Four Star Reviews For Magical Fantasy Novels

Reviews by Robert Medak
http://stormywriter.com/default.aspx

To read excerpts or other works go to www.theresachaze.com


Awakening the Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
By Theresa Chase

Who is Rachael, and why has she come to Coyote Springs? In a town of bigotry and religious zealots, Rachael is opening the Dragon’s Den bookstore. Why at this particular time has Rachael and her cats come to Coyote Springs? What of the people at “The Farm”, as the town’s people refer to it, is there something that Rachael must do? She has more questions than answers as she begins life in Coyote Springs.

Out of town, lies a cottage that the towns’ folk want burned down, why do they want it destroyed? The owner and rather powerful person in town, Kevin, will not allow its destruction. He doesn’t want it destroyed and doesn’t want to rent it out, why? People are afraid to enter the cottage. When they enter, strange things begin to happen to them physically. No one can stay in the cottage for any length of time. Kevin even has trouble lasting in the cottage for more than a few minutes before he becomes ill.

Along comes Rachael, she talks to the previous owner who is dead and is welcomed into the cottage. Is this some supernatural ability, or is there really something within Rachael growing stronger, why Rachael, and not someone from Coyote Springs? Is there a mission for her to complete that Rachael is unaware of as to why her mentor sent her to this particular town?

Cheyenne from the farm is someone that the House of Christ is against along with Rachael Franklin. Is there a real reason or is just that the members of the House of Christ don’t like someone who is different and will not conform to what the reverend and followers believe people should think and believe.

This is only a small glimmer into the story in Awakening the Dragon. You will have to read the book to find out the intricacies of the story.

This reviewer awards a four star rating to Awakening the Dragon.

Dragon Domain: Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
By Theresa Chaze

In this book, Cheyenne and Celeste have a parting of the ways all because of the one known as Dominic. Celeste and Dominic steal from Cheyenne. More happens to darken the mood at the farm. Cheyenne must come up with money to pay the farm’s mortgage payments. She could lose the farm. Also in Dragon Domain are some old friends from Awakening the Dragon like Rachael Franklin, Kevin, Carmen, and others. There are also some new characters in Dragon Domain.

The new characters come to the aid of Cheyenne and those from the dark side. The House of Christ and its supporters are back again with their bigotry and narrow-mindedness. There are some truths that will come out, that are not been spoken of, and a few twists that no one might expect. While Dragon Domain is the continuing saga in the trilogy, it also has some new information and characters that add to the depth of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. Waiting for the third book isn’t easy. A recommendation is to find all three and read them in sequence.

What happens in the forest when the new characters end up not showing up when expected? Will things turn out as Cheyenne hopes, or will the dark one prevail? This is a story of light and dark, good and evil from a nonreligious point of view. It is from a belief system within the participants involved in the struggle and their determination and inner strengths.

The House of Christ is of little use, and is more of a hinderance, by not allowing things to run their course. There are more things that we are unaware of than things that we do understand in the world around us. Dragon Domain explores some of them. It is up to the reader to believe or not. The book is fiction, but is it really?

This reviewer awards a four star rating to Dragon Domain.

I do get to review the third book, don't I?

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light: Modern Day Book of Shadows

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light--Magical Wisdom for the Modern World

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is a 105-page ebook containing Wiccan wisdom and rituals for the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. It contains rituals for the individual as well as for groups.

Although Wicca is a modern term, it is based on traditions that reach back to when humans toiled the soil and hunted the forests for food. It is a wisdom, which helps Wiccan and Pagans work in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family or tribe. Most of us today do not grow our own food or hunt in the forest; instead, we work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn't change the essential nature of our goals, which is to provide for our families and ourselves. By working in harmony with the nature's energy, which surrounds us, we can bring balance, peace and prosperity into our lives. This doesn't mean our lives will be without challenges, but it does mean with faith in ourselves and the Divine we can weather our challenges to reach our best and highest good.

Wiccans also respect other religions. We do not alter their rituals or prayers as an anti-religion. I have heard of covens, which as part of their initiation require the initiate to say the Lord's Prayer backward. Wicca is based on spiritual traditions, which began long before Christ walked upon the Earth. We are a positive, loving force in the universe. Only by respecting all paths can we honor ourselves, each other and the Divine life force, no matter what is called, which is in all of us.

