Shifting Read online

  “What magical family is she from?”

  The crowd quieted, all eyes watched Banon Blackwell as she spoke to Meghan.

  “What do you see?” she asked in an eager voice, as if she instantly understood what was happening, which relieved Colin, slightly, seeing as he did not.

  The fire that surrounded Meghan changed color, from orange and yellow to bright gold. She faced the Svoda, and Juliska, and began rising off the ground.

  47

  She drew up her arm and pointed it at the Svoda. Meghan was high enough that she was pointing almost directly at Juliska’s head. To Colin’s amazement, Juliska, standing six feet from Meghan, was not bothered by the heat; yet Colin could feel it some twenty-five feet away.

  Finally, Meghan spoke, and in a voice much deeper than her own.

  “Beware. Beware. They attack you where you sleep. Beware I say to all Svoda, they attack you where you sleep.” She repeated this several times.

  Mummers buzzed through the observing crowd. Frightened faces looked to Banon Blackwell for answers to this apparent prophecy.

  “What do you mean, girl?” one woman shouted.

  “Who attacks us? Who?” another voice hollered.

  “How will we know, if we’re sleeping?” a man asked.

  Juliska addressed the distressed crowd; her brilliant stare was enough to quiet her people. As she turned back to Meghan, still floating high in the air, more Gypsies arrived, including Ivan, followed by Garner Sadorus and the Three D’s. Colin swore that Garner had a look in his eye which was not pleased to see Meghan, apparently prophesying. He also scowled at an infuriated looking Darcy.

  “They must have really had a plan of their own,” thought Colin.

  The fire diminished around Meghan’s body and she slowly descended to the ground. Colin ran to his sister’s side. Nobody stopped him this time.

  The crowd drew closer. Banon Blackwell bent over and touched Meghan’s face. She was burning up. For a brief second his sister’s eyes opened, her mind once again linked to his. Her thoughts confused him.

  “Mother, I want my mother.”

  “Mother? What do you mean? She’s dead, remember?” This frightened Colin more than seeing her on fire.

  “She will be fine,” said Juliska Blackwell, cradling Meghan in her arms. “Take her to the hospital,” she ordered her Balaton. “I will arrive shortly to handle this situation myself.” A Balaton hooked on to Meghan’s limp body and instantly vanished. It was an uncomfortable feeling not knowing where they were taking his sister. He reached out for her.

  “Meghan, can you hear me?” Her mind was weak, but she answered.

  “Yes, what happened?”

  “I’ll explain later. Stay linked to me though, okay. We may have trouble on our hands.” He brought his mind back to the ensuing chaos around him, keeping Meghan’s link open, but blocking her from hearing the conversation, as the Svoda gawked and pointed.

  Juliska conversed with her Balaton and two of Viancourt members, Garner Sadorus and Darius Hadrian. After what seemed like an eternity to Colin, she finally spoke.

  “I am pleased to say,” she started, quieting the riotous people, “that what we have seen today is proof! Proof that magic survives!”

  “How can we be sure they’re not spies?” a man yelled. Juliska was not happy about being questioned and her voice grew more forceful.

  48

  “I believe that you all remember I was once a lost child. Magic was with me the day I was found by the Svoda.” The majority of the crowd accepted this explanation, but then began to question Meghan’s words.

  “What then of the prophecy of the child? What will you do about this, Banon Blackwell?” another man’s voice yelled out.

  “Once understood, we will, as always, do what is necessary. Now disperse. Go home and see to your own families.” The Banon then whipped around, facing Colin. Jae stood next to him, trembling; he knew from experience that this could mean expulsion for his family. He had lied.

  There was no way to hide it!

  Jae’s mother, father and sister stood behind Jae. The Banon leaned over, to see Colin’s face better. Her eyes sparkled unkindly.

  “Let me ask you, Colin Jacoby, who were your parents?”

  She was being too friendly, he thought. Colin stuttered, trying to think. What would Uncle Eddy want me to answer?

