“I brought a copy of a journal Neferet wrote when she was still a human. It’s from my sister’s world, but in it there’s proof that Old Magick had been influencing Neferet since she was a kid.”
“And just because the journal was written by another version of her does not mean it holds no relevance for us,” Grandma said. “As Kevin already explained, who we are in each world remains essentially the same. It is only our experiences that change us. I will give you the journal. Have copies made of it. Pass them around. We must all read it to have as much knowledge as possible about ways to combat Neferet’s evil.”
“Agreed. We need all the help we can get, especially if that help comes in the form of a young vampyre who brings us knowledge and can also wield Old Magick,” said Anastasia.
Dragon blew out a long breath and went to Kevin, crouching beside him, as had his mate. “I don’t like being put in a position where I must trust an enemy.”
“I’m not your enemy.”
“Prove it.”
“I just tried to,” Kevin said. “And I’ll keep trying to prove it to you. I’ll go to the House of Night and spy for you. I’ll tell you everything I learn. I’ll help in any way I can.”
“My grandson speaks the truth, Dragon. You will see,” said Sylvia Redbird, through teeth that chattered with cold.
“G-ma, you need to move to the back of the cave where the fire is.”
“I’m fine here. It’s much too smoky back there.”
“Boy, if you want to do something to get in my good graces, figure out a way Old Magick can help us make this cave habitable.” Dragon spoke softly, more to the night than to Kevin, as he stood, staring out at the freezing rain and mist.
Kevin looked from his g-ma to Anastasia. “Do you think I could actually do that? Get the sprites to help make this cave bigger and better?”
“Of course,” Anastasia said without a pause. “As I said when they appeared, sprites are always tied to the elements, and earth is one of the elements. It would not be a stretch to imagine earth sprites fashioning a cave from the bosom of this ridge.”
“Cool! I’ll just call them or something and ask if they—”
“Remember, Kevin, you must never use Old Magick flippantly,” Anastasia interrupted. “It is one of the most powerful magicks in the world—and one of the most unpredictable.”
“But the sprites did exactly what I asked them to do,” Kevin said.
“Oh, they always keep their word—as long as they are paid. The problem comes with the payment,” Anastasia said.
“Please explain,” said Grandma Redbird.
“It is simple and complicated. Simple because the sprites agree to a payment for a service. When it’s something like they just did—a specific task for a specific service—all is usually well. It’s when the payment isn’t rendered immediately that you can get into trouble, and by trouble I mean soul-deep, often deadly trouble.”
“If I understand what you’re saying, then Kevin should only agree to a payment that is immediate and very specific, correct?” Grandma Redbird asked.
“Well, yes and no. He can still have problems. That’s more of the complicated part of the process. The ancient texts warn that using such power is dangerous and can hurt the vampyre wielding it.”
“But I already have an affinity for the five elements. So does my sister in the other world I just visited. She’s a good High Priestess—really good. She defeated Neferet there. I really don’t think she’s been hurt by it.”
“Elemental affinities are gifted by Nyx, and thus they are not Old Magick. It is impressive that you have such affinities. That, mixed with your Cherokee blood, is probably why the sprites heard your call,” Anastasia said. “And as to what the texts meant by being hurt by wielding the power—I am sorry to say I simply don’t have enough knowledge to explain further. I have never known Old Magick before, or anyone who could call it. All I know is what I have read in ancient texts.”
“Well, I’m willing to take the chance and use it—at least one more time. You think they’ll hear me again?”
She hiked her shoulders. “I cannot answer that, Kevin. Nor can I answer if you should call to them again. I do not know the nature of your soul. I do not know how susceptible to Darkness you are.”
“I do,” said Grandma Redbird. “His soul is good. Truly good. He is not prone to Darkness or hatred or evil. Even before Nyx restored his humanity in that other world, he fought the hunger and the mindlessness of what so many of us are calling the Red Curse. U-we-tsi, I believe you can help us set the balance of Light and Darkness to right because you can wield Old Magick. But do not forget Anastasia’s words. Remember—the payment must be specific and immediately given.”
“I’ll remember. I promise. But, um, do you think I have enough blood right now for that?”
“No, you do not,” Anastasia said.
“I have an idea for an alternative payment.” G-ma’s hand reached up to rest over the small bag that made a mound under her shirt.
“Wait, no. You can’t give up your medicine bag,” Kevin said.
“I can and I will. Both of my medicine bags.”
Kevin pressed his own hand against the replica that rested in the middle of his chest. “I dunno, G-ma. Is it a good idea to give away your power like that?”
“Oh, u-we-tsi, a medicine bag holds no power on its own. It only symbolizes the power of its maker. And I shall simply make another, just as the other Sylvia Redbird has probably already done in Zoey’s world.” She pulled the beaded bag from beneath her shirt and lifted its leather thong over her head, handing it to Kevin. “Summon your sprites.”
Kevin took the medicine bag after squeezing his g-ma’s cold hand. Then he looked up at Dragon. “Help me stand?”
The powerful Warrior took Kevin’s elbow, lifting him to his feet. Kevin stood, swaying slightly as bright spots glittered in his vision, but he settled quickly. His back was stiff and hurt all the way from one shoulder to the other, but his dizziness passed. He couldn’t run a marathon, but he was pretty sure he wasn’t going to fall over. Again.
Then he realized he had no clue about his next move.
“Um, Anastasia, how do I call them?”
“When they came to you before it was when you’d torn open your wound, so it was bleeding pretty heavily, and you’d just said something about wanting to make this right.”
“So, do you think I should cut myself again and then call them?”