Lena (Gypsy Spirits Book 3) Read online

  Lena

  Book three in the Gypsy Spirits trilogy

  By Marianne Spitzer

  © August 2013

  This book is a work of fiction and all names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations are purely coincidental. The few exceptions are listed at the end of the book. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author. The author has full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

  There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their understanding while I disappeared into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support.

  * * *

  Lena

  Chapter One

  “If it’s truly over Mom, why do I still have a destiny to fulfill? What can it possibly be? I still have the amulet. Grandma Magdalena is gone. Who’ll tell what my destiny is? What happens now?” Lena looked directly into Annamarie’s eyes.

  Lena’s question concerning her destiny worried Annamarie. Her daughter had been adventurous since she learned to walk. At fifteen she was also inquisitive and brave. Annamarie discussed her worries with Sam before they went to bed. He agreed they needed to watch over Lena carefully. She fell asleep in his arms.

  Annamarie heard the violin music she had not heard in years. She looked around and realized she was back in the pines. She saw the colorful wagons in the firelight. Magdalena and Josef were sitting near the fire when Annamarie walked up.

  “Is it true? Are Daniel and Garret gone forever?”

  “No, they escaped and we are unable to find them. We will search here and in the past.”

  “Why in the past? Aren’t they coming back here.”

  “I believe it is possible,” Magdalena said. “Their spirits are gone from the tree mold. They escaped from Josef before he could drop them onto the mountain. They may have absorbed more of the life energy from the woman who still carries much love for Garret in her heart than we know. With so much love, it would have been easy for Garret to connect with her and Daniel connected along with him. Josef will capture them again. Have no fear. He will seal them where they can never return.”

  “What can we do if they come back?”

  “It will take them time to gain strength again. It may take many months or even years depending on the strength they were able to acquire. It is good you sent the woman far away. They will not be able to gain more of her strength.”

  “I’m worried about Lena. She said she felt Garret and Daniel around Nancy. Is Lena able to feel them?”

  “Yes, but she is safe. Her strength has grown over the years, even though she doesn’t use it. She is more powerful than any of us.”

  “Please watch over all of us. I’m frightened.”

  Magdalena walked up to Annamarie and touched her cheek, “I have always told you not to fear my child. Do not begin now. We will keep all of you safe. We will search the past and then return. Lena will lead us here if we need to battle again. Her magic grows more powerful each day.”

  “Magic, she’s a child. How can she lead you in any battle?” Tears of fear and panic ran down Annamarie’s cheeks.

  The firelight faded and Annamarie was back in her bed. She woke Sam and told him about her dream.

  “I promise you I’ll be at your side no matter what.” He pulled her into a tight embrace.

  “I’m afraid for Lena not me. How can a teenager lead a battle against spirits?” Her tears began to flow again as Sam held her tighter.

  Annamarie heard a knock on her bedroom door.

  “Yes,”

  “Morning Mom, I had a dream. Daniel and Garret escaped. Grandma Magdalena and Grandpa Josef are here, but they are going back to the past. The other spirits are leaving, too. Grandpa Josef will take care of Daniel and Garret. I know you had a dream, too.”

  “It’s starting again.” Annamarie sighed as she dropped back against her pillow.

  “It might be,” Lena skipped when she left the room. Turning she tapped her chin with her right index finger. “What about my destiny? Grandma Magdalena said I would know when it was time. I wonder what it is and when I’ll go.” She began to skip down the hall.

  “Lena wait. Go where?” Annamarie sat upright in her bed.

  Peeking around the door frame, Lena smiled. “I don’t know. Grandma Magdalena said it’s the land of our ancestors and I’ll go soon. Doesn’t it sound cool?”

  “No” yelled Annamarie, “You’re not going anywhere. You belong here.”

  “Don’t worry, Mother. Things will be fine.” Lena hurried down the hall leaving a worried Sam and Annamarie behind.

  Lena was anxious to learn all she could about her ancestors, but her real reason for wanting to leave was to learn more about her amulet. It intrigued her more than she ever told anyone, and she was going to discover more.

