Talisman for Life & Amulets for Love & Success: Glynis B. Vaughn, #3

By Carolyn M Kenney

The time is here for Glynis Vaughn to legally become Mrs. Sean L Thorley. The last of three relics must be restored to its potency, and her family-led journey is coming to a temporary halt. But the restoration restarts again next year. The same obstacles remain. They refuse to lessen their efforts to acquire the precious relics. Minerva and Sebastian's actual menacing nature surfaces as the days come closer to Halloween. Nigel Reid's name and influence are more than being a renowned New Age author. Fiona, Glynis' mentor, knows Nigel very well. 

A magician group gathers to get Glynis through the final steps and her betrothed. Magic and the evil doers continue to hand over the couple and Glynis' magical journey. Will Glynis reach the end of her trip with Thorley or without him? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carolyn M. Kenney
• Release date: Oct 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215512937

Book preview

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Author Notes

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, incidents, settings, brands, and dialogue are from the author’s imagination. None of this book is from real life.

THIS BOOK IS FOR SALE TO ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. There are scenes with explicit acts of sex and adult language; some people may find offensive.

Although some locations may have names that resemble real places, they are purely coincidental. Any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and owner of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used with and without permission.

Copyright All Literary Rights: Carolyn M. Kenney 2022. Carolyn M. Kenney has asserted her right under the Copyrights, Designs, and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

This book is not for resell or distribution rights without the publisher’s prior written permission and the book’s owner’s.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I dedicate this book to my mother, Lillie, who introduced me to reading a variety of genres at a very young age. She did not censor my reading materials and encouraged me to become a writer until the day she died.

I also dedicate my book to my friends, Irma and Peggy, my inspiration and encouraging fans. Every book I write is also committed to my friends and family.

Cast of Characters

The magicians, mediums , witches, and other people with supernatural skills:

Glynis- Vaughn, our protagonist, does not subscribe to the usual witchcraft tropes. Glynis’ successful New Age copy-editing business is a boon for her life in more ways than one.

Fiona–Glynis’s mentor and confidant. Glynis’ family put Fiona in charge of Glynis’ magic instruction. Fiona is supposed to assist Glynis in restoring the talisman for life.

Allen is Glynis’ guide with Fiona.

Dario–Allen’s apprentice magician and Fiona’s son.

Sebastian–Glynis’s love interest with untold magic that scares him.

Celinda Babcock - Glynis’ best friend and loyal sidekick. Celinda is a sounding board and tarot card reading Priestess.

Alaisdair D Chapman, Dario’s father and champion for the union of his son with Glynis. He looks forward to a grandchild merging Glynis’ magic with Dario’s magical bloodline.

Sean Lawrence Thorley, aka Thorley - High Priest and rival of Sebastian. He is a close friend of Dario.

Members of Fiona’s first coven and holdovers from the second and third Gathering. These people have years of magic experience and theories.

Nigel Reid, Sr., and his son joined the coven to carry on the family ties.

Taylor Goldsmith

Ladson Aldridge

Marshall Cline

Fergus Goldsmith

Glynis’s primary nemesis.

Minerva Van Der Pool - Prefers straddling Black, Grey, and White magic. She has a remarkable gift and refuses to control the power.

Emma Jade - A Minerva minion and Minerva’s close friend. Emma was a friend of Glynis until Minerva took her under her wing as a lazy magician.

Minerva is forming a new camp of warriors after losing the battle against Glynis.

The non-magic characters

Listed below are authors and staff members at Glynis’ editing business.

Josh Duward

Katherine Marie Phelps

Wilma Susanna Travis

There are characters making cameo appearances and follow-ups in the next book.

PROLOGUE

I spent the first twenty-five years of my life trying to find myself. My family gave me tools to determine my magical potency. Unfortunately, my folks transitioned to the next life after presenting me with a petrified wooden box. Inside the box are a talisman, an amulet for success, and one for protection. The pieces are old, and raising energy is a priority to recharge each piece to help it maintain its strength for spell casting and success. My mother, father, and grandmother put me in the care of a female magician to help me reach my goals. Fiona and Allen start me on the journey. Unfortunately, roadblocks, hazards, and evil spirits are trying to keep me from my trip. My nemesis, Minerva, prefers chaotic magic and must have shields to protect her.

