MINERVA
It’s strange that on Friday evening Jonah, my aunt, and I went to the coven house and were taken advantage of. Now, on Monday, I’m returning as if nothing happened. I hope the witches believe whatever was intended just failed. I don’t see how they can know I thwarted their plans.
Leaving Jonah at his shop is harder than it should be. I never needed anyone before, but without him, the loss gnaws at my gut.
Approaching the coven house door, I pray to Goddess to show me the way to learn about coven business without putting those I care about in danger.
“Goddess, help me.” I knock on the heavy wooden door. Jonah came last week and replaced the rotting one. I have to suppress my anger that they’d try to drug him, curse his apprentice, and still accept his goodwill and hard work.
As the door opens, I push all that aside. I still feel Jonah, but he’s keeping me out of his head, which is wise. Blocking him would take far more effort and be deadly. Besides, knowing he’s close gives me strength.
The pale-haired witch, June Wharton, opens the door. More alert than when I first met her, she pinks when she sees me. “Miss Honeywell, we weren’t expecting you. I’m the only one here at the moment.”
Sending my thanks up to Goddess, I smile. “How nice. I was hoping you and I might have a chance to get to know each other better, Miss Wharton.”
“Me? You wish to get to know me?” Gray eyes wide, she watches me but makes no move to allow me entry.
“Are you not allowed to make friends? Is there a rule within the coven? I wouldn’t wish to offend the high priestess or any of the Kent witches.” I attempt my best kind smile.
She scrunches her face. “There are no rules against friendship with witches.”
“May I come in?” I ease one foot forward.
June backs into the room. “Yes, of course. I’ll make some tea.”
The main room is dark with all the curtains drawn. The hearth is cold, and the chair where Patricia Mason sat on both my previous visits is empty. I keep my tone light. “Where has everyone gone?”
She walks to the kitchen. “To the country to gather…supplies.”
It’s not unusual for witches to have a source in the country where they gather herbs, barks, roots, mushrooms, and other supplies. Yet, I sense June is lying. “I always love a good gathering trip. Why have you been left behind?”
She shrugs as she fills a kettle with water from a large bucket. She hangs it over the kitchen fire and feeds wood to stoke the fire. “I’m not powerful. I came to Maidstone to learn, but there’s little time to train me now.”
Sitting at the corner of a long table, I ask, “How long have you been living with the coven?”
“It’s not quite a year.” She takes down two cups from a shelf and carefully places tea leaves in each.
“What kind of witch are you?” It’s bold to ask, but June seems open and much more alert than the first time we met.
“A water witch. Letty is a fire witch. She hasn’t been here as long as me, but the elders find her powers more useful.” She ends on a sigh and keeps her attention on the kettle.
I’ll bet they do prefer Letty and her evil little curses. “A water witch can be just as powerful as a fire witch. One element does not exceed another.”
She turns and grins. She’s pretty when she smiles. “I have tried to tell them that if they would only train me, I could be useful.”
“Where did you live before?”
The kettle boils, and June uses a towel to pull it off the hook and pour steaming water into the cups. The scent of lavender and black tea leaves warms the room.
Bringing the cups over, she hands me one and sits adjacent to me. “My mother and my brother have a small house a few hours from here. It’s not much, but Mother grows a lovely garden, and Dale, my brother, is a fine earth witch. He can make anything grow.”
“It sounds quite nice. What made you wish to come here?” Part of me wants to ask when the evil demon Orin is planning to attack my friends, but I realize that would shut June’s mouth in an instant. Another part of me wants to know how a girl raised in the country came to live with these dark witches.
She smiles and looks distant, as if she’s imagining her home. Her expression dims, and she says, “The high priestess visited and offered to help me. I didn’t want to continue to be a burden to my family, and I thought I could learn more magic and become a powerful witch.”
“But that is not the case?” It’s a risk to push.
“I just do as I’m told, and the coven cares for me.” It’s as if she’s reciting something drilled into her.
I hold my tongue about how all witches in the coven should be treated equally and with kindness. It takes a moment to get my emotions under control.. “I would be happy to teach you to better use your magic, June. I’m just outside town at Mr. Allen’s house. If you wish to come there and train, I can help you.”
“Why would you do that?” Her mouth twists, and she looks at me sideways.
“Why wouldn’t I? I have the time while my aunt and I visit, and you stated you needed help. In Windsor, we always help sister witches when we can.” I’m impressing myself with how calm I sound while my heart races.
The tea has darkened, and June sips. “That is not the way with the Kent coven. We are more cautious. There are witches about who might wish to do us harm. The high priestess warns all the time to be careful who we trust.”
I sip the very nice tea and smile. “Then you should ask her permission before you come. If she wishes for you to stay away, I will understand.”
Watching me over the rim of her cup, she gives a nod.
I long to ask her why she was out of sorts when we met before, and why I’ve seen other Kent witches in the same state. Why one day Patricia was decrepit and another she was full of life. However, I can’t ask any of those questions. I have to be patient and let her tell me. I sense no evil in her, only youth.
