The bells jingled above the door as someone came in. Serafina came around the corner and stopped. There stood the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. He had the same white blond hair that she and her sisters had and the bluest eyes. He had to be about six feet two compared to the sisters five foot eight. He could be a brother but she knew that wasn't possible. It took her a few moments to shake herself and remember she was the shopkeeper and he was the customer.

“Good morning, how may I help you?”

“I’m looking for something special and was told that you might have it.”

Serafina and her sisters, Tabitha and Amalina, owned this store as their mother and grandmother had before them. The Black Cauldron was not only an antique store but also provided supplied for the local witches. The store was on the site of the first family home in Salem. Grandma Esmeralda had opened the first store in the main floor of the home when she and her husband lived. Esmeralda’s ancestors had fled Scotland during the reign of James VI when people were being accused of being witches and tortured and killed. Over 3,000 poor people were innocent and killed. Her ancestors however, were real witches. Living on the isle of Bere Island, in the southwest end of the country in the North Atlantic they missed being detected for a long time. Rather than risked being found out they headed to the new world and found a beautiful island in Salem Harbor that reminded them of home. The island they called Knockmore, meaning great hill, and settled there to raise their children. Imagine their dismay when the Salem witch trials were taking place at the same time.

“Well I certainly will try to help.” Serafina was still a little breathless.

“I understand that you have several antiques in addition to the ones on display. Some you don’t want to sell?”

Serafina was hesitant. They did have a room in the back that held several items that could not be sold to the general public. It was under lock and key. They items there were what they called ‘hot.’ They had some power and until the family could understand what it was the items were at least secure. How would this man know about it?

“We try to keep everything on display,” she said. “We can’t sell them if people can’t see them!”

He looked at her with the blue eyes he shared with them, but there was something different about his.

“I do know about you special room.”

“How?”

“I am one of you.”

Serafina was silent. She thought she knew all the witches in Salem but this man was not familiar at all.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Malachi and I am from south of Boston. The item I’m looking for small chest approximately three feet long by two feet wide and one foot tall. The wood is mahogany and there are ancient carvings on it. It is mine and was taken from me and sold without my knowledge. I must retrieve it. “

Serafina could sense the desperation in his voice.

“I can’t remember anything like that but as soon as my sister gets here we can take a look. I can’t leave the shop until someone else is here.”

“Will she be here soon?”

“Soon enough.”

The door to the back opened and Malachi looked stunned. There was an exact copy of the girl standing before him.

“Oh, Tabitha, I’m so glad you are here. This is Malachi and he is looking for a special piece that might be in our back room.”

Malachi was still speechless. The front bell jingled again and he turned to see one more clone walk through the door. These women were identical in every way. They all started to giggle. This happened to them all the time when they would meet someone new.

The three women were identical triplets. A unique situation normally but in witches it was a special event. One set of identical triplets was born into this family every fourth generation. The furthest back in history that they knew for sure the triplet births started was the twelfth century. The first set was known for extra powers that most others don’t have. Each time it would be unknown when the next ones would be born. It could be from any of the three lines created. And as they matured, their powers would increase. At the present all of they could control the powers of earth and one of the other three element powers: Air, Fire or Water.

Tabitha was the keeper of the key for the special room so she and Serafina headed to the back. Amalina stayed in the shop for other customers.

Serafina undid the spell that kept the room safe and Tabitha opened the door. There seemed to be a collective sigh from the room itself as if the women entering had released some power to help it feel better. It was amazing as to the variety of items. Vases, paintings, wine decanters, boxes and chests among other exotic items.

Malachi began to search through the shelves that contained the smaller boxes and chests. At one point he thought he might have found it but it wasn't quite the same. He picked it up and held it but knew the energy he felt was not the right one. This energy was dark. He cautioned Serafina about it and told her she needed to find someone to ‘defuse’ the chest. It probably wouldn't be easy and must be a very strong witch.

“This is everything you have?” Malachi asked.

“Yes, we don’t received items like this very often. Mostly from estate sales of large older families. Magic can be stored in items for centuries and forgotten over time. Rather than make a mistake and let something free we just lock them in here. Eventually they will be taken and stored in a much better and more secure area per the council’s direction,” said Tabitha.

