Summoning Annika_The Viking Witch Trilogies Read online

  Chapter 31

  Iris pushed the door to the antique shop open and walked in. She’d only been shopping there once long ago, but this time she wasn’t there for the merchandise. She wanted answers. Having just come from a contractor’s meeting, she was conservatively dressed in black slacks with black open toe pumps and a white sleeveless top. Other than a couple small pieces of jewelry, the only color was from her tattoo as it wrapped around her arm as a green sinuous vine and peeked out from her collarbone.

  Marci looked up from the display she was arranging and greeted her cheerfully, “Good morning, what can I help you find today?”

  Iris smiled at her, “Nothing for the moment, thanks. I think I’ll just browse for a bit.”

  “Sounds good, let me know if you have any questions. I’m ready if you need me, the owner is in the upstairs section if you have questions up there. Awesome shoes, by the way.”

  Iris thanked her and made her way across the store, stopping to admire a couple of items that might be of use to her at the salon, otherwise it was a beeline straight to the upper level. A small sensor at the top of the steps announced her arrival as she entered the cavernous top floor to the shop. The old man looked up from a stack of magazines he was sorting, “Mornin,” he said and continued working.

  Iris smiled and quietly made her way over to him. He stopped what he was doing and looked at her, “How can I help you?” he asked.

  She looked at him for a moment and said nothing. She was good at getting a read on people, but not this time, this man was nothing but contradictions to her.

  “Are you Mr. Goodmund?” she asked, knowing full well he was. “My name is Iris.” She held out her hand.

  He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling, “It’s nice to meet you, Iris. I’m Alec Goodmund.” He reached out to shake her hand. As he touched her a small spark of static electricity jumped between them. “Oh, sorry,” he smiled, “It’s so dry in here, that happens all the time…looking for a job, maybe?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “No, I already have an excellent job, thank you.”

  “Ah, darn it, I should have guessed with you being all dressed up like you are. Woulda brought the place up a notch.”

  Iris laughed in surprise, “Thank you, I just came from a meeting.”

  She surprised herself with the explanation, normally she would have said nothing. At the very least, he was charming.

  She took a deep breath, “I think,” but she was interrupted as a small chime sounded behind them as another customer came into the room.

  “I think you and I have a friend in common. I’d like to talk with you about him.”

  The old man took off his glasses and held them up to the light, “Well it must be a small world,” and he put them in his pocket, “Who might our friend be?” he asked.

  “His name is Michael. He’s a good customer of yours. He was here recently.”

  “Hmm, indeed he was,” the old man looked over her shoulder to greet the other customer. “Please let me know if you are looking for anything special, Ok?”

  He looked back at Iris and tilted his head toward another part of the store, “Walk with me, will you?”

  After they had put a little more distance between the new shopper and themselves, “I’m glad you are a friend of his. He is a very nice young man. What would you like to know, my dear?”

  “He and a friend have gotten themselves into an interesting new situation. I’m wondering if you might know something about that.”

  A subtle arch of his eyebrow preceded his answer, “I might know a little, yes.”

  “That’s good,” Iris said and lowered her voice, “I’d like to know what the intention is?”

  “Hmm, interesting choice of word, young lady. Intention.” The old man rubbed his grizzled chin and looked carefully at her. He turned to a display of candles next to them and selected a white one and then, a black one.

  He held them out to her, “Do you have a preference?”

  Iris looked at the candles and then looked at Mr. Goodmund, smiling knowingly, “I use both on occasion,” she said in a conspirator-like whisper. She reached out and took the white one from his hand, “But I prefer this one.”

  She looked him up and down, “I would have never have guessed.”

  “Good,” he said as he placed the black candle back on the table and ducked her observation. “Then your intention is good for him. Iris,” he continued, “I assure you that my intention for him is good as well.”

  She was relieved to hear that. “Are they safe in what they are doing? They’re not quite sure what it is they are doing, I’ve sort of been volunteered to help them.”

  “I think so, Iris, but I know that doesn’t sound very encouraging. I can’t get involved to directly, in case I influence the intention. Do you understand that?”

  Iris knew about the rules of deep magic, “I do. Tell me, though,” she asked, “Why Michael? Why not…” She waved her hand in the air in a flourish, “Others? This is really advanced magic.”

  “Oh, it’s far beyond that,” the old man laughed. “As to why him? He asked me the same question.” His eyes locked on hers, “I have a knack for reading people.” Iris’s heart skipped a bit. The old shopkeeper’s sudden intensity surprised her.

  He continued, “Michael is a deep young man. He’s true and honest, I think he needs a break. I’ve always been one to root for the underdog.”

  Iris was incredulous, “You mean he knows what’s happening? It sure doesn’t seem like he does. None of them do.”

  “No, Iris, he doesn’t know, but by now, with his imagination, he has put forth an intention. It’s going to play out shortly. I am glad you will be with him, and,” he added with a look of resignation on his face, “I’m glad you understand why I can’t really tell you anymore, right?”

  She nodded then watched his intensity soften. Her eyes narrowed. The primary rule in the world of magic was to keep it personal. Don’t get involved helping others, keep it private, but she couldn’t help herself, “Who are you?”