In my Book of Shadows called, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, I share some of what I have learned. It is a positive healing magic, meant to help you on your path. If you are looking for rituals to control or harm another, you are looking in the wrong book. Anytime you try to control another's destiny, it is black magic. Which brings me to the Wiccan Creed "do what ye will, but harm none." and the "rule of three". The only exception to these rules is in self-defense. Once you are no longer being attacked, you must stop; otherwise, you become the attacker and the rules apply to you. Both the creed and the rule of three have been hotly debated. Whether you call it the rule of three, karma, or what goes around comes around, your actions do have consequences for good or evil. Harm or manipulate another, no matter what your intentions, and you open yourself to the same at another's hand. However, random acts of kindness bring help and healing back to you when you need it. It is your choice.

There are two categories of protection. The first is a response to an attack that has already begun. Rituals, which reflect back or bind the other's negative energy, fall into this section. The second set of rituals are preventative measures, which include cleansing, shields, and reinforcing your own energy. Protection rituals or spells, which reflect back or bind, are specifically for self-defense on a spiritual level. Once you are in a safe spot, you can then turn your attention to preventing further aggression. These protection rituals are solely for self-defense. To follow the attacker and to continue, reverse the roles and you become the attacker. These rituals are specifically designed for self-defense, nothing more.

More than protection, justice rituals are for situations, which are bigger than the individual is, when you want to clear your karma, or break karmic ties with another. They are the best way to release the situation to the wisdom of a higher power. However by doing so you also forfeit your control over the end results. By letting go, you allow the best and highest good to determine the outcome. There are many situations both on the personal level and on the grand scale that would benefit from setting aside the ego and allowing Goddess/God to deal with the challenge.

What would a book of Shadows be without prosperity rituals--a book of other wisdom. But if you are looking for rituals to help you win the lottery or to steal others' belongings, you need to look elsewhere. There aren't many rich witches out there who didn't become so without hard work. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen, only that is unlikely that you will win millions. Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account, but of who you are and what you have accomplished. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.

Most love rituals are in fact black magic. If you try to influence another against their will to love you, even for good reason, it is black magic and eventually you will pay. In the movie, The Craft, the one witch discovered how dangerous it can be. She forced a classmate to love her, but instead of a lover, she created a dangerous stalker. Besides wouldn't you prefer to have a love match where you were loved you for yourself instead of forcing someone to love you. How could you ever trust the love between you? Created in trickery and deceit, it could never be a strong bond. Also in doing so, you would create very bad karma and destroy any chance you and any of your true soul mates would have of connecting.

As with the protection rituals, the following are not meant to be the only path to take. If you are physically ill or injured for goodness sake, seek medical help. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Healing rituals are designed to heal from the spiritual down to the physical. Many illnesses, both on the physical and emotional level have their sources in the spiritual. By healing etheric body or the soul, the physical body is restored. There isn't a simple explanation of why illness happens--nor are there any cure all. Frequently illnesses are learning experiences, karmic balancing or the result of emotional trauma. The only way to deal with them is to find the root cause. In doing so, the lesson is learn or the trauma is understood so trapped emotions can be released. This is no guarantee that the physical ailment will just disappear, but it will aid with the healing process.

Wiccan and Paganism are multi-dimensional paths whose main purpose is to be able both live well and in harmony with the universe. You won't find them on street corners trying to convert others, nor do they actively attack others; it would be against their belief system. Instead, they chose a life's path in the pursuit of wisdom, honor and harmony. They work their jobs, care for their families, and pay their bills, while trying to make this world a little better for everyone.

