A Witch's Trial (Witch's Path Series: Book 3) Read online

  "I won't be forgetting that." I grumbled. "Shall we eat?"

  "Sure, what do you have?" Amber dumped the bandage wrappings in the trash.

  "Landa's leftovers." I pulled the plates out of the refrigerator, and we heated and divided the food.

  Before we started on lunch, Amber uncorked the wine and poured each of us a glass. "I figured you'd need this," she said, handing me a glass.

  "Thank you." I took the glass from her.

  We sat down to eat, and for a few minutes there was nothing but the sound of our chewing.

  "With all the excitement, I forgot to ask: how are you?" I set down my fork while Amber looked at me with big, round eyes but didn't say anything. "Please talk to me. I want to help."

  Amber sighed. "I don't know if you can help."

  "I'll try; just tell me what you need." I knew she was still having a rough time after her ordeal, and I was desperate to help.

  "That's the thing. I don't know that I need anything. At least not anything you can give me."

  I patted her shoulder. It was the best I could do since I didn't have any comforting words.

  "I don't like being alone, but being in a group is worse because they know what happened to me and they watch me. I can see the pity or anger in their eyes, and when they don't think I'm looking, I see fear. After all, before I was abducted, they could go about their lives, secure in the knowledge that nothing bad would happen to them. Now they see it differently." She ran out of steam and sat there looking at her plate.

  "It's hard for people to see bad things happen to their friends. It tears away the illusion that they're safe and immune to the bad in the world." There wasn't anything helpful I could say about the looks of pity.

  "But why are they mad at me?" Amber asked.

  "Because it's easier to be mad at you than to confront their own fears. Adder is out of their reach. They can't blame him, so they focus on you."

  "Hardly seems fair." Amber took a sip of wine.

  Leaning back in my chair, I studied her, from the faint tremor in her hand to the wide eyes. "Have you talked to anyone? A professional?" When Amber shook her head, I asked, "Why not?"

  She pushed the pasta around on her plate. "I don't know. It seems wrong. Nothing bad happened to me. I've read stories about other victims, and as kidnappings go, this was nothing. What right do I have to be upset when there are people out there who have suffered so much more?"

  I looked her in the eye. "Oh, sweetie, you've got it all wrong. Those other victims, their struggles, they don't invalidate your feelings. You can be afraid, hurt, have nightmares, and feel bad. That they suffered more does not change your experience."

  "But—"

  "There are no buts," I said firmly. "You can feel what you feel. There is nothing wrong with that. If the police didn't recommend a counselor, I can."

  Amber sighed. "They gave me a few names."

  "And?"

  "And I'll make an appointment." She glared at me. "Why are good friends always bullies?"

  "Because we care." I smiled softly. "I care, and I'm here to help."

  "I know, and you do help. This helped." Amber rubbed her eyes. "Can you help one more time and turn this back into a fun afternoon?"

  "Sure. I think there's a few pieces of key lime pie in the fridge. Do you want one?" It wasn't chocolate or cookie dough, but this wasn't a drown-your-sorrows moment. We needed to celebrate making it through a rough patch.

  Chapter 3: Michelle

  I woke from my nap feeling somewhat better and reasonably sure that Amber was doing as well as could be expected. Considering what she'd been through, that was progress. It took a few minutes to work up the courage, but I finally picked up the phone and called my father. He would be more reasonable about the entire clurichaun thing. Mom wouldn't take it well.

  "Hello?"

  "Hi, Dad. It's Michelle." I winced at how formal I sounded.

  "Are you okay? I didn't expect to hear from you so soon." He didn't have to say it—I knew he meant that he hadn't expected me to call him.

  "I'm fine." Which was mostly true. Neither the scrapes nor the lack of energy were cause for concern. "So, I was kinda hoping you would make me a wand."

  He took so long to reply that I began to think the line had gone dead.

  "Why do you need a wand?" he asked softly.

