Emmy and the Coven of Witches

By Janine Summers

Destiny isn't always what you believe it to be. Emmy will have to meet her challenges and find a way to save herself and the world of witches before the darkness takes over.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543944600

Janine Summers

Janine Summers, author of The Matchstick House series and The Dragons of the Black Castle.She lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada with her husband, three cats, Runty, Smiek, Goof and Lily a German Shepherd. Janine is currently working on her third book: Emmy and the Sword of Courage.THE MATCHSTICK HOUSE SERIES:Book 1: Emmy and the Coven of Witches.Book 2: Emmy and the Stone of Faith.The Dragons of the Black Castle.Visit her on her website @: janinesummersbooks

Book preview

47

PROLOGUE

The moon rose in full splendor, and shone down upon the land. Long cloaks swept the path, as the Coven of Orenda marched toward their future. Hoods shielded the many faces, as the parade took the members closer and closer to their destination.

Small lights fluttered around the procession. The coven stopped and Marsilia saw each member pause to survey the area, taking great care to confirm they were shielded from prying eyes. A small light dislodged from its group and flew toward the four corners, and then approached the leader of this ensemble.

The way is clear, Mistress.

Thank you. The woman cloaked beneath the hooded garment watched the small forest fairy, with her iridescent wings, return to her group. We are safe, Mother.

Marsilia held a small bundle in her arms and watched as fiery breath after fiery breath was expelled to ignite the candles, each member held.

The castle loomed in the darkness. The parade crossed the drawbridge ignoring the moat’s rushing water. The mistress led the coven through the dark foyer and into the main room. Torches nestled within golden sconces sprang to life and secured a well-lit path for the procession where in rows of two, the coven glided over the stone floor.

The witches swept into the room, and made their way toward the long, marble altar positioned in the center. Tall trestle legs held an anointed slab of marble for the upcoming ceremony.

Marsilia waited with the child until the preparations were complete. The coven surrounded the table and dropped their hoods. Long hair fell down their backs in dark and light hues, as sharp eyes searched the chamber, an extra measure of security. Silence crept over the room when the ceremonial candles at the four corners of the table stood in readiness for the ritual to begin.

A sister stepped forward with a long taper in her hand. She bowed before the sacred altar, and touched the flame to each candle, watching as they burned blue in the dank room.

Marsilia gave Emmaria to Celestria, who was adorned in crimson robes. Her sleeves brushed the stone floor, as they approached the altar. Lovingly, she placed the child, dressed in a smaller version of her own crimson robe, in the center of the marble table.

Cooing, the girl child sat and stared at her surroundings. She gurgled a little and tried to move, only to find a restraining hand on her shoulder.

The sisters of the Coven of Orenda approached the table chanting. Come Little One. Tonight, is your night. You will become our sister, when the light is received. They repeated this verse again and again, until the High Priestess entered the room, in a colorful, floor length robe and matching pointed hat.

In her hand, she held a multicoloured bowl and neared the table. She looked at her sisters and bowed before Celestria and Marsilia. She placed the bowl on the table and watched as the liquid held within moved, and produced a picture only the Priestess viewed. She interpreted the images flashing inside the bowl and looked up at her sisters. She raised her hands into the air and the chanting grew louder and louder.

The Priestess ran her hands through the liquid and took the child into her arms. She raised the small girl toward the moon and spoke the ancient words. Sister Moon, we ask you to accept this child as a member of our coven, shine your light upon her and bathe her in your glow.

She returned the princess to the table and baptized her with the liquid from the sacred bowl.

You are one of us, Emmaria, Princess of the Coven of Orenda.

Cheers rang out around the room. The coven rejoiced and welcomed its newest member. It had been many years since they had anointed a princess into the coven.

Suddenly, the sound of swords clashing, rang out from the outer halls and halted the merriment. They’re in here! Shouts of rage thundered.

Take Emmaria! Celestria shouted to her mother. Hide her well!

Marsilia stepped forward. I will guard her with my life.