The triplets’ mother, Arabella, is currently not only a member of the Salem Coven but also the head of the North Eastern Conference of Creatures (includes not only witches but also vampires, daemons, shape shifters and other paranormals. The main goal of the Conference is to protect the creatures and the humans by keeping the secret of the existence of the creatures from the humans.

“How often is this done?” asked Malachi.

Serafina replied, “We try to do it a couple of times a year, depending on how much stuff we have. We really need to make arrangements with Mom to get it done.”

“Would she let me look in that storage area for my chest?”

“Malachi, what is going on? Serafina asked as they locked and spelled the room.

“Before I left for overseas, I served a time in the service, my sister, who is not a very nice person, managed to strip me of my powers of finding items and sealed them in the chest. While I was gone in the war she took it upon herself to sell all our uncle’s estate after he passed away last year. When I returned she laughed at told me what she had done. I have a few minor powers left but the strongest ones are in that chest.”

“OMG, how could she do that?” asked Amalina as she was catching up on the conversation.

“She is a black witch. She finds the dark arts are more to her liking.”

Tabitha asked, “Where is she now? She needs to be under the thumb of the Conference.”

“I’m not sure. I talked to her when I got back but I haven’t seen her since. She sold Uncle Joe’s home and disappeared. I don’t care about not getting anything else but I want my chest.”

“Malachi, I want to help you in your search. No witch should be without their powers no matter what level. I’ll give Mom a call and check when we can meet about the storage. I don’t even know where it is but she does.”

“Thank you so much. I’m really getting desperate. I feel as if I’m naked!”

All three triplets just stared at him! Probably thinking the same thing!

Serafina was the first to talk. “Why don’t you stop back this afternoon and hopefully I will have been in touch with Mom by then.”

“Why don’t I come back at noon and take you out to lunch and we can make plans about how to further our search.” Malachi smiled.

“Okay, that’s a great idea. There’s a cute little café a couple of blocks from here. It’s called the ‘Witches Brew’ and a favorite of witches. Her menu is full of cute names like witches stew-their signature dish-, Love Potion Ale, eye of newt soup, etc. It’s a wonderful tourist destination and no one expects the regulars to actually be witches. It’s such an easy place to hide in plain sight.” Serafina was trying not to laugh.

“That sounds like a perfect place. I’ll meet you there at 12:30. Right now I need to find a place to stay for a couple of weeks while I’m in town.

Tabitha spoke up, “we have a room to rent upstairs. We don’t ever rent it for long periods but you’re welcome to it if you’d like. It’s not much but it has its own bathroom and an outside entrance. We occasionally use it when the weather gets bad and we can’t make it home to the island.”

“Island?”

Amalina spoke first. “Yes, the family owns Knockmore Island in Salem Harbor. Our several great grandparents, at least 10 or 11 generations, came to America from Scotland in the late 1690s to escape the witch torture there. Imagine their surprise when they came to Salem and found the same thing. That ancestor managed to purchase the island and most people thought he was crazy. It’s probably what saved their lives and the lives of their children. They built a log cabin at first to house the family but Grandpa wanted to start a shipyard. He built the first boat for himself with the help of his two older boys. They could at last make the trips back and forth to the mainland for supplies. By the 1730s things had calmed down enough that he moved his shipyard to the mainland and began building the manor house that we all live in today. Our grandfather and his father added to the place and there is so much room now that we tease Grandma Esmeralda that she should open a bed and breakfast.”

“But not until we move out,” Serafina said. “I like going out there for solitude.”

“There’s more than enough room, Serafina. And we’d have to be around at times to help. Mom and Dad have that big house here in town and we can stay there when we want. Grandma is lonesome out there. And she could limit it to witches. We already do the coven meetings out there.”

“Wow, but back to your offer. Are you sure and what’s the rent?” asked Malachi.

We discussed the details and showed him the room. It was more than enough for him so the deal was sealed and Malachi went to get his things. There was a staircase in the back of the shop that would lead up to the second floor but we usually kept it locked. There were a couple of other rooms that we had never finished so we used them mostly for storage. The outside staircase came up the back side of the building. This building was built on the site of one of the family homes. That house had burned down during the 1940s.

