Feathered Friend.

As she rode along on her gentle bay mare, Savannah could not shake the feeling that she had forgotten something important. It couldn’t be the vinegar, she really didn’t need pickling ingredients. It wasn’t warm jackets, because the weather was quite warm and they shouldn’t need any. Plus, Auntie was spending her time on the wagon, knitting all of them sweaters and booties in case it became chilly when they reached the high desert.

It wasn’t anything that she needed for cooking, because they had an ample supply from the Stephen Taber, and she had stopped in the Matamoras market for some tasty Mexican ingredients. WHAT could it be? Savvy remained lost in these thoughts as the miles slowly rolled by…until after a time, Little Dubs kneed her burro into a faster pace and caught up with Savannah and pulled at her shirt tails.

“Mom. Mom. I can fin Piggy!” said Dubs.

Savvy was quite startled and looked at Dubs and then at Zaidie, who solemnly shook his head.

“When did you see him last?” asked Savannah.

“He wuz loogin at dem buds wiv me.” replied Dubs.

“Looking at the birds?” asked Savannah.

“When we were with Auntie we stopped to look at some of those pretty parrots. Dubs had Piggy with her then.” answered Zaidie.

“Oh. Dear. Without Piggy we don’t have the map!” exclaimed Savannah.

“Bud goddid.” said Dubs.

“But where is the bird?” asked Savvy.

“He in the wagin. Ooops! I meen I donno.” said Dubs. Just then Samoa let out a yell and when Savannah turned to look at him he was flapping his paws and trying to dislodge a large yellow and green bird from his shoulders.

“Ack! Get it off me!” he hollered. Auntie stood behind him, swatting at the bird with a broom.

Demon rode up and said “How did that bird get in the wagon?”

“Oh, Dad! Id wuz tu far tug ed himma walg!” replied Dubs.

“Look!” said Zaidie “He has Piggy!”

Demon reined in his horse and pulled near to the wagon – reaching out with one paw and yanking Piggy from the birds claws. The bird subsided into a peaceful perch on Samoa’s shoulders, though he did not seem very reassured.

“Ok. Now you keep hold of Piggy, Dubs! And maybe I’d better hold on to the map.” said Demon and Dubs nodded her head.

“Can I keeb the bud?” she asked.

“Yes, unless he damages your Uncle Samoa!” said Savvy as the rest of the pups laughed and they rode on.

(continued!)

West along the Rio Grande!

Sure enough, as the sun rose on the Gulf of Mexico the pups on board the Stephen Taber could just see Old Mexico on the hazy horizon. Soon the sounds and sights of the Port of Matamoras opened up to them. Dubs stared over the rail in fascination as a boat paddled by, filled with brightly colored parrots and paper flowers the size of cabbages.

“Loog!” she exclaimed, pointing over the rail. “Is Flowr Buds!”

Auntie Marguerite laughed indulgently and promised to treat Dubs to a special Mexican cake as a reward for being such a good girl on the ship and not giving her sailor bodyguard, Zaidie TOO hard a time.

Zaidie himself sat on a coil of rope and looked weary. Auntie Marguerite decided that he also deserved a special treat! For now she hastened to get a fresh apron on Little Dubs and a light jacket, since Mexico was so warm! She also got Dubs to wear her bonnet, though Dubs had decorated it with several bits of seaweed and other flotsam that did not really improve it. Still, it would keep the sun off her head.

“Miss Savvy” she said “I am going to take Little Dubs and Young Zaidie to a bakeshop for some cakes while you and the others unload. It will keep them from getting underfoot.”

“Good thought, Auntie. Do you think one of the boys should go with you…In case of trouble.” Savvy asked.

“Oh, I think I can handle most things that come along.” replied Auntie Marguerite and snapped her fingers – which appeared to give off small sparks and a faint smell of sulphur.

“Oh, Yes. I do forget about your…abilities.” said Savannah. “Just take care, and come back to the ship in an hour or so. We have to line up some overland transport, and that may take some time.”

