Evelina and the Reef Hag Read online

  Exhibit ‘a’, the monstrous green blob of goo with two antennae at her feet, which was supposed to be a caterpillar.

  She’d tried the basic creation spell at least ten times. This was as close as she’d got. Not very close.

  Abby and Tally appeared to be struggling as well with mixed results. Abby’s was very small. Tally’s looked more like a worm. But, at least they looked like something.

  Evelina circled her creation, rubbing her chin. She stopped and stared at it for a long moment. Something was missing. What was it?

  She considered it again.

  Focus.

  Focus.

  Voices echoed around the cove, as other novices attempted the same incantation.

  Evelina raised her finger in the air. “Initio infra!”

  Nothing.

  She tried again. “Initio infra!”

  The blob gave a loud belch.

  Councillor Burble marched over to have a look. “More form and substance, please!” She carolled. “It’s all in the details.”

  Evelina groaned as Burble hustled away.

  What did that mean?

  She felt as lost as she did before the lesson began.

  Nebula Sludge sidled between them. “Is that yours, Crimm?” She sent forth a loud cackle. “Pathetic!”

  Evelina’s cheeks flared.

  Judy Cheetum trundled over. “What’s that?” She sneered. “Looks like slime.”

  Suzie followed, sending forth a peal of splintering laughter. “More like dragon mucus!”

  Anger welled in Evelina’s chest.

  She turned hotter and hotter.

  And then...

  Something ignited deep inside of her.

  Without thinking, she lifted her finger in the air and sketched the most beautiful caterpillar her imagination could conger.

  And

  Poof!

  It appeared, with a mossy green rippling body covered in pink spots and crisp black antennae with red circles on top.

  She swirled her finger again, round and round, as the caterpillar spun a frothy white cocoon, shot with silver thread around itself. It wiggled and writhed like a mummy having a seizure. Then, it burst from its silk covering as a spectacular butterfly, fluttering its emerald and gold wings like giant fans, rising up into the air. It flapped up into Neblua Sludge’s face landing on her nose, stuck out its tongue, made a loud raspberry, then flew away.

  “Very amusing!” Sludge wiped the spittle from her face. “Next time, get it right the first time.” She turned to stalk away, throwing over her shoulder. “Back to work, Crimm!”

  Evelina couldn’t help but smile.

  The more she pondered it, the bigger her smile got.

  She smiled and smiled for hours—the entire hike back to the tree fort, in fact, until fatigue took over and the euphoria melted away.

  Trouble was, her mind wouldn’t stop.

  She stretched out in her hammock, but couldn’t sleep. Frankie’s face kept popping into her head.

  So he was betrothed.

  The question was to whom.

  ***

  Frankie sounded out of breath, like he’d sprinted a quarter mile. “You’re awol.”

  “Yeah?” Evelina gave him a sidelong glance, but kept on walking. She didn’t have time to chat. She needed to get back to the island before she was found out. “So are you.”

  “I need to talk to you.”

  Evelina stopped short. She didn’t have much choice since he was blocking her path—and everyone else’s, for that matter. As usual, the Old City was teaming with tourists. “Why?”

  “Leviticus.”

  “Oh?” She stepped around him and strode on.

  Frankie caught up. “He said he came to see you.”

  “Yup.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Not much.” She shrugged. “The usual. To stay away from you. You’re his prize pupil. You’re parents are concerned about your future, etc, etc.”

  “I’m sorry.” A pained expression chased across Frankie’s face. “I meant to tell you.”

  “No problem.” She ducked into a dress shop, hoping he’d get the message that she didn’t have time to chat. She needed to get to the tattoo parlor before it closed, then back to the island before she was missed. If that was possible. Psycho Sally kept weird hours. She’d already missed her several times.

  Frankie strode in after her. “I really did mean to tell you.” He positioned himself opposite the rack of beach cover-ups she pretended to examine. “Leviticus means well. He just gets carried away some times.”

  “It’s okay.” She attempted a bland look, while her heart clutched. “I get it.”

