Bethany and the Awakened Legacy

By Angela Bray

Bethany thought her world had been turned upside down when her mother died. As it turns out, that upheaval was nothing compared to the legacy that her mother had left to her. Even her mother could not have imagined what fate had in store for her...
Bethany was shocked on her thirteenth birthday to find out she was a witch, her mother had been a witch, her best friends were witches. But the bigger shock was yet to come. She was the last witch in her bloodline, a bloodline that stretched back to the very first witch ever born, and in a series of days she would obtain all their knowledge and be recognized as the first witch reborn, Heluna: Queen of the Witches. At the end of this knowledge was a quest to reunite all of the witch bloodlines into one. And her first efforts to fulfill this quest found her friends kidnapped by the fae. Will she be able to rescue her friends before the new school year begins?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Bray
• Release date: Jun 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310159527

Angela Bray

I've been writing my whole life, and for the last year and a half some very dear friends encouraged me to actually finish what I've started. My husband encouraged me, and I opened this account. But I've been putting off uploading my story out of fear, nerves, and a variety of other emotions. But last month my husband died suddenly, and he never got to see me actually published. So now I"m publishing because he wanted me to...no more fear, just a widow's words.

Book preview

Bethany and the Awakened Legacy

By Angela Bray

Copyright 2014 Angela Bray

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any place or person, living or dead, is strictly coincidental and unintentional.

Dedication

And acknowledgements

To my wonderful husband who never told me I couldn’t, only that I should. He passed away before this book could be published, and I publish it now in his memory.

To Glenn and Sasha who kept on me to actually finish

To my Harmony family, who believe in me in more ways than I have ever believed in myself.

Chapter One

Happy Birthday Bethany

Bethany leaned back glumly, watching the rain run in rivulets down her bedroom window. This was NOT the way she wanted to spend her thirteenth birthday! Danny had to work, and he wouldn’t let her ride her bike in the rain, so even going to the mall was out. Danny promised they would do something for her birthday on Friday, but today was her real birthday, and so far it sucked.

Bethany sighed loudly as she continued to stare out the window. She didn’t blame Danny. She understood that if he didn’t work, she didn’t eat. After all, if it hadn’t been for Danny she might have been stuck in foster care. Bethany’s real father had split when she was just a baby. Her mom and Danny had gotten married when she was seven. Mom had never dated before, that she could remember. And Danny had always treated Bethany like she was his own kid.

Two years ago her mother had been diagnosed with leukemia. It had been a harsh blow to their quiet family life. Danny had taken on a second job to help pay for her mother’s treatments. And Bethany had taken many days off from school to stay with her mom through several rounds of chemo that left her too sick to be home alone.

Bethany could vividly remember holding her mother’s hair while she vomited. Well, she had held it until it all finally came out. Her mom had stoically refused to wear a wig. When she was feeling well enough to go out she wore her bald head like a badge of honor. Bethany would hold her mother’s hand as they both held their heads high as people who passed stared. Some people would just walk up and hug her and offer their prayers. Bethany liked those people. Some would ask if it was cancer. It depended on her mood how Bethany’s mother would answer. Most of the times she would just nod, but sometimes she would grin and tell them that bald was sexy. Bethany was sure some people knew it was a joke. But others just walked away shaking their heads.

Then the doctor told them that the chemo wasn’t working. Friends and family had all been tested for a bone marrow transplant, but nobody was a match. More than a dozen of Bethany’s classmates and their parents had lined up to be tested. Bethany had wanted to be tested, but her mom said no. The doctor put her on the transplant list, but told her that her chances of finding a donor in time were slim. Danny stood up for Bethany, told her mother that she was old enough to make the decision for herself about being tested. He told her mother that she had a right to go through that to try and save her mother. Between the two of them they finally convinced her, but it turned out to be for nothing. Bethany wasn’t a match either.