“Wan wide Hosie!” reminded Dubs and Savvy smiled and gave her a pat.

It actually did not take long at all – as a matter of fact, the luggage and equipment for the expedition had hardly been unloaded when a large black dog came by, leading a string of horses.

“Will you pups be needing some horses?” he inquired of Demon.

“Why yes.” Demon answered. “And a wagon for the Ladies and the luggage.”

“This I can do! And at a good price!” assured the Black Dog.

Demon dickered for a time with him, and both Savvy and Angel decided they wanted to ride horseback, not in a wagon. Savvy even chose a small burro with a black mask and pointed ears for Little Dubs to ride.

“I expect that Auntie will want to ride in the wagon.” said Kirby. “And Little Dubs can take naps in there when she gets tired.”

Naturally Dubs was delighted when she saw her little burro steed.

“I caw him Dubbin Junyer.” she said. “Woom fo Zadee tu!”

“Well, I suppose Zaidie can come along if he likes.” said Savvy. Zaidie clapped his paws together and it was plain that he was wild for an overland adventure.

Demon helped the pair of them onto the burro’s back and as the rest of them mounted and Auntie climbed aboard the wagon, Samoa took a turn to be her driver and off they went, following the course of the Rio Grande and headed west.

(continued!)

West to Old Mexico!

Through the night hours the Stephen Taber sailed to the West. Goliath, then Samoa, then Demon and Savvy, and finally Kirby took the wheel to guide it towards the western coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and their destination – Matamoras.

The plan, at least as far as there seemed to BE a plan was to make port in Old Mexico and then see about arranging transport overland – to wherever the map led them. Kirby had read in an old encyclopedia about the expedition of Cortez. According to him, they would end up SOMEWHERE in New Mexico, and he hoped to make contact with some friends he had who had immigrated to the area.

“Long way out there, by mule train. Of course if the mules take a liking to you it is not so bad, but THIS pup would rather be sailing any day of any year!” stated Kirby, and started in eating a bacon muffin which Savannah had cooked up in the galley.

She strolled around the deck with a basket of steaming muffins and the pups eagerly helped themselves for even in the southern latitudes that they were sailing, early morning on the water can be brisk. The warm biscuits hit the spot!

Auntie Marguerite wheeled around a huge urn of coffee and Little Dubs passed out mugs, so all the pups could warm themselves up. Dubs had “Piggy” tightly tucked into the pocket of her pinafore.

“We should be in Old Mexico by tomorrow sunrise!” said Demon, looking up from a notebook full of calculations. “Then we can look into renting some wagons or other kind of transport.”

“Dubs wanna wide a hosie.” said Dubs.

“Well, we will see. Maybe we can find a nice little quiet horse for you! Or you and I could just ride in a nice cart?” offered Savannah.

“No.” said Dubs. “Wan wide hosie.”

“Don’t be unruly.” warned Demon, and Dubs screwed up her face and covered it with a biscuit. Muffled by the biscuit Savvy could jut hear her say “no woolee. hosie!” She smiled to herself and pretended not to notice.

Within moments, Dubs seemed to forget her pet and was attempting to climb aloft into the rigging, which was causing Auntie Marguerite all kinds of distress. Savvy quickly asked a handsome young sailor named Zaidie to mind Dubs and keep her from getting too far up in the sails. He agreed and swung aloft after her, while Savvy settled Auntie down with a nice cup of tea.

It was a bright and brilliant day and the sailing was very pleasant. The pups almost forgot that they were on a mysterious mission – sent forth by a ragged piece of paper that was giving terse directions to them.

It further slipped their minds when Savvy produced the evening meal – a salute to Mexican Cuisine that all the dogs tucked happily into, passing tortillas and caramel syrup and sweet cinnamon rolls back and forth.

The sun went down and the stars came out and out little group sat on deck under the sails and toasted their success. Surely THEY were pure enough in heart to find the treasure of Cortez!

(continued!)

Piggy's Secrets...

