Welcome

Sasha Placed the large hat on her head, adjusting it in the mirror. She looked and spoke, her voice filled with the sense of command, “Of Earth, Fire, Water and Wind, no one enters this house without permission.”

As her words ended, the windows shut and doors locked. The lights turned off, except for the one where she stood. Sasha looked out the window above the door, “it’s grey today. I hope it’s not going to rain.”

She looked to the small table, its tiny frame seeming dwarfed by what she called a handbag. It’s size more than what an average person would typically carry. With a single finger, she lifted it as if it was filled with air. As she exited the door, the bag brushing against the heavy oak frame, the sound of the wood bearing the impact like a groan of a house creaking. The sudden pause caused the witch’s shoulder to snap backward.

“Ugh, forgot, new house.” Sasha touched the wood, “Sorry new friend. I’m used to my old place. I’ll make it up to you. How about a good dusting when I get back?”

There were several creaks as the house seemed to respond, Sasha’s face filling with a smile. “Good, I promise I’ll do it as soon as I can after I return.” She then tapped the brim of her hat, “of course. I have to do a little touch-up first.”

Sasha walked out, closing the door, and turned to find a cat sitting on the walkway before her. It had black fur, white patches around its nose and paws, and one behind its ears. The cat’s eyes blinked slowly as it looked up to meet hers before giving a single meow.

A simple “hmmm” escaped Sasha’s lips before she looked around. She could sense strong magic from the feline as she looked around. Seeing no one, she spoke softly, “Well, I’m not looking for a new familiar right now, But I’ll keep you in mind. Tell me your name, and, if I am, I’ll give you a call.”

The cat gave several meows and other sounds before Sasha chuckled “is that really your full name? My word, I’ll have to write that down. You did say it was Milano Enrique Linus Tribin Simmons?”

The cat meowed once more, “Call you, Melts? Huh, that is a strange name.”

Sasha pulled out a small pad, the cover worn, but you could see several symbols faded across its entirety. The woman wrote, and as she did, she gave a laugh, “Oh I see, Melts. I get it.” The first letters of the cat’s names spelled MELTS. She looked to the cat, “That’s clever. I’ll remember to give you a call if needed.”

Moments later, the cat turned to look toward the sidewalk. Sasha followed his gaze to see someone standing there looking back. The man had been watching them for a bit. “Don’t mind me, I was just speaking with this cat; do you happen to know who’s it is?” The look of concern in his eyes bringing Sasha’s wit to show, “He’s a great conversationalist, but he’s not mine.”

The man blinked his eyes for a few seconds before he chuckled. “No problem. You were engaging the cat; you weren’t actually talking to it. You didn’t know if it was feral or dangerous.” The man puffed up his chest before yelling, “Hey, cat! Stop bothering the lady and get lost.”

The cat tilted his head, looking back at Sasha, who whispered, “you better leave, don’t want him thinking anything.”

The cat bowed his head and scampered off into the bushes.

The man gave a smile of pride and waved to Sasha as she headed to her car. As she pulled out of the driveway, she smiled back at the man as he waved again. She spoke to herself as she put the car in gear, “I hope Melts wasn’t offended that cat seemed pretty powerful.”

The oversized handbag shifted as Sasha turned the corner, her destination clearly in view. She deftly parked and got out, finding herself standing before what used to be the house of Raymond Terrell. She had heard through others that the now-disgraced psychologist was a sorcerer. She had come to possibly investigate a cure for herself, only to find a vacant lot. Her eyes scanned the entire area. She was about to step forward, her hand swung out to start a stride, but she froze, feeling the sting of protection magic. The unfamiliar energy itched like a thorned bristle, and she stepped back to investigate further. Sasha looked around before reaching into her bag. She pulled out a small pouch and poured its contents into her hand.

The dust gathered in a small pile as she brought it up to her lips.

“Dust of knowing, dust of dreams, show me the things that go unseen.”

She then blew gently across the dust as it left her hand. The bits glittered and swayed, regardless of the wind. It settled in several small spots, but the dust then seemed to evaporate, as the stones below where it gathered glowed dimly. The dust was burning away like smoke in the wind.

“That is strong protection magic. I’ve never come across this before.” Sasha said as she looked around the overgrown lot. “It’s too bad Wend isn’t here. She’d know what these were from.”

A feeling of loss filled the air around Sasha as she remembered her friend. Wend, whose real name was Jennifer, had guided her when she found she could do magic. She had chosen the name Wend; it was a tribute to Hatcher, the witch who trained her. Wendell was his pet mouse, which he used to find anything, literally—like the small furry creature Wend searched for knowledge.

Sasha could hear birds in the tree, and she walked over. She reached into her bag, pulling out an unusually long cloth bag. She looked around before returning to the tree.

“Excuse me, would you answer some questions?” Her words seemed almost musical.

The birds went silent as they all looked toward her. Sasha smiled as one of them flew down to perch on the branch nearest her.

“Can you tell me what happened here? I understand there was a house. Could you tell me who did this?” Sasha asked

The bird gave a loud chirp, a call almost seemingly insulting.

“Who’s asking?” Sasha asked before responding. “Oh, my name is Satch. Can you tell me what happened here? There is supposed to be a house.”

The bird gave several chirps, and Satch looked serious, “there’s no need to be insulting. I’m just looking for information.” She then opened the bag and poured out some birdseed. “I’m willing to pay.”

Moments later, the branch was weighted with birds, and Satch smiled.

“Can you tell me everything you know about what happened here? And, who or why there are protection stones strewn all around the place?”

Moments later, all of the birds were chirping and singing. Satch held her hands up, one at a time. I can’t understand all of you when you’re yelling at the same time.”

The birds’ small heads looked at each other, low chirps and tweets between them before the one on the right started chirping again. Then, each took their turn as Satch held seed out for them. When not speaking, the birds happily partook of the delicious treat.

When the birds had told their stories, Satch now understood. “There were people here who did this?” She then took out two small pictures, “were any of them these people?”

The pictures were of Ron and Linda.

The birds said nothing as they inspected the images before one of them chirped with surprise. Satch then asked, “When were they here?”

The bird continued its singing and chirping before Satch looked disappointed, “So they were here after this was done? But who did this?”

The birds looked at each other, and the one on the right chirped again. Its statement registering with concern in the witch’s eyes, “you don’t know, but they took all the magic? And they are the ones who left the stones.”

The witch poured more seed from the bag, its fullness not seeming to deplete before tossing it toward the tree. “As per my promise, I’m paying you in full. Thank you.”

As Satch turned, she heard several chirps and paused, “What do you mean they didn’t enter?”

The bird told her of Ron and Linda doing the same she had before pulling back and leaving. With this knowledge, Satch went back to her car. She closed the door, her large hat hit by the frame. Satch lowered her head to show the white patches now more prominent than they were yesterday. Satch seemed in thought as she looked at her hair in the mirror.

“If they can detect magic, maybe they can help me with my little problem.” She sighed as she pulled her hand down. “Until then, I guess I’ll just have to dye them again.”