“Alright Serafina, what are you planning?” asked Tabitha.

“I saw him first,” she shot back. “Every time a hot guy show up one of you two always go after him. You need to sit back on this one.”

“Okay, okay, don’t get your panties in a bunch. He’s all yours,” said Amalina. “Do you believe his story?”

“I think so but that’s why I’m going to lunch with him. You can tell so much from someone by his table manners. I’ll see if I can get more information on his family and why he really wants this chest. There’s got to be more to the story. If all that is locked in that chest is his powers for finding things then what about the rest of his powers. Why leave him with those?”

Tabitha said, “Got me. I’ll give Mom a call about the chest. Maybe she’ll even let you see the storage area. You know that the chest might even be gone. The items that they can’t do anything else with get incinerated. The fire’s so hot that even the devil’s minions can’t survive.”

Serafina went back to straightening up the dresses in the antique area. Halloween was only a couple of months away and soon people would start coming in for costumes. Too bad they were genuine old items. Serafina had pulled some of the dresses because she didn't want them used as a costumes. Of course they were priced quite high and most people would not even look at them.

Amalina was in the potion side of the shop. This was where the local witches could come for supplies. Many tourists also stopped in and would often buy the candles and other items not knowing the meaning in a spell. Some of the items were out on display such as white birch bark that once steeped as a tea could be drunk as a remedy for headaches. The atmosphere was to make outsiders think they were really in a witches shop. They were in Salem after all.

At 12:15 Malachi walked back into the shop from the front door. We forgot to mention that the key we gave him did not work on the inside stair doors.

“Serafina, are you ready for lunch?”

“Yes, let me get my purse from the back room.”

Tabitha said, “Malachi, I've left a message for Mom to call me. As soon as she does I’ll explain our problem. Hopefully she’ll call before you get back from lunch.”

Malachi and Serafina walked down the street toward the Witches Brew. Along the way they passed one of the more popular museums in Salem.

Serafina had to laugh, “Imagine how people would feel if they ever found out witches are real. Here in the states the Salem Witch Trials are famous. The town will be overrun with people by the end of October. Halloween is our biggest holiday here. We’ll be starting to get ready soon. We will be increasing stock and making up potions for the tourists. The biggest one requested is the love potion! It’s benign and won’t hurt anyone but some like to believe it.”

“Actually that sounds like a lot of fun. I may have to stay around so I can be here for the holiday. You suppose that room will still be available?”

“Yes, I’m sure it will be, unless we find your chest and you decided to leave earlier.”

“We’ll have to see what happens. Hopefully we can get your mom’s help and the word out to others.”

The café came into sight and the outside tables were all full. But fortunately there were plenty of tables inside. It looked like the staff had already started decorating for Halloween but the truth was that it looked like this all year around. The owner greeted us and showed us to a seat. While we waited to order Serafina decided to ask Malachi a direct question.

“Is there any other reason that you are so desperate to find this chest?”

He looked up from his menu. “Yes.”

She waited, but he went back to looking at the menu.

“Well, are you going to tell me?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

The conversation stopped until the waitress came for the orders.

“Malachi, if I’m going to help you, I need to know the full story. One of my talents is to scry. I might be to find it if I have more information.”

“Do you use a crystal ball?”

“Sometimes. I have one at home on the island. I have been known to use a bowl of water but it’s more difficult.”

The waitress came with their drinks and conversation stopped again. This wasn't going well, thought Serafina. He’s not very talkative.

“Can you tell me a little about your life? Where you grew up, what your parents are like, any siblings.”

“Why you are a curious thing, aren't you?”

“Yep. I have a need for information. I used to get in trouble as a kid because I was always asking questions. I’m the middle triplet. My mom and dad were often sure I would expose the whole coven. But I just had to know. My sisters and I may look exactly alike but our personalities are very different. Amalina is the quietest so making the potions and doing the ordering and stuff like that for the shop is the best for her. Tabitha is very personable and can talk most anyone into buying something. If she’s around, the customer doesn't leave without a bag.” I giggled.