  "The last wand you gave me is broken and considered evidence." I kept talking, afraid he'd jump to the wrong conclusion if I stopped. "After I left Mom's house this morning, the police from Pickens called because they had a situation with a clurichaun. While I was there, my wand was broken, and it's evidence now."

  He sighed. "Do I want to know how your wand came to be broken or how you dealt with the clurichaun?"

  "Probably not."

  "I'll make you a new wand." Dad chucked. "I don't remember your being this much of a risk taker when you were younger."

  I didn't know what to say to that.

  "Clurichaun are tough and very magical," Dad continued.

  "And rude," I added.

  "They aren't known for their pleasant disposition."

  "I really am okay. I've got a few scrapes, and I need to rebuild my energy. The clurichaun is behind bars, and the only cop that was injured will be fully recovered in a week or two."

  "I'll warn Nancy before she hears about it on the news, and I'll make a wand for you."

  "Thank you, Dad."

  "That's what dads are for. Be careful, daughter."

  There was a smile on my face when I hung up the phone. It turns out I had a pretty awesome dad. Thank goodness he had the foresight to realize the excitement at the liquor store would make the news. It hadn't occurred to me, and now I could only hope my name wasn't mentioned. Mom was going to be worried enough when she heard about Briggs getting tossed into a wall. If the news talked about me, she would have fit.

  My tummy grumbled, reminding me that I didn't have enough food to make a respectable dinner. After changing into pants and a long-sleeve shirt, I headed downstairs.

  I walked into the dining room and found Landa setting a dish of guacamole on the sidebar.

  "Child." She smiled up at me. "How have you been?"

  "I'm all right. Life's been hard lately."

  Landa pulled me into a hug. "Life is like that. I'm here if you want to talk."

  "I know. Thank you." Leaning over, I gave her another hug. "Have you talked to Elron lately?"

  "He's having a rough time." She turned away and shifted the dishes around. "I need to get the chips. The rest of the guest will be down soon."

  The kitchen door swung shut behind her before I could ask any more questions. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. It would all work out. Elron would get through this. He had to. Even if I wasn't a part of his future, I would never forgive myself if that book destroyed him.

  Taking another breath, I forced my shoulders to relax. Landa was a firm believer in privacy, and she would protect Elron. That didn't necessarily mean he was escaping from the world as he'd done when he believed Sylvia to dead.

  Landa returned with a heaping basket of corn chips.

  "How many people are you expecting for tonight's dinner?"

  "Six or so." She set the basket on the table. "But the chips are always popular."

  If I'd been guessing food proportions, I would've guessed there were enough chips for ten or twelve people. Then again, her chips tended to disappear quickly.

  "Get your food; the rest of the guests will be down soon." Landa pushed a plate into my hands and headed back to the kitchen.

  I filled my plate with chips and piled on toppings to make nachos. There I was, sitting at the table and taking a bite out of a nacho when a gargoyle, werewolf, weretiger, and brownie walked in.

  Mander smiled at me. "'Tis good to see ya."

  Grabbing my water, I took a swig to help push the half-chewed chip down my throat. "It's good to see you too. Hello, Baden." The weretiger nodded back at me, and I continued, "Liam,
this is an unexpected pleasure."

  "I'm staying here until things settle down. It's good to see you lass." Liam patted my shoulder.

  I glanced at the gargoyle, who was still in the door and looking at all of us. The gargoyle was an elegant cross of a human and lion, giving him the haunches of a cat but the torso and arms of human. His fingers were that of a human with curved talons rather than nails, and his feet more closely resembled those of a cat. Wings sprouted from his shoulders, and horns curled out of his head. His face matched the rest of him, with pointed ears that protruded from his head and swiveled to pick up sounds, heavily ridged brows, and a shortened muzzle of a lion complete with nose. To top off the package, he had heavily textured grayish skin and was wearing cutoff jeans and a loose V-neck T-shirt.

  He shook himself, much like a dog, and walked over to me. "Excuse me, miss, but would you be Michelle Oaks?"