  “Our parents, they uh, died a couple of years after we were born and we lived with our Uncle Arnon Jacoby, until the day we got stuck, I mean, ended up, uh, here, while helping Jae get home.” He hoped the reminder of their assistance would help their cause, but just as instantly as he said it, he wished he had left Jae out of the picture.

  Colin cringed. He had messed up. Again.

  He saw Juliska raise her head slightly, her eyes swiftly landing on Jae. Just as swiftly, they soared back to Colin. She continued her questioning.

  “And tell me, did your uncle ever perform magic?” Colin did not trust Juliska Blackwell.

  “I never saw him do so,” he answered honestly, glad that he had not.

  She narrowed her eyes, as if this helped her see if he was telling the truth.

  “Hm,” she said, under her breath. “One more question. Have you or your sister ever performed magic before today?”

  He had been afraid this question was coming. His courage failed him. Colin thought desperately for what to say. He did not want her to find out about the Magicante, or Jae’s knowledge of their abilities. To Colin’s horror, Jae spoke up, stammering out his words in haste.

  “I’ve seen Colin do magic, but never his sister. I taught him a spell on the off chance he might be able to help me against the Scratchers.” His family looked like they had been hit by a boulder, and backed away from him.

  “Jae, no, you’ll…” Jae eyed Colin hard, and Colin shut up, realizing if he said the wrong thing, he would only make things worse. Although he could hardly see how it could be any worse.

  Juliska Blackwell’s composure faltered slightly. The pitch of her voice went up as she spoke.

  “Were you aware of this?” she aimed her question to Jae’s shocked parents.

  “No, of course not,” said Sheila, adding, “Our son would only do what he thought was best, I’m sure.”

  “Our boy knows the rules, Banon Blackwell!” announced Irving Mochrie. “Whatever punishment you see fit, we will take as a family.” The disapproval of Jae’s actions was apparent in his voice.

  49

  “Jae Mochrie, you have put me in an uncomfortable position,” said the Banon. “You have broken strict rules put into place to protect all Svoda. However, their world is our world, so by an off chance, you have found two lost among us.”

  They waited, breathlessly. Two Balaton remained near the Banon awaiting her orders. She stood tall and in charge, pacing back and forth, weighing her decision. Colin began to feel faint, as if his energy was being sucked away. Finally, the Banon turned to Mr. and Mrs. Mochrie and made her proclamation. Colin’s energy returned and he shook it off as fear.

  “I try to imagine myself in Jae’s position, questioning whether I would make it home or not, and how best to defend myself, and it comes to mind, would I have not done the same as Jae, knowing that strict rules are being broken. This brother and sister coming to live with us is the result of a tragic accident, a completely unplanned event.”

  Colin thought she was taking an extremely long time stating her decision, and that it was on purpose, to scare them further; he disliked Juliska Blackwell very much.

  “And so I come to this conclusion. By some blessed miracle, two lost souls have returned to us, through a difficult path, yes. But home none the less.” She leaned in, pretending to touch Colin’s cheek in a loving manner. She then added softly, “And yet, the rules should never be broken,” she glanced at Jae. “My ruling is this,” the Balaton braced themselves to fulfill her punishment.

  “Meghan and Colin Jacoby will enroll in school beginning tomorrow! Jae Mochrie s
hall be demoted from junior learner back to elementary learner. He will start his lessons over again since there are rules he needs reminding of!”

  Jae’s parents, humiliated, but thankful to still have a home, humbly thanked the Banon. Irving then seized Jae, dragging him home.

  6

  Colin followed the Mochries, simply to avoid any more questions from Juliska Blackwell; once he noticed she was gone, he slowed. The argument going on up ahead was ugly. He decided it was a bad idea to head to the Mochrie home and decided to find Meghan.

  Colin arrived at the hospital a short time later, after asking for directions. A woman advised him that Meghan was on the fourth floor, last room on the left. He found the room, no problem. However, it was not his sister lying in the bed.

  Colin’s heart skipped and his face reddened. A young girl approximately Colin’s age lay asleep; she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her hair was long and silver and she smiled as though looking straight at him.