“I could’ve figured you as the troublemaker. There’s a glint in your eyes. I can see where you would have given your folks a wild time.”

“Wait, how did we get talking about my family? I asked you about yours.”

“Okay, I actually grew up in England,” he said.

“I thought there was a bit of accent there.”

“I was the youngest of four brothers. The others had moved out when Mom and Dad decided they wanted to come here. I decided to come with them instead of staying with one of my brothers. Mom and Dad settled in Boston and got involved with the coven there. My Uncle Joe, dad’s brother, came over here years ago and my older sister came with him. I’m sure that’s how she ended up on the dark side. Are you happy now?”

“Yep, that’ll do.”

The waitress came with our meals and conversation stopped again while we ate.

“So where have you looked so far,” Serafina asked.

“I called the estate sale people to see if they could tell me who bought the chest. They did give me a name and address. I tried to contact the man and found out that there had been a break in at his home and he was killed and the only thing apparently stolen was my chest.”

“Where was this?”

“Upstate New York.”

“No other info on this man or why he bought the chest to begin with?”

“The police there still have the case open but they are more concerned about the murder and not the recovery of the chest. But I’m sure if they find him soon he will still have the chest with him. If he is paranormal then he might know about the chest. If he was just a mortal and only had enough time to grab it and run then the spirits help him if he opens the false bottom. Just opening the chest wouldn’t do anything and he might think it is just a chest and hopefully will try to sell it. Once it is out in the open you may be able to find it.”

“Can you draw what it looks like? Giving me as much detail as possible. When I get home this evening I’ll try to scry.”

Malachi took a napkin and starting drawing. He worked quickly and soon had a good likeness. He drew as many of the symbols as he could remember, which looked like most of them. Serafina knew most of the symbols but the few she didn’t she had to ask. (The three of us had taken more schooling than most witches as the triplets of this generation we would be given special, extra powers soon.)

“I need to get back to the shop. Afternoons tend to be busier as we get into the cooler weather. People like to get out and walk and visit the museums. I have to work on the herbs and dried flowers this afternoon. I brought some in from the island this morning.” We left the café and started back to the store.

“What will you do with them? I never really learned how to work with earth items. Mom always handled the potions and such. Dad and I were limited to what she would let us do. I’m sure that was part of the reason my sister left with Uncle Joe. She became the woman of the house and was allowed to do whatever she wanted. She studied with a black witch and learned how to create hexes. I have no idea what she did to the chest or if she did anything evil. She may have only wanted to make my life miserable.”

“Malachi, are you ready to tell me what you really know about the chest?”

“The chest is several hundreds of years old. It was given to me by my great-grandmother. She had no daughters or granddaughters except my sister. Grandma already knew my sister would never have the integrity to protect the chest. When she had the chance she stole it from me. She probably couldn’t use it and hexed it. By getting it sold with the estate sale she hoped I would never find it again. Grandma said the chest was to be handed down to the next set of triplet in the family. I had no idea what she meant. She told me my generation should have been the one to have the triplets but since my sister had taken to the dark side she was not going to give it to her. If the tradition died with my generation then so be it. Once I found out about you and your sisters I realized that the tradition was not dead after all. I believe those three original sisters each started their own line. Who knows how far the families spread across the world. The first ones were born in the early 1200s. You knew that didn’t you?”

“Yes, I knew about the first set but didn’t realize that all three started a family line. Did that happen with each witch? Like the second set from each one so the next time there would be nine sets and etc.”

“I don’t think so. I guess it’s something we should look into. I can’t imagine how many sets would be around the world. Three, yes, from the first ones. Maybe your mom will have more information.”

We had made it back to the shop. Tabitha was with a customer so we went right back to the potion room where Amalina was working.

“Hi Am. We’re here to help! And Malachi would like to see what we do. He never got to work with the earth elements. I think his training was much neglected!” I smiled.

Amalina was in her element. They all control the earth element. Each had one more for now. Serafina was the water element, Tabitha the fire element and Amalina controlled the wind element. Eventually we would each control all four.