  Turning in my chair, I got a good look at him. At nearly seven feet tall, he towered over me. His wings were tucked against his back, his horns spiraled as they curved over his head, and his hands were taloned.

  "Yes, I'm Michelle."

  He dipped his head. "I am Julius, cousin of Horst. He invited me to this area because of the recent unrest."

  I smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Julius." Horst was the leader of the flock of gargoyles I'd talked into moving to Ellijay. Since gargoyles fought and repelled evil, it was a good match. "Will you be staying here or moving to Ellijay?"

  "For the time being, I shall remain here. Some of my relatives will be residing in Ellijay."

  "Oh good. I know Horst was worried about the youngsters."

  "Julius," Landa said, interrupting us, "why don't you get some food and continue this conversation over dinner?"

  "My apologies." Julius quickly turned to the sidebar and filled his plate.

  "Michelle, how have you been? I haven't seen you since…" Liam frowned. "Since the night I assumed leadership of the pack."

  With Liam's question, I abandoned eating for the time being. After conversation slowed down or shifted away from me, I could return to my food. "I've been all right. For the most part things have settled down, though I don't expect that to last. How's the pack?"

  Liam winced. "It will take time to settle everyone. They are grateful to be free of Adder, but they don't know me, and they've seen too much instability lately."

  "I'm sorry." Really, I didn't know what else to say.

  "Don't be. If I'd waited any longer, there wouldn't be a pack."

  I looked at him and tilted my head, hoping he got the message. This was a conversation we needed to continue when we were alone.

  Julius sat down next to Landa, who winked at me and started talking to him. Grateful for the reprieve, I started on my food. I made it thought half my nachos before Julius resumed our conversation.

  "Miss Oaks, Horst wanted you to know that in light of recent developments, the children have been temporarily relocated."

  I looked up and we locked eyes.

  "Instead, gargoyles such as myself will be staying in the area."

  Horst knew about the demon. There was no other explanation. "I'm glad the children are safe." What could I say? I hadn't known about the demon when I invited the flock.

  "As are we. After assessing the situation, Horst felt that it was a better area for more experienced gargoyles."

  "Yes, you did mention that relatives of yours would be in town."

  "Not just relatives of mine, but any gargoyles who are seasoned. It has been many years since we have encountered such an adversary." Julius was grinning.

  "You're enjoying this?"

  "Of course. It is an honor to aid one who has injured our enemy. Horst thought you could use some help at home." He gestured with his hand, indicating the lodge.

  "Yes, help would be good." Considering the threats the demon had already made, I had a feeling we wouldn't be exchanging Christmas cards.

  The rest of dinner was much less eventful. Easy, casual conversation flowed around the table as we demolished the oversized basket of chips. After we finished the main course, Landa brought out a tray of churros, and I ate until my stomach protested.

  Liam caught up with me as I was leaving the dining room. "We need to talk."

  "We can talk in my apartment."

  He followed, and didn't speak a word until my front door closed behind him.

  "Most of the pack is sick," Liam said.

  "What? They're sick? What would sicken that many people?" As soon as the words escaped my mouth, I had an idea—a horrible, terrifying idea.

  "What was Adder into? Why would my pack feel like they've had the worst flu of their lives?" Liam loomed over me.

  I stepped closer to him and tipped my head back so I could look him in the eye. "I don't have the answers you want."

  "You have some of the answers or one of the most decorated gargoyles alive wouldn't be camped out in the garden. What is going on?"

  "I don't have all the answers." I protested as he growled. "Stop that. I'll tell you what I know, but growling at me won't get you any more information."

  He took a deep breath and stepped back. "Sorry."

  "Oh, please. I know you'd kill for your pack. They may not know what type of a man you are, but I do." I sat down at the dining room table and motioned for him to do the same. Once he was settled, I continued, "I have more suspicions than facts right now. I'll answer your questions, but be careful repeating my words."

  "I know when to keep my mouth shut," Liam grumbled.