  He grinned but slowly shook his head at her, “Just an antiques dealer.” His eyes twinkled, “I’m sort of an antique myself.”

  His tone indicated the conversation was ending. He stepped back, opening the path to the downstairs level.

  “Good. Go now,” he directed her toward the stairwell, “If you have any doubts, or get in over your head, just tell Michael to follow his heart. That should be enough.”

  “If I need help, will you be…?” but the look on his face gave her the answer before she finished the question.

  “I understand,” she said quietly. “It might influence his outcome.”

  Mr. Goodmund smiled and said, “You are correct, but I have no doubt that he is in good hands.”

  She left the store more confused than when she went in.

  Chapter 32

  “Well, this is cozy,” Iris remarked as the boys ushered the group into the warehouse. She surveyed the layout for a moment and then pointed to Parker, who was just finishing loading the contents of a cooler into the fridge. “Hun, could you slide the two sofas over there a bit?” she said gesturing to the far corner next to the restrooms. “We’ll need a wide open space for this.”

  The alluring wink that followed was all Parker needed to comply. Katie snickered but Parker didn’t catch it. “How’s this?” he asked.

  “Perfect,” Iris responded as she walked out into the open warehouse space, “You guys hang out for a bit while I get this set up, please.”

  Mac and Allie went over to the laptops to do a quick run through with the cameras while Michael, Parker and Samantha walked over to the table to look at the artifact.

  “This is really fascinating, Michael,” Sam said. Parker just rolled his eyes and spun on his heel, “Ok, the comfy sofa is calling my name,” but Iris diverted him before he could settle in, “Parker, can you help me again?” He was only too happy to help and walked where Iris was unpacking some supplies.
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  As he approached, she casually took off her sweatshirt to reveal a black sports bra underneath. It served to both showcase her athletic build and her extensive tattoo at the same time. Parker stopped short, there was no chance he could be subtle about staring at her. “Getting hot in here, Park? Have a beer,” said Katie laughing, as she offered him a bottle.

  “Yeah, very, very hot in here suddenly. She is really interesting. How long have you known her?”

  “Since the sixth grade,” Katie replied. “A long time, oh yeah, it’s going to get way more interesting shortly.”

  Iris playfully glared at Katie, “Hey now, don’t be givin’ up all my best secrets now. Parker, would you stand right here?” She set the end a long strand of rope at his feet, “Please stand on the end of this so it doesn’t move, ok?”

  “I’m happy to help,” he replied. “Anything with rope. I’m onboard completely.”

  Iris almost winced at that, “Suuurre, I’ll keep that in mind. Just stand on this end while I trace a circle around you, don’t let it get twisted around you.” She walked away to stretch it out the full length. She had tied a large piece of chalk to the end of it.

  “Ahh,” Parker said, “Official sad face here. I was hoping you were going to tie me up.”

  Iris reconsidered, “Hey, yeah, maybe when we are done here, with a little duct tape, and we’ll leave you on the sofa and all go home.”

  Parker looked at Katie and smiled, “I’d call that progress, wouldn’t you?”

  Iris finished with the circle and yanked on the rope, “Ok, I’m done with you now, be a good boy and go lay by your dish.”

  Parker slunk his way back to the sofa, but Katie hurried over to where Iris was sorting out her bag, “He is kinda cute, isn’t he? I think he really likes you.”

  “Jeez, Katie, if you think so, you can have him. Remember that drought we talked about? I think I may have found someone to sort of bridge the gap, so to speak.”

  “That is wonderful, Iris,” but then she looked over at Parker, who was very clearly scoping out Allie as she worked on the laptop, “He’s such a player.”

  “Yes, Katie,” Iris nodded, “You can do better. Here, take this,” She handed her two clear mason jars with candles in them, “Go set them on the edge of the circle, about ten feet apart, I’ll do the other three.”

  They set the candles around the perimeter of the circle and Iris adjusted them until they were correctly spaced. She took a metal chalk line out her bag, banged it against her hip and then handed the end of it to Katie. “Go over to that candle and set the end of this, right in front of the candle.”

  The blue chalk line fed out of the container as Katie walked over to one of the candles. She set the tip as instructed, and Iris lifted the line and snapped a perfectly straight line to the candle she was positioned at. As they repeated the process, back and forth, the five pointed star began to make itself visible.

  “Gotta say, this is the biggest pentangle I have ever worked with,” Iris said as she stood back and looked at the completed design.

  “Why so big?” Katie lowered her voice to a whisper, “what’s going to happen?”

  “To be honest, Katie, I don’t really know, I’m guessing based on the lightning. I just want us to be safe.”

  She went to each of the jars and lit the candles one by one. The soft flickering gave the warehouse a soft old time feel.

  Samantha noticed it, “It’s kind of romantic looking in here, if it wasn’t such a weird evening.” Michael looked over at the candles and then at Iris. He looked at Sam, “I don’t think weird is even close to describing this.”

  Iris stepped carefully inside the circle and placed a small offering bowl close to the center. She then stepped out and called to the group.

  “Everyone, come here for a second, but stay on the outside of the circle.” She waited until they had gathered around her.

