Minions (editing and expanding)

Chapter Two- Melusine

"Mother Imperal," her voice cracked through the sudden silence like a whip. "What do you want?"

She had never enjoyed a visit from an elder, but it was even worse now that she'd succeeded from her witch's order.

"Just visiting." A smile tingled at the corner of her lips. Siobhan snorted, and then scowled.

"Yeah, right. My daughter needs to go to bed." She added stiffly. "Goodbye." Right on cue, Elaine yawned.

"Wait. We need your help," Mother Imperal had sobered up. "You are the most powerful witch I have ever met. When we got together to talk to the human leaders, we found out that someone has been messing with the humans' minds. The timing is not to be disregarded as a coincidence. We have a few ideas as to who these people are, and they can make you lose your mind, mess with your subconscious. They even have ways of turning your sweetest dream into your worst nightmare... they can destroy you using your own terrible secrets. Help us." She grasped Siobhan's hands urgently. "Join your family." Siobhan wasn't convinced. "Let your daughter know about her heritage." She looked down at Elaine, who was snoring delicately against her mother's neck.

"Leave. Elaine. Out of this." She threatened slowly in a dangerous voice. "Or else."

"Let me know when you've decided." Mother Imperal placed a small red card in Siobhan's purse. She took it straight out and shredded it.

"I've decided. No."

"Please, just think about it. You could help a lot of people." She held out another card, her face pleading.

Siobhan turned away bitterly. "I know the number." She whispered, walking quickly away.

Ten minutes later, she was in a taxi and on her way home. Elaine was asleep on her lap, her sandy head resting on her mother's arm.

Siobhan's cell phone was resting on her open palm, the number for Melusine's shop already on the screen.

She sighed in defeat and pressed send.

"Hello." A smooth bored monotone voice answered.

"Hey, Mel, it's See."

"Siobhan? Wow, it's certainly been a while." Melusine replied, her voice colouring with interest. "What's up?"

"Can you keep Mother I off my back?" she found herself asking.

"Huh?"

"You mean you haven't heard? She popped up at David's wedding."

"Really? What did he say?"

"I don't think he saw her. She seemed to be there to talk to me."

"Oh. I can try, I guess. Anyway, what do you need?"

"Can I pop in tomorrow? I'd rather find what I need myself."

"Anytime."

"Ok. See you tomorrow." She hung up and closed her eyes. Elaine stirred from her sleep as the taxi ground noisily to a halt beneath them.

"Nine ninety-five. Cough it up, lady." The driver demanded rudely.

What's the harm? She thought suddenly. It might be good to practise a little.

"No." she said softly as she slid out of the car and into the rain. He caught her arm as she glided past.

"What did you say to me?"

She stared into his eyes, releasing a measured amount of her witch power. "Let. Go."

He immediately released her, his face confused. She strode past him into the apartment building.

As Siobhan stood under the cover, watching the taxi drive away, she thought of the good times she had had with David and Sabine. Love charms and practical jokes. Enchanted jewellery and hate spells. They'd done it all.

But Sabine had passed away. A simple summoning spell gone wrong toasted her body, leaving only ashes. Siobhan had left her witch's circle and never returned.

She didn't know if she should return now. Would her old friends reject her, or be joyful upon her return?

She sighed, and a tear rolled down her cheek. She walked inside, unlocked her apartment and lowered Elaine into her cot.

Tomorrow, Siobhan thought, I need to get her a bed.