “This time we have the advantage. Actually several. He doesn’t know Shelly and I are here. Plus,” she smiled, “we brought more friends.”
“Enlighten us.” April opened the refrigerator and pulled out the package of hamburger.
“No!” Jane cut in. “We don’t know for sure they’re here or when they’ll be here. As a matter of fact, they may not come at all.”
“Jane?” Bridget’s eyebrow rose. “Do you know something I don’t?”
Her head tilting slightly, Jane focused on the brown eyes. “I got a phone call while you were looking at the farm. Things changed.”
They had a connection. Cheyenne felt it. For some reason, they were holding something back.
“Ok. We’ll pair up in teams.” Lady Bridget dropped the topic. “Lilith and Shelly. Jane and me. That way each team knows what we’re looking for.”
“I only saw her once.” Lilith contradicted.
“More than me or Shelly.” Bridget clapped her hands together. “Head’em up and move’em out.”
Without waiting, Jane headed for the door, closely followed by Bridget. Lilith shrugged and followed. She opened the door and Aries came in; she scratched his head on the way out.
“Aries. Come to momma.” Cheyenne sat at the table and patted her lap. He crossed the room and sat in front of her. Scratching his ears, she suddenly felt safe. She looked up and smiled at April. “So what are you going to make?”
April’s attention was focused on the closed door. She seemed different. Her appearance hadn’t changed, yet there was something about her that had been altered.
“April?”
Slowly her head turned to look at Cheyenne. There was something about her eyes. The bright light of her spirit seemed dimmer than before.
Suddenly Cheyenne felt awkward. They had known each other only a short time and now the woman before seemed like a complete stranger. Instinctively she pulled Aries closer. “If you look in the freezer,” she pointed to the pantry, “there are some bags of goulash. We always made extra and froze it in individual portions. They make good, quick meals.” Her eyes made her uncomfortable, but she dare not look away. “You just put them in a pan with a little water and put a cover on it. The steam...” Suddenly she ran out of things to say.
Blinking rapidly, April open and closed her fist. Breathing in sharply she stood up. “I need to get some fresh air. I’ll be right back.” Without waiting for a reply, she ran out the back door, allowing it to slam shut behind her.
Aries licked her hand and whined.
“It’s okay.” She said it, but Cheyenne didn’t believe it. For a moment, she walked the closed door; part of her wanted to lock it. It wasn’t logical but it was the way she felt. She had learned to trust her feelings. Slowly she stood and walked to the door.
April paced in the spotlight in the middle of the backyard, angrily talking to herself. Her one hand alternated between massaging and scratching at her shoulder. She looked up; their eyes met. There were stress lines around them that hadn’t been there moments before. “I can’t stay.” She yelled.
“Why?” Cheyenne asked, but still reached for the door lock and turned it.
“I just can’t”
Lilith stepped out of the tack room. She was barely visible in the rapidly growing darkness. “What’s going on?”
April spun around. “I have to go.”
“Why!” Lilith demanded, marching across the distance between them. But she stopped short when she was close enough to see April’s eyes. “What happened? Your eyes?” She reached out to touch her.
April stepped backward out of Lilith reach. “I don’t feel alone. You were talking about the girl and I felt something ugly touch my shoulder. I couldn‘t make it go away. I came inside me. I could see her. I don‘t know her but I knew it was her. They have her. She is so afraid.”
“Do you know where she is?
“I can see it.”
“Can you describe it?”
April nodded.
“Shelly!” Lilith yelled. “Shelly!”
The young woman appeared in the coral doorway. “What? Did you find her?”
“Maybe. Get Jane and your mother!”
“Will do!” Shelly ran into the darkness toward the storage sheds.
“It’s so hard.” April began to tremble. “It’s so strong.” She looked toward Cheyenne. “I had to leave. It wanted me to hurt you.”
The threesome ran across the lawn and joined them the circles of light.
“We have a problem.” Lilith began quickly.
“An understatement.” April folded her arms across her chest, holding herself close.