“Here,” said Amalina, “start by tying the herbs you bought in from the island this morning. They have to start drying quickly.” Serafina had brought in a basket full of Prickly Topped Milk Thistle.

“Where’s the gloves,” Serafina asked.

Serafina handed them to Malachi and showed him how to make a bundle.

“First, trim off the end where it was cut from the plant. Take three stalks and bind them together near the end of the stalks. Leave enough twine to hang the bundle from the rope over there.”

Malachi asked,” what’s the other stuff already there?”

“Well, we have some fennel, mullein with their bright yellow flowers, lavender, Mugwort and skullcap right now. Once they are fully dried we crush them and put them in containers. See, over there on the shelf is cornflower, feverfew, boneset, rosemary, thyme among other things,” said Amalina. “All our potions are made with natural things, nothing more.”

“So it’s simple to do,” Malachi stated.

“Oh no!” both Serafina and Amalina said together.

Amalina said, “it is very important that the ingredients are put together properly. Otherwise someone could become very ill. Or a spell could go very wrong.”

Tabitha came in with the phone in her hand. “Mom’s on the line for you Serafina.”

“Thanks.”

“Mom, how are you? We need to do lunch soon. I have someone I’d like you to meet.”

“Tabitha filled me in a bit. Now I need the full story from you,” Mom was sounding a little angry. Wonder what I did this time.

“Malachi, the person I’d like you to meet, is looking for a chest that is his. His sister stole it and probably hexed it and then sold it. I’d say it is very important that we find it.”

“Why?”

“Malachi comes from a line of witches that go back to the same triplets from the 1200s that we do only a different one of the sisters. His chest has been passed down through all the generations making its way to another set of triplets. His generation was supposed to be the next one with triplets but it didn’t happen. He was the only one that his great-grandmother trusted with chest.”

“I think this is something the Conference should be involved in. Can you both meet me in Boston tomorrow? I’m here already so come to the house first. Try to get here by 9 am. Serafina, you’ve stayed out of trouble for some time. I’ve been happy with you. So I’m asking you to let the Conference handle this. There is more to it than you know.”

“Mom, what do you mean? Do we have a chest similar to this also? Is there another set of triplets in the world?”

“Serafina, just be here tomorrow and I’ll try to answer questions. Give my love to your grandmother and your sisters.” And she was gone.

Serafina stared at the phone for a moment before she looked up to those around her.

“Mom wants Malachi and me in Boston by 9 am tomorrow morning. She wants the Conference to handle the missing chest.”

“Why would she be interested in my chest?” Malachi asked.

“I’m not sure. She would not answer my questions. My list will be much longer by morning.”

“Now Serafina, calm down. You were also the one to upset Mom. I should send Amalina with you to keep the peace,” said Tabitha.

“Nope. Not me. I’m not going. Malachi, you started this. It’s your problem!” said Amalina.

“I’m perfectly capable of going to Mom without getting in trouble, I think.” Serafina had to think about it carefully.

“Amalina is right. This is my problem. If you can give me directions, I’m sure I can find your mother’s place on my own.”

“Malachi, I will not let you meet my mother alone. She was a marvelous mother while we were growing up. Grandma was the head of the local coven and Mom would take us on many occasions, more as we got older. She taught us well. Eventually she became the head of the coven and Grandma retired. She lives on the island and takes care of things there. The thing is Mom got very ambitious. She got a seat on the council and now she was elected the head honcho! She is wonderful and I love her dearly but if there is a problem in the creature population, look out. Even our dad doesn’t question her!”

“Okay, but I’ll drive. I have a rental car so we can put the miles on it. It’s only about 40 miles down US1 so it won’t take that long. I’d like to leave by 7 am and stop for breakfast along the way.”

“I’m fine with that. I should be heading back to the island. I told Gram that I would be home tonight. What are you gals going to do.?”

“I need to go also. If you won’t be here tomorrow then I need clean clothes. I’ve been at Mom and Dad’s place all week because you know how the boat ride gets to me. I should just probably move into Mom’s place full time. She’s spending more time in Boston any way and Dad’s alone. He can’t be gone that long from the ship yard,” said Tabitha.

And Amalina said, “And I’ve got to get more plants from the garden and the greenhouse.”