"When I use the term "awesome" in reference to Theresa Chaze's new book, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, it is such an understatement that I really feel ashamed I cannot come up with a better term. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an excellent reference guide for anyone who really wants to know what Wicca is really all about. Theresa, an Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church and Wiccan Priestess, guides us through rituals, alter-building and dragon magic with such a gentle and easy tone that even those of us who don't practice Wicca can understand that it's not about evil, but about finding good in the world. It has totally changed my way of thinking. I believe that if more people would realize that Wicca is not about burning animals at the alter or casting evil spells, but concentrate on Theresa's principles that "...Wicca is a wisdom...based on living in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family...," you will see the full impact that those who practice Wicca are trying to portray. I highly recommend Out of the Shadows and Into the Light...a must read for anyone who wants to know the REAL world of Wicca." --

Dorothy Thompson, editor, The Writer's Life (www.thewriterslife.net) and editor/contributing author of Romancing the Soul (Zumaya Publications 2004)

Excerpt from Awakening The Dragon

CHAPTER THREE

Exhausted, Rachael pulled up in front of the shop. Between the arguing with secretary at the real estate office to find out what they did with her car and rushing to get it out of the impound before it closed, all she wanted to do is go home, drink tea and play with the kids. But that would have to wait until after she convinced Norman and his crew to work on the cottage next. She had a fairly good idea of what she wanted and they would be stripping the old wallpaper while she decided on the specific paint colors. They could also check for the electrical and plumbing problems everyone had been telling her about. But not if she didn't get it into gear and get out of the car. Today was the last day they'd be working on the store. Tomorrow Rachael and her new staff started stocking the shelves and setting up displays. What a ride, she thought. It's been quite a month.


Looking out the open car window, through the newly stenciled window of Dragon's Den, she felt proud and nervous. So much happened so fast. Inside she watched the carpenters and painters clean up. Several of them were on the path; two were curious. One quit the first day, calling her a heathen bitch. She thought it was a strange way for a Christian to act, but let it go.

Opening the car door, she stepped onto the curb and closed it. For the first time she noticed the long scratch along the side of the car. They couldn't stop themselves from doing damage, having it ticketed and towed wasn't enough. She'd deal with it and them tomorrow. At this moment, she simply didn't trust her temper.

She spun around on her toes and walked to the door. Before opening it, she took a deep breath to center herself. She was angry, but the people inside didn't deserve to hear about it. She brushed back her hair and opened the door, the smile already in place. "Hi, guys. Looks fabulous."

"Thanks." Was the common response as they rush to clean up and remove their tools.

"Where's Norman?"

Meredith, a petite painter, pointed toward the back room. No doubt she was rushing to pick up her kids from day-care before the rate changed to the evening billing. A divorced mother of three girls, with an ex who didn't know when it was over, was how Meredith described herself. He didn't pay child support and refused to acknowledge the divorce or restraining order against him. Meredith still occasionally had her tires slashed and on at least two occasions in the past month she came to work with visible bruises.

Walking past her, Rachael wondered what she would do in that kind of situation. Quickly she banished the question; she didn't need those particular challenges added to her life. Part of her wanted to be able to help, especially the children. She knew what it was like to grow up in a household where love equaled pain and respect was non-existent. Meredith had options, but the children didn’t. Rachael recognized the look of fear and sadness in their young eyes. She saw in the mirror ever day until she moved away to go to college. It was only then did the healing start and she found the beauty of her own soul.

She walked down the hallway, looking in the office and the classrooms. Norman was no where to be seen. He must be in the storeroom or the mediation center, she thought, continuing through the store. The storeroom was empty. She moved to the end of the hall. Knocking on the door, she waited for a response. After a moment, she heard, "come in."

Norman was sitting lotus position on the futon. His hands, supported by his knees, were in the position representing peace. His eyes were closed. He looked like Buddha only with a crew cut.

Rachael never would have thought it of him. But he looked completely comfortable in the position; this wasn’t something new to him. Waiting for him to open his eyes, she walked quietly around the room as not to disturb him. Carol had finished the murals. Each of the four walls had a different motif.

East represented spring with new growth and rainbows with storm clouds in the distance. Rachael couldn't tell if they were coming or going. The flowers were those of spring. In the center, a lilac bush was in full bloom. She wondered if Carol had known about the cottage before she had found it. Birds were building nests. In the stream, a fish jumped after an insect. It all had a sense of movement.