  “It’s just…”

  She met his gaze over the rack. “Awkward?”

  “Yeah.”

  “No problem.” Had she already said that? She’d already said that. Her throat tightened. “Well, I’ve got to go,” she gushed at last. “I’ve got to make a few more stops before they close up shop.”

  “I’ll go with you.” He made to follow her.

  “No.” She held up a hand. She didn’t want to risk scaring Sally off. “I’d better go alone.” When he opened his mouth again, she hastily added. “It’s girl stuff. I don’t want to bore you.”

  “Okay.” He nodded. “I’ll see ya then.”

  “Yeah.” She gave a wave, watching him stride for the door.

  As soon as the door closed she made for the exit at the other end of the shop. She had to meet Kamaria at the beach house in an hour.

  She needed that ring.

  She sucked in a long, shuddering breath, threading her way through the crowd.

  She’d expected to feel better after she got that off her chest.

  But she didn’t.

  If anything, she felt worse.

  It was tough to cut him loose, but he belonged to someone else.

  What else could she do?

  It was for the best.

  The closed sign on the tattoo parlor door brought Evelina up short.

  Another sign swung inside the door under it, ‘Call again tomorrow’.

  Tomorrow!

  She couldn’t wait that long. The trail of the ring was getting cold. She had to find it.

  Evelina pressed her face to the glass.

  The place was still, save the dark corners, where shadows appeared to shift and move.

  Strange.

  It was the middle of the day. The Old City bustled with tourists. There must have been some crazy emergency to turn away so many customers.

  She paced in front of the plate-glass window.

  Then, pressed her face to the door again.

  The door flung wide, sending her stumbling forward.

  A boney hand clutched her forearm halting her progress.

  Evelina sucked in a sharp gasp as her startled glance met the bug-eyed gaze of Psycho Sally.

  “Come in! Come in!” She sounded frightened, if not slightly unhinged as she pulled Evelina inside. “Hurry!”

  The door slammed shut.

  “You look familiar,” she said, wringing her hands. “What do you want? Do I know you?”

  “You saw me at the pier. Remember?”

  “Did I?” She gave a nervous laugh, glancing over her shoulder. “My short-term memory isn’t that good these days.”

  “I bumped into your table.”

  “Really?” Psycho Sally put a trembling hand to her temple. “I don’t quite remember. It’s all a bit fuzzy.” She skittered to the right of the door to flick on the lights.

  The gloom transformed in an instant to lollipop shades of pink, purple and blue. The shop had the look of a vintage beauty parlour, with pink chairs and gold mirrors on one side and a tiffany blue counter with a silver cash register on the other. Frothy grape curtains ballooned against the tall windows facing the street.

  It smelled of tea and spice and peroxide.

  “You were reading someone’s tea leaves,” Evelina said. “A young
man.”

  “Was I?” Psycho Sally crossed her arms under her breasts, then uncrossed them again. “Oh dear! That doesn’t sound good. Are you certain?”

  “Yes. Why? What do you mean?”

  “A warlock’s been killed.” Sally chewed on her bottom lip. “I do hope he wasn’t the one.” The shock must have registered on Evelina’s face. Psycho Sally let fly a peal of brittle laughter. “Do you believe in witches?”

  Evelina shrugged. She didn’t know this woman. It would be a mistake to trust her with secrets.

  “I do. I was married to one. For twenty years.” Her gaze shifted north. “Still am. They never really die.”

  “You were married to a warlock?” Evelina repeated stupidly.

  Sally nodded slowly, causing her shiny black hair to swing. “St. Augusta is a hotspot for them, you know.” She hustled to the counter, flinging over her shoulder. “It’s rare for a warlock to marry a mortal, but it happens.”

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “I need a cup of tea.” She moved toward the back counter. “Would you like a cup of tea?”

  “No, thank you.” Evelina shifted her gaze around the shop, making sure they were alone. “I came hoping you could help me.”