“Malachi, why don’t you come with us and meet Grandma. I know she’ll love you,” said Serafina.

“Are you sure it would be alright? I don’t want to interfere with family time.”

“Of course. Go grab an overnight bag. We’ll wait for you. It’s about time to close and we’ll head over to the shipyard. You can meet Dad first and then we’ll take the skiff over to the island,” said Serafina.

We headed over to the shipyard about a half hour later. Dad was in the yard she we tracked him down.

“Dad, I’d like you to meet Malachi. Malachi, this is our dad, Rafaris. Dad, Malachi came in the shop today looking for a special chest. Unfortunately once Mom got involved, of course I called, Malachi and I have a command appearance in Boston tomorrow.”

“My sympathies,” he laughed. “So what’s the story?”

Serafina told him what they knew so far.

“Good luck on finding it son. If it is still around Arabella and the Council should be able to find it. They have some of the best searchers around and they don’t give up.”

He turned to Serafina, “are you going to let the professionals handle this?”

“Sure Dad, why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I know you. You tend to stick a toe in the water and end up in trouble.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Dad, I’m older now. I know what can happen!”

“You’re older by what, six months, since the last escaped?”

“That wasn’t my fault. Aunt Morgana hexed me.”

Morgana was Mom’s sister. She was still upset because she thought she would be the one to have the triplets this generation and instead had twin boys, Darius and Dante. The three of them tended to the dark side. They weren’t totally evil like some witches, but Arabella was always watching them.

“And Morgana would have not even been involved if you hadn’t been there. I’ll be watching you young lady!” Dad grinned.

“Love you Daddy,” Serafina said as the group started off toward the dock. The family had three different boats from a small skiff to a larger cabin cruiser. The cruiser was in dock so they decided to take it. Serafina called ahead to Grandma Esmeralda to let her know there would be four extra for dinner. The trip out to the island only took about twenty minutes and the water was smooth this evening. Soon they were tying up at the island dock. The girls had been doing this for several years now because they had to take a boat to the mainland for regular school.

Once the boat was secure, they started up the path toward Ashtanshire Manor House. It actually looked more like a castle with all the additions made over the years. Any house over three hundred years had to have some problems but this one had been inhabited by witches since it was built and was kept totally in shape by witchcraft.

Amalina headed out to the gardens and greenhouses immediately to see what was ready for harvest. Tabitha went on into the house to greet Grandma and Serafina took Malachi around the house while there was still enough light, to show him some of the additions and how they had been made.

Seraphina’s favorite place was the coven’s house, a few hundred feet from the main house. Everything was set up for the coven meetings and never had to be moved.

“Our coven is very lucky to have a place like this. We can leave things here and not risk being discovered. Sometimes I love just coming here to meditate. We modified the roof a few years ago and put in skylights to be able to see the moon for certain ceremonies. There is another roof that slides over the glass when we don’t want to see the sky.” Serafina almost whispered.

“This is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like this. I haven’t joined a coven yet because I was overseas for several years. Once I find my chest and settle down I will have to find a home coven. We all need a feeling of belonging. I know that there are many witches that don’t join but I can’t imagine being alone like that all the time.”

“Mom has made it one of her goals to find all the individual witches and offer them an opportunity to have membership in the conference even without membership in a local coven. At least that way they have some protection. She has had moderate success with it. Even a few of the dark witches have joined. They have to pledge allegiance to the conference and agree to certain things. I have to admit I miss having my mom around but she is doing good works and I have to support her. At least we have Grandma here all the time. Come on, she’ll be waiting for us.”

Serafina had only known Malachi for a few hours but she felt like she had known him forever. Perhaps they shared a previous life together. She would have to wait and see how thing panned out.

Grandma met them on the porch. “There you are. I was getting worried.”

Serafina hugged Grandma and said, “You should have figured that I would want to show off our coven house. Grandma, this is Malachi. Malachi, this is Grandma Esmeralda. She is the woman who is directly responsible for keeping me alive during my growing up years. Poor Mom and Dad. You know the old saying, when Mom and Dad say no, go ask Grandma.”