Down below Madame Marguerite convinced Little Dubs that there would be some guacamole left the next day, but it was time for little wild pups to go to bed. Dubs fussed a little, but between the excitement and the fresh sea air, she really was quite tired and very soon the motion of the boat had sent her to sleep.

Demon, Angel, Savannah, Samoa and Kirby sat on deck in a circle near Goliath who had taken the wheel for his watch.

“Time for a little war conference” Kirby said, passing the bowl of guacamole around. The other pups took a serving and settled in.

“I am beginning to think there is some witchery here.” said Samoa. “Plainly that “map” Dubs found is no ordinary piece of paper.”

“No, it is not. I am wondering was it left behind on purpose?” asked Angel.

“I can’t say for sure” replied Savannah. “Dubs was anxious to get some sweets and she hopped into the chair as soon as that sailor stood up. She might have rushed him off and caused him to forget. But something HAS been puzzling me.”

“What , dearest?” asked Demon, scraping guacamole off his coat with tortilla chips.

“Well. It wasn’t exactly the kind of place you would expect to find a couple of rough sailors. I mean…It was a dainty little coffee shop, not a saloon. AND the pair of them got up in a hurry when we entered – like they had been waiting for us. They even left their beignets half eaten.” replied Savannah.

“Now THAT is suspicious!” declared Kirby.

“But why would they leave the map for Little Dubs to find?” asked Demon.

“That is what we need to find out!” said Angel. “Where is the map?”

“Dubs has stuffed into her toy “piggy” and sleeps with it right beside her.” said Savannah. “I think I could ‘borrow’ it for a little while.”

“Why don’t we have a look at it. I don’t want to alarm the child too much, and I am curious about it.” said Kirby.

Savannah quietly slipped away and down the ladder to the cabins. Madame Marguerite was snoozing in a rocking chair and little Dubs was sound asleep in her bunk. Savannah carefully picked up “piggy” and carried it back up on to the deck. She crossed her legs and sat down in the circle of pups again, then she placed ‘piggy’ in the center of the group. Kirby carefully pulled the crumpled map out of a slit in piggies back.

He spread it out on the deck.

“Ask it a question” said Samoa.

“What sort of question?” asked Kirby.

“Ask it if it came to us by accident…or intent.” replied Samoa.

“Yes” Kirby said as if speaking to the map – “What he said.”

The map stirred slightly in the breeze and the word BOTH formed on the edge of it. “Well THAT was helpful!” Kirby replied.

“Are you a treasure map?” asked Samoa.

“Yes. Treasure of Cortez.” formed the letters.

“Will we find the treasure?” asked Kirby

“If your hearts are pure…” formed the letters.

“Leaves me out!” exclaimed Kirby. “Anymore guacamole?”

“Are we meant to search for the treasure?” asked Angel, shushing him.

“Search” said the map and then it would ‘talk’ no more.

“I better put ‘piggy’ back. I don’t want Dubs to notice.” said Savannah and replace them map and went below decks again.

“Quite a puzzler.” said Demon.

“Well, sleep on it because you have the next watch.” said Kirby taking the wheel from Goliath. The rest of the pups filed off to their hammocks for the night.

(continued!)

Zombie Avocado.

“Okay!” said Kirby hastily to the pups gathered at the rail, watching the military ship approach. “We are a simple merchant vessel sailing to Old Mexico for a supply of avocados. We are planning to deliver them to Maine and corner the guacamole market! Stick to that story and we will be ok!”

“But Kirby?” Savannah said softly. “What about Demon? He was never officially …um…released from service!”

“Oh. Um. We could hide him in the sail locker?” said Kirby uncertainly.

“First place they’d look.” said Demon grimly.

“Mr. Husky dog?” said Auntie Marguerite, pulling on Demon’s shirt sleeve. “I got an idea.” She continued and stood on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. The other pups saw a slow grin spread on Demon’s handsome face.

“That should work! To the sail locker, pups and don’t be surprised at ANY thing you see!” said Demon and hurried aft.