Last January Bethany’s mom begged the doctor for one more round of chemo. She was getting worse and she knew in her heart that there would be no donor for her. The doctor told her it would do no good, all the other rounds had done no good, but he agreed anyway. The chemo made her sicker than ever, and in February she died.

Every year her town held a mini-marathon to benefit cancer research. While Bethany sat in the long black car following her mother’s casket to the cemetery, Bethany’s classmates all donned hand painted t-shirts that read For Bethany’s Mom on the front and Terry Road Prep on the back. In a small town everyone watched out for everyone else. It was just the way things were done, but the news crew from the big city had thought it amazing and Bethany’s class made the six o’clock news.

Bethany had nightmares. She knew no one from her mother’s family. Danny wasn’t her real father and she knew he didn’t have to keep her. She had nightmares about sleeping in boxes in alleyways. In some she was in foster homes that used her like a slave. The nightmares continued for several weeks until she finally realized that Danny wasn’t treating her any differently than he had when her mom was alive. When she finally got up the nerve to ask him he actually cried.

Bethany, when I married your mom I kind of married you too. You came as a set. I love you, and I’ll always love you. You’re my daughter as sure as anything and I’ll never leave you alone.

They sat and talked for a long time that night, and the nightmares never came back. The nightmares didn’t, but the grief did. It had been months, but Bethany still cried over her mom pretty often. She was sick and tired of hearing She’s in a better place. How could she be in a better place? Wasn’t the best place to be where your family was? Danny’s mom, Nana Ellie, always said there was nothing God couldn’t do, he was all-powerful and he loved us because we were his children. Bethany wanted to believe that was true, but how could it be? If he truly loved us and could do anything, then why did her mom have to hurt so badly? If somebody was hurting and you had the power to take that hurt away, wouldn’t you do it? Especially if you loved them! Nana Ellie also said that if you disobeyed God that you’d burn in hell forever. That didn’t sound much like love to Bethany. If Bethany did wrong she got punished, but it didn’t last forever, and Mom and Danny never set her on fire!

Bethany fell asleep with those thoughts on her mind as she watched the rain on the window.

Beth! Beth, supper’s ready! Danny tapped on the door again, Beth!

Yeah! I’m coming! she hollered back, rubbing her eyes. It wasn’t quite dark yet outside the window, but the rain was still coming down in sheets. Danny didn’t usually get home this early, so he must have left work early. She must have really been out, because she didn’t even hear him come home. She checked her appearance in the mirror, then decided she didn’t care what she looked like, and went into her bathroom to wash up for supper.

When she stepped out of her room the hallway was dark. Danny must’ve turned out the light when he went down. Weird, that hall light was almost always on, even at night. Bethany felt her way to the top of the stairs in the meager stormy light from the window at the end of the hall, and then flipped the switch. Giving her eyes a second to readjust she headed down the stairs. As she rounded the corner she heard voices in the kitchen and wondered who Danny was talking to. As she came into the kitchen she was greeted with the cry of Surprise! Danny was standing in the kitchen with Bethany’s best friend Alexandra, Alexandra’s mother, and Alexandra’s older brother, Trevor. They were all standing around the kitchen table where two bags of fast food and a chocolate cake blazing with candles sat cheerfully.

Bethany felt tears spring to her eyes. Even though he had to work today, Danny had made sure she had something on her birthday.

We’re still having the party at Pizzapalooza on Friday, but I thought you’d like to have a friend or two on your birthday. Danny beamed at Bethany.

Alex, you knew about this? Bethany both accused and questioned her best friend. And you didn’t tell me?

Wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I’d told you, dummy. She grinned, and then threw her arms around Bethany.

Trevor, Miss Katie, thank you all so much.

Forget thank you’s, let’s eat! Trevor started going through one of the food sacks on the table and setting out sandwiches and fries. Ma and I picked up chicken, fish and burgers so no one could complain that we didn’t get what they wanted. He shot a pointed look at his sister.