  “Can I help you?” a voice snapped behind him.

  50

  Colin’s nose sucked in the smell of mothballs as he turned around.

  “Sorry,” he jumped, spooked. “I was told my sister was in this room, Meghan Jacoby.” It was Viancourt member Tanzia Chase. She flipped through a chart.

  “She’s not even on this floor, down a level, room nine.” She stood guard by the door and watched him leave the floor. Colin noted that she locked the girl’s room.

  “Poor girl. She must be very sick,” he thought, “and to have Tanzea Chase as her nurse.” Colin shivered.

  He located Meghan’s room, but slowed before entering, hearing the voice of Juliska Blackwell.

  Colin hoped she wasn’t fishing for information, and decided to listen, tuning into his sister’s mind.

  “It’s hard to describe, and so messed up that fire does not burn me. Not that I want it to.” Juliska laughed and then replied in a motherly voice.

  “You know, Meghan, I sensed it in you right away.”

  “You did?”

  “I was not positive, let’s say it was a hopeful feeling. It has been too long since my people have experienced such a thing. It is a good reminder that the world goes on, outside of our small little daily world. Plus, to find a lost one with such talent! I’m afraid Firemancy is a dying form these days.”

  Colin cringed. He felt Meghan’s growing love for this woman surging through her mind.

  “Sight is both a blessing and a curse,” the Banon continued. “One I have also managed many years myself. However, your journey is just beginning, so please remember, Meghan, you are welcome to visit me anytime, to discuss questions you have about your visions, or school, or, anything. I realize you are here alone, and since I have the sight, too,” she laughed lightly, “I’m always available to you, as I am to anyone needing my help.” Colin’s mind reeled. What was she doing being so nice, when only minutes ago she was so ill tempered?

  “At least I have my brother,” reminded Meghan.

  “Yes, of course. How could I forget?”

  “Actually, I can’t believe he’s not here yet, although…” she stopped, taking a sip of water.

  “Although…” Juliska prompted thirstily.

  “He may not want to see me. We had a pretty big fight,” she finally admitted.

  “I see,” said Juliska, leaning in with eager anticipation.

  Colin decided he had heard enough. It was time to make his presence known. He let himself into Meghan’s mind; she smiled at the door. Simultaneously, Juliska’s gaze followed.

  Colin’s figure appeared, acting as though he had just arrived. His acting was poor.

  “Hey, Sis.”

  Juliska glided toward the door as Colin came in.

  “I must take my leave, Meghan, things to do, people to order around,” she winked mischievously. Meghan smiled and then Juliska was gone.

  “I hope you didn’t tell her too much,” Colin said accusingly.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Uncle Eddy. The Magicante.”

  51

  “Of course I didn’t tell her that, although, I honestly don’t think it would matter. I think I could tell her anything.”

  Colin wanted to gag.

  “You may change your mind once I tell you what happened after your little stunt earlier!” Meghan huffed.

  Colin continued.

  “Jae made up a lie so we wouldn’t get kicked out! He’s in a lot of trouble. He’s home, right this second probably getting killed by his parents.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Colin explained how they had come running to the wharf, the Svoda preparing for battle, only to find her in a fireball.

  “After they took you away, the Mochries stayed behind while Juliska questioned me on whether I’d ever done magic before. Jae answered before I could stop him, saying, ‘Yes, but it was me that showed him how’.”

  “But that’s not true,” said Meghan with heightening unease.

  “Banon Blackwell then made us all wait, while she weighed her decision.”

  “What decision?” asked his sister, looking to what Colin concluded was more properly horrified.

  “As to what the Mochrie’s punishment would be.”

  Meghan squirmed, trying to piece it all together.

  “She would have to, you know. Decide on a punishment. Picture your whole job is to keep these people safe and someone breaks a law that could ruin all that. She would have to do something in order to save face from the other Svoda.”

  “Are you sticking up for her?” asked Colin too loudly, getting the nurses’ attention in the hallway.

  “You gotta see it from both sides, Colin. What was the punishment, anyway?”