He hastened to the sail locker and crawled inside among the folded and rolled canvas sails.

Savannah turned to the see Military ship directly upon them. A uniformed figure on the deck signaled that they should pull alongside and prepare to be boarded.

As the crew did so, Kirby went to a cask and took out a small dish of greenish paste and some tortilla chips. “for a demonstration of the powers of guacamole!” he said.

The two ships drew together and a stout figure in a blue uniform with a quantity of gold braid on the shoulders gestured at some of his crew to lay a plank down as a bridge. The military looking fellow stepped up and across, followed by two stout marines from on board.

He strode up to Kirby who was standing next to Samoa at the wheel, appearing nonchalant as he ate guacamole and chips. He offered some to the military figure who scornfully refused.

Then he gruffly spoke up. “:Looking for deserters, we are! And this ship is about to be searched!”

“Ok, by me. But WHATEVER you do – don’t open the sail locker.” Replied Kirby, gracefully shoving some tortillas in Savannah’s mouth when she gasped. “Quiet girl!” he muttered aside to her.

The military gentleman sneered and gestured for the two marines to step aft and open the sail locker.

“I wouldn’t do that.” Said a low and somewhat spooky voice. It was Angel, who had just come up the ladder to the deck. “We are supposed to deliver the sail lockers…contents…to Haiti. On the return voyage. Til then we have been told not to open it.”

Madame Marguerite stepped forward and took Angels paw and led her on to the deck. Angel fumbled her way, as if she could not see and suddenly crossed her eyes and dropped like a stone.

“Oh, Dear!” said Savannah. “Now you have upset her!”

“Better her than what dwells in that locker!” stated Madame Marguerite. The two marines looked at each other nervously.

“OPEN THE LOCKER!” roared the blue uniformed figure.

The marines reluctantly did, carefully removing the lock and stepping hurriedly aside. As the pair of them stepped aside, the door to the locker creaked slowly open and a shuffling noise could be heard within. Then a loud groan.

Both marines jumped and ran behind their leader when the figure in white lurched out of the sail locker. It was a horrible site. It was the figure of a dog, weirdly splotched with green and draped in the white canvas of a sail. It lurched forward and moaned. “Shipmates! At last I have found you!” as it moved towards the marines and their leader, who carefully stepped back a few steps before they caught themselves.

“What…what is it?” gasped the military fellow.

Madame Marguerite started to reply but was cut off by Angel who said…”It is Zombie. Zombie of dead soldier. Has been haunting the Port of New Orleans for months and we finally tricked it on board ship. Now you have let it LOOSE!” her voice rose to a scream and she fell back on the deck in a faint.

The ghastly figure lurched forward again, and the three who had boarded hastily turned and climbed back over their plank, to their home ship. They drew the plank up after them and the leader cried “Make Sail!” and the ships began to drift apart.

“But…What will we do?” called out Savannah. “Sorry Miss! Urgent duty elsewhere and all!” yelled the uniformed officer, doffing his hat.

The ships quickly became separated and the pups on board the Stephen Taber managed to not howl with laughter until the military ship was out of range.

“Thanks for the guacamole.” said Demon. “It was delicious and made a great disguise.” He dabbed some on his paw and smeared it on Savannah’s nose. She giggled and licked her lips.

“Well, I hope the rest of our journey goes as well as that did!” declared Auntie Marguerite, picking up Dubs and going below.

(continued!)

On the horizon...

The increasing wind from the east sent both of the ships on at a quick pace across the waves. The following ship stayed the same distance behind as it had started, neither gaining or losing distance.

Madame Marguerite and Little Dubs stood aft and looked back over the wake of the Stephen Taber. Dubs pointed out some of the creatures she imagined seeing in the waves and Madame Marguerite nodded at her comic descriptions. Mostly she studied the sky above the wake, studying it for some sign of what might be coming. It was dark, true – but the darkness was not just the kind created by a storm at sea. There was some other kind of darkness on the horizon. Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed that Dubs had quit prattling away and was looking at her intently.

