“I suppose you’re right,” Gramps admitted.
He took the vial out of the chest, covering most of the glowing liquid with his hands so Maria couldn’t see it and become entranced again. She was glad for that. As good as the enchantment felt, it had left her head with a slightly empty feeling.
Gramps turned his back on Salem and Maria. The top of the vial screwed off with a sound like a fork raking across glass. He uncorked one of the smaller crystals with a low pop, and let two drops from the larger vial fall into each of the four small ones. Then he turned back around, leaving the larger container on the table where Maria couldn’t see it. She was surprised to see that two drops was all it took to fill the small crystals.
“Now we’re talking,” Salem said, rubbing his hands together. He leaned closer to Maria and whispered, “Once you have a couple visions, it’s a piece of cake. Gets easier and easier,” but he spoke loud enough for Gramps to hear.
“Don’t frighten the girl,” he scolded.
Salem raised both hands up as if to say I’m innocent, I’m innocent.
“What’s he talking about?” Maria asked Gramps. “Visions?”
“A minor side effect of using the communication crystals,” Gramps answered nonchalantly. He was too focused on making sure the cork was as tight as it could go.
Maria knew that ‘minor’ usually meant ‘major’ when it came to Ignatius Apple.
“If you so much as smell the liquid within, you will be sent down a vortex of bad scenarios,” Salem said. “Don’t worry, though. That’s what the corks are for. And the glass vial the potion is in is…indestructible.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, Salem,” Gramps said. He sounded very much like Ignatius the Wizard instead of Gramps. Maria didn’t like it much, but she realized it was perhaps necessary to emphasize the dangers of whatever it was they were handling. “We may have nothing to worry about. It’s been a long time since we’ve used this potion, and though it is potent,” he smiled slightly at his own play on words, “time always wins in the end.”
“Can’t we test it out?” Maria asked again.
“Yes, Salem and I can,” Gramps allowed.
Salem grinned. “High five me!” He reached for the vial. Gramps held it out to him, and then snatched it back with a wary look in his eyes. No chance of high fiving there.
“No tomfoolery,” Gramps said. “I already have to deal with Sherlock’s; I don’t think I could handle anymore.”
“Oh, cool it, you old wizard,” Salem said.
“Pot, kettle,” Gramps replied.
Maria laughed at their friendly banter. It made her think of her own friends, and where they all were just a week ago; Maria working at the Popcorn Palace, Claire across the way at Sephora. Joe would stroll by in his tight security uniform, his muscles bulging, and his grin so bright, it ate away any shadows that found their way into the concourse. Tabby still back at the sorority house at Akron University. Maria was magic-less, and her dog didn’t communicate with her telepathically. Not to mention there was no giant spider-thing after her, no world in between, and no Gnomes, Elves, Rogue Dragons, or Dragon Tongue.
Now here she was, standing in the back of an ice cream place, preparing for war, while two wizards—including her grandfather—argued over magic potions and their effects.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’ll never get used to this magical world.
“I’ll go outside,” Salem said. “You know the drill. Just like the old days.”
Gramps rolled his eyes, but nodded. Maria’s heart rate increased as she saw the moment pass between the two of them. Would she be witnessing some new form of magic she hadn’t yet seen?
Salem went out into the parking lot. A high wind blew, rustling the leaves in nearby trees and whistling inside through small gaps in the window seams. Gramps slapped his hands down on a few papers before they could scatter.
Once everything was settled, he exhaled a great breath through his nostrils, which caused his beard to sway. He put the necklace over his head, holding the small vial in his hand. One side of his top lip was curled up in a slight sneer, as if he didn’t expect this to actually work.
Maria hoped it did. Despite never getting used to this magical ability she now possessed, the idea of there still being mysteries from Oriceran intrigued her. Communication crystals could now be added to that list of intriguing things.
Gramps tapped the bottom of the vial like he was doing a mic check. A slightly metallic sound filled the air, and Maria looked at Gramps. “Did I just hear something?”
“You did.” Gramps nodded. “Makes no difference yet. Not until we hear—”
A loud voice cut him off, causing both Maria and Gramps to jump.
“Ig!” It was Salem’s voice. He sounded like he was laughing. “Ig, do you hear me?”
Once Gramps regained his composure, he cleared his throat and answered Salem. “Quiet down, you buffoon, or the Widow is going to hear you.”
There was silence for a moment, then, “It WORKS!” The voice was so loud that the talking in the front room stopped abruptly.
“Maria?” Claire called. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Maria called back. She dug a finger in her ear and wiggled it.
“Quiet,” Gramps whispered again.
“Oh-kay,” Salem whispered back. “I’ll be quiet because,” the back door opened, and Salem stood in the doorway, “you’re a stick in the mud.”
“Please, Salem, we must be serious. Big things are on the horizon,” Gramps said.
“Exactly why we need to relax and enjoy this moment while we can,” Salem replied.
“He does have a point,” Maria said.
Gramps frowned at her as he took the necklace off. “You’re not supposed to side with him, Maria. You’re my granddaughter.”
“Maybe if that magic was a little cooler.” She shrugged and gave a wink. “I mean, communication crystals are essentially magical walkie talkies.”
“No, no, better than that,” Salem enthused. He took his necklace off, holding