On the Southern wall, it was summer. The colors were more vivid, almost three-dimensional. The sky was a blue Rachael had only seen before in the sky on a hot, summer day. She was impressed. A doe with her twin fawns walked out of the lush forest onto the field. The wheat reached for the sky. Blueberries hung heavy on the bush and a bird, Rachael didn't recognize, sat on a limb posed ready to pluck a berry.

Fall was represented on the Western wall. The colors were darker; the leaves had taken on the yellows and reds. The sky had a gray cast. A flock of geese flew in formation. The harvest had been collected. Nature was preparing to sleep. Yet it felt active and alive. To look at the wholeness of it gave the impression of prosperity and good fortune.

The Northern wall was different. It represented winter, yes, but it also departed from the nature theme. The centerpiece was a castle, a steel, cold gray, but every window held a light burning, waiting to welcome the visitor from the approaching storm. A path wound up from the door she entered and crossed the floor to the drawbridge painted on the wall. It was darker than the others, yet it was the one that seemed more comforting. The motif was that of a safe home where all were welcome. The lights were on and soon the traveler would be protected within it’s walls. It was the philosophy behind the room and the store. Everyone was welcome; everyone was safe.

"Impressive isn't it."

Rachael turned to face him. "You've been holding out."

"Not even my wife knows."

"Why?"

"She'd thump me with her Bible."

"Sorry." She leaned forward against the back of a chair. "How'd you like another job? Starting tomorrow."

"Another store already?"

"A house. I found one."

Norman scratched his thick mustache and waited.

"I need the electrical, plumbing and heating checked. And some God awful wallpaper removed."

He laughed. "For you, we'll juggle. When, where, and how long do we have?"

"Start tomorrow. Four days." She hesitated.

On of his bushy eyebrows arched. "And?"

"It might be difficult. It used to belong to Kevin Mitchelson's Grandmother."

"Sarah." The word was soft, almost like a prayer.

"You don't sound surprised."

"Knowing her and you. I'm not." He uncrossed his legs and stretched. "I helped her design it. A special picked crew built."

"So the energy level won't be a problem?"

Again his eyebrow arched. "Don't worry 'bout me and mine. I know how to take care. Several of the original crew are still available. I’ll call them tonight." He chuckled. “She loved that wallpaper. It nearly blinded me every time we had tea together.

Rachael breathed a sigh of relief. “I didn’t want to spend every day at the cottage watching you work.”

His eye brow arched. “What colors do you want?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"Make it difficult to paint."

She shrugged. "It'll take you at least one day to remove the wallpaper. I'll decide by then."

"You want it done in four days." He planted his hands firmly on his hips. "Paint by three o'clock tomorrow. Got the keys?"

"Yes."

"Let's have'em." He held out his hand. "It’s been a while since I been there. I want to see what I'm getting into. We might have to start tonight."

"It's in good shape."

"That's what you said about this place. It took us a week longer than expected."

She dropped the keys into his palm. "Point."

His fingers curled around the keys, which seemed child size in proportion to his hand. "Besides there's something I need to check out."

"What?"

"The railing. They say it gave way and that's why she fell."

Rachael's curiosity was sparked. "That's not true. The railing was solid."

"I know. I put it there myself."

"Tell me about her."

He smiled. "She was a true lady. She always had a dignity, even when she was being silly. To describe her in one word--tireless. She loved the fact she had the resources to make a difference. But unlike some,” a tint of anger crept into his voice, “she could help without intruding. Sarah wanted to help others find their best and highest path without forcing her beliefs on them." He paused to enjoy a private memory, but the smile changed to a frown. "When she died,” the tone of his voice again changed, adding subtle unspoken meanings to the word died, “many of us became angry. It wasn’t time for her to cross over and we knew it.”

"We?"

"Everyone who knew and loved her." He sat in the chair next to his shoes and reached for one. "Almost everyone did."

"Except the members of the House of Christ."

Norman bolted upright. "Don't mention those bigots. I'm a Christian. They're an obscenity! They simply don‘t understand what Jesus tried to teach. The Christian faith is built on wisdom, tolerance, hope and love. People like those in the House of Christ simple don‘t get it. When they promote fear and bigotry, they corrupt the word of the Lord. The best example is the story of creation. God created Adam and Eve. It is a genetic impossibility for a single couple to populate a planet. And if you really think about it, the concept promotes incest. The tale is a parable. The true meaning is that we are all family and all Divinely created. There are no special groups, countries or beliefs In God‘s eyes we are all equally loved and cherished. When we harm each other, for whatever reason, we are actually doing harm to the God who created us all!"