“He’s touched you!” Bridget cut in. “And his darkness got in. I can see it.”
“I have control now.” Tears welled up in April’s eyes. “I don’t know for how long.”
“They have the child.” Lilith continued. “She can see where.”
“Celeste and Dominic? Why do they want her?” Jane stepped closer to April.
April again retreated. “They need her.” Her teeth chattered. She dug her nails into her upper arms. “It’s getting hard. They are gathering their energy.” She spasmed and dropped to her knees. “He lost something that bound him to a blood oath. They are going to replace it.” Sweat ran down her cheeks mixing with her tears. “It is a sacrificial knife.”
“Lisa!” Jane shouted. “He wouldn’t. She’s his niece!”
“Not any more.”
“Where are they?” Lilith cut in. “Tell us!”
“It’s near a high energy source. Not a main lay line, but the junction of two smaller ones.”
“There are several.” Cheyenne contributed from the house, still unwilling to join the circle outside. “There is a quarry, about twenty miles north of here. It was abandoned in the sixties when the water filled it faster than it could be pumped out. There’s also a valley about five miles southwest. There are several ground springs, which combine to feed into the Manistee River. There is a small island where they meet. The island is a safe haven. It’s been said land bridge rises up to give safe passage to those who have a pure heart.”
“And the spirit of the river will reach out and drag the dark heart down into the mud.” Jane interjected. “I remember hearing the story. It’s was part of an Ottawa burial ground, but now its part of Leonard farm. “
“There is another place. The last acres of old growth trees. In the center, there is a very powerful natural circle. You are either welcomed or the forest chase you away.“ Cheyenne continued. “It’s here.”
“That’s how Cheyenne and I met.” Lilith piped in. “I was driving through town and it called to me.”
“But it refused Celeste and me.” Jane stated bitterly. “After two attempts, I gave up. Celeste kept trying until a tree nearly dropped on her. “
“It was something she resented me for. “ Cheyenne added.
“Did she ever make it to the inner circle?” Bridget asked.
Jane and Cheyenne looked to each other. They shook their heads.
“They will go there.” April’s voice quivered. “But not now. I see an old house. It was blue once but now the paint has flaked away. There are two sheds.” Her body shook. “One was small. No paint. The larger was painted to match the house. But not good. It’s also faded.” Her hands dropped from her chest to the ground. “There is a windmill. It’s rusted. There were three field planted. The corn died.” She gasped for breath.
“I know where that it!” Jane shouted. “It’s the Leonard Farm.”
“I can’t stop them.” April collapsed onto the ground. Her fingers dug through the grass into the dirt beneath. Her voice became a low unintelligible growl. Her back arched and she fell unconsciously to the ground.
“Don’t touch her!” Lady Bridget screamed. “She’ll infect you!”
“We have to help her!” Lilith snapped back, reaching for April.
“No!” Bridget shoved her back. “There‘s nothing we can do. It’s up to her. She’ll fight and live or she lose and die. But it’s up to her. If you touch her, they’ll do the same to you, through her.” She spun her around so their eyes met. “As long as she fights, they can’t take over. But if they drain your life force through her, you both will die.”
“What about Lisa?” Jane snapped. “We have to save her!”
“Yes, Mother please.” Shelly stepped back into the light.
Slowly nodding, Bridget released Lilith. “You and I will get the others.”
“You’ll never find the farm.” Jane stepped between them. “You don’t know the area. The area is difficult to find.”
Cheyenne opened the door and stepped out. “Jane, you can’t leave.”
“She right!” Lilith agreed.
“How much time does Lisa have?” Jane countered. “Could any of you sleep well knowing we didn’t do anything? I’ll call Sammy and take you to the farm. She’ll meet us there.”
“I’ll---”
“Do nothing!” Jane cut Cheyenne off. “You can barely stand.” She pointed at Lilith. “You have to protect Cheyenne,” she hesitated, “and make sure they don’t do any damage through her.” She pointed at April. “We’ll meet up with Sammy and the others.”
“What others?” Lilith demanded.