  She wondered, why not now? I’m fifteen and Grandma Magdalena said I’m a young woman. I’m not a baby. It’s now or never, she thought when she rushed out the back door.

  Annamarie and Sam heard the back door slam. Sam looked out the window. “It’s Lena; she’s running up the hill toward the meadow.”

  “No, she’s headed for the pines, we have to stop her.” Annamarie bolted out of bed.

  They raced for the pines, Sam arriving first.

  “Lena, stop. What are you doing?”

  “Summoning the portal.”

  “Summoning what?” Annamarie gasped when she arrived near the path into the pines. She bent over trying to catch her breath.

  “The portal to the past. My amulet can open it. Watch.”

  “Lena! No! Stop!” Annamarie cried. “You don’t know what you’re doing.”

  “The amulet does,” replied Lena as a large shimmering blue and pink oval appeared in front of her.

  Annamarie screamed.

  “I’ll be back,” Lena said as she stepped through the opening and it closed behind her.

  Annamarie screamed again and fell to the ground. Sam tried to pick her up, but Annamarie was crying and screaming. He was afraid to touch her, but he sat next to her and did his best to calm her. Nothing helped.

  “Magdalena and Josef are gone. They can’t help us. Where is Lena? What do we do?” Annamarie was near hysterics. Sobs racked her body. Her trembling hands covered her face.

  A shimmer caught their eye and the portal was back. Lena stepped out dressed in clothing which appeared to be from the 8th or 9th century.

  “Thank God,” said Annamarie trying to control her sobs.

  “Are you guys still waiting here for me?” asked Lena.

  “You have only been gone a few minutes. Where did you get those clothes and what did you do to your hair?” Sam asked.

  “A few minutes? I’ve been gone at least three weeks. You have no idea what’s going on. Daniel and Garret are causing mayhem and Grandpa Josef has his hands full. My amulet is more powerful than I knew. I had to cut my hair to look like a boy. You wouldn’t believe how they treat girls. I came back to tell you not to worry. I’m leaving again now.”

  “Leaving, no don’t leave. Lena you can’t. Where are you going? This is insane.” Annamarie ran toward Lena.

  “Mom, they need me. It’s my destiny. I’m the only one who can save them. They’re our ancestors. Krystaqua is so beautiful, it can’t be destroyed. If our ancestors are eliminated, we’ll never be born.” Lena stepped into the portal.

  Annamarie’s scream could be heard
back at the house when the portal closed. Sam did his best to help her to her feet and half-walked, half-carried her back to the house. Elaine and Michael ran out to meet them.

  “Why’s Mommy crying and where’s Lena?” asked Michael.

  Annamarie sobbed louder.

  “I’ll tell you later, go have some breakfast now,” Sam said.

  Michael followed a silent Elaine to the kitchen. Elaine knew enough about what had been going on to know Lena was in trouble. She said a silent prayer.

  Sam was able to get Annamarie to settle on the sofa and said, “I’m going to call your Mom. She’s the only other person who understands any of this.”

  He called out to Elaine to please prepare Annamarie a cup of tea and hurried off to the study.

  Sam saw Elaine sitting with Annamarie, holding her hand, and talking quietly to her when he returned to the room. Annamarie wiped her eyes with the tissue in her hand.

  “I’ll see if Michael has finished breakfast yet,” Elaine said when she let go of Annamarie’s hand and stood up.

  Sam’s voice was soft and consoling, “Annamarie, your mom’s on the way over.”

  “Sam, where can Lena be? Where is Krystaqua? Is that what she called it? I’m not sure I understood her. What is it and how can she help fight Daniel and Garret? They were supposed to be gone forever. We have to do something, but only Lena can open the portal. We’ve lost her.”

  Sam tried to answer her questions, but was confused. He frowned when he looked at Annamarie. “I think she said Krystaqua, but I never heard of it. We do have a name, and if it’s a real place, maybe we can find information at the library. We’ll go after your mom leaves.”