“Iz coming?” asked the little pup.

“Yes, my dear. I believe it is…” replied Auntie. “But we have a fine, brave crew and I am sure we will be safe. Whatever happens.” She took Dub’s little paw in hers and they stood together watching the waves roll past.

Down in the cabin, Demon and Savannah sat together with Angel. Angel was twisting some ribbons and leftover scraps of sailcloth together into little figures like dogs.

“Is that some kind of charm?” Savannah asked.

“Yes, but it is not a bad charm. Not Vodun. It is a good charm to keep us and our friends safe.” She held up a small figure with a twist of feathers on its head. “This is little Dubs, and I will leave her safe in her Papa’s paws.” she said and placed the small figure with a larger black and white shape. She picked up the whole collection of little figures and carefully placed them in an empty barrel, and then pushed on the lid. “Close that up tight for me, Demon. Keep those figures safe and they will keep us safe!” she finished and Demon carefully tapped the lid tightly on to the barrel. Savannah and Demon carried it to an out of the way place and set it down.

“I wonder what Kirby and Samoa are doing?” asked Savannah and climbed the ladder to look above deck. She could just make out the pair standing together near the ships wheel. They were pointing ahead. She continued up the ladder to see what they were looking at and almost wished she hadn’t.

A Military ship was on the horizon. And it was plainly headed their way!

(continued!)

Sailing West...with company!

A short time later, all the friends had gathered at the slip where the good ship “Stephen Taber” sat. Aside from some fishing runs and an occasional “fresh air” outing the ship had been sitting in dock since it was sailed home after the adventure to the Caribee. It still appeared to be in fine shape, thanks to Kirby and Goliath’s constant attention. The wooden rails gleamed from polishing and the rolled sails were clean and white. A sailor that was on board was just putting his washtub away – blazoned “Sandra Marie’s Finest Laundry Soaps.”

“Got it all nice and clean for you, Boss!” he shouted down to Kirby. Kirby waved and the rest of the pups started to climb the gangway, except for Auntie Marguerite who had to be rolled up in a barrow.

Samoa and Angel set her atop Angel’s trunk – Samoa insisted that Angel take as many dresses as she liked! and rolled her aboard.

On board, Madame Marguerite and Dubs shared a cabin, and Angel and Savannah did also. Candy decided to sleep in the sail locker and the boys all slung hammocks in the wide crew cabin. Samoa and Kirby took the helm and with the other pups managing the sails according to their direction, the Stephen Taber was soon underway down the mouth of the Mississippi and into the Gulf.

“Take a Westward Heading” called out Kirby and Samoa corrected their course as the breeze caught the sails and down the coast they flew. The other pups came on deck and sat around on bails and coils of rope so they could talk and plan while Kirby and Samoa held the course.

“So” Demon said. “We are on our way…but to where? Any further updates from the map?” he asked Auntie Marguerite.

“Lets take a look” she replied and gestured for Dubs to spread it out on top of the nearby hatch.

“Sez ‘Yez’” said Dubs.

“I take that to mean we are going in the right direction?” inquired Kirby.

“We may as well take it that way…Until we know any better.” replied Samoa.

“Well, at least the wind is at our backs!” said Kirby.

“It would be…” said Auntie Marguerite “It is Old World Magic. It wants us to go west…”

“Well, I don’t mind! I think we could all use a little trip! As much as I love New Orleans I do feel happier now that we are in the ship and on our way!” said Savannah, taking a deep breath of sea air.

As she finished speaking the clap and roll of thunder was heard behind them – back in the direction they had traveled from. But ahead of them the sun was shining on the water and all of them agreed with Savannah – it was good to be back on board ship and having a journey.

Behind them the storm rolled into New Orleans, darkening the sky and battering the old city with rain. Most of the sailors and seaman at the port ran for cover – only one pier showed any movement. At that pier a dark ship sat, manned by a shadowy crew. Even as the storm blew, they set out into the harbour and headed west…In the wake of the Stephen Taber.