I live with my temporary husband to complete our magical journey. Our house is within the Atlanta city limits, and my office is north of downtown. Sean Lawrence Thorley teaches psychology at the local university. He is my best client for editing the new-age books he produces annually. I met Thorley on the night Sebastian couldn’t complete the magic energy raising to reshape the crystal for the talisman through the sex magic method. My mentor, Dario, couldn’t end the psychic war and left Thorley to finish the battle.

There isn’t enough magic to determine the motive and methods of a man you believe to be your true love. Instead, the man plays games with everyone in his circle. Sebastian will do the unthinkable to get his hands on the talisman and amulets. The days and weeks before Halloween uncover everyone’s intentions. There are moments when the whole magical trip to fulfilling the promise can fall apart. The smoke of incense can cover the reflections in the mirror.

I am two-thirds the way to meeting my goal. A potent magician comes to my rescue, and we have a temporary wedding to safeguard my remaining steps to complete the ancient journey. My quick husband, Thorley, will become my permanent husband after we take the remaining steps. First, Minerva and Sebastian do everything they can to forestall my work by casting spells, using mind control, and portraying illusions of problematic behavior.

Sean Thorley and I set our wedding for two days after Halloween. We have everything ready, covering every possible problem with Druid and Wiccan magical safeguards.

Chapter One

W ill you change your list of invitees for the amulet ceremony?

Fiona, I have my list written in my heart and mind. I am careful who attends these remaining ceremonies.

You changed your list from the talisman ceremony to the first amulet ritual. I want sufficient food, drink, and spaces for privacy.

Fiona, whom do you want to include? I thought we settled on a headcount for your simple makeshift ritual space. I know there isn’t a predetermined date, but Halloween is the best time. We can take the ritual outside in your backyard. No one lives behind you, and we have plenty of privacy.

No. I want to know if you want to invite Sebastian?

Sebastian left town for his mother’s homeland. I am not sure he will return to Atlanta before we begin the ceremony. He has been a jinx and an enormous obstacle. I have one remaining relic to restore. I can’t take a risk that something will go wrong.

You said Dario is in danger if you take him as your husband, magician High Priest. Will you change your mind if Sebastian returns before the rituals end?

I have no choice but to stick with my current plan. Yes, I was madly in love with Sebastian and wanted us to make a family. Phaedra, like you, wanted her son to unite with me for the best magic merger. I can’t honor her wishes; your desire is too dangerous.

I asked Dario for an explanation for the change in plans. He says the facts are too risky for anyone to know aside from him. So, what happened to every good plan?

Dario forgot the facts until the ceremony for the talisman brought all the memories flooding back to his conscious mind.

What did Dario remember?

I will not go into details. Dario will tell you everything at the right time. I will tell you to remember three incidents if you can. Please remember Phaedra’s fast-moving decline in health; try to remember Allen’s accident with the car tumbling onto his body and the pyrotechnics that Minerva set in motion after the talisman for life battle.

I see the wheels turn in Fiona’s brain. I know the pain on her face as the psychic visions come to her.

Oh, my poor son.

What do you know about the incidents I mentioned?

Fiona closes her eyes. She rocks back and forth, holding her chest. For a moment, I thought she was suffering from a heart attack.

Doesn’t everything surround Minerva’s destructive tendencies with her uncontrollable magic?

What do you see now that you missed earlier?

There is a long history of Minerva’s temper, plus her pyrokinetic magic equaling disaster. A series of ire-rising incidents sent Minerva into a spin without control.

I remember Minerva’s temper causing a serious fender bender. Minerva asked Seth to carve her a new wand and add the crystal from Marcus. Seth said he wouldn’t do it.

The accident was minor. Seth didn’t die. His car totaled. There are additional incidents stemming from Minerva’s anger and jealous nature. Don’t you wonder about Emma’s inability to break away from Minerva?

Emma is a mystery walking among minions. Minerva leaves Emma stranded on the side of the road, creating embarrassing moments, and Emma falls in line with Minerva. Is there a spell casting between the two?