Trevor and Alexandra were less than a year apart and the three of them had been friends for as long as any of them could remember. Trevor teased Alex a lot, but Bethany had never known two siblings closer than Trevor and Alex. They were so close in age that most people thought they were twins. And Bethany had had a crush on Trevor since the first day she had noticed that boys weren’t all icky and covered in cooties.

We thought, that maybe you’d like it if Alex stayed the night. Miss Katie smiled that warm sweet smile that made Bethany think of her own mother.

Bethany threw her arms around Miss Katie. Oh! Thank you, Miss Katie. Katherine Embers had been her mother’s best friend, and had been there till the end and beyond when her mother had gotten sick.

Also, Alex bounced in place, her excitement too much to contain, Dad said we could all go to the cabin this weekend after your party! Alex grinned as her mother gave her a jab in the ribs. She looked up questioningly at her mother, then nodded …if Danny says it’s okay.

Sure, its okay. Danny mumbled around a mouthful of dripping burger.

Alex and Trevor’s parents were divorced, but it was a friendly divorce. They just decided they no longer belonged together. Their dad still lived close by and tried to do things with them on the weekends, when he was off. Bethany was often invited to go with them, even if it was just to veg in front of the TV. She hadn’t gone much recently, because the weekends were the only time Danny was off. And with her mother gone, it seemed somehow vital to spend time with him.

Alex’s dad had a cabin on a huge lake up in the mountains. There was no TV, no internet, nothing modern at all except a bathroom, but they loved to go up there, and the thought of going up there this weekend for her birthday definitely lifted Beth’s spirits.

Bethany started shuffling through the sandwiches spread out on the table and started to pick up a chicken sandwich when Trevor slid another one at her This one’s got no lettuce.

Bethany grinned and snatched the sandwich from him, You remembered! she grinned and bit into the sandwich. Bethany liked lettuce okay, but thought it had no place on a sandwich!

’course I remembered! he cleared his throat and did his best impression of Bethany, Lettuce is for salads, not sandwiches!

They joked and made faces at one another while they ate. Danny had to step out for a minute for a phone call, but when he came back they were getting ready to cut the cake, and he had presents. After she blew out the candles and cut the cake Danny slid the presents toward her. You’ll get more on Friday, at your big party, but we all wanted you to have something tonight.

They all snickered as Bethany rushed to finish her cake so she could open her gifts.

The first one is from me, Miss Katie slid a silver-wrapped square toward Bethany. Bethany tore the paper off and then lifted the lid from the shallow box. Inside the box, wrapped in tissue paper was a large square of silk about two feet by two foot. It was a blue violet color with edges embroidered in silver, with a silver five-pointed star with a circle around it gracing its center.

It’s beautiful! Bethany slid the silk between her fingers and watched the light play over the silk and silver, giving it the appearance of a waterfall in her hands. Taking it to be a scarf, she wrapped it around her neck like a kerchief.

Katherine gave her a warm, indulgent smile, I’m sure you’ll find a use for it.

Her words puzzled Bethany, but she wasn’t allowed time to ponder them, because Trevor was already shoving another gift in her direction. Mine next. He declared.

Bethany picked up the heavy box that Trevor had wrapped in the Sunday funny papers. The bow on top was made from funny papers as well, the center having a fat cartoon cat staring up at her. She laughed at the image as she tore the wrappings from the gift, and then sat puzzled, staring at a leather-bound book emblazoned with the same star in a circle that the scarf had in its center. It’s a journal. Now that you’re thirteen, you’re going to need it. He looked down at his hands, suddenly shy, Dad helped a little, but I bound it myself.

You made this? Bethany touched a hand gently to the cover, in awe that he would have made her something so beautiful. For me?

Well, yeah. He smiled.

Yeah, whatever. Alex rolled her eyes, I made you a gift too, ya know. And with that she slid a small box wrapped in Christmas paper toward Bethany. Sorry about the Christmas paper. Trevor got to the funnies before me. It was all I had, unless you wanted it wrapped in the classifieds she giggled.