Go! Now! When the time is right, we will find you! Stay safe, Mother! The mistress of the coven made herself heard over the shouts of men.

How will you find us? Marsilia felt shame at deserting her sisters in their moment of need.

Do not worry, or fear for us. We will find you. Now go!

Armed men burst into the room. Kill the witches! Shouts rang out as the men attacked the unarmed women.

Marsilia conjured a gateway. With the child safely tucked in her arms, she sprang into action and stepped over the threshold. Briefly, she turned and saw her sisters fighting the men, with their magic, when she spotted Grisandole and her hags entering the room. She prayed for victory, as the gateway closed.

CHAPTER 1

EMMY

The alarm clock sounded its annoying tone, and Emmy wanted to refuse to crawl from beneath the covers, but the constant buzz forced her to throw them back and rise. Not an easy feat, after last night’s chat with her grandmother. She’d tossed and turned all night after Grammie sprung the news on her. Why now? This was so unfair. Emmy wanted to stand her ground, but would she win? Not sure.

Emmy showered, put on her school uniform, picked up her silver brush… the one from the set Grammie had given her on her thirteenth birthday and brushed her long pale hair. She applied a pink gloss to her lips, and went downstairs.

Good morning, Emmy. Breakfast is ready, Grammie said, as she sat down at the table.

Thanks. Emmy poured milk into her cereal, took a slice of toast and buttered it. She ate, but her eyes never left her Grammie’s face.

Are you still upset with me?

Grammie wore one of her loud, button-down shirts over slacks. Her graying hair was neatly pulled back and tied in a chignon, her trademark, at the base of her neck. Her blue eyes were bright with worry.

I not angry, I’m shocked and sad. Graduation is in three months. Sarah and I planned on getting dates, dresses and go together.

I understand how you feel.

Do you? Really?

Of course, I do. I was young once. She giggled.

Emmy tried to picture Grammie as a young girl dying to go to her graduation party with the hottest guy in school and now it was her turn to graduate and attend her party with friends. She wished her mother were here to share this moment with her, but Emmy’s mother died when she was a child. Grammie stepped in and became the only mother, she’d ever known.

But why now? Why do you want to move?

I didn’t say we had to move immediately. I’ve been thinking about making a change. I thought it might be good for us.

I don’t want to move. I love living in Salem. My friends are here. She hated whining, but she didn’t want to leave.

I know. You go to school and we’ll discuss it further when you come home. I promise I won’t make any decisions without you.

Emmy stood and kissed her grandma’s cheek. Thanks. She took her book-bag and flung it over her shoulder and left the house. She spotted Sarah, her best friend waiting for her at the corner.

Hi Emmy, Sarah said, when Emmy caught up to her.

Hey.

What’s wrong?

Grammie talked about moving again. She felt like crying.

What? When?

Last night. She said something about needing a change.

Sarah was dumbfounded. She tried to say something but stopped herself from uttering a word. Emmy giggled. Sarah always stuttered when she was given bad news.

But you can’t move. That would be like… catastrophic!

I don’t want to move. Salem’s my home, from the witch museum to the square. I want to stay her.

You have to remind Grammie that we’re graduating this year and you have to be there. We’ve worked really hard for this.

Emmy laughed. I know. I used the same argument.

And what did she say?

"She said, ‘we’ll see’, so I dropped it… for now. We’re going to talk about it tonight."

That doesn’t sound good. Sarah tucked a long strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

I know. I’m hoping in a few days, she’ll forget about moving.

You really think so?

I don’t know, but on another note, I hope Danny asks me to graduation.

I think he will. That would be great if I went with Robert and you went with Dan. Two best-friends dating two best-friends. How cool is that? The excitement Sarah projected was catchy.

I never thought about it like that, but yeah, that would be awesome.

I talked to Rob, and he made me swear not to tell you, but he says Dan’s gonna ask you, Sarah told her in a conspiratorial manner.

Really? So, Rob asked you? Her smile grew as she watched her friend’s emotions flit across her features.

Yesterday.

I’m so happy for you. Why didn’t you call me?

