Page 1 of Shadowed Summer Sun
Chapter One
The In-Between Are Doorways, Be Wary Of What You Open & Close.
ThemorningSunofthe Summer Solstice peaked through my window, sharp rays cutting through the gaps in my curtains. The white of my pillowcase burned red-orange as the light hit my hair, making it look like a wave of flame stretched out over the worn fabric.
It was time.
The Coven had been planning, watching, and gathering as much as they could to counter the malignant force that crept into Cragsrest. Whatever had been summoned ate away at beasts roaming the woods and fields, leaving desecrated husks whose souls could not pass into the Hereafter.
I shivered as the image of the consumed animal swam up in my mind. Respect for the natural order was ingrained in the ways of the Coven, and upending them would have dire consequences for both perpetrator and victim. After all, balance was more than a flimsy concept to ruminate on. It was a necessity, and keeping the fallen souls from their final resting place tipped the scales toward ruination and the ending of all things.
A thick trail of destruction led to the Vinemire Forest, and the evil’s influence leaked across the Earth like a slick tar, sticky and cold. Even the warm summer nights had become drenched in its chill, rolling over the lake’s rocky shore like a poisonous fog.
I sat up in my small daybed. The twin sat in my attic room, taking up the angled nook created by the roof. A triangular window sat behind the bed’s curved, white metal back, which was draped with scarves, dried flowers, and hag stones.
The nightmares were not deterred by them.
Stretching out like a cat, I gathered up the long skirt of my nightgown and slipped it over my head. Tossing it to the side, I chose my ritual attire for the coming evening and lit my incense, thanking the Old Ones for keeping me safe through the night.
The black skirt, layered with several lace and silk panels, stretched to the floor and would keep me warm. I chose a top with sleeveless arms and a deep v-neck that allowed my Coven tattoos to show. The deep v, in particular, framed the large crow that stretched across my chest, decorated by the lunar cycle and crystal grid configurations. Paired with my black shall and hat, it would do nicely for a midnight invoking.
I smiled, “Looking good, Summer.”
Wrapping my obsidian amulet around my wrist and donning my pentagram, I put my crystals and offerings in my bag to take to the south side of Cottlewick Lake. The handwritten ritual and anointing oils were next in the pack. They were followed by the hyssop, fresh white willow bark, and vervain, which I’d also bathed in before bed. It perfumed my skin in its gentle musk and paired well with the Balm of Gilead oil I rubbed on afterward.
The scent lingering on my skin brought images of Coven Solstices and ritual circles to mind. I sighed, holding tight to the memory of my Siblings twirling around a massive fire as we chanted in celebration of Samhain and the thinning of the Veil.
A rumble from my stomach cut through my nostalgia.Fuck, I’m starving. What time is it?
As I moved the curtains aside to observe the Sun, I could see last night’s moon clinging to the sky. It was like a ghost, seemingly transparent. The coming full moon would shine brightly as it found its way up into the highest reaches of the sky, casting its gentle light upon me as I summoned an ancient being.
Heading downstairs to eventually meet the Coven, I set a freshly plucked fig by my door, safeguarding my private space. Badb, my crow familiar, pecked on the glass of the stairwell’s window, signaling her readiness to accompany me. I whistled back and left a silver ring on the windowsill for her.
“I’ll meet you outside.” I hurried down the twisting stairs to the back door of the Coven house’s kitchen. Throwing it open, I sprinted for the sunny hill behind the large cottage, my hair flying behind me in the breeze as I kicked up fluffy dandelions and crickets in my wake.
Badb flew around me in a circle, cawing happily as I spun in the light. The Sun’s warmth melted into my skin. I smiled. My favorite season had been an especially nice one, with just the right amount of thunderstorms and gorgeous blue-skied days. It appeared that my parents, Gods rest them, had chosen a particularly apt name for me.
Cartwheeling into a patch of wild chamomile flowers, I landed solidly and rolled onto my back, lying in the meadow as I closed my eyes to the bright Sun. The smell of grass and ripening vegetables from the garden filled the air. I breathed deeply, drinking it in. The gentle chirp of grasshoppers returned as I lay still in the tall grass.
Birds cawed and whistled overhead as I baked in the morning Sun, all too familiar with my presence in the field. Grinning against the bright light, the insides of my eyes glowing red, I hummed the Summer Call, I’d been taught so long ago.
Summer Sun cast down on me. Summer Sun, be kind to me.
Radiant orb, may I burn as brightly as you. Giving form to my dreams,
Making them come true.
Living with the Coven had once been lonely, grieving the sudden death of my parents after the freak car accident, but now I couldn’t imagine a better home than this or a better mentor than our beloved High Priestess.
The heat of the rays coated my skin in a delightful fire, and I breathed in the scent of Earth and fresh air and wildflowers. Minutes ticked on as I basked in the Sun like a lazy cat. Badb crowed at me as she perched on my knee.
“I know, I know. But what if we just stayed here, laying under the warm Sun for all our days?”
She cawed at me, gripping her talons into the flesh of my leg.
Cracking open my eyes, I glared playfully at her. “All right. All right. I’m going.”
I stood up begrudgingly and proceeded to the greenhouse to gather a few more ingredients. The large glass structure was connected to the back of the Coven house and just past the thriving garden. I scooped up a few of the chamomile flowers on my way and retrieved a fresh tomato from our vegetable patch, taking a bite and savoring the perfect flavor that you just couldn’t find anywhere else.