(continued!)

Pickles on Shipboard.

The pups sat around the table and looked at each other.

“Do you suppose it means ALL all, or just most?” asked Samoa.

“It said ALL. I’m thinking we had better take it seriously.” replied Demon.

“I gowen.” stated Dubs. “Id MY mab.”

“Well, you can’t go alone. We have to take care of you.” said Savannah, stroking the little dog’s silky head.

“Nobody tage gare of me in jungul. Wiv Big Mojo dere!” Dubs crossed her arms and glared.

“We didn’t know you then! Now that we know you, we WANT to take care of you!” exclaimed Angel.

“Kirby, do you think sailing down the gulf will get us west faster than going overland?” asked Demon.

“Yep! At least as far as Matamoras and we can find some other way to travel once we get there!” said Kirby.

“I guess we had all better plan on a trip, then. Madame Marguerite, are you up to it?” asked Demon.

“Oh, yes. I’ll just go home and throw some things into a bag. Angel and Samoa best come with me. We will need to get some clothes and supplies and they can help me carry it to the ship.” said Auntie Marguerite.

“You go ahead and do that. Savvy, you and I will get our things together and some things for Dubs. Kirby and Goliath, you go and get the ship ready to sail.” Demon instructed.

Savannah hurried into the kitchen to gather some galley supplies. Dubs dragged a small leather satchel out of the hallway closet and started fitting toys into it.

Demon went downstairs and dragged up an old sea trunk and started putting things in that Dubs and Savvy passed to him.

“Not too much, girls! We need to try and travel light.” He reminded them. “Savannah, get an errand boy to run around the the ships chandler and make sure we have what we need. You don’t need to pack everything in the kitchen!

Savannah stopped in the doorway with a large jug of vinegar. “I don’t suppose I am going to need this. I doubt I will be doing any pickling on the voyage.”

Demon sat back and laughed. “No, if you find anything you want to pickle, I will make sure you get the vinegar you need!”

Finally they were packed and loaded the cases into a push cart that Demon and Savvy could roll towards the docks. Dubs climbed on top with a small sack of cornbread and her “map” lovingly rolled into a tube.

As they creaked down the cobbled lane, pushing their cart, only Dubs saw the dark figure peering around the corner of the house they had just left. She rubbed her eyes, and looked again. No figure could be seen.

(continued!)

A Map West...

After a day of working round Aunt Marguerite’s cottage, sweeping doing some darning and weeding and watering her garden, Angel and Dubs were ready for their gumbo dinner. At around 5, Samoa came back to the house from work – “No night jobs tonight!” he said, and he and Kirby dusted off and got ready to escort the ladies over to Demon and Savannah’s place for dinner.

It was early evening when they walked out, and Samoa seemed to notice that Angel was a little bit edgy. She tugged on his paw and whispered in his ear “Something is up – that paper that Dubs has is magic. And Dubs is seeing ghosts.”

“Oh, is that good? I am never sure. I mean, you would want to see them - at least the bad ones – before they get all over you. But I always think I would rather not see them at all. Maybe we could move to a place that isn’t so infested with them.” Samoa replied.

“No place like that – I already told you. They are all over the place. And they aren’t all bad, the one Dubs saw is a good one. But she is a little young to be spotting them. I think it has something to do with that map she is carrying around.” Angel continued.

“Hmmmn. Better talk to Demon about it. He has experience with this kind of stuff. I never had to deal with anything like this until I met you and got pupnapped by Big Mama Manatee!” Samoa said.

Angel laughed and gave him a kiss. “I remember all that quite well, Ugee Boy!” she said.

They laughed together and followed Auntie Marguerite, Kirby and Dubs along the sidewalk, strolling towards Demon’s big house. Dubs skipped ahead and twirled her baton around like a majorette in a parade.