He wanted me to wait until Dan got the nerve to ask you, Sarah said. "But I couldn’t stand it anymore and I had to tell you everything.

Emmy tried to smile, but worry clouded her eyes.

What’s wrong? Sarah asked seeing Emmy’s smile fade. They’d been friends since JK and were closer than sisters. Together, they’d planned their future. They’d attend graduation together and in the fall, start high school, and after that, college. Maybe they’d get an apartment when they began working in the city.

How should I answer Dan? If I tell him that there’s a chance we’ll move, he might ask someone else, like Debbie. She scrunched her nose and stuck out her tongue.

Sarah chuckled. He might do that. What are you going to do?

Try to avoid answering him until I can talk to Grammie. She worried her bottom lip.

Good idea.

The school loomed before them. They went inside and made it to their classroom before the first bell.

Emmy sat quietly in her seat, her thoughts on Grammie. She chanced a glance at Danny who sat a few desks behind Sarah. He smiled at her. She briefly returned his greeting and tried to pay attention to Miss Norris, as she wrote their homework on the blackboard. She jotted everything down and left the classroom with Sarah. She had to avoid Danny, at least until she knew what Grammie had planned for them.

Hey, Emmy! Wait up.

She groaned. Hi Danny.

I thought we could have lunch together.

Sarah smiled and closed her locker door, before Emmy could utter a word, Sarah was gone. Sure. That would be great, Emmy said.

Let’s go. They walked together to the cafeteria and grabbed their lunches. Danny led Emmy to a small table and sat down.

Emmy bit into her sandwich and listened as Danny talked. He told her he enjoyed movies and sports, and she was surprised to hear his parents were divorced. He hadn’t wanted to leave Salem, so he chose to live with his father. He preferred to live with his dad, rather than with his mom and her boyfriend, who called Danny, buddy.

I hate that word and the tone the jerk uses on me.

Emmy giggled. I don’t blame you.

You’re very pretty, Emmy.

Thanks. She blushed trying to make light of his compliment. Emmy hoped he wouldn’t ask her to graduation today.

I don’t know much about you.

Really? She feigned ignorance. Truth was no one knew her that well, even though Sarah thought she did, she really didn’t. Grammie preferred Emmy keep her life, private. She didn’t understand the need for all this secrecy, but she respected Grammie enough to follow her rules.

Yeah. I’d like to know more about you. His brown eyes glistened, as he ran a hand through his styled, sandy colored hair.

What would you like to know? Emmy had to tread lightly. She liked Danny, but knew there were things she couldn’t talk about.

Anything, really. All I know is you’re in my class, you’re cute, and you hang with Sarah who likes my best-friend.

That’s about it. She smiled

He laughed. She looked at him, reaffirming how cute he was with his bright smile. She wanted to go to graduation with Danny, but couldn’t answer him now.

Why don’t you join us on Saturdays when we go to the show? We have a great time.

I have to help out at home.

I get that. I’ve got chore around the house too, but I usually go to the mall on Saturday and meet up with everyone.

I live with my grandma and she needs me. She’s not that young anymore.

Really?

She could tell he wasn’t convinced. The bell sounded, and they rose. On the way to class, Danny asked. Can I walk home with you?

She didn’t know what to say or do. Not too many people knew where she lived. Grammie didn’t want anyone coming around except for Sarah. Okay. She took a deep breath. There was no need to panic.

At least part of the way? He asked, sincerity laced his voice.

I guess that’s alright. That was close.

Great.

They entered their classroom and went to their respective seats. Sarah instantly leaned in. What happened?

We talked.

Did he ask you?

No, but he wants to walk me home, Emmy said.

This is so exciting, Sarah squealed in delight.

Sarah, I don’t know what to say to him.

Tell him the truth. Tell him you can’t make any decisions until you speak with Grammie. I’m sure he’ll understand.

I hope so. Emmy feared telling Danny that she may be moving and then he wouldn’t bother to ask her.

Of course he will. If he likes you, he’ll take the chance and take you to graduation.