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Free Wiccan Protection Ritual


The Egg Ritual is protection ritual that is designed to remove a person from your life and to keep him/her from returning.



The Egg Ritual
Eggs are considered symbols of the soul and are used in many rituals.

What you will need:
Eight eggs or an egg for each of the phase you intend to use.
A frying pan
A shovel
A place outside to bury
A symbol or picture of the person

Place the frying pan on the stove and with the picture behind it. Concentrate on the image or symbol.
Break an egg before each line and pour the egg in the frying pan:
“I shatter your ability to lie to me or about me.”
“I shatter your ability to manipulate me.”
“I shatter your ability to control me.”
“I shatter your ability to physically harm me.”
“I shatter your ability to frighten me.”
“I shatter your ability to find me.”
“I shatter your ability to know or understand me.”
“I shatter your ability to talk to me or about me.”

(You may add more but do not cross the line and start controlling what they may think about. You are just removing yourself from the situation.)


For more protection rituals and many others including love, prosperity, and justice, please buy my ebook of shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is only available through my site at www.theresachaze.com.

After you have cracked all the eggs, scramble them and turn on the burner and say.

“As this these eggs become one, so the magic has begun. As they cook, the universal energy charges the message.”

When they are fully cooked, put the symbol or picture on top and say.

“With the will and justice of the universe (the person’s name) is forever banished from my life.”

Take the mixture, outside and dig a hole, dump the mixture in the hole, saying:
“I ground whatever (the person’s name) sends to me into the earth”
Bury the hole and walk away.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Her Godmother: A Magical Adventure for Children: Book Trailer



To watch the trailer click here


Allie begins her magical adventure as her mother takes her to her Godmother while she works out the issues in her life. Surrounded by woods, Allie finds new adventures and a path to healing as Aunt Bridget shows her how to find the magic not only in herself but miracles in the world around her. Harry Potter was taken to a world separate from the mundane; Allie learns that magic is not only real, but is part of every day life.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Alternative Storylines for Days of Our Lives Part 20

INT: EJ'S OFFICE: MORNING
EJ is making notes on files. In the corner, several empty boxes are stacked. There is a knock at the door.

EJ
(Sadly)
Come in Mickey.

The door opens and Ava walks in. She is hiding something behind her back.

AVA
I'm not Mickey. Can I still come in?

EJ
(Standing)
Of course you can.

AVA
(Please with herself)
I bought you something.

EJ
(Sadly)
You did

AVA
Aha.

EJ
Well? Are you going to going to give it to me? Or you just going stand there, teasing me with it?

AVA
(Whipping an Indiana Jones hat from behind her)
Ta-Ta!

EJ
A hat. You got me a hat?

AVA
(Walking around his desk)
Not just any hat. Don't you recognize it?

EJ
The way today is going, I need a hat. One with a big brim.

AVA
(Putting it on his head)
It's just like Indiana Jones.

EJ
(Trying to take it off)
Don't do that. It's not true.

AVA
(Pulling his hand away from the brim)
It is to me. What's the matter?

EJ
Samantha went into Mickey's office this morning. She took the annulment papers to the courthouse herself.

AVA
So you'll be free. Is there something else?

EJ
I faked being deported to give myself more time.

AVA
You were born in Salem. Didn't anybody ask?

EJ
I can be very convincing.

AVA
Or they're really dumb.
(Pointing at the door)
Didn't Mickey ask questions? Isn’t he suppose to be a great lawyer?

EJ
I deliberately kept Mickey out of it. He was so busy with Lucas that he didn't ask.

AVA
Why would you do it?

EJ
I wanted more time to make Samantha fall in love with me.

AVA
Did it work?

EJ
I thought so. Lucas came back and it was like he never left.

AVA
EJ, I wish I could say I'm sorry. But I'm not.

EJ
She's in Mickey's office right now. No doubt telling him in great detail how I tried to scam her. He is probably going to fire me.

AVA
Is what you did illegal?

EJ
Illegal? No. Unethical, most definitely. If Mickey is nothing else, he is ethical. I can get another job. But I can't loose my son.

AVA
EJ is there something else?

EJ stands up and walks away from her.
CUT


INT: MICKEY'S OFFICE: MORNING.
Mickey is behind his desk. Angry and frustrated, Sami is sitting in front of it.
MICKEY
He lied about everything?

SAMI
I couldn't believe it when she told me.

MICKEY
Sami, I'm sorry.

SAMI
What do you have to be sorry about? You were busy helping Lucas. I am so grateful to you for that..

MICKEY
I should have double checked.

SAMI
It doesn't matter. It's over.

MICKEY
I'll follow up on the annulment.

SAMI
Good. I don't want the same problem as last time. Mickey, what can I do about custody of Johnny? EJ is a good father.

MICKEY
You don't trust him.

SAMI
Stephano planned to run off with him. I'm not sure what EJ will do out of spite.

MICKEY
Is he still living in the mansion?

SAMI
He is moving out. He said he was going to take Johnny with him. I can't let that happen.

MICKEY
I'll take care of it.

SAMI
He thinks you’re going to fire him.

MICKEY
Legally I don't have just cause.

SAMI
I wasn't going to ask you too.

MICKEY
Really? Good.

SAMI
I can understand why you would think I would. I do have a reputation.

MICKEY
What do you want?

SAMI
I want Johnny to know his father. I won't do to them what I did to Will and Lucas. It just hurt everyone. But I don't want EJ in my life. Is there a way to make that happen?