  Sally plugged in the chrome kettle with shaking fingers, then spun around. “You might even be one.” Her gaze slid up and down Evelina. “Or perhaps not, in which case, I shouldn’t be divulging any of this.” She gave a shrill twitter. “But, never mind that. How can I help you?”

  “I dropped my ring by your table. At least, it was the last place I saw it. I was hoping you found it.” Evelina swallowed hard. “It was my grandmother’s. It means a lot to me.”

  “Hmm…not that I know of.” Her brow puckered. “Of course, I don’t seem to remember much about it.”

  Evelina attempted to hide her disappointment.

  The kettle gave a shrill whistle.

  Psycho Sally turned to make her tea.

  Evelina glanced at her watch. Half an hour ‘til pumpkin time. “It’s a black pearl ring. It was on a chain.”

  “Here we are.” Sally trotted around the counter with a tea tray. “Come and sit down.”

  Evelina glanced at her watch again. Maybe just a slurp. She couldn’t very well refuse. She needed that ring. She followed Sally to the little round table by the window.

  “A black pearl you say.” Sally took a long sip from her chintz teacup. “I’ll check with the other vendors on market day.”

  “Thank you.” Evelina took a swig of her tea. It tasted bitter and sweet all at once. But quite tasty, as tea went.

  She glanced up to find Psycho Sally leaning forward, examining the depths of her teacup.

  Little prickles ran up Evelina’s neck.

  Evelina scooped up the cup, downing the contents in one gulp—leaves and all.

  Hopefully, she hadn’t seen anything—not that she would, because of course she couldn’t, unless she was a Soul Sifter.

  “Great!” Evelina rose to her feet. “Well, thanks for the tea. Thanks so much. I’ll check back with you at the market,” she babbled. “Sorry, but I’m running late,” she said as she hustled out.

  Her mind screamed something wasn’t right as she navigated the busy street to her parking spot.

  The warning continued to ring over the hum of the dune buggy, all the way back to the beach house.

  She sat on the steps of the little front porch to wait for Kamaria, sketching everything she remembered about the tattoo parlor, including Psycho Sally. But, when Evelina got to the eyes her hand stilled. What color were they? At the pier she could have swore they were silver. But, in the shop they appeared blue.

  Strange.

  From the pier to the shop, everything about Sally seemed to change. Even her smile was different. The sly smirk had melted to serenity.

  She morphed into a completely different person.

  Evelina gazed down at the two-faced creature she’d sketched on the paper in her hand.

  A chill ran up her back.

  ***

  “I think Psycho Sally is possessed by the Reef Hag,” Evelina said in hushed tones, not wanting to be overheard.

  “Really?’ Tally appeared startled, her gaze shifting about the crowd of witches in the clearing under the bright sun, as though fearing they’d be overheard. “Why do you say that?”

  Abby’s brows shot skyward. “How could you tell? I mean, she’s such a freak.”

  “I know, right.” To each his own, but any way you sliced it, Psycho Sally was a tad strange. “But this is different—like a Jekyll and Hyde thing. One minute she’s sweet and flaky, the next she’s cold and creepy.”

  “That’s unfortunate.” Tally scowled. “I’d been contemplating getting a tattoo. Something small and discreet.”

  “You!” Abby sent forth a howl of laughter. “Like what?”

  “I’m not quite certain.” Tally stiffened, clearly offended. “Why do you look so surprised?”

  “Sorry!” Abby shrugged. “You just don’t seem the tattoo type.”

  “What type do I seem?”

  “She means,” Evelina cut in. “You seem very…” she spread her hands wide. “Studious and… practical.”

  Tally pursed her lips. “I feared as much.” She wrinkled her nose. “My social skills need improvement.” She turtled her neck, thrusting out her chin. “Which is precisely why I need a tat, in order to dispel such misconceptions. In truth, I’m very well rounded.”

  “Right.” Abby cracked a wry smile. “And I’m Marilyn Monroe.”

  Tally slashed her a fierce glare.

  “Well, now you have longer to think about it,” Evelina said, aiming for diplomacy.

  “Yeah!” Abby slapped Tally on the back. “In the meantime, you might want to avoid psychopaths with sharp needles.”