Rachael was taken back by the rage in his voice. He did not leave the chair, but his tone pushed her backward.

"Sorry. Even after all these years it‘s still a sore spot for me" He continued putting on his shoes. ‘It’s just that until justice is served many of us will continue to be ethically challenged. I--and others nearly did things that….” His voice trailed off. “But then I remembered what Sarah tried to teach us.” He fumbled tying his left shoe and snapped the lace to pull out the loose bow. “I prayed for hours on hours over these past years to find an answer. All I found were wonderful memories and the smell of vanilla. It was her favorite.”

She stared at the top of his head, wondering about the man of many contradictions. He looked like an army sergeant. He meditated like a holy man. His voice had been always calm and loving, even when they debated abortion. Where did the nearly uncontrollable rage come from?

He stood and took a deep breathe. The fire still burned in his eyes, but he was able to control his anger.. "I'll go out when I leave here. Will you be here or at home?"

"Home." She didn't want to press the issue. The intensity of his fury was still close surface. She wasn’t afraid of him, yet she knew that she wasn’t to be involved. Norman had issues to work out within himself. No one could help him. After the past few moments, she didn’t think anyone would even be brave enough to try.

"I'll call you there." He turned quickly and exited.

Rachael breathed a sigh of relief. What in the Goddess's name was she doing here? She sat on the edge of the futon. Covering her eyes with the palms of her hands, she rested her elbows on her knees, trying to re-energize her own systems. This was crazy. Even in the occult world, when things weren’t always as they seem, this was beyond strange. She had asked the Goddess for simple and uncomplicated, but instead she got in a multi-dimensional, multi-personality game where everyone else knew the rules and wouldn’t share.

"Rachael?"

Betty Williams stood in the doorway. The person she needed to see. She was best described as clairvoyant, healer, and all around warm, fuzzy grandmotherly type. The latter is what she needed at the moment. "Come in."

"Are you all right?"

"Just leaping tall buildings at a single bound again. And running into the fifty-second floor."

"Again?" She walked into the room and embraced Rachael. "You promised you'd stop doing that."

"I know." With the older woman so close, Rachael realized her hair actually was red, not just a magic potion. She found that strange; red was usually a recessive trait, but not in this town. She slowly pulled away from her warmth. "Ever feel like you are playing a game where you don’t have a clue, but everyone else does?“

“You are far from clueless.”

Magical Fantasy Novels: Dark Passion and Betrayal

Magical Fantasy Novels: Dark Passion and Betrayal

Awakening the Dragon -- Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combined 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?




In Dragon Domain -- Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy -- 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?




Nict For Ure Selfe (Not for Ourselves) a paranormal suspense novelette that ties the present with the past as karma awakens an old blood feud. Alyssa attends a local Pagan festival, only become the target of the local deputy's bigotry and hatred. Unable to understand way she was singled out, she performs a ritual asking Bridget for her help. Instead of gaining wisdom, her spirit is transported back to a time before the Celtic Goddesses and Gods gave way to the Christos and when clan traditions could mean life or death.

Theresa Chaze on Aware Talk Radio

Aware Talk Radio incorporates all fields of science, from the normal to the paranormal, from the physical to the metaphysical. We seek to expand the awareness of humankind. Your Comments, Questions, and Guest Suggestions are welcome. Email us your feedback at: icpchad@fairpoint.net ... or call in live and let us know what's on your mind at: (646) 716-8138. We're LIVE 7 days a week. Are You Aware?
Taking It Up and Out

Theresa Chaze will be appearing 4/25/2009 9:00 PM eastern. She will talking about her novels and her scripts including the alternative storylines she wrote for Days of Our Lives. She is a Wiccan Priestess, who uses authentic magic in her work. She will be available to answer questions by calling (646) 716-8138 or by going to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aware and participating in the chat room.

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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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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