MICKEY
(Standing)
Let's go talk to him.

SAMI
Okay.
CUT


INT: RECEPTION ROOM OFF HORTON LAW OFFICES: MORNING
Mickey and Sami walk out his office. They are going toward EJ's. Lexie walks in. She is startle to see Sami. The receptionist desk is empty as is the reception area.

LEXIE
Mickey.

Mickey and Sami stop.

Sami. Mickey, I need to talk to you.

SAMI
Hi Lexie.

MICKEY
I'm in the middle of something.

LEXIE
(Looking at Sami)
It has to do with the hospital. It's important. I need to know the hospital's liability if a test was deliberately falsified.

SAMI
Lexie, what are you saying?

LEXIE
I'm saying I need to talk to Mickey.

MICKEY
It's it important?

LEXIE
Extremely.

MICKEY
Sami, do you mind?

SAMI
Lexie, does it have to do with what I asked you?

LEXIE
Yes.

SAMI
Was there something wrong with the test?

LEXIE
Not with these. I walked them through myself.

MICKEY
What's going on? What tests?

LEXIE
Not only did I double check the results, but also I ask Abe to send them blindly to the FBI lab.

MICKEY
What kind of tests?

SAMI
We were going in to take to EJ about visitation.

MICKEY
Paternity test? That issue was resolved.

SAMI
After the immigration, I wasn’t sure of anything.

LEXIE
She asked me to run another set of paternity test in secret.

SAMI
I just wanted to make sure.

MICKEY
Let’s go into my office.

SAMI
No. I need to know the truth.

LEXIE
(Uncomfortable)
I’d like to talk to Mickey first.

SAMI
Lexie, please.

EJ opens his office door and steps out. Ava stands beside him.

EJ
What’s going on? Lexie, what are you doing her?

SAMI
I asked her to do set another paternity tests.

EJ
Why? We all know Johnny and my DNA matched.

LEXIE
I went back and checked. They were too much of a match. An exact match in fact.

MICKEY
What are you saying?

LEXIE
The last test was falsified. The tech matched EJ’s DNA to itself. Which is probably why they didn’t try to make Ali his daughter.

EJ
That’s not true. Samantha must have altered the test or the record. She’s done it before.

SAMI
I didn’t.

LEXIE
She couldn’t.

EJ
I’m your brother. Why are you protecting her?

MICKEY
Lexie protect Sami--are you kidding?

EJ
It’s a lie. I’m Johnny’s father. There is nothing you can do to change that.

LEXIE
The test didn’t lie. Not this time. Lucas is the father of both twins. I’m sorry Sami. I’ll understand if you would like to take action.

SAMI
Legal action? You just freed me and my family from the DiMeras.

EJ
I’m not going to let you take my son from me.

LEXIE
He’s not your son. I don’t know if you did it. Father did it. Or if the two of you cooked this up. But it’s over!

EJ
You’re my sister.

LEXIE
Half sister. EJ, you aren’t going to have to decide what kind of life you want for yourself.

EJ
I want my wife and my son.

SAMI
We are neither. EJ, I hate you. I hate your father. The two of you are just alike. Evil to the core.

EJ turns his back on them, trying to control his emotions.

AVA
Wait a minute.

SAMI
This has nothing to do with you.

AVA
(Stepping in front of EJ and pushing Sami back)
If it involves EJ. It involves me. He is a good man.

SAMI
You’re crazy!

AVA
Crazy enough to punch your lights out if you don’t shut up.

SAMI
You don’t know what he did to me.

AVA
EJ told me everything.

LEXI
How could you defend him?

AVA
He was trying to please his father. It’s something I understand.

SAMI
You just met him!

AVA
I’ve know him my whole life! So don’t even think about telling me what kind of man he is. I know he better than any of you. What you have done is despicable. How could you have hurt him this way? He just wanted you to love him!

SAMI
I never loved him. I love Lucas. EJ forced his way into my life. He hurt me--

EJ
Mickey, you and Maggie have children. She is their blood parent. You aren’t. Do you love them any less?

MICKEY
They are our children. Maggie’s and mine. The rest doesn’t matter.

EJ
So you know how I feel. I love Johnny and Ali. They are the only pure things in my life. I build my world around them. They are the reason I get up in the morning. The reason I’m trying to be a better man. Sami, you know I was a good father.

SAMI
It was all a lie.

EJ
I beg you. Don’t do this.

LEXIE
You love them so much you hurt their mother?

EJ
Samantha forgave me for that.