“It is wonderful meeting you Esmeralda, I may call you that?” Malachi took Grandma’s hand and bowed to kiss the back of her hand. Okay Serafina thought, little overboard!

“Definitely you darling young man. Please come in. Dinner is almost ready.” Grandma took Malachi’s arm are looked back at Serafina and said, “Serafina, please help your sisters finish setting the table and getting the food. Malachi and I will meet you in the dining room.”

Serafina stood there a moment, hands on hips, staring at the two of them walk into the house.

After dinner Esmeralda monopolized Malachi time and took him on a tour of the house. Serafina and Tabitha did the cleanup and the Tabitha went to pack some of her clothes to move into the house on the mainland. Amalina was boxing up the herbs and plants she had picked. And Serafina was left alone.

She decided to go to her own room. They had made the arrangement to leave early in the morning. Tabitha and Amalina didn’t have to go as early and there was an extra boat at the dock so Serafina and Malachi could leave very early and the groundskeeper could take the other girls over to the mainline later. The shop didn’t open until 10 am tomorrow. She needed to get a good night’s sleep in order to meet her mother tomorrow.

Serafina was up very early and after her shower she packed a small overnight bag in case they had to stay overnight in Boston. Most of her things were here at the manor house. She kept a few things at her parents’ house on the mainland but didn’t plan on stopping there. She headed down to the kitchen with bag in hand.

“Malachi, did you get a good night’s sleep?”

“Yes I did. Esmeralda must have given me the softest mattress in the whole place. It’s a good thing I had an alarm on. Are you ready to go? We can get breakfast on the road.”

“Sure, that sounds fine.”

“What, are you upset with me?”

“No.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.”

“It’s because your Grandmother monopolized me last night. You had gone to bed before we got back to the living room.”

“I wanted to get to sleep early. Dealing with my mother will take everything I have. Let’s go.”

Serafina headed out the door without saying another word. She wasn’t sure how she felt. She’d only known Malachi less than 24 hours but last night had hurt. She didn’t know why.

They got down to the dock and John, the handyman around the manor, was waiting for them. He had to pick up supplies and having the cruiser would be good. Serafina didn’t talk to Malachi the entire trip back to the mainland.

They disembarked at the shipyard’s dock and walked to the parking lot where Malachi had parked his car last night. He opened the trunk so they could put their bags in and walked Seraphina around to the passenger side. Before he let her open the door he put his arms up and pinned her against the car.

“I’m not sure what I’ve done but I thought we were starting to get along. Yesterday when I walked into The Black Cauldron and saw you I felt something. I don’t like to rush things but you are definitely someone I want to get to know a lot better. I’m sorry if I upset you last night. I didn’t mean to.” He had not taken his eyes off hers and as he finished speaking bent and kissed her softly.

Serafina didn’t know what to do. The kiss sent warm feelings running straight down to her core. His kiss continued and her arms finally made their way around his neck. He finally pulled away and opened the car door. “We’d best get going or we’ll have to find a room and be late for your mom.”

She climbed in and he shut the door. Her mind was a bit muddled as she struggled to put on her seat belt. He slid into the driver’s seat and realized her dilemma. He leaned over to help and stole another kiss. The he smiled and started the car and drove out of the parking area without another word.

Serafina sat looking straight ahead. Had she just dreamed the kiss or was it real? No, it was real. She could still feel the tingling on her lips. She slid a quick glance toward Malachi and could tell he was looking straight but had a smile on his lips. Without turning he slid his hand out to take hers. It was warm and smooth.

As they traveled down US1 toward Boston Malachi took an exit for a truck stop. Malachi said, “This is a great place for breakfast.”

“Serafina, I meant what I said earlier. I really want to get to know you better. Both of your sisters are very nice but with you I feel something different. I guess it shows that appearances are not everything. Did the three of you ever play the swap game?”

“Of course we did. Every chance we could. But you’re right. We couldn’t hold it for long. I could never pull off Amalina. My mouth would get me caught every time. By the time we were in high school we gave up trying and started even dressing different. In the human school though we would occasionally try it. Humans are much easier to fool.”