  “She decided to only punish Jae, not his whole family. She demoted him in school. I guess it’s like being held back a grade or something, plus, we’ll be joining him!” Meghan was thoughtful for a minute.

  “It could be worse, Colin. At least our magic is out in the open, less to worry about. It sucks that Jae had to take such a blow, I’m sure it’s totally humiliating. And it doubly sucks that we have to go to school, too.”

  Colin knew she was being genuine and agreed with her there.

  “Honestly,” she continued, “I think Juliska did the only thing she could do. She would have to dole out some form of punishment, but if you think about it, it’s not that bad.” Colin could see her point, but had a strong feeling that things were not that easy for Jae, or his family.

  “How long they keeping you here, anyway?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Overnight I guess.”

  “Okay. Tomorrow I’m going to see Uncle Eddy and explain what happened, and that we won’t be able to visit as much,” said Colin.

  52

  Meghan brooded. One second she felt on top of the world; she was Firemancer, like Juliska Blackwell; someone who could teach Meghan how to control and use her abilities. However, in the next moment, all her fears overwhelmed her, throwing her into an instant panic.

  “I’m tired, Colin. I guess I’ll see you when they let me out of here.” Her thoughts were clouded, but he sensed the tug-of-war going on between them.

  Colin decided to leave her and return to the Mochrie house. As he neared, passing the wharf entrance, a shadow stepped toward him so he slowed. The shadow sped up, as if intentionally wanting to run into him. Colin searched for a place to hide; it was too late. Daveena Troast’s scowling face towered in front of him.

  “I’ve got a message for you,” she gurgled. For a tough kid, she had a funny voice. He waited, assuming the message would be a knuckle sandwich, or something of the sort, but she stood, staring, her arms folded.

  “And the message is?” he choked out.

  “We’re still watching you.” Her pudgy face scrunched up as she said it. After staring at Colin for an entire silent minute, she plodded away. Colin raced the last few steps to the Mochrie house, but stopped, a
fraid to go in. When he did finally dare to enter, it was quieter than he expected. Sheila and Mireya calmly sipped tea. There was no sign of Jae or his father.

  “There you are, expect you went to see Meghan. How is she, the poor dear?” asked Sheila, with no indication that anything out of the ordinary had happened.

  “Fine,” Colin said, questioning why they weren’t all yelling at each other. “She should be home tomorrow.”

  “Jae and his father are out. Life must go on you know, and he’ll have to work harder now that he’s been sent back to the beginning,” said Mrs. Mochrie. Her eyes stared blankly at a wall.

  Mireya smiled weakly and announced she was going to bed. Though hardly sleepy, Colin followed her, so he wouldn’t have to talk any more.

  “Is Jae in a lot of trouble?” Colin dared to ask, before Mireya got into to bed.

  Her already weak smile faded.

  “This is the second time he’s been sent back to the beginning. Dad is none to happy about it and told him he wasn’t leaving his sight this week.”

  Colin nodded.

  As he lay down his thoughts twisted between right and wrong. Perhaps Juliska, realizing she had to dish out some kind of punishment, ordered the least possible, knowing what Jae had done was not all that bad in the end.

  Still, Colin did not trust Juliska’s cunning nature; he was positive she did not trust the twins, and worried deeply his sister could not see it.

  He also thought it odd that Sheila Mochrie did not question him after he had come home. He reached out for Meghan to say goodnight. She was already sleeping.

  Tomorrow, before school, he would tell Uncle Eddy. Perhaps he would have some answers.

  “I have to say this is a little unexpected, so soon at least,” said Uncle Eddy. “They’ve accepted you, though. That is good.”

  53

  “I’m not so sure they have actually accepted us.”

  “If their leader has, then they will, too. Not that I don’t still have things to teach you.” Colin was pleased that their uncle was not angry or worse, leaving, and reached out for his sister. She was blocking him.

  “When do you want us to come back, Uncle Eddy?” he asked.

  “Whenever you can, Colin. I will be here waiting.”