  “Okay,” Annamarie did her best to control her tears. The doorbell rang, Paula walked in, and Annamarie’s sobs returned. She clung to her mom. Paula looked at Sam for an explanation.

  Sam quickly explained about Lena’s disappearance through the portal. Paula as confused as her daughter did the only thing she could. She held Annamarie, let her cry, talk, and answer any questions she could. Paula had never heard of anywhere called Krystaqua. She’d stay with Elaine and watch over Michael while Sam and Annamarie went to the library.

  Washing the tears from her face, Annamarie grew angry. She stared into the mirror and grimaced at what she saw. For a moment she hated herself. She should have stopped Lena. Tossing the washcloth across the room into the bathtub she yelled at her reflection. “You let your daughter leave. You married Daniel. You killed him. Why didn’t he stay dead? This is your fault. Fix it!” She hit the mirror sending cracks in every direction.

  Sam entered the room, heard her, and saw her break the mirror. “Are you all right? Did you cut yourself?”

  “No, I’m surprised I didn’t. I’m lucky this time. After all, I’m the family klutz.” She held up her hand to be sure it wasn’t cut.”

  He raised one eyebrow, “What did you mean this is your fault because you killed Daniel and he didn’t stay dead?”

  “Nothing.” Her mind raced, Sam didn’t know she was the person who pushed Daniel off the bluff. Think Annamarie think. Tell him something plausible.

  “Really nothing, when Daniel died, I always felt responsible that I didn’t stop him from leaving that night. Not sure if I was pregnant, I felt ill and thought I shouldn’t argue with him. After he died, I felt guilty I didn’t stop him. Lena would grow up without a father. I’m so glad I found you.” She wrapped her arms around him letting her tears flow again hoping he would forget what he heard.

  He lifted her face and kissed her forehead. “I can understand you felt guilty. It wasn’t your fault. From what I’ve heard, Daniel was always a loose cannon. If you had gone with him or tried to stop him, you could be dead. Daniel’s spirit would have taken Lena’s spirit years ago. We wouldn’t have Michael. Don’t ever blame yourself again.”

  Dropping her head onto his chest, she sighed. Sam believed her. Annamarie couldn’t let her anxiety over Lena put herself in danger of being linked to Daniel’s death. She had gotten away with it for fifteen years. It was ruled a homicide. The sheriff said Daniel was killed by the man he met in the pines. He was the blackmailer Daniel had intended to kill. The spirits killed the blackmailer, and she had killed Daniel. Everyone assumed they had killed each other while fighting. She pushed the thoughts and memories to the back of her mind.

  Annamarie wiped her eyes, “Let’s get to the library.” She took Sam’s hand and they left the house.

  Sam said, “Let’s check out the library at the college in Malone Springs. Our local library won’t have much, if any, information about the history we need.” Annamarie nodded and Sam pulled out of the drive.

  The university library was the largest in the area. It was a new structure. Three sides had large windows with a bookcase between each. It let in the ideal amount of natural sunlight. The fourth side opened into the university proper. Open to the public, Sam and Annamarie walked in wondering where to begin their search.

  Sam approached the librarian, “Excuse me, where would I look for information about eighth or ninth century European cities?”

  “I can assist you,” she smiled as she pointed out the section where Sam would find the books he and Annamarie needed.

  He pulled several from the shelf and carried them to a nearby empty table. He glanced at the titles and then at Annamarie, “I’m not sure where to start.”

  “You take one and I’ll take another. Maybe we’ll find something,” Annamarie said reaching for a book.

  After thirty minutes of going through the books, Sam looked across the table at Annamarie and whispered, “This might be something. This book covers mythical places and events. It makes references to a land of snow and flames. There’s a place high in the mountains, but in the valley of a volcano. It has several names. There are several that sound similar to Krystaqua.”

  “Is that all? You said it’s a mythical place. How can she be in a mythical place? That’s impossible. How will we find it?” She dropped her head on the table and began to cry again.

  Sam reached for her hand, “I don’t know. All we can do is go home and wait for her to come back. She’s with Magdalena and Josef. We have to believe they’ll keep her safe.”