When they arrived at the house, Savannah was just putting a big tureen of gumbo out on the table. There were bowls and spoons and platters of cornbread already set out. “No waiting for manners sake!” Savvy said. “Grab a spoon and eat up!” and the pups settled down to a delicious meal. Peach cobbler followed and as the dishes were put aside Samoa, Angel, Kirby, Candy, Goliath, Savannah and Demon all gathered around the table as Madame Marguerite prepared to tell them of her concerns. Little Dubs was sitting beneath the table drumming away at their feet. She had given her baton to Auntie Marguerite so she could demonstrate her concerns.

“And after the pup told me about Missez Rogeau she said that this paper changes what it says…Sounds like magic to me, but not any kind I have worked with. This is Old World Magic.”

“What does that mean? Is it dangerous?” asked Savvy.

“Might be, but I am not sure. One thing I do know is this map needs to get back to the person who made it.” replied Madame Marguerite. “Otherwise the powers it has could be bad news.”

“How can we find out who made it?” asked Demon.

“Loog!” exclaimed Dubs and pointed at the map. Where it had said “Cortez” it now plainly said. “Watch Me.”

“It gonna tel uz!” Dubs said.

“Ask it a question Dubs!” said Samoa.

“Ogay. Hoo iz yu oaner?” Dubs questioned.

The words on the edge of the map swirled and formed again. “Go West.”

“Go West? Do you want us to go West?” asked Kirby.

“West, Go West.” the words altered only slightly.

“How do we know it isn’t a trick?” asked Demon. “How do we know it is safe to do what it tells us?”

“I don’t see how we can. But we have to do something!” said Samoa.

“Maybe Goliath and I could take it?” Kirby said. “We would like to do a bit of travelling round. We could sail around the gulf until we get to the border of Old Mexico. Then we could walk overland – whatever the map tell us. The pair of us are well used to danger and maybe we could return it to…wherever it wants to go.”

As he spoke, Savvy leaned over the map and let out a little gasp.

“No.” the map now read. “All must go.”

(continued!)

Old World Magic...

Auntie Marguerite poured them all a glass of sweet tea and put out some lemon bars.
”I know you had your breakfast, honey – but a little sweet won’t hurt you – help yourself.” she said and Dubs did – choosing a fat and well sugared square. She unrolled her baton, map side up and started pointing things out to Auntie Marguerite.

“See – iz big hills. Nen they iz a wiver. On udder side iz sanny paze an thad iz wear teazure ad.” she told them. “Wide heer is wear yu stard.”

Angel turned her head and interrupted “Did you see something at the window just now, Auntie?”

“No, dear. Well my old eyes are not what they once were.” Auntie Marguerite replied. “Did you see something.”

“No…I guess. Just a shadow maybe.” Angel replied.

“Well, there is more to shadows than some might think.” Auntie Marguerite stated. “Pass me those candles, Pup.” She said to Dubs.

Dubs picked up candelabra with three half melted candles on it, and Auntie Marguerite took a twig from her fireplace to light them. She set the candlestick in the center of the table and sat back down in her chair to study it.

“Mmmmn Hmmmn.” She mumbled. “I see. Oh, I see.” She stood up, picked a mirror up from the sideboard and went to stand with her back to the open window.

“Oho!” she exclaimed suddenly to the surprise of Angel and Dubs. “I see you there, you black critter! You don’t think you can come round here and cause trouble I hope! Child – give me that broom.” She told Dubs who quickly complied. Auntie Marguerite snapped a few wisps off and burnt them in the candle flame, then threw them over her shoulder and out the window.

“Blow away, old burnt black thing!” she said, and as she did the curtains at the window blew in a sudden breeze.

“ooh.” said Dubs, somewhat awestruck “Id gone?” she asked.

“Yes, it is gone away from my door and it better not come back again. Child – WHAT have you gotten into?”she asked and bent over to have a closer look at Dub’s baton, unrolled on the table between them. She turned it this way and that way and squinted down at the paper.

“Got some old world magic here!” she exclaimed. “We need to talk!” she said to Angel “We all need to be in on this – so after that gumbo dinner your friend promised – we are going to have a meeting!”

(continued!)