The Haven High Book Series (Wattys2017)

Chapter 14

The Bloodhound

Lauren arrived early as promised. They were just getting out of bed when her text appeared on their bedroom wall.

Guys, Can I come by now? Are you up?

Kyle replied.

Yup! the coast is clear. no muggles here.

That made Travis laugh, but he wasn't wrong Bruno and Bo were already gone to the community gardens.

A port door opened up in their bedroom and Lauren stepped through.

She was carrying a large bag with her. It bulged with items. Travis couldn't wait to see what was in it; as a non magic wielder, he rarely got to sit in on rituals. This was going to be fun.

He was beaming from ear to ear when he saw her. She gave him a friendly smile in return.

Kyle pumped his fist in the air and crowed," Yes I always knew I'd get a sexy girl into my room one day."

Travis groaned at his joke and blushed, but Lauren just laughed at his bad humor before saying, "guys I have so much to do today. Sorry if I have to hurry this along."

Things got serious then as she explained the process.

"As you may or may not know, there are as many ways to ward a home as there are types of homes." She began, "but I've chosen to combine the strongest rituals. I racked my brain all last night and I finally came up with what I hope is the perfect spell to repel even the strongest Enlightened creature."

Lauren sat crossed legged on the middle of their bedroom floor and started to remove items from her string tie sack.

"The five strongest spells to protect a home use: paper, stone, coin, blood and energy wards."

She took out an old yellowed scroll and placed it in front of her.

"the Japanese use paper wards hung in the entryways. These strips of paper have warded script written or draw on them."

She took out a plain hammer and chisel and placed them beside the piece of parchment.

"Stone wards are stronger then paper as long as they are prepared properly."

"The ancient Roman's used coins. They would put two coins for example over the eyes of their loved ones after death so that they could pay the ferryman when they crossed the River Styx They also put them there to prevent spirit from entering the dead body."

"The eyes are the window to the soul is not just a saying."

When she took out two syringes and placed it by the hammer, he cringed despite himself.

"We all know that blood magic is very powerful especially when it is given freely as a sacrifice by the castor."

The next thing out of the bag was a pestle and mortar. The kind used to crush herbs for potions.

"Energy wards are the best for wielders like myself, but they need to be maintained with regularity and infused daily."

Finally she removed a copper tray and an old hand held mirror.

She arranged all the items on the floor in order of importance he guessed and said:

"Hold on to your hats boys, because I'm going to suggest something really radical here. I suggest we use them all"

And she had surprised them -- so much so that the guys flopped down on the floor on the opposite side of her arranged items without saying a word. Even Kyle was quiet which was saying something.