  Evelina agreed. “At least, until the Witches’ Council tracks down the Reef Hag and puts her under lock and key.”

  “Which isn’t happenin’ too fast,” Abby said dryly. “Looks like you’ll have plenty of time to get the old noggin workin’.”

  Tally’s features held a mixture of relief and chagrin.

  The conch shell blasted.

  Evelina’s scalp tingled.

  Tally came to attention like a soldier at the ready.

  Abby slashed Evelina a devilish grin.

  A hush fell over the crowd.

  “Today is the second competition of the Glaring,” Cordelia Nawfar announced with much relish. “Councilors will explain assignments. As always, we are here to assist and observe. Interference is strictly forbidden.”

  Murmurs and whispers flew throughout the lagoon.

  The warning was clear beneath Nawfar’s stern benevolence.

  Brooklyn Burble marched over, beaming from ear to ear. “Good morning, girls!” She trilled. “Today should be most exciting indeed.” She levelled her gaze on each of them in turn. “I hope you’re prepared.”

  They nodded in unison.

  What else could they do with Burble towering over them, eyes gleaming with pride?

  They’d won the Flurry.

  She expected great things.

  Precisely what they were remained to be seen.

  Burble folded her hands under her bosom. “Today you will act in the capacity of messengers.”

  Evelina’s blood rushed like sap in spring.

  Messengers!

  That meant Air Jets.

  Whoo hoo!

  No sooner did she think it, did three white Air Jets appear, hovering a foot off the ground beside each of them.

  “Cool!” Abby ran her hand across the cushioned seat. “Are these the same as the Water Jets?”

  “Precisely the same,” Burble declared. “Just press the throttle and it does the rest.”

  Evelina hopped on hers, eager to make a quick getaway before Burble changed her mind. “Who are we delivering messages to?”

  “Follow the trail to the scoring station,” Burble lilted. “Councilor
McCrystal will provide the clams.”

  Evelina gazed about the clearing. “What trail?”

  “This one.” Burble opened her hand, releasing a comet of silver dust that flowed through the tall palms like the Milky Way. “You have eight minutes before it dissolves. Good luck, girls!”

  Tally swung up onto her Air Jet, pinching both handles, like the tails of two dead rats.

  Abby leapt on hers and gave it the gas, shooting through the trees.

  Evelina pressed her throttle.

  The Air Jet sped forward, jerking her back so quickly, she nearly lost her seat.

  She caught up with Abby in seconds, but not without eating a few palm fronds. “I don’t see Tally. We’d better wait for her.”

  Abby nodded.

  They hovered low amidst the starry path until Tally sputtered up.

  She pulled up beside them with a loud volcanic backfire.

  “Here!” Abby leapt from off hers. “Take mine. I’ll blow the carbon out of it.” She cranked the throttle until blue smoke rolled out, then sped off again.

  Her speed demon tendencies proved infectious. Evelina felt a bubble of laughter well up in her throat as she raced up behind her. They zoomed past sparkling lagoons, over glacier-sized boulders, and around towering palms, reaching the scoring station with seconds to spare.

  More messengers arrived close on their tail.

  The scoring station turned out to be a conical shaped beach hut on stilts on the beach at the north end of the island.

  Councilor Acheron Wolfe appeared as sour as usual, black eyes flashing beneath his dark unibrow.

  He wasted little time informing them of their task.

  “Time is of the essence.” He slapped a clam into each of their hands. “They open in precisely four minutes after you push their homing device.”

  Evelina couldn’t help but ask, “What happens if we’re late?”

  “They clam up, of course.” He appeared annoyed at the question. “You cannot get a thing out of them.” He levelled a stern look on each of them before biting out distinctly, “Lake of the Isles forfeits the challenge and you are disgraced. Do not be late.”

  Evelina turned the clam over and around in her hand, but couldn’t find any homing device.

  Acheron snatched it out of her hand. He pushed two buttons on either side of the hinge, then handed it back. He rolled his eyes heavenward. “Novices!”