Bethany tore the wrapping away, opened the box, and peeked inside. She expected jewelry, because Alex loved to make jewelry, but she was still surprised at how pretty the little charm bracelet was. It had several charms already on it, plus space for plenty more. Among the charms already there was another of those stars with the circle around it. Seeing it on jewelry finally triggered Bethany’s memory and she knew why it had seemed familiar. Mom always wore a necklace with this star on it. She never took it off. She whispered to no one in particular, her vision blurring with tears. She blinked them back rapidly, and when her vision had cleared she saw that Danny had set his gift, wrapped in blue satin and tied with light blue ribbon, directly in front of her.

Bethany’s hands were shaking as she reached for the tiny box, and she didn’t know why. She untied the ribbon and let the satin fall away to reveal a small jewelry box. She knew what it was before she reached to open it, and her tears fell freely now. She lifted the lid, and there was her mother’s necklace. The silver star seemed to wink at her from its nest of blue velvet. Danny stood and took the necklace from its box and stepped behind Bethany to hook it around her neck. Your mother wanted me to give this to you today. He said softly.

And you all knew. You gave me gifts that matched. She sobbed. And they’re all so wonderful. She touched the star at her throat. She actually thought she could feel her mother’s presence in the gift.

And our bracelets match. Alex piped up, showing the exact same bracelet, hanging from her own wrist. I thought we could make a new tradition. Each time something special happens to one of us, the other gets them a charm. Like birthdays, first dates, holidays, first…

We get the picture! Miss Katie interrupted her.

First dates? Danny asked with a horrified expression.

It will happen eventually. Miss Katie smirked.

And you’ve got one more gift to open. Trevor grinned, and produced a large rectangle that looked like it had been wrapped professionally at the mall.

It’s from dad. Alex smiled.

Bethany tore the paper off of what was obviously a book and stared at the cover. What’s ‘wild-crafting’?

It’s like going through the woods and knowing what plants are okay to eat, and what one’s will help poison ivy, or help with a stomach ache. Stuff like that.

Oh.

Well, I know most people don’t want books for presents, but we thought it would be neat for us to learn this stuff while we’re at the cabin this weekend. Alex grinned. Dad issued a challenge. The three of us have to come up with one entire meal strictly getting stuff from the woods and the lake. No store bought stuff except flour, cornmeal, sugar, stuff like that.

That sounds cool. Bethany grinned, starting to like the idea.

Yeah. The books got all kinds of pictures of the plants and recipes to make food and medicine. She grinned, flipping the book to one of the middle pages that had glossy pictures of some broad white flowers. The only rule dad put on it, is we’re not allowed to use Queen Anne’s lace.

How come?

It’s too easy to confuse it with poison hemlock. The two plants are almost identical. And we’re too new at this. Says he doesn’t want any of us poisoning him. She shrugged.

Bethany looked at the pictures of the two plants and had to agree. She couldn’t tell them apart from the pictures, and she probably couldn’t tell them apart in the woods.

So… Danny rubbed his hands together as he stood up. Who wants to watch a movie before bed?

All three kids shot their hands up and they all stood and headed for the living room. Trevor wanted to watch some movie about a comic book hero, but sullenly agreed that since it was Bethany’s birthday she should get to choose. Figuring they were all going to be stuck watching boy wizard movies, they were all surprised when she chose to watch a movie they all liked. They all found comfy spots on the floor as they prepared to watch a movie about spy cats, and spy dogs, who were trying to squash the plans of the evil kitty mastermind.

Trevor kept barking at odd moments in the movie, making the girls laugh, while Danny and Miss Katie sat talking quietly on the sofa.

When the end credits finally started rolling Danny went into the kitchen to clean up, and Alex went with her mom out to their car to get her overnight bag. Trevor just stood there for a long moment looking at the floor, as if he had something to say, but didn’t know how to say it. Bethany…

Everyone always called her Beth. No one ever called her Bethany unless they were trying to say something important. Yes, Trevor.

