Night Owl

Chapter 17 - The Magical Council

Chapter Seventeen

The Magical Council

"Hello? Lil, it's Saada," she announced, walking in the back screen door. Because of a broken spring, the door slammed behind her as she balanced a huge tray of fried catfish.

Grandma Lil marched noisily through the large den, flinging her arms, "Oh, Red, everyone will think you don't have decent clothes the way you look. Now get up! You'd better be ready in," she looked at her watch, "ten minutes flat."

"Yes, Mother," Grandpa Red teased as he got up from his recliner and headed to their bedroom.

"That man, he's testing my last nerve," Grandma Lil added, sounding aggravated.

Mrs. Saada placed the tray in the oven, turning it on so the food would stay warm until time to eat. "Now you know as well as I do there is no sense causing your blood pressure to go up. These men love giving us trouble."

"Ah, they sure do, Mrs. Saada," and then changing her tone, she said, "Oh my! I smell some fried catfish. They smell scrumptious. I've cut up some potatoes for some homemade French fries. They're here in the refrigerator in some cool water. I also made some lemonade. I picked the lemons from our lemon trees just this afternoon."

"Nothing better than feeding the stomach and soul before work," Mrs. Saada said. "Is Fanny bringing the slaw?"

"Yes, and Chief Jo is bringing one of his famous blackberry pies."

"I hope Tope Coody doesn't find the pie," Mrs. Saada said, laughing. "Last time Chief Jo made one, he placed it in the window sill of the jailhouse and two large pieces were cut and gone before anyone noticed what had happened."

"You must've not heard," Grandma Lil said, grinning. "Jo got Coody back the next week. He made another pie and purposely left it in the window sill to cool while he made his rounds in town. When he returned, Coody literally had a water hose in the cell with him drinking the water and cooling his body. You see, Chief Jo had placed some hot sauce in the pie." Both ladies started chuckling.

I was sitting at the kitchen table, listening to all the jabber. I had been dressed and ready for almost an hour. I was nervous. I wanted to see Alec.

Voices were then heard coming from the front door. It was time for the important meeting. Everyone was arriving.

Chief Jo walked through, Deputy Bill Horseford stepped in behind him, but Alec didn't. I kept peeking toward the door, hopeful he would show. I placed my hand on my stomach to calm the butterflies.

Mrs. Saada walked up and whispered, "Alec's with Little Peg tonight. Little Peg said he would have a lot more fun with Alec at the cabin, instead of coming to some old stuffy meeting."

"I don't blame Little Peg," I whispered. I was thankful she told me, but still disappointed that Alec didn't come.

After the feast, everyone congregated in the grand room. I walked into the large room with Grandma Lil and Mrs. Saada after the kitchen had been cleaned. Once everyone had settled, Grandpa Red looked over at Obi. "Secure all the windows and doors, Obi. And make sure the protection shield is activated for the premises."

On occasion, Obi walked with a uniquely carved, walking stick which had carvings of black crows. This ornately staff stood five feet when held upright, a black crow complemented the top, perched with his head held high. Obi had the staff in his hands tonight. When Grandpa Red gave his orders, Obi slammed the staff on the hardwood floor with a mighty strike, causing a loud thunder. As the sound ceased, a crow in the distance cried out with pride.