The Wittering Way Read Online Free
Author: Nat Burns
sandalwood. I used these for a protection working, drawing the runes upon our most powerful waxen image. I sent it to Avapeony but also marked it for myself. I had a feeling I would need whatever defense I could generate.
Leaving the working to burn down into action, I went into my cell and sorted through the mess Signe’s men had made of my clothing. I found my cloak, an extra pair of leggings, two tunic tops, and my old, beaten-up felt hat. I placed the hat on my head, ignoring Afton’s protests, and pushed the clothing into a cloth pack. My daggers had remained undisturbed under a stack of coverings, so I added them. I found there my wood-bound grimoire, as well, which contained all my lengthy magic lessons. Holding it grounded me.
I thought of my mother’s book and raced back to the worktable to find it. Panic set in when it wasn’t immediately visible, but Afton finally sensed it off to one side. Tossed rudely against one of the timber walls, the grimoire now lay twisted at the foot of that wall. I went to it and gingerly straightened the spine and the pressed paper within. Mother’s book was bigger than mine, of course, and would be a challenge to carry. But I couldn’t leave it. I could leave mine behind, of course, and carry hers, but mine had been a gift from Mother and her sister Mothers to celebrate my first moon working. It was very special to me, and I did not wish to part from it. I sighed and stuffed both into my bag. Perhaps I could glean some information from Mother’s book during my long, solitary journey to the Brinc lands.
I stood in the center of the common room. Any journey requires a path bag so I began compiling mine. I grabbed my favorite pouch from the wall pegs and moved to the worktable. I selected a handful of candle stubs, a small vial of energy oil, tinder sticks, a sage bundle, and a horn cup for drinking as well as mixing. I searched until I found carnelian for fire, a small feather for air, a shell for water and a stone for earth. I took a holey stone and a pointy stone for the deities and an ouanga bag that was still empty. I filled it with salt and pulled the cinch tight.
What else? I studied the disheveled worktable, my left hand gathering a small sack of rolled incense. My right hand instinctively went for acorns although I had no idea why I would need them. It was unlikely I would need to engender a storm in the deep forest.
I turned away then felt myself whirled back around. Something was nudging Afton and he wouldn’t allow me to leave.
“What?” I snapped, not even trying to hide my irritation.
He showed me several long, beaded necklaces, an aventurine stone and a peridot. Of course, pocket magic and healing stones. Always necessary.
“Thanks, brother,” I muttered, stuffing the items into my bag. I strode toward the door but turned to look back.
My entire life had been centered around this one small, nondescript cottage. Mother’s powerful energy had brought seeking vines which covered it with greenery all year long, with flowers in spring and brilliant color when the weather cooled. The home was filled with the intriguing scents of magic and fire. Shy Fey and Lares lived in each wooden or plant crevice and tree Mothers surrounded it on all sides. I hated to leave but vowed to return. With Avapeony. The two of us would fill it with life and laughter again.
Afton purred against my shoulder.
“Yes, it’s time,” I told him. And myself.
Book Five
I TURNED AT the doorway and settled the plank door into the frame. I knew our animal friends would be able to get in through the window anyway, but it felt right and true to block the portal. I was looking down at the floorboards, saddened by my departure, so I didn’t see them at first. Nevertheless, I sensed them finally and turned, lifting my gaze.
“We couldn’t let you go alone,” Yewsy said quietly.
There were seven of them, all birthmates or close. Two of the Basil join, Lemon and
Leaving the working to burn down into action, I went into my cell and sorted through the mess Signe’s men had made of my clothing. I found my cloak, an extra pair of leggings, two tunic tops, and my old, beaten-up felt hat. I placed the hat on my head, ignoring Afton’s protests, and pushed the clothing into a cloth pack. My daggers had remained undisturbed under a stack of coverings, so I added them. I found there my wood-bound grimoire, as well, which contained all my lengthy magic lessons. Holding it grounded me.
I thought of my mother’s book and raced back to the worktable to find it. Panic set in when it wasn’t immediately visible, but Afton finally sensed it off to one side. Tossed rudely against one of the timber walls, the grimoire now lay twisted at the foot of that wall. I went to it and gingerly straightened the spine and the pressed paper within. Mother’s book was bigger than mine, of course, and would be a challenge to carry. But I couldn’t leave it. I could leave mine behind, of course, and carry hers, but mine had been a gift from Mother and her sister Mothers to celebrate my first moon working. It was very special to me, and I did not wish to part from it. I sighed and stuffed both into my bag. Perhaps I could glean some information from Mother’s book during my long, solitary journey to the Brinc lands.
I stood in the center of the common room. Any journey requires a path bag so I began compiling mine. I grabbed my favorite pouch from the wall pegs and moved to the worktable. I selected a handful of candle stubs, a small vial of energy oil, tinder sticks, a sage bundle, and a horn cup for drinking as well as mixing. I searched until I found carnelian for fire, a small feather for air, a shell for water and a stone for earth. I took a holey stone and a pointy stone for the deities and an ouanga bag that was still empty. I filled it with salt and pulled the cinch tight.
What else? I studied the disheveled worktable, my left hand gathering a small sack of rolled incense. My right hand instinctively went for acorns although I had no idea why I would need them. It was unlikely I would need to engender a storm in the deep forest.
I turned away then felt myself whirled back around. Something was nudging Afton and he wouldn’t allow me to leave.
“What?” I snapped, not even trying to hide my irritation.
He showed me several long, beaded necklaces, an aventurine stone and a peridot. Of course, pocket magic and healing stones. Always necessary.
“Thanks, brother,” I muttered, stuffing the items into my bag. I strode toward the door but turned to look back.
My entire life had been centered around this one small, nondescript cottage. Mother’s powerful energy had brought seeking vines which covered it with greenery all year long, with flowers in spring and brilliant color when the weather cooled. The home was filled with the intriguing scents of magic and fire. Shy Fey and Lares lived in each wooden or plant crevice and tree Mothers surrounded it on all sides. I hated to leave but vowed to return. With Avapeony. The two of us would fill it with life and laughter again.
Afton purred against my shoulder.
“Yes, it’s time,” I told him. And myself.
Book Five
I TURNED AT the doorway and settled the plank door into the frame. I knew our animal friends would be able to get in through the window anyway, but it felt right and true to block the portal. I was looking down at the floorboards, saddened by my departure, so I didn’t see them at first. Nevertheless, I sensed them finally and turned, lifting my gaze.
“We couldn’t let you go alone,” Yewsy said quietly.
There were seven of them, all birthmates or close. Two of the Basil join, Lemon and
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