She blushes. “Are you having an affair with Jonah Allen?”
My cheeks heat, but I force a smile. It’s none of anyone’s business, but perhaps the truth will win me some of her trust. “It is new.”
“He is the romantic subject of many of the witches. Many have tried to seduce him in hopes of getting with child. They think that he may produce a strong child and witch despite his lack of magic.” She giggles as she finishes her tea.
Jealousy is something I’ve rarely felt in my life. It burns in my gut. “Have any of them succeeded?”
Mischief flares in her smirk. “Not one. They say he’s stingy with his seed.”
“June!” I laugh and can’t help a full flush from flushing my cheeks. “How old are you to speak of such things?”
Sitting up straight, she pulls her shoulders back. “Nearly twenty.”
Holding back my laugh, I lean forward as if sharing a secret. “I’m quite pleased to hear he’s not bedded half the coven.”
“As far as I know, he’s not bedded any of them, and most of the younger witches have tried,” she says in the same secretive tone I used. “Perhaps he loves you.”
“That’s fanciful talk.” My heart beats faster.
She shrugs.
After a long moment, I sigh. “Might I ask you to keep the affair a secret between us, June?”
“I’m no gossip,” she says proudly despite that she had just been gossiping about Jonah and her sister witches.
“Thank you.” I get up and take my cup to the sink. “If the high priestess approves, you might come to me in a day or two for lessons.”
“I will ask her tomorrow when they return.” She stands and claps like a little girl.
I’m glad to know they’re close enough to return so soon. We walk through the main casting room and to the door. The warm breeze hits me, and it’s like I’ve been holding my breath since entering the cursed place. I hate leaving June behind, but she’s not mine to protect, at least, not yet. “I hope to see you soon, Miss Wharton.”
“As do I, Miss Honeywell.” Her attention lingers on me as I walk away.
Hopefully, I haven’t misjudged her or my chances of gaining information from her. Guilt prods heavily on my heart. I hate that I’m offering a false friendship and using June to gain information.
It’s still tormenting me when I walk into Jonah’s shop ten minutes later.
Tall and strong, like a wall of protection, he stands behind his counter explaining to a dark-haired woman how to fix a proper tea for stomach ailments.
Like a warm hug, he opens his mind to me, looking for confirmation that I’m well.
I smile and send him my calm reassurance as I walk into the back room.
“You’re back.” Phillip looks up from mixing a tonic. He narrows his eyes, inspecting me.
“As you see, I’m fine, if that answers your next question.” I sit near the window facing the alley. There’s not much to see outside, a muddy path and a stone wall of the next building. I never thought I would long for the country.
“Was Letty Smythe there?” He makes a bitter sound.
“No. Only June was at the house. The rest had gone to gather supplies. They return tomorrow.”
Jonah stands in the doorway. “Then the trip was for naught?”
I shrug. “I have invited the neglected June to come and train with me. I suspect Patricia will let her come.”
“To keep an eye on us?” Jonah asks.
I nod.
Phillip caps his tonic, stands, and paces. “She’ll report everything she learns to those evil witches.”
“Maybe,” I say. “I’ll only tell her what I wish her coven to know.”
Jonah squeezes my shoulder. “What will you teach her?”
“Nothing!” Phillip lifts his hands in the air as if the answer is obvious. “You can’t teach her magic she will then use against you.”
I stand and take Jonah’s hand. “I will teach her to use her magic. It was given to her by Goddess and meant to be learned and used for good. If she uses it ill, that is a blight on her soul, not mine. Trust is earned, Mr. Plumb. If she is evil or dark by choice, I’ll know. She lies for her coven, but that’s all I know. I suspect the gathering trip is really a journey to meet with Orin. The fact that they left her behind bodes well for her.”
Both men stare at me as if I’m a curiosity.
“Jonah, will you take me home now?” His joy at my calling his house home flushes over me.
“Phillip, will you be all right?” Jonah asks, but his gaze never leaves me.
“Of course. Miss Honeywell has protected me against any new curses, I have your talisman, and if the witches come, I’ll do as they say so they think I’m still within their control.” Phillip returns to his table.
“We’ll be back more often to check on you.” I give him a warm smile.
“Send word if you need anything,” Jonah says to Phillip, and walks me out to the cart.
Once we’re out of the city, Jonah takes my hand. “You should be pleased that the girl will come and you can gather information with little risk.”
“I risk her.” My chest clenches.
“Do you think she’s dark?” He prompts the horse to trot faster.
Would this be easier if I believed June evil? I don’t know. “No. I think she’s a pawn in Orin’s plan. I can’t say if more of the witches are the same.”
“Letty cursed Phillip. Do you believe she’s of the light?” The shocked tone of his voice implies he doesn’t think that possible.