Miss Norris walked in and began the next lesson. Emmy watched the clock and worried about Danny. What if he chose to ask someone else? How could she go, if he’s there with another girl? She shook her head trying to get her thoughts under control, and pay attention to the lesson plan.

After class, Emmy went to her locker and found Danny waiting for her. She looked around for Sarah, but it would seem she abandoned her. Nerves travelled through her body and her apprehension caused her to frown unconsciously.

Hi Emmy. Everything okay? Danny sidled up next to her.

What? Of course. Why do you ask? Her tone was more severe thatn she intended. She had to watch that.

You look so serious?

Really?

Yeah.

Sorry.

Hey, if you, want to talk about it, I’m all ears, Danny said and smiled at Emmy in that quirky way.

Thanks, but I’m fine.

Together they made their way home.

CHAPTER 2

THE NIGHTMARE

Emmy walked next to Danny, as they crossed the street, and spotted Sarah strolling ahead of them, with Robert and some friends. She looked back and winked at Emmy.

Are you sure you don’t want to catch up with the others? She asked.

No. I’d rather walk with you,

She smiled, flattered by his attention.

I want to ask you something. Danny fidgeted and played with his jacket zipper.

What’s that? She trembled.

I wanted to ask you… He paused trying to steady his voice. Would you go with me to graduation.

Now it was out in the open. Emmy had to choose her words carefully. If she said yes and they moved closer to graduation, he might not get a date, and if she said no than there was the chance that she might end up dateless.

I know there’s still a few months till graduation, but I thought it would be cool to go together. Sarah’s going with Rob, and I want to take you.

Emmy looked away.

Unless you’d rather go with someone else.

I want to say yes, but…

But?

I don’t know if I’ll be here in a few months.

What do you mean?

This morning, my grandmother told me that we may be moving to another town or state. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t tell you the truth. Emmy watched him closely. His dark eyes were centered on her.

You didn’t answer me.

If you still want to take me, then my answer is yes.

Great!

I’ll see you tomorrow, Emmy said, and ran down the street. She stepped on the porch, glanced down the street and saw Danny standing there almost perplexed. She opened the door and went inside. Grammie, I’m home.

In the kitchen, Emmy.

She walked through the living room and entered the kitchen, where she found Grammie standing by the sink washing vegetables for dinner. Emmy planted a kiss on her cheek.

How was your day? Grammie asked, as she always did.

Okay.

Do you have any homework? Grammie chopped the vegetables.

Something smells good. Emmy raised her chin and sniffed the air.

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and mixed veggies.

Sounds good!

You didn’t answer my question, Grammie said with a smirk.

Yes, I have homework.

You have time before dinner.

Okay. I’ll go change and start.

A few minutes later, she brought her school bag and computer into the kitchen. She set it up on the table, so she could talk to Grammie about Danny. Emmy’s eyes never left her grandmother. What would she say when Emmy told her about Danny?

I need to talk to you.

Oh? Grammie sat down at the table while a frown marred her usually jovial face. Is anything wrong?

I don’t know.

Maybe you’d better tell me what’s going on?

Emmy took a deep breath and looked at her grandmother. Her blue eyes paled next to Emmy’s, but they were always full of love.

Danny asked me to graduation. There, she said it. Now all she had to do was wait for Grammie’s reply and hope it would be positive.

Really? Grammie smiled at Emmy.

He wanted to make sure no one else had the chance to ask me.

I see. When did this happen?

He walked me home.

What? You brought him here? Grammie hurried to the front window and searched the streets. Her head moved from side to side and when she felt there was no imminent danger, she returned to the kitchen.

What was that all about? Emmy stood in the living room trying to figure out why Grammie acted so strange.

I was checking. You were saying?

Grammie, you’re acting even stranger than usual. I left him at the corner and ran home. I know the rules.

Good.

I know you’re only thinking about my safety, but its really weird that I can’t let anyone, other than Sarah know where I live.

Grammie stood and went to the fridge where she removed a pitcher of lemonade she’d made that morning. Emmy loved Grammie’s homemade lemonade; it was never too tart or sweet.