SAMI
Only because I thought you were Johnny’s father.

AVA
(To EJ)
Let’s get out of here.

EJ
No. I want Samantha to admit I was a good father.

SAMI
A good father? EJ--

MICKEY
You’re done here.

AVA
EJ doesn’t need you--any of you!

EJ
You can’t fire me. You don’t have grounds. I’ll sue.

MICKEY
Good. I look forward to it. All this will come out. You’ll loose your license on ethics violations.

AVA
(To EJ)
Come with me.
(Pulling him toward the door)
There is nothing we can do now. We’ll fix it later. EJ, look at me. Let me take care of you.
(EJ nods)
Come with me.
(To the others)
You’re going to be sorry.

SAMI
I’m sorry I even met him.

AVA
You don’t even know the definition of sorry yet. Any of you.
(To Lexie)
Sister? You took his family from him.

LEXIE
They’re not his family.

AVA
How would you feel if you lost your family?

MICKEY
Ava, threats don’t help.

AVA
Promises. And I always keep my promises.

Ava leads EJ from the offices.

LEXIE
Why do I have the feeling that she is the worse of the two?

SAMI
Lucas is Johnny’s father. I can’t believe it. Lexie are you sure. There are no mistakes?

LEXIE
Positive. For sure. The end.


MICKEY
(Looking toward the door)
I don’t think it’s the end. Far from it.

LEXIE
Do you think she’ll make good on the threats?

MICKEY
You can make book on it that she’ll try.
CUT

EXT: SECULUDED PART OF THE PARK: MORNING
EJ stands in the shadows watching the children play. Tears streaming down his cheeks. Ava stands near him.

EJ
That’s what I wanted. A family and home.

AVA
You can still have that.

EJ
I had it. It was mine. Why couldn’t she just love me? I gave up everything for her. You don’t know what it was like seeing my son look up at me with love. Total unconditional love. Trust. I was clean again. It was a fresh start.

(Taking off the hat, he tries to throw it. Eva catches it)

I betrayed my father. When he needed me, I turned my back on him. I did it all to be the kind of man Johnny could be proud of. I wanted to give him the kind of life, that I wanted. Two parents. A home. A supportive family. Did you know I barely remember my mother?

AVA
I remember.

EJ
The only I remember about her is crying for her. She never came. Father did. He would lift me up in his arms and point out the world--that belongs you, he said. I give it to you my son. My son. I loved how he said it. So full of pride. I thought he owned the world. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. I wanted to be like him. To have people look at me with that kind of respect. Even when he sent me to university and we lost each other. Even if I didn’t like it at the time. I knew there had to be a good reason. He gave me whatever I wanted. No questions. I’d ask. It would magically appear. Then he told me what the Brady’s did to our family. How we could loose everything if the truth came out. He asked me to help him. My father finally needed something from me--an heir with a Brady woman to save the family. That’s all. I was simple. The one thing he asked of me and I failed him. I’ve nothing left. No family. No home. No job. My father disowned me.

AVA
You have me. You will always have me.

EJ
Why?

AVA
You are still my hero. You always have been. You went looking for me after I found my mother. You took the razor blade and gave me a reason to live. Ever since, it was you and me against the world. Even when the separated us, you were in me, keeping me strong. I just had to look inside myself to find you. Suddenly I had the strength. Let me do that for you. Together we can do anything. The world thought Stephano was a great and powerful man. We’ll show them the true definition. Stephano will have no choice but to respect you. As for them. They haven’t seen anything yet.

(Putting the hat back on his head)

It’s still you and me. For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, getting even with all others until we are paid all our due.

EJ
Forsaking all others.

AVA
No matter what the cost.

They passionately kiss.
CUT

EXT: SALEM COURTYARD ACROSS FROM THE BRADY PUB: MID DAY
Lexie is walking toward the Pub to meet Abe for lunch. From above, the perspective, watches her. Suddenly, Lexie stops and nervously looks around. Across the courtyard are the steps leading to Collin and Lauren store. The perspective zooms in on her. The cross glows. Lexie is shoved but not harmed. The perspective encircles her. Confused, Lexie looks for it. Collin appears at the top of the stairs.

COLLIN
Lexie. Quick. Come here.

The perspective refocuses its attention on Collin. Lexie sees him and runs toward him. The perspective closely follows. Lexie and Collin run down the stairs and through the open door. They dash in. Lauren slams the door shut. She holds a lit St Michael’s candle in front of her. The window cracks. The door rattles.
CUT







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