The black witch is trying to bring the burned corpse back from the dead. At this point they can only watch . They were told not to interfere. They watch in horror as the witch casts the spell. It's a blood spell she cuts her arm and drains it into a bowl. Then walking to the other two boys she cuts both of them and mixes the blood together in the bowl. Pouring the blood around the circle she chants . They can't hear what she is saying but the can feel the darkness and evil rising. A bolt of lightning strikes the circle of blood setting it aflame. She circles the fire and continues to chant. The body inside the circle begins to move. Rising on its knees screaming and trying to get up. The witch spits on the fire and the entire circle goes out . Only the glow from the dying embers of the original fire is left. The two boys help the burned moving corpse to the wagon . They leave heading away from the scene. The group moves quietly behind the trees following the wagon. They come to a small shack not to far from the waterfall. Crouching down behind a crop of trees they watch as the witch and her boys help the corpse inside. Remi gets a chill down her spine as the head turns towards her as if he can see her. He lets out a guttural yell.
"What is mine will always be mine. ."
Remi gasps it's him it's the man from her dreams. Her body begins to shake Yona feeling her shaking pulls her into his arms.
"Its ok we are here he will not get you. "
Watching the house in silence just before dawn the witch comes out with the moving corpse . Seeing him in the light of day he is bloody and scared but he is moving on his own now. The two boys just followed close behind. They get into the wagon as they move away the witch sets the house on fire. They are heading towards the Maureen's house. Aisling knows they can't beat them there so she waves her hand while whispering a spell a portal opens to the house. They walk through and hide waiting to see where the wagon goes. They hear Aisling's great great grandma yelling for Onacona to come inside to eat. Watching him come out of the barn they hear the wagon. The witch yells at him to get out of her way . He stops and watches her leave. He looks towards them and calls.
"She is gone you can stop hiding now. She has most likely gone back to town to her house. " the four of them come out and he smiles at them.
"Would you like to come in and eat. My sister always makes enough for extra just incase someone stops by. I'm sure that she will enjoy feeding you. " he winks as if he knows who they are and they nod and go inside.
"Aisling and Remi stare at their great great grandmother and their great gran is in the high chair. They both are speechless as she fusses over them. Clicking her tongue in aggravation at Aisling being out in the cold and expecting a child no less. The four of them sit and thank her for the food. She just smiles at them asking.
Astila seeing how the girls are just starring at their elders answers her.
" We are just passing through we are heading to Harpers Ferry when we saw a fire last night. We fell asleep in the woods. The woman that passed by was coming through from the direction of a burning house. " hoping they would be willing to give them some information.
"That son of hers is just evil. He was lynched last night for kidnapping and selling some local girls. They say he had his way with them before selling them. She is most likely burning his house so they can't find anything about those poor girls. She is furious at the people here over him. She feels that since her father is governor and her husband is the mayor that they are above the law. You know that if you do evil it will always come to light sooner or later. If you need a lift into the town I can have my brother take you after you eat. You can catch the Ferry at the bottom of the mountain. " he thanks her and the baby starts to try to climb out of the high chair.
"My would you look at that. She is trying to get to you. She normally doesn't take to strangers. She seems to like you. " Aisling smiles and plays with the baby. She picks her up from the chair and walks her around the room. Her eyes fill with tears as she holds the baby. This is her precious great gran whom she would sit and watch her brush her hair while she sang. Aisling without thinking began to hum the sage song as she walked the babe around the room.
"Child where did you hear that song?" Onacona's sister asked.
"My great gran used to sing it while she brushed her hair. I used to love sitting on the floor and listen to her. It's one of my fondest memories." Her voice is whistful and soft. Looking down at the baby she sees that she is asleep.
"Here let me take her. Hold on to your precious memories dear . when you get older and the people in them are gone. Unless you share them they are lost. Tell them to your babes it's the only way the people in the past can live forever. To preserve your heritage is a great gift don't lose it. " looking at her she sounds sad like she has lost something precious. Aisling hands the baby to her and Onacona asks if they are ready. They gather their coats and head out to the wagon.
Once they are settled he asks.
"So you are not normal folks are you? I feel like I should know you. " Astila looks at him and asks
"Why do you say that we are just normal folks?" Onacona chuckles
"I'm not sure why two Cherokee warriors look like white men. Or why two women who are not what they seem are here but if it has to do with the mayors son it's not going to be easy. I may be able to help ." Aisling whispers and the glamour spell is gone he can see them as they really are. He looks at the two men and asks
"You are the medicine mans family are you not. You are from the tribe in Tennessee. You look like him the man killed last night must have done the things they said if you are here using powerful magic. What can I do to help. "
Aisling tells him what they know at least what is revelent.
"the woman uses blood magic or forbidden magic. She brought the burned corpse back to life last night. We are here to find the remains and bury them in sacred ground. That way his spirit can cross over and be judged. Also that way he cannot harm anyone. We need to find where she has taken him."
Onacona sighs
" I was afraid of that she is a nasty piece of work . Most likely she has taken him to her boarding house in town. That way she can take care of him without others noticing. I will take you to the boarding house. Though if I can sense that you are not normal she will be able to. It's best that you do not use any kind of magic while you are around her. She likes money so as long as you have some she will not question you to much." They are at the rivers edge waiting for the ferry. They see the witch she is waiting as well . They follow Onacona's advice and use no magic. Onacona makes a point of talking loudly once they are on the ferry so that the witch can hear they are looking for a place to stay.
"There are several places to stay at in town . Most are nice it just depends on what your needs are. If you need a place that serves meals in the price of the room then the inn at the top of the mountain is the best. The views are spectacular . It is a little pricy but it's worth it. "
The witch takes the bait not wanting to pass up on earning some money. She approached them once on the other side of the river. Astila makes a big show of giving Onacona some money that just seemed to appear. Aisling watches the witches eyes grow big when she sees the money in his wallet.
"I'm sorry to be bold but I couldn't help overhearing that you need a place to stay. My boarding house is just up the street and we provide meals. I have two rooms available at the moment. " Astila thanks her and has Onacona take them to her boarding house.
Onacona tells them .
"if you need me for anything just send for me the Ferry master's son will com fetch me right away. "
they thank him and go inside . Remi notices that only the woman and two boys get out of the wagon. The other must be hiding somewhere. When they get inside the boarding house it is s Pleasant and welcoming. Aisling looks around to see if there are any indicators of any spells. She looks closely at the window ledges and door frames. As you enter each room she noticed the corners of the doors have intricate designed molding . Looking closer she sees the symbols. Nodding at Remi to look. Her eyes get big even if they had the glamour spell in effect it would have been broken once inside. Nudging Yona she nods towards the symbols. He sees them now. Thank goodness Onacona had warned them. The woman shows them to the two rooms for them to get settled. She takes payment upfront so that they can't stiff her . After getting settled in the room they decide to take a walk along the river so they can freely discuss their next move.