I know it’s been like… he screwed up his face to count, …five months, but I’m really sorry your mom’s gone. I know it’s hard, being your birthday and all.

Yeah, thanks. They fell silent again, but Bethany somehow felt that Trevor wasn’t finished. But before she could take more than a moment to wonder what he wanted to say he grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her firmly on the mouth!

When he let go her eyes were bulging with shock. He grinned shyly then bolted out the door at break-neck speed. She stood staring at the empty doorway for long moments until the shock wore off and she felt herself blush and her knees go weak. That’s how Alex found her when she came back in the door, slinging her duffle around to shut the door. What’s wrong with you? she snorted.

You have to get me a new charm for my bracelet. Bethany smiled dreamily.

Why? What for?

My first kiss. She whispered.

Your dad doesn’t count. Alex put her hand on her hip and rolled her eyes

No, but Trevor does. She grinned.

EWW! Gross! she gave Bethany a shove, You kissed my brother!

Nope. She swayed a little, He kissed me.

Gross. Gross. GROSS! Alex made a face, You actually want a charm to remember that by?

Oh yeah. She winked, Not that I need one. I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

Okay, but I don’t know if I can find a charm of somebody puking. She made a gagging noise and headed for the stairs, saying the word ‘gross’ with every single step.

Bethany floated up the stairs behind her and shut the door to her room when they were both in.

Alex was still making comments about how disgusting it would be to kiss her brother when she noticed Bethany wasn’t listening, but rather staring at her bed. In the center lay the journal she had been given tonight, as well as a large oak box that Bethany would have said was more of a trunk. What’s that? Alex asked, even though she thought she had a pretty good idea, having gotten something similar on her own thirteenth birthday six weeks ago.

I don’t know. Bethany carefully moved the journal from Trevor onto her nightstand and sat down in front of the box. A heart-shaped brass padlock graced its front, with the key sticking out and a yellow sticky note to the side that simply read happy birthday. She pulled the sticky note off the front and stuck it carefully on the first page of her new journal, then turned back to the box.

She turned the key and the lock opened with a little thunk. She laid the lock aside and opened the box. I wonder why Danny didn’t give me this with the rest.

Bethany stared into the box as Alex came to sit beside her, Because it’s not from Danny, it’s from your mom. She whispered.

Bethany looked at Alex and then back to the box. Carved in ornate letters on the inside of the hinged lid were the letters ‘BAW’, her mother’s, and her, initials. Danny’s last name was Cooper, but Bethany’s mother, Brigit, had kept her maiden name of Waters. Bethany slowly began to remove the contents of the box: a small plate with the star on it, two figurines – a man and a woman, two crystal candle holders, two porcelain bowls with the star on it, a small dagger with a black leather handle, a curved knife with a white handle, a smaller box filled with taper candles in every color imaginable, a carved stick of some sort that reminded Bethany of a wand from her favorite books, and a bag of white tea light candles, and in the bottom a leather bound book with well-worn edges, and a thick white envelope with ‘Bethany’ written across it in her mother’s bold script. She sat everything carefully back into the trunk, with the exception of the envelope. For long moments she just stared at it, lightly touching her name on the front. It was a final note from her mother.

Alex excused herself and went to the bathroom so that Bethany could read the letter in private. Bethany turned the envelope over, and with shaking hands removed the carefully folded sheets inside. Just like you see in the movies, Bethany would almost swear she heard her mother’s voice speaking the words that now floated from the page to her eyes:

"My Dearest Bethany:

I had hoped to be there for this day, to teach you that which was taught to me, but it was not to be. If everything went the way Danny and I planned it, by now you are wearing my pentacle necklace, and Alex is staying the night. Danny and I agreed that you should have someone there who understands you, and understands that which I am about to tell you.