  "I'm aware, but this is different."

  He nodded, not like he understood, but that I should continue talking.

  "Adder had an agreement with an elven woman. She was at the house that night. There is some indication that she is not elven anymore. Whatever she is now feeds on death, destruction, and pain. Adder might have needed her, but she had to be getting something in return. Perhaps energy from the pack?"

  Liam paled and his eyes unfocused. He came back to himself with a shudder. "That's why they're so sick. They've been drained."

  What Sylvia said in my dream came back to me. Killing Adder had hurt the demon. If what Liam said was true, I'd cut the demon off from a source that would be difficult to replace. On the other hand, what the demon could accomplish with the power he'd already gained was chilling.

  "Will they recover?" I whispered.

  "Given time, yes. Now that I know what happened, I can help them." He rubbed his chin. "Why would someone need that much energy?"

  "I don't know. I'm not even sure how much energy could be pulled from a shifter; I've never tried it." And really, I didn't want to be pulling energy from people. It could damage or kill the person, and there was no good reason to risk that type of harm.

  "From what I've seen alphas do, it's more than enough energy for someone to do something very bad."

  I didn't like the way his eyes unfocused, as if he was seeing something horrible unfold. "Liam," I called.

  He came back to the present and refocused on me.

  "I can't help your pack."

  "No, but I can." He sighed and scrubbed his face with his hands. "Does it get worse than what you've told me?"

  "Maybe."

  "Why is Julius here?"

  "He said he was here because Horst sent him. You seem to know more about Julius than I do." I nearly growled the last part. Regardless of what Liam thought, I didn't have all the answers. In fact, I had a pile of questions taller than Ty, my pet T-rex, and a pile of answers that wouldn't fill my trashcan.

  "Julius is old. I don't know how old, but old enough to have battled evils that most people have forgotten."

  My ears perked up.

  "Rumor has it that he and the other old ones have been feeling out of place. They haven't been facing the types of evil they used to and feel somewhat useless."

  That was fascinating and potentially useful, especially if Julius knew there was a demon on the loose. "I didn't even know gargoyles could liv
e that long."

  "Most of them don't, and none of them talk about why some of them live so long." Liam sighed. "That's the extent of my gargoyle knowledge."

  "Thank you."

  Liam stood up. "Lass, thank you for being patient with an overworked man."

  I shrugged. "You've helped me out. I wouldn't do less for you."

  "Not everyone sees it that way. Have a good evening." He stood in the open door for a moment. "Keep your eyes open. I suspect you're hip deep in this mess and sinking." He closed the door, leaving me alone with his all-too-accurate words running through my head.

  *******

  The morning was sunny, and a shower eased the lingering sore spots from yesterday's adventure. After eating a slightly stale microwaved waffle, I went downstairs to pick up my mail. I pulled a stack of letters out of my box and started sorting them on my way back to my apartment. There was a bill, advertisement, smooth cloth-like envelope, another bill, another expensive envelope without a return address, yet another bill, and three more spiffy envelopes with my name in curly letters.

  My breakfast formed a solid block in my stomach, and I hurried back to my apartment and locked the door behind me. The five mystery letters taunted me from the table as I made a cup of tea. Sitting down, I forced my hands to let go of the comforting warmth of the mug.

  I probed the letters for spells but came up empty. Picking a random envelope, my fingers ripped it open before I could second-guess myself. A soft, heavy piece of paper flopped onto the table, and my hands trembled as I unfolded it.

  Ms. Oaks,

  We of the Haedus would like to extend an invitation to join our clan. To further that end, we would like to arrange a meeting between you and our elders. This is a seldom-extended invitation, which you have earned through your efforts to aid the community and the skill you have demonstrated.

  This would be a mutually beneficial relationship, giving you the support and security of a clan. In addition, this invitation has been extended with the understanding that you are currently free of any clan ties. If that is not the case, forgive our intrusion. Should you wish to pursue a relationship with us, please contact us at your earliest convenience.