Yes. You are right to banish Sebastian.

Sebastian is out of the country.

The rift between Allen, Phaedra, and Carlton dies down and resurfaces from time to time. Minerva put herself within the grasp of Carlton.

I remember the situation, and Carlton told Minerva to leave him alone.

Carlton’s declaration comes after returning to teaching at a college in Kentucky. He commuted during weekends. Minerva thought she was suited for Carlton’s High Priestess at a coven he set up near the school. Carlton slept around, and he loved Phaedra. Minerva didn’t stand a chance for the position of High Priestess.

Was Minerva planning to go where she isn’t wanted?

Yes. Minerva set a plan in motion for Phaedra to find Carlton in bed with her. But, unfortunately, the rift stirred up jealousy between Phaedra, Carlton, and Emma. As you know, Emma plays the bed game from all angles.

Was the fire in the bedroom the cause of Carlton’s burned three fingers?

Yes. Carlton saves Phaedra, he abandons Emma and Minerva, and the fired department saves them. From that day forward, the relationships were never the same. Phaedra’s health slid down until her death. Emma didn’t find a steady lover. We slept together for a ritual after Phaedra’s death.

I don’t need more details about your relationship with Phaedra and Emma. However, I get a clear picture of Minerva’s dark side.

Do you think Minerva involved Dario to strike at my heart?

Fiona, I would not put any plan past Minerva’s disaster plans. Minerva thrives on chaos. Minerva called Dario to see the incident, knowing he couldn’t bring her to justice. What authority would believe in dark magic?

The unexplainable incidents of accidents and deaths keep the culprits on the streets.

Fiona looks exhausted from our talks about my future rituals returning to Minerva and Sebastian. We sit back and sip tea.

Unless there are changes in the ceremonial program, let’s stick with my guest list. Sebastian, Emma, and others associated with Minerva will not receive an invitation.

Fiona checks her tablet, and we agree on the preparations.

Does Thorley understand the circumstances?

Yes. As the current conditions stand now, Thorley knows he is my soon-to-be husband.

Once again, Fiona’s eyes fill with tears. I am fond of Dario, but I can’t see him as my husband forever. My parents differed in their everlasting love. I thought I had those feelings for Sebastian. Now, I do not know if there is an undying love for me.

Please don’t cry again. I love you as an aunt and Dario as a knowledgeable distant cousin. I realized Dario couldn’t fulfill the husband’s role in my life. I tried to see Dario as a husband and father to our children. I searched every fiber of my being and can’t do it.

YOUR RESPONSE TO MY request is my karma. Is there any possibility you can see me like a mother-in-law?

Unless you have another son, I must see Dario as my husband. I can only see Dario as my mentor and sex magic partner. He replaced Allen weeks before Allen’s death. I never rejected Dario’s body joining mine. However, Dario is my mentor because Allen was my first male sex magician.

Fiona will not stop urging me to reject Thorley and overlook my convictions. I see her facial expressions change like a light bulb. Fiona moves her worry beads up and down her wrist.

Did I mistake urging Allen to give you instructions on sex magic? Should I have given my objection to Dario’s help during Allen’s aging process?

I give Fiona a proper copy letter for her to sign. I am trying to change the subject. As fond as I am of Dario, I can’t find the abiding love I am finding with Thorley.

You were right to help me turn away from Sebastian. Sebastian belongs to Minerva. I can’t give a solid period for their uniting. I can’t say what happened between us, but I can say that Thorley removed the curse.

Dario saw the dark clouds over you and the relics. Why can’t you feel gratitude towards Dario?

I am grateful for Dario’s foresight to see Thorley could collaborate with us and Dario’s inability to move the crystals forward.

But you don’t see Dario as husband material, do you?

I often open my mind to see if Dario could tell me about my husband after the battles and magic potions. I can’t see Dario in any other light. After Allen’s death, Dario was my guide. Minerva took every advantage to create a dark zone between us. Minerva used Sebastian as a pawn and foil for her wrong move. Dario knows the truth.

