will put an assortment of items in it that are known for their protective properties. Then you will say a spell that binds their collective power and holds it until needed. This is considered low magic – magic that invokes an item’s natural power. It’s also called Earth magic.”
Hmm, and I thought Kallen was a walking encyclopedia of Witch magic. She’s explaining things nicer than he usually does, but she’s still making me feel like I’m in school. I hope the entire day doesn’t go like this. I’m better at learning by trial and error rather than learning by rote. Though, my trial and error with magic has led to some pretty disastrous consequences. Maybe I should just shut up and pay attention.
Looking at the assortment of herbs, stones, jewelry, and other things I can’t name, I ask in an attempt to speed this along, “What first?”
“You will need to use several herbs and stones. The first will be yarrow. It’ll provide protection as well as boost your self-confidence.”
“She is definitely not lacking self-confidence. You may want to start with something that will lessen her self-confidence,” Kallen teases from his position against the wall.
Other than me throwing him a quick dirty look, Grandma and I both choose to ignore him. “The yarrow is the feathery looking leaves right there.” I pick up the leaf she’s pointing at and put it in the bag. She then has me put in nettle and vervain leaves, whatever those are, and a small onyx stone. The last item is a pinch of salt. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m going to have to eat this stuff.
“Now, cinch the bag closed and you’ll recite the protection spell.” Turning to Mom, she asks, “Where might I find your grimoire?”
My face turns bright red when Mom says, “I no longer have it.”
Grandma’s face is shocked, to say the least. Apparently, a Witch is naked without her grimoire. “Did you lose it in your travels?”
“No, I did.” I confess. “I caused an avalanche and it got buried in the cave Kallen and I were staying in at the time.
Now Grandma looks really confused. “Avalanche? Cave?”
“The details aren’t really important, are they?” Dad asks impatiently. “Can’t you just write the spell down for her?”
“Of course.” Trying to recover her composure, Grandma searches her purse for a pen and a small pad of paper and begins to write. When she’s done, she hands it to me. “Now, just hold the bag close to you and while saying the spell, imagine a defensive wall coming up around you.”
“Okay,” I say as I take the paper and look it over skeptically. Not like I’d know whether or not it’s the real deal.
I open my mouth to begin but Kallen interrupts me. “You may want to move away from her,” Kallen says to Grandma. His mouth is upturned in an amused smirk again. I really want to stick my tongue out at him, but I refrain. I don’t even comment back like I normally would. I let my eyes do the talking.
Grandma looks at him impatiently. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Turning back to me, she says, “Go ahead, dear.”
It seems appropriate for me to stand up because I feel like I’m giving a formal presentation, or an audition, since all eyes are riveted on me. Taking a deep breath, I imagine a cinderblock wall all around me and begin to read, “Herb and stone, heart and mind, with my will may all combine. Protect my body, my life, my soul, from forces dark who strike first blow. Evil magic based in sin, sent back before it can begin. Those in my heart will be unharmed, by this Witch’s protective charm.” And then there’s a loud explosion.
Grandma is suddenly across the room in a heap. Right under where there used to be a picture window. And next to where there used to be a door but is now a couch embedded in the wall. The coffee table
Hmm, and I thought Kallen was a walking encyclopedia of Witch magic. She’s explaining things nicer than he usually does, but she’s still making me feel like I’m in school. I hope the entire day doesn’t go like this. I’m better at learning by trial and error rather than learning by rote. Though, my trial and error with magic has led to some pretty disastrous consequences. Maybe I should just shut up and pay attention.
Looking at the assortment of herbs, stones, jewelry, and other things I can’t name, I ask in an attempt to speed this along, “What first?”
“You will need to use several herbs and stones. The first will be yarrow. It’ll provide protection as well as boost your self-confidence.”
“She is definitely not lacking self-confidence. You may want to start with something that will lessen her self-confidence,” Kallen teases from his position against the wall.
Other than me throwing him a quick dirty look, Grandma and I both choose to ignore him. “The yarrow is the feathery looking leaves right there.” I pick up the leaf she’s pointing at and put it in the bag. She then has me put in nettle and vervain leaves, whatever those are, and a small onyx stone. The last item is a pinch of salt. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m going to have to eat this stuff.
“Now, cinch the bag closed and you’ll recite the protection spell.” Turning to Mom, she asks, “Where might I find your grimoire?”
My face turns bright red when Mom says, “I no longer have it.”
Grandma’s face is shocked, to say the least. Apparently, a Witch is naked without her grimoire. “Did you lose it in your travels?”
“No, I did.” I confess. “I caused an avalanche and it got buried in the cave Kallen and I were staying in at the time.
Now Grandma looks really confused. “Avalanche? Cave?”
“The details aren’t really important, are they?” Dad asks impatiently. “Can’t you just write the spell down for her?”
“Of course.” Trying to recover her composure, Grandma searches her purse for a pen and a small pad of paper and begins to write. When she’s done, she hands it to me. “Now, just hold the bag close to you and while saying the spell, imagine a defensive wall coming up around you.”
“Okay,” I say as I take the paper and look it over skeptically. Not like I’d know whether or not it’s the real deal.
I open my mouth to begin but Kallen interrupts me. “You may want to move away from her,” Kallen says to Grandma. His mouth is upturned in an amused smirk again. I really want to stick my tongue out at him, but I refrain. I don’t even comment back like I normally would. I let my eyes do the talking.
Grandma looks at him impatiently. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Turning back to me, she says, “Go ahead, dear.”
It seems appropriate for me to stand up because I feel like I’m giving a formal presentation, or an audition, since all eyes are riveted on me. Taking a deep breath, I imagine a cinderblock wall all around me and begin to read, “Herb and stone, heart and mind, with my will may all combine. Protect my body, my life, my soul, from forces dark who strike first blow. Evil magic based in sin, sent back before it can begin. Those in my heart will be unharmed, by this Witch’s protective charm.” And then there’s a loud explosion.
Grandma is suddenly across the room in a heap. Right under where there used to be a picture window. And next to where there used to be a door but is now a couch embedded in the wall. The coffee table
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