  “I pray you’re right. She said Daniel wanted to kill our ancestors. It means he’s back. He could hurt her. I want her home,” speaking too loudly; she covered her mouth with her hand.

  “Let’s go home. Michael must be frightened, and I know your mom’s worried. She and Elaine are most likely going crazy wondering what’s happening.” He took her hand and they left the library and headed home.

  Sam and Annamarie walked in the house through the back door. Before Sam could close the door, Annamarie stopped dead in her tracks. “Listen,” She looked at Sam. “Lena,” she called out as she ran toward the parlor.

  Sam followed her to the parlor and saw Lena sitting next to her grandma talking excitedly with her hands flailing in the air. Lena looked up. “Mom, Dad, hi, wait until you hear everything that happened. There’s going to be trouble.”

  Annamarie ran up to Lena and hugged her while her tears flowed down her face soaking into Lena’s shirt.

  “Mom, mom, listen, I’m fine. Stop crying, please. I’m home for good. I’m not going back. Grandma Magdalena, Grandpa Josef, and the rest of our family are back in the pines. Daniel and Garret are back. We have to be prepared.”

  Annamarie sat on the floor in front of her daughter. Her frustration was apparent. She shook her head. How could this child cause her so much worry in a few short hours?

  She wiped her hand over her face, looked up at Lena, and asked, “What do you mean they’re all back. How? Why?”

  “Daniel and Garret. Garret pulled more of Nancy’s life force than we thought. He was able to escape the lava bed when there was a small eruption. It threw his spirit out onto nearby rocks. From there we surmise he found Daniel, shared some of his strength and they escaped through the portal the last time I was here.”
r />   “That was only a few hours ago. How could all that happen?” Annamarie bit her lip.

  “Mom, time moved slower where I was. I’m not sure how or why, but it gave us time to put up the barriers that would keep Daniel from killing our ancestors. Grandma Magdalena thinks I slowed time with my amulet since we needed the time to stop Daniel and Garret. My amulet can do amazing things.”

  “Slowed time?” said Sam rubbing his chin with his forefinger and thumb. “This sounds like we’re in a Science Fiction movie. We couldn’t find any information about where you said you were. What else happened, Lena?”

  “Well, Krystaqua is a ninth century town set in a lovely valley in what locals referred to as the land of snow and flame. Surrounded on three sides by massive mountains capped in ice year round, there’s only one way in or out of the valley. To traverse in or out of the valley you have to walk around a small active volcano. Occasionally lava would erupt and flow down the volcano’s side away from Krystaqua. It was the volcano Grandpa Josef dropped Garret’s spirit into, and he dropped Daniel’s high on the ice capped mountain. Neither should ever have been able to return.”

  “My grandparents lived in the 1800’s,” said Annamarie. “How could they live in the ninth century, and how could you exist there?” She rubbed her temples to help ease the headache she felt coming.

  The Gypsy spirits in the pines are just that—spirits. They can pass through time and space anytime they wish. My amulet allowed me to pass through the time portal and live with them. We had an incredible time. I’m going to be able to write the best History papers in school this fall.” Lena popped off the sofa and sat on the floor next to her mom.

  “Okay, Lena, I know you’re excited,” said Paula, “but we need some details.”

  “What would you like to know, Grandma?”

  “Everything!” Paula shook her hands at Lena.

  “Grandpa Josef was shocked and upset when I showed up in town. I knew right away I needed to hide because of the way I was dressed. The village was tiny and I overheard someone mention him and his work as a blacksmith. When it was dark I snuck to the blacksmith shop, and knocked on the door. Grandpa Josef’s eyes bugged out. You should have seen him. He grabbed me and yanked me into the shed. Speaking half English and half German, I was confused until Grandma Magdalena walked in and asked me why I was there. When I explained the portal brought me, they knew my presence was important. Grandpa Josef found me some boy’s clothes and Grandma Magdalena cut my hair. They told everyone I was their grandson, Georg.”