Fiona signs the copyright form to keep her rights and sits back in the visitor’s chair. I knew after hand-fasting with Thorley and promising to make our uniting legal; I saw Fiona’s facial expression. After the mind-bending psychic battle against Minerva, Fiona watched Thorley and me perform an intense sex magic ritual to seal our success. The room fills with love and resentment. I know Alaisdair pressed for me to mate with Dario for his grandchild. Hell, Alaisdair tried to mate with me for a child. Alaisdair wanted to give me a head-turning morning romp in the bed without protection. Alaisdair is old. His mind tells him he is young, and his body reminds him of his age.

Dario is husband material because he is kind, warm, and careful. He might make a husband for Celinda, but Dario is not for me to spend my life with after the rituals. I am very fond and grateful for all you and Dario do for me. Dario summoned Thorley the day Dario realized the trouble brewing among us. Dario found a substitute for himself after he saw Sebastian’s response to the talisman and amulet restoration. I am grateful for Dario’s use of his all-seeing eye.

Your deceased mother said you are stubborn. She told me that once you get a conviction in your mind and body, there isn’t a way to change your mind.

I am always open to plausible options. I have an open mind, but I never saw Dario as my husband. Well, I will retract that statement. I saw Dario as my husband after seeing Sebastian as a lazy magician. Dario studies his magic skills and never cannot think outside of the magical realm.

Why are you saying these things to me? I know my son is an amazing magician. He has magic running through his veins.

I am telling you my reasoning to make my marriage to Thorley legal and not your son, Dario. I want you to have the facts early in the last steps to restore the amulet. There are suspicions about the whole magical trip.

Are you having doubts or questions for me?

I know my family was searching for a magician, also known as a witch, to guide me through the restoration journey. Your poster specified interest in the talisman for life and amulets. You didn’t mention the second amulet. Did you know about the trio?

Yes. Our quartet searched for the rumored trio. We hoped to locate every talisman and amulet from the specific timeframe. As you know, we are over fifty years of age. We spent half our lives searching for the talisman.

Was I sitting duck to the quartet?

No. You are a treasure. The quartet hoped you would become a family member for Dario or Sebastian. But unfortunately, Minerva came to us and messed up the plan.

I have a movie playing out in my head. The plan moved within my body, and I wouldn’t say I liked the scenes.

Did you hope I would be with Dario and ten months later, I would be with Sebastian? Am I wrong? Was the plan vice versa?

Oh, no. Are you wrong? Where did you get that idea?

I read your thoughts. Allen, Phaedra, Carlton, and I set up the plan. But I see a glitch in the foolproof plan. Alaisdair came to the ritual after Allen’s death. Alaisdair tried to defy age, and he tried to seal a deal with me. Who gave Alaisdair the idea to sleep with me before Thorley?

We decided for Alaisdair to impregnate you after Dario confessed to seeing Minerva move the truck that fell on Allen. Dario admitted to calling Thorley two days after he saw Allen and the truck.

If you understood me, you wouldn’t underestimate me. I wondered how Alaisdair came to my bed without you knowing about his activities. You and Dario sent Alaisdair to me. You are right about the age of the quartet. I will leave my comment about Alaisdair’s performance.

What else is on your mind?

The day is ending soon. I have nothing pressing on my mind. Your author copies are coming next week.

WE CELEBRATED THE FALL equinox before we went into a psychic battle against Minerva and Sebastian. What should we do now?

We have many choices. Do you want to celebrate the Wiccan way, the Celtic way, or the new age way? The New Age way combines old and new celebrations. Our children must know every aspect of magic. We can enjoy the season for weeks.

We can use the energy to make the rest of our year a success.

I will tell you something I want to do for you.

What do you have in mind?

I have two classes tomorrow. I will surprise you tomorrow. What time will your day end tomorrow?

I flip through my daily planner.

I should be here at 5:30 PM. What are you planning to do tomorrow for me?

If I tell you, it will not be a surprise.

The fall equinox is a reminder of the importance of gratitude. It is when we receive the blessings we have prepared for all year or give thanks if we have already received them. It is also when we prepare to face the darkness within ourselves and the world. Fall is the time to be grateful for our blessings to prepare for winter.

