Eye of Hecate

Ozzy

Of course I sleep with my ivory headrest. I'm not an idiot. 

Usually, it keeps me in place. Today, not so much. 

It feels like my ba gets ripped from my dreams, as if an outside force pulls me, dragging me across the country. It's not a comfortable feeling.

I float above a barren mountain. Far below, a grid of city lights stretch across the valley floor. Definitely not New York. It's nighttime, but I can tell I'm in the desert. The wind is so dry, the skin on my face is like paper.

Below me on a ridge stand two figures. They don't notice me, thankfully. I'm actually pretty much invisible, floating in the darkness. I can't make out the two figures clearly, except to recognize that they aren't human. Staring harder, I can see that one is short, squat, and hairless, with slimy skin that glistens in the starlight—like an amphibian standing on its hind legs. The other is tall and scarecrow skinny, with rooster claws instead of feet. I can't see his face very well, but it looks red and moist and...well, let's just say I'm glad I can't see it better.

It takes me a second, but I realize they're demons. Evil spirits. 

"Where is he?" the toadie-looking one croaks nervously.

"Hasn't taken a permanent host yet," the rooster-footed guy chides. "He can only appear for a short time."

"You're sure this is the place?"

"Yes, fool! He'll be here as soon—"

A fiery form appears on the ridge. The two creatures fall to the ground, groveling in the dirt, and I pray like crazy that I really am invisible.

"My lord!" the toad says.

Even in the dark, the newcomer is hard to see—just the silhouette of a man outlined in flames.

"What do they call this place?" the man asks. As soon as he speaks, I know for sure it's Set. All the fear I felt at the museum comes rushing back, paralyzing me. I remember trying to help, only to have Amos hold me back. I failed my dad. 

"My lord," Rooster Foot says. "The mountain is called Camelback. The city is called Phoenix."

Set laughs—a booming sound like thunder. "Phoenix. How appropriate! And the desert is so much like home. All it needs now is to be scoured of life. The desert should be a sterile place, don't you think?"

"Oh yes, my lord," the toadie agrees. "But what of the other four?"

"One is already entombed," Set says. "The second is vanished, probably hiding away like the weakling she is. I'll find her easily enough. That leaves only two. And they will be dealt with soon enough."

"Er...how?" the toadie asks.

Set glows brighter. "You are an inquisitive little tadpole, aren't you?" He points at the toad and the poor creature's skin begins to steam.

"No!" the toadie begs. "No-o-o-o!"

I can hardly watch. I don't want to describe it. But if you've heard what happens when cruel kids pour salt on snails, you'll have a pretty good idea of what happens to the toadie. Soon there's nothing left.

Rooster Foot takes a nervous step back. I can't blame him.

"We will build my temple here," Set says, as if nothing happened. "This mountain shall serve as my place of worship. When it is complete, I will summon the greatest storm ever known. I will cleanse everything. Everything."

"Yes, my lord," Rooster Foot agrees quickly. "And, ah, if I may suggest, my lord, to increase your power..." The creature bows and scrapes and moves forward, as if he wants to whisper in Set's ear.

Just when I think Rooster Foot is going to become fried chicken for sure, he says something to Set that I can't make out, and Set burns brighter.

"Excellent! If you can do this, you will be rewarded. If not..."

"I understand, my lord."

"Go then," Set says. "Unleash our forces. Start with the longnecks. That should soften them up. Collect the younglings and bring them to me. I want them alive, before they have time to learn their powers. Do not fail me."

"No, lord."

"Phoenix," Set muses. "I like that very much." He sweeps his hand across the horizon, as if he's imagining the city in flames. "Soon I will rise from your ashes. It will be a lovely birthday present."

I wake with my heart pounding, back in my own body. I'm hot and cold at the same time, and I realize I'm sweating. My hair is clinging to my face from perspiration. 

"You okay, Ozzy?" Lou Ellen asks, emerging from the bathroom. "You don't look so good."

"I'm fine," I gasp, steadying my heart rate. "Just...Just a bad dream."

She doesn't look reassured, but she doesn't push it. 

I like the Hecate cabin. All of our beds are carved with protective runes. Glowing crystals line the walls and ceiling, giving everything a soft, multicolored glow. The walls are a deep shade of purple, and a soft mist blankets the ceiling, looking like faint clouds. It's very calming and peaceful inside (unless you go into the witch room, where we all practice our magic. That's not always a peaceful place.). 

I shake the dream out of my mind, and instead, focus on my date with Leo. A picnic in Central Park. I can manage that. Amos is dealing with Set, and he's one of the best magicians I know. If anyone is up to the task, I'm sure he is. Plus, the House of Life is aware of it too. I'm sure they're going to do everything they can to stop Set from doing whatever it is he's planning. 

A cold tingle still lingers on the back of my neck. It's been there ever since the explosion, but I try and ignore it. It's just nerves. It'll go away.