Hail to the Queen (Witch For Hire 2)

“I know right now this seems a little out there, but I’ve brought us this far. Give me a chance to bring you through to the other side. I think you’ll find it was worth the early morning wake up and hike.”

I remove the thermos from the mesh side pocket of my bag. “I want everyone to drink this. It’s an herbal tea blend meant to open our minds and heighten our abilities. It has chamomile, lavender, and rose.”

Vit unscrews the top and takes a healthy gulp before he passes it to his sister. I admire the way he’s always looked out for her. As an only child, I often wished for a sibling to share a connection with. Some things aren’t in the cards. We pass the thermos around. The warm liquid seems to loosen everyone up.

“In order for today to go well, we need to keep open minds and hearts.” I’d hiked this path a million times in my dreams and broke out an actual map to mark it on a format I could trust. The bayou and GPS have never been close friends. The signal is spotty at best once you get in too deep.

Alida, if you’re out there, please help this trip go smoothly.

I set off at a moderate pace, guiding them on the overgrown path as the dark sky begins to light, and the area slowly creeps to life.

The chirp of birds, croak of frogs, and rustle of bushes make up our soundtrack. The deeper we go into the forested area, the more I feel a protective force surrounding us. The light scent of gardenias comforts me. I frequently check our map and compass.

“You sure you know where you’re going?” Fel asks.

I shake the papers in my hand. “The map doesn’t lie.”

“Uh huh,” she says, not sounding convinced.

“Don’t worry. I cross-referenced it with the one our ancestors used.”

“I’m feeling a little better,” Fel says.

“You think I’d lead us out here if I thought we’d get lost?” I ask with a huff.

She laughs. “Me? Yes. Vit and Aimee?” She nods her head toward the duo a few feet behind us. “No.”

“Gee, thanks.” A light sheen of sweat coats my forehead and back.

“Do you feel that?” Fel whispers. Tendrils of power stretch out to us from our final destination.

“Yes, we’re getting close.”

“What is that?” Aimee whispers.

“The reason we’re out here at O-dark-thirty. Vit, can you feel anything?” I peer at him over my shoulder.

“Yeah.” He nods. “A pulse, like a heartbeat.” He points ahead of us. “Out there somewhere.”

Excitement sparks to life inside of me. With every step, the air grows thicker. We round a bend, and I spot the circle of trees. “This is the place where our ancestors often gathered to cast their magic. It has waited a long time for our return. Can you feel it?” I pick up my pace at the murmurs of agreement. “Today, we’re going to cast a sunrise circle.” I pause in the center of the clearing. The ground buzzes between my feet, wind whips at my hair, tugging it from its ponytail. Heat engulfs me, and what feels like a light mist touches my face. The elements move around me playfully. This location is starved for attention.

I turn to face the others. “We’re here.” They approach cautiously, peering around. “Can you feel the rightness of this moment? We’re meant to be here.” Strong feelings of harmony and unity wash over me.

Is this how it used to feel before pride and disagreements pulled the Esçhete clan apart? I walk over to Fel. A hazy blue aura surrounds her. I place a hand on either side of her head. “Water, my blood,” I chant the words softly. Power flares to life inside of me, burning its way through my veins. I raise my voice until the magic is bumping against my skin, seeking an exit. I let go. She jerks. Her back arches and the power flows through her.

Emptied of the imaginary water, I feel air flittering around in my belly like butterflies. I walk to Aimee. Her light brown almond-shaped eyes are wide and full of hope and caution. I can see the eternal battle being waged in the windows of her souls. I wrap my fingers around the side of her neck and rest our foreheads together. “Be at peace.” Her shoulders relax, and I move back. I can see the person inside of her caged and lashed tight by years of belittling and living on the outskirts of the family thanks to her mother’s jealousness. Perhaps, that’s why air is hers to call. She needs to feel the freedom it’ll bring.

“Air, my breath.” As I chant, her mouth opens. The magic is a living thing, climbing its way up my belly and exploding from my mouth into hers in a mystical white stream.

Breathing heavily, I stumble my way to Vit. I place one hand over my heart and the other over his. “Free my spirit.” The power crackles to life inside of him, but like damp kindling, it refuses to catch. I frown, exploring it with my senses. I thrust the power inside of him, and the spark ignites. The blaze engulfs us both. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the flickering orange-red flames with blue center explode and extinguish in the blink of an eye. I step away, stunned by the contented expression I’ve never seen grace his face before.

The others move in around me, and I focus on the power lingering inside of me. “Earth, my body,” I whisper, claiming the element I’ll be calling to me today. “We come here today to cast a circle and honor the ancestors who came before us and used this sacred space.” I shrug off my backpack and kneel to remove my Athame, colored candles, incense, and salt. I face north, hold out my blade, and carve out an imagined circle of pure white light, leaving a small gap. “I cast this circle in perfect love and perfect trust of all who enter.” I hold out the Athame. Fel meets my gaze and steps forward, trusting me enough to take her eyes off the blade. I repeat the process with Aimee and Vit. “The circle has been closed,” I whisper as I close the gap. I lay down a physical circle with sea salt.

We take our places at the four corners. The magic wakes from its slumber. There are many ways to cast a circle, depending on what you seek to gain. This is a more casual calling.

“Spirits of the Air, I call on you.” Aimee’s voice is ethereal and whimsical. The blast of wind that circles us is undeniable.

“Spirits of Fire, I call on you.” Vit’s voice is powerful and full of confidence. A circle of controlled fire springs up as a barrier around the salt.