Emmy, I understand how you feel, but there are some things not meant for discussion. You’ll have to trust that what I’m doing, I’m doing for you.

I know, but it doesn’t make understanding any easier.

The older woman laughed. True, but back to Danny. What did you tell him?

I thought I should be honest, and tell him about the possibility that we may move.

What did he say?

He still wants to take me.

I see.

Grammie, I can go to my graduation, can’t I?

We’ll see.

I have to know. If I won’t be here, then I need to give him the chance to ask someone else.

I worry about you.

There’s no need to worry. I’m not a child anymore.

You are growing up, but there’s so much you don’t know and that worries me. Grammie sipped from her glass, a faraway look clouding her blue eyes.

They jumped when Emmy’s cell phone rang. She removed it from her back pocket and saw Sarah’s name flashing. She stood, went into the family room and sat on the sofa.

Hi Sarah.

So, what happened? Sarah was bursting with excitement.

He asked me to the dance.

I knew it! I’m so excited!

Don’t be. I told him that we might be moving.

What did he say? Her tone turned serious.

He still wants to take me.

Yay! This is so great! We’re gonna have a blast!

Emmy held the phone away from her ear and laughed. I have to go. Grammie and I were discussing graduation and my date.

Okay, okay. Let me know what she says.

Will do. Bye. She hung up and returned to the kitchen.

How’s Sarah?

Excited.

Emmy, we need to talk.

Grammie, please don’t say we’re moving. I want to stay here.

I know, but I can’t make any promises. Grammie’s pale blue eyes held unshed tears.

What’s going on? I know you’re keeping things from me. I wish you wouldn’t. I’m old enough to make some decisions with you. Please talk to me.

There’s nothing to say. I thought a change might be good for us both, but now I’m not certain if it’s the right thing to do.

I want to stay here and graduate with my friends. I want to go to the dance with Danny and Sarah.

I can’t make any promises, Grammie repeated.

Why not?

Emmy, she began, but stopped. Do your homework. We’ll talk later. I have to finish making dinner. Without another word, Grammie went into the kitchen on the pretense of doing something else.

Emmy watched her grandmother and noticed how still she was. An intense and pensive look marred her elderly features.

A while later, they ate dinner. Grammie talked about many things except… graduation. Emmy wondered what her grandmother was keeping from her, and why. There had to be a reason for this behavior; she wasn’t cryptic by nature. On the contrary, they’d always been able to talk about anything, but lately, Grammie had become secretive and that made Emmy nervous.

After dinner, they went into the family room and watched TV until it was time for bed. Emmy went upstairs and readied herself. She crawled into bed and pulled the covers over her. Grammie came in and sat next to her. Strange behavior, for her guardian hadn’t tucked her in since she was a child.

Emmy, I know you don’t understand why I’m thinking about leaving Salem. She held up her hand to stop her granddaughter from replying. But I have my reasons and soon, you’ll know what they are and why I feel this move may be best.

I hope so. I don’t understand anything.

I know. For now, we’ll stay in Salem.

Thank you, Grammie. Emmy hugged her. She left the room and closed closing the door behind her.

Slowly, Emmy’s eyes closed, and sleep took her away from the small brick house, and into the hallway of a large, dark castle.

Emmy walked down a stone corridor. She stopped in front of a mirror where an older, but very beautiful woman with long, silver hair and bright blue eyes stared back. Emmy was trapped within the strange woman’s body and failed to recognize the reflection staring back at her. Emmy looked down and saw the woman’s silver robes trailing behind her, as she walked away and found the door to freedom. This was her only means of escape. The sound of voices approached. She reached for the handle and tried to open the door, but instead of finding the freedom she craved, she felt the long finger of death seize her earthly form. She crumpled to the floor.

Emmy sat up, trembling in fear from of the nightmare she’d had. Uncertainty filled her, as she thought of the beautiful woman, and the sword that ended her life. She wondered if the nightmare and the deadly deed were