  “Just to be review a little. I am going to do a summoning ritual. I’m not asking for a demon to show up, I’m just going to say a few welcoming words, call it an invitation of sorts. I really don’t think demons are responsible for that.” She pointed toward the table with the artifact on it. “I’m just going to say a few positive things to help get things started, But…”

  “I knew there would be a but…” said Parker.

  “But,” Iris continued soberly, “if you’re not comfortable with this and would like to leave, I don’t think anyone else is going to say anything.” She glared at Parker, “Right?”

  The group exchanged looks but it was clear that no one was going to leave. Mac spoke first, “I think I speak for everyone that this is far too cool. We’re not going anywhere.”

  Iris seemed satisfied, “Ok, let’s get started then. Michael, can you turn off the lights? Everyone can stand at the edge of the circle, just don’t step inside at any time. Please, that’s vitally important. Just to be safe.” She broke away from the group, following Michael to the power panel.

  “Michael,” she whispered, “Remember what we talked about? Whatever happens, just use that smart head of yours,” She poked a finger into his chest over his heart, “And, especially, use this.” She spun on her heel and regained her spot at the edge of the circle.

  Michael snapped off the lights that surrounded the warehouse. Other than the candlelight, the only remaining light came from the soft glow of the laptops and a touch of moonlight that shone through the skylight that sat right above the pentangle.

  Michael stood next to Sam. Mac was next to a very nervous looking Allie. No surprise, Parker stood between Iris and Katie. They were all within an arm’s length of each other.

  “Good, we’re all close to the main door, in case we have to make a run for it.” Iris joked, but then she looked at the others, “Sorry, just kidding.” She added nervously, “I hope,” under her breath.

  The young witch closed her eyes and raised her arms up, and took a deep breath,

  “From Mother Earth to the distant stars

  We send welcome and safe harbor.

  Wherever you are, I appeal to you

  On the wings of words that fly,

  Whatever the distance,

  Traverse time and space

  And appear in our presence.”

  “Cool” said Katie whispered quietly as she finished.

  Just as Iris stopped, a passing car’s headlights flashed off the edge of the skylight above them. Katie let out a small shriek that caused Samantha and Parker to each let out one of their own. Sam grabbed onto Michael’s arm and hung on tightly.

  When they realized it was nothing, there was brief nervous laughter until they saw that Iris still stood there with her arms outstretched.

  “Patience, please,” she said quietly.

  She repeated the invocation.

  They waited.

  Nothing.

  For a few seconds, no one moved a muscle. Then in the continuing silence, Michael looked over at Samantha. Katie looked at Iris who just shrugged.

  “It’s a bust,” said Parker. He seemed to sigh in relief.

  Iris shot him a quick glare, “Parker, push the shut up button, please.” She held still for a moment and then looked at Samantha, “Sam? Do you feel anything? Anything at all?”

  Sam looked at her with a puzzled look, “Me? why would I…” she stopped in mid-sentence. “Do you feel that?” and slowly looked up toward the ceiling, “Look.”

  Iris smiled at Samantha, “Good job, sweetie. It’s beginning.”

  A very small blue circle of light had appeared above their heads very close to the warehouse ceiling. It first it was very small and it appeared to twinkle like a faraway star. It began to flutter. The intensity of the light was low at first and then increase in brightness. With it, a very soft vibration accompanied the pulsing light. Everyone was frozen in amazement. It was soft and beautiful, it certainly didn’t seem threatening.

  The orb suddenly wavered and sent out a series of rings that appeared to flatten and spread ou
t to match the diameter of the circle that Iris had drawn on the floor. The rafters of the warehouse disappeared. Out of the blackness, a column of blue light seemed to reach up into the sky.

  Katie was the first to speak, “It’s pretty, what is it?”

  Iris looked at the others, “Honestly, I have no idea. It is pretty.” And, as she said that, a second orb winked into view on the opposite side of the circle. It was the same intensity but the soft vibration was more pronounced. It pulsed just like the first one.

  Allie looked at Mac, “There hasn’t been any lightning, no announcement.”

  Mac looked at Iris, “She’s right, but is that a good thing?”

  Iris understood Mac’s inflection, “Let’s all take one giant step back from the circle, just in case, shall we?”

  The was no need to convince anyone as a third orb joined the first two. This one was slightly larger than the others and was positioned away from the first two. It drifted quietly down from the rafters and came to a stop just above the first two.

  Three more smaller orbs appeared at opposite ends of the circle, one dropped almost to floor level and the others stayed very close to the rafters. The group just stood and stared at the spectacle. Michael looked over at Parker but then he looked past his friend, his eyes were wide, “Parker, behind you.”

  “Behind me,” Parker squeaked, “I’m not going to look behind me,” and he closed his eyes, “please tell the tentacle monster to go away. I was only kidding about the seven gates of Hell.”

  Iris laughed, “Oh my God, Parker, find a pair, and look at the artifact. Please go pick it up and bring it into the circle or at least move out of the way.”

  “It’s ok,” Michael said as he stepped slowly away from the group, “I’ll get it.”

  He walked around the others and stood in front of the now glowing artifact. He reached down and gently picked it up.