Cuckoo in the Coven

“You see, it’s within you. Don’t let go of that feeling. You need to draw on it.” He put the small item back on its shelf in its original position. “May I ask how you think your magic worked?”

“It was as you suspected, an emotional response.”

Eben nodded. “It’s that way for many women. For men it’s often to do with power, as well.”

Sunny’s curiosity about the magic grew.

Eben smiled, as if he knew what she was thinking. “There will be lots of time to learn. For now you must concentrate on your own abilities. Take what you’ve learnt today and exercise it.”

“What do you mean, just move things around?”

“Yes, but challenge yourself too. On your way home, perhaps try to influence something in the natural world around you. Believe me, it’s quite thrilling when you see it happen, and that’s where we’re most powerful, when we are working directly through and with nature.”

A noise behind her attracted her attention. Someone was rattling the door handle. By the time she turned around and looked over her shoulder, the shopper had turned away. “I’d better let you get back to work, you’ve got customers, and you don’t want to lose them.”

“They’ll come back,” Eben said with a grin. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m the only blacksmith in town.”

Sunny chuckled. It was true. “I really appreciate your time. You’re good at explaining things.”

“Keep it simple, I always say. Besides, your grandmother was good to me when I first arrived in Raven’s Landing.”

“You knew her?”

“Yes. In fact she gave me a room when I first arrived with nothing but the clothes I stood up in. She took pity on this Gambian soul, and the lessons I teach you today, she taught me. She was the one who recognized my magic and nurtured it, and I give it back to you as a thank you.”

She was touched by his comments. It was a beautiful legacy, and Sunny was pleased. She stood up. “You get back to work and I’ll let your customers in.”

She slid back the bolt on the door and turned the sign from closed to open. Peering through the bullseye glass panel in the door, she saw Cullen striding up the hill, bulging backpack in one hand, and a cardboard box full of shopping on his opposite shoulder.

She waved at him and opened the door.

Once inside, he rested down his box and backpack and grabbed her into his arms as if he hadn’t seen her for days, kissing her.

Eben strode towards him and raised his hand in a high-five. “You remembered what I taught you?”

“Of course I remembered.” Cullen returned the high-five. “Down low,” he added.

Eben laughed heartily, grasped Cullen’s fist, and bumped shoulders with him.

Sunny was delighted and astonished. “When did you learn that?”

“We saw each other in the DIY store the other day, when you were studying with Celeste. I thought Cullen should learn some of our modern-day customs.”

Cullen grinned when he saw how pleased she was. “I’ve learnt a good greeting, yes?”

“You certainly have.” The bell on the door rang as a family entered the workshop, looking around with interest. “We’ll head off now. Thanks again, Eben.”

“It was a pleasure. Just remember, the more you use your senses as conduits and your emotions as tools, the more aware of them you’ll become. Eventually it’ll come as second nature, and you won’t even have to think about it before it happens.”

“Hard to imagine,” Sunny replied under her breath.

“Don’t be afraid to try it.”

“Okay.”

“Use it or lose it,” he added with a laugh.

“Have you learnt much today?” Cullen asked as they walked back home.