Breakfast at the truck stop was great. The food and the company lifted my spirits as we got closer to Boston and my mom. It was only 8:30 but Serafina decided they should go ahead right to her parents Boston home. There was room on the street to park. Malachi got out and went around the car to help Serafina but it wasn’t that she was waiting for him to be gallant. She was looking up at the house and saw her mother looking out a third story window.

“Come on,” Malachi said. “She’s not going to bite, is she?”

“No of course not. I haven’t seen her in over a month. She’s been staying here and dad in Salem. I’m worried about both of them. But if I asked I’m sure she’ll just shut me down.”

“Let’s just let her take the lead. Come on.” Malachi took Serafina’s hand and led her up the sidewalk. Just as the reach the door before they could knock, the door swung open.

“Serafina, it’s so good to see you,” said Aurora. She was my mother’s youngest sister and my favorite aunt. She had come to Boston to help my mother with her responsibilities as the head of the conference.

“Aunt Aurora, I’m so glad you’re here. I’d like you to meet my friend Malachi.”

Aurora extended her hand to Malachi and said “So glad to meet you. Come in, come in. Anabella will be down in a few moments. She had a late night with one of the council members. The vampires in Boston are having some trouble with trying to name a new master. You would think a bunch of hundred years old vamps would have figured out what to do by now. Oh, I’m sorry, I should have asked you if you’d eaten yet.”

Serafina said, “Yes we did. We stopped on the way down.”

“How about some something to drink? Coffee?”

Malachi indicated that he would be happy with coffee but Serafina wanted tea.

“Then come into the kitchen and we’ll get it,” said Aurora.

As they walked into the kitchen, Arabella was entering from the opposite side.

“Good morning, Mother.”

“Good morning daughter.”

“I’d like you to meet Malachi.”

Arabella looked at Malachi and scrutinized him from head to toe. He just stood there and let her.

“Yes, I can tell you are descended from Bridget’s line. Did you have any knowledge about the lines?”

“Very little. All I knew before meeting Serafina. My great-grandmother was the first to tell me much. She gave me the chest and told me to keep it safe in case triplets would appear in in future generations.”

“The three lines have never crossed before. When did you come to the states?” Arabella asked Malachi.

“My folks and I came over about twenty years ago. My three older brothers stayed in England and my sister, who oldest, came over earlier with Uncle Joe. He was a dark witch and she ended up following in his footsteps. I’ve lost track of her.”

“So you don’t think she might still have your chest?” asked Arabella.

“No. She was very clear what she did. And with the death of the man who bought the chest there seems to be more players in the game.”

Arabella was making herself breakfast while she was talking. A bagel and cream cheese with coffee would take the edge off for now. With only 3 hours sleep she was trying to understand exactly what Serafina wanted.

“Mom, I know you had a rough night, Aurora told us. But we really need to find out what information you may have.”

“Alright, let me get another cup of coffee and you get some also. We’ll go sit in the study. It’s a long story but for you Serafina, it’s important you understand. I’ll tell your sisters later. You three have quite a destiny whether or not you want it. Malachi, you need to know as you search for your chest.”

Arabella excused herself and said she’d be back.

While the other three waited in the study, Serafina started looking at the books on the shelves that surrounded three sides of the room. She was amazed at the books here. They had lots of books back at Ashtanshire Manor but nothing like this. No wonder Mom was spending so much time here. This had to be the most comprehensive library in the paranormal world. There were books on every kind of paranormal imaginable.

Arabella returned. She was carrying a chest that looked like the one that Malachi was searching for.

“Is that my chest?” asked Malachi.

“No. This chest is from the line of Cassandra. My line and the girls. There should be one more chest from the line of Evanora. Bridget, Cassandra and Evanora were the first triplets. When they realized how special they were they decided to have the chests made. Each chest looks exactly like the others. The only difference was what was in the false bottom of each chest. And only the witch who gives birth to the next set of triplets has access to that information. The Council has been looking for the other two chests for several years. Only Cassandra’s line has been documented all the way. The other two have been lost. At least we know that there is another one out there, still in existence.”

Malachi asked, “Do you think that my sister would have had knowledge of these other chests?”

“I doubt it