The bedroom has gray, white, and black candles.

I want you to relax your mind and body. Examine your emotions and let go of the anger, misunderstandings, and guilt. Do you understand me?

Yes. I will put my emotions away and enjoy my gratitude for you.

We must never forget the blessings we have a meeting. We must thank Dario, too.

Light the candles and sit in front of them. If you created a list of blessings you wished to manifest last spring, now is an excellent time to take another look at it. See what you displayed and what you did not. Give thanks for all you have received and acknowledge the things that you did not. The universe often protects us by not giving us everything we ask for, and it is important to be thankful for that, too!

If you do not have a list, take a moment to jot down everything you must be grateful for right now. What are you currently harvesting, either literally or metaphorically?

Give thanks to your ancestors, deities, and guardian spirits. Make offerings to them according to your tradition. If you are unsure what to give, items like seasonal flowers, foods, alcoholic beverages, and incense are appreciated.

Offer thanks to the spirits of nature, too. Without them, we would not have food or water. Pay back some blessings you have been given by setting out seeds for birds and other animals that may struggle during the fall and winter months.

The bathroom is fantastic. Thorley has my favorite fragrances of lavender, rose, and apple. The bathtub has bubbles.

Would you join me for a cleansing bath?

Yes. I will wash your back if you wash mine.

The house smells lovely, and Thorley cleaned the place from top to bottom. Every day with Thorley is a mixture of magic and regular life. Unlike Sebastian and Allen, we have normal activities and magical moments for serious spellcasting.

What are you wishing for tonight?

The powerful climax comes with Thorley’s massaging me from the back to the front of my body. I touch his hard body to let him know talking is not an option.

Why do you question me when your hands are teasing my body?

I love to see your response. I read your aura and see how bright it shines.

I can see your aura, too. You know how to dull the aura shine and raise the color after climax.

I will teach you how to expend less energy for playtime.

We carry our playtime into the bedroom. We celebrate the blessing of the day before going to slumber land.

FIONA IS A TALL, STATUESQUE woman. She is almost six feet tall. She doesn’t take short lady strides but doesn’t waste her steps.

I wasn’t sure you would be home alone.

Yes. Thorley is completing his temporary teaching status at the university. He is late.

I didn’t want to bring any upsetting news, but I saw Minerva this morning, and I just saw Sebastian. He was buying office supplies.

And what were you doing?

I am writing follow-up books to the book you helped me publish.

What about your teaching at the junior college level?

I will do both jobs. There is much information about psychology for teaching. I have immense knowledge of crystal magic powers to produce another book.

Well, keeping you busy will keep you trouble-free.

I don’t get into trouble. But, unfortunately, trouble finds me from time to time.

If I didn’t know you, I would agree. I can’t say you can’t conjure up issues.

Fiona sees I am joking with her. So she lets out a healthy, loud laugh.

You are right; I do stir up problems that I know are not healthy for me. I know what you are trying to do. You don’t want to think about Sebastian and Minerva. They are back in town.

For a few moments, I forgot the two people left town separately.

Emma couldn’t keep her mouth and mind shut off from Minerva and Sebastian. She blabs everything that comes to her brain.

I told Sebastian to search for Phaedra’s relatives. I suggested to Sebastian to locate Allen’s psychic gift-givers. Sebastian told me Allen’s relatives were too old or dead.

You saw Sebastian’s problems early in your relationship. You thought Sebastian would listen to you instead of turning to Minerva. Sebastian has never been good at finding ways to improve himself.

Was Sebastian’s inability to work hard at his craft the telltale trait that let Carlton know he was childless?

For many years, Carlton was a fool for Phaedra. He loved her from head to toe.

How did Carlton react to Phaedra’s pregnancy announcement?

Carlton’s first reaction was sheer ecstatic. Carlton was proud of the impending fatherhood. Carlton wrote vigorously. He didn’t leave Phaedra’s side for months. Carlton wanted to find crystals for spellcasting and crystals for general use. Then, one day, something changed.

Did you discover what made Carlton change?

I overheard them talking, but I wasn’t sure I heard the truth.

What did you hear?

"Carlton tells Phaedra the baby in her