Witchmas

What's in a Name?

They watched the pick up truck drive away. Hilda stood slightly to the front of her two witch-mates, holding on to their hands.

Their bellies protruded even further now, as they expected. Soon it would be difficult to move, so they had to move fast.

"It's warded," said Carla as she blew strands of stringy hair back from her face.

Cassidy nursed a goose egg on her temple with her other hand.

"I may not be up to wards," she said.

Hilda clenched her hand even tighter.

"Never worry my sweet I am up to them."

She released their hands and strode across the dark street to the edge of the fence. Hilda reached out one hand and placed it against the invisible barrier. Her brow furrowed in intense concentration.

"Come," said Carla and she helped Cassidy across the street.

The two witches took up their points behind Hilda and placed their hands on her shoulders. She bowed her head as they chanted with her, channeled their will in with hers.

The wards glowed green and white in a dome over the bungalow. They snapped and crackled in the quiet night air.

Hilda jerked her second hand up and placed it against the barrier. She shoved against it.

Red light leaked from her fingertips and began to drip down the ward. It streaked into the green and white light, forming purple and pink drops that sizzled and disappeared on the concrete when they hit.

Hilda grunted and sagged.

Carla and Cassidy shored her up with their other hand and pressed harder. The witches concentrated, the chant murmured up into a shout.

A hole in the ward collapsed and Hilda lost her balance, tumbled through.

Carla reached down to help her up.

"These were strong," said Hilda. "Interwoven. Complex."

She eyed the wards.

"Interesting," said Cassidy as she moved in and stood beside her.

"Like a basket weaving."

"The whole ward didn't collapse when you went through, just this part. Very good craftsmanship."

"It was a powerful wizard who built it," said Hilda.

"And a more powerful witch to break it," smirked Carla.

Hilda reached for both of their hands.

"We did it together my sisters. Just as we will do the rest."

They turned as one and marched toward the front door.