Our family is not like others. Ages ago our ancestors were the healers, seers, and spiritual leaders of their villages, towns, and communities. Our family can trace it’s bloodline for more than 800 years back. Each child, on his or her thirteenth birthday, begins learning the art and science of that which is now called ‘magick’. You, my beautiful daughter, are a witch, as am I. As was my mother, and her mother, and her mother’s mother, and so on. The teachings of the craft have been passed down from generation to generation for nearly a millennium, and now I pass it on to you.

The book you find in this chest is my personal book of shadows. It has all my personal spells and recipes in it. At some point tonight you were given one as well. It is blank now, but you will fill it, and possibly many more, before your time is done. Danny safeguards the rest of my library, containing books of those who have gone before, but they are yours to use and to learn from.

Traditionally, you would have learned the craft from me. Since I am unable to teach you myself, I have asked my most trusted coven mate to teach you along with her children. She and I are as close as sisters, closer in some ways, and I know she will teach you well. And since her children are close to you in age, you will not be so alone in your education.

When she and I got pregnant so closely together I had hoped that our children would be friends. But you and Alex are even closer than I had ever hoped for. Hopefully, this will be something that will draw you even closer. I know that Katherine will offer you instruction with as much care and compassion as she does her own children.

Even still, her family’s teachings are somewhat different than our family’s teachings, so there are some things that you will be forced to learn on your own. What I ask of you is a difficult task. Our family has safeguarded this information for a very long time. So if you do not wish to learn the craft that is a choice you have. No one will condemn you if you choose not to learn. Just understand that you can refuse the knowledge, but the power that comes from your bloodline is still with you. You can be and believe whatever you wish, but by blood you are now, and will always be, a witch.

Think on this seriously. If you choose to learn the craft our coven will hold a dedication ritual for you on the first full moon after your birthday. By now Alex has already chosen, and if she chose to walk the path, then she has already been dedicated. But whatever her choice, she still knows of her legacy. Traditionally, a child knows nothing of their legacy until their thirteenth birthday, but with more than one child it’s hard to keep a secret. Trevor accepted the path and had his dedication last year. Unfortunately, I was too sick to attend, but I’m sure he will make an excellent witch, and you can go to him if you feel like you’d like to know more before you make your decision.

Whatever you decide, whoever you become, the power is inside you.

Love,

Mom"

Bethany looked up from the letter and saw Alex standing in the doorway between her bedroom and the bathroom. Your mom’s a witch?

And so am I, and so is Trevor, and so was your mom, and so are you. She smiled softly, seemingly much older than her thirteen years. The silk mom gave you is an alter cloth. The stuff in the chest is for your altar. Mom took us out to by stuff for our altar, but I think your stuff was your moms. I’ve never seen an athame quite like that one. It seems really old.

What’s an athame? Bethany asked, peeking over into the chest.

That black handled knife, that’s your athame.

Bethany pulled it out and studied it, Yeah, I think it must be old. It’s not even sharp anymore.

Alex laughed out loud then put her hand over her mouth to stifle it when Bethany looked confused. It’s not supposed to be sharp! It’s for magickal cutting, not really cutting. Actually, it’s more ceremonial than anything. She looked a little sheepish. I’m sorry I laughed. I’ve known about athames for ages, even before I knew I was a witch.

How?

Oh, I read these books about a religion called Wicca. They call themselves witches, and they do practice the craft, or at least the more commonly known stuff. But they’re new agers. They don’t have the bloodlines or the traditions that our families have. Are you going to do the dedication?

I don’t know. Bethany looked at the tools before her with trepidation. Nana Ellie says that witches are the brides of Satan and the bible says to kill them.

Do you believe her, or the bible? Alex asks, flopping cross legged on the bed.

I don’t know. I don’t think so. She also said that God loves us, but if we disobey him we’ll burn in hell. That doesn’t sound very loving to me. She paused to consider, No, I don’t believe that stuff. She picked up the little wand and examined it. If mom was a witch, then they can’t be evil. Mom was the kindest person I ever knew.

Yeah. Your mom was great. I miss her too.