“My sister witch Katrina Davidson came to Kent to be trained and learn respect. She’d left us a spoiled girl but filled with light. When she returned, she was angry and petulant, but powerful. We believed she resented being sent from home. Later, she tried to kill two witches. It took powerful light magic to learn she’d been possessed by Orin or Forrester or whatever the demon wishes to call himself. Inside, hidden away, was a hurt, abused girl. If not for the good hearts of Esme and William, I believe our coven would have executed Katrina. We would have broken our most sacred law out of fear.” I gulp down tears that are determined to be shed, holding them at bay. “I’ll not make that mistake. I have to be big enough to learn from the past, Jonah.”
Lifting my hand to his lips, his kiss soothes my frayed nerves. “I will help you save all that can be saved, my sweet. You have my word. But I’ll not let anyone harm you. You cannot ask that of me.”
Leaning into his hard, strong shoulder, I let my worry ease. “We will find a way.”
Together, I know we can. My heart beats faster, and the knowing isn’t at all unpleasant.
On Wednesday, Jonah and I ride into Maidstone to check on Phillip and deliver a crate filled with dried herbs.
Despite my good sense telling me to distance my heart from Jonah, I can’t seem to obey. Goddess put us together, and the notion of a deity toying with my life would warrant extreme caution. I don’t only need to be near Jonah, I want to be with him. I long for the nights in his arms and the sweet things he whispers to me. I want to believe him.
My mother’s voice warns that men never stay. She said they are to be used for getting with child, then sent away. My heart aches at the thought that once Goddess releases us, Jonah will leave me.
Rather than sit around idle, I help Phillip dust and restock shelves.
The bell over the door tinkles, and Ruth Easton stands in the doorway with June just behind her. Ruth glowers at me. “You offered to train this witch?”
I step off the stool, swallow down my trepidation, and face the formidable witch. “If the coven is in agreement, I would offer to share my skills.”
“I told you she said I had to ask permission.” June’s voice is childish and petulant.
Ruth raises a hand palm flat. “You will not speak unless spoken to, child.”
June presses her lips together and cowers until she’s pressed against the door.
With slow deliberate steps, Ruth closes the distance between us. “I sense great power from you, Minerva Honeywell. Perhaps your offer is sincere. I’ll know if you corrupt this child.”
Meeting her fierce regard, I say, “I’m sure you would. I shall only teach her to use her Goddess given skills to their fullest, and only if you permit it. I would not presume to train a Kent witch without permission.”
Ruth lowers her head in acceptance. “That is respectful. The high priestess was sorry to have missed your visit on Monday. It was good of you to call.”
It takes a force of will to smile warmly. “I was sorry to leave the feast so abruptly. My aunt took too much wine, and I needed to care for her. I was glad to have a good restorative already prepared at Mr. Allen’s home. It blocks all ill effects.”
Her shoulders relax. “Then Mrs. Honeywell is in good health?”
“Yes. Thank you. She is well.” I sense no deception, which surprises me. It was her coven who tainted the wine, yet her concern is genuine.
“I’m pleased to hear it. A few other witches were overcome that night as well. I have disposed of that cask of wine. Perhaps the alcohol grew too potent for a coven dinner.” Ruth’s eyes drift, as if she’s puzzling something out, but then she snaps back to me. “I hope you will join us another time.”
Backed into a corner, I have no choice but to agree. “When we are honored with an invitation, we shall be delighted to come.”
For a long uncomfortable moment, Ruth’s stare bores into me. “You may train June. If she misbehaves, send her away. She will come to you in the mornings, if that suits.”
“That will be acceptable.” I keep my focus on Ruth and never blink.
June claps happily. “I shall be happy to come tomorrow, Miss Honeywell.”
“Very well, June.” I don’t let my guard down while Ruth is still glaring.
With the barest curtsy, Ruth bids me farewell, and the two of them leave the shop.
Jonah stands at the threshold of the back room. “That was tense and very strange.”
“It was. Do you think it possible that Ruth Easton wasn’t aware of the attempt to do my aunt harm?” I walk to him and allow him to pull me into a hug that at once eases my tension.
Phillip clears his throat. “I’ll be out in the alley getting some water from the well.”
Neither of us acknowledge him.
When the door closes, Jonah kisses the top of my head. “It seems unlikely.”
“I sensed no lies, but when Katrina was possessed, I didn’t sense her duality either.” Frustration tightens my voice.
Running his hands up and down my back, Jonah says, “We’ll figure it out, sweet Mina. Let’s keep on the path you set in motion and see if June has any answers before we speculate on other Kent witches.”
He’s right, but I can’t help wondering over Ruth implying that the effects of the wine were an accident. They weren’t, but I sensed no untruth from her. Unable to sort it out, I let it go. “I’m going to finish cleaning the shelves, and then perhaps we might return home.”
Placing his fingers under my chin, he lifts my gaze to his. “You are not required to work in this shop.”
“I like to be busy. It won’t take long.”
Jonah’s face is full of passion as he lowers his head. The back door opens, and he snaps back to attention before reaching my lips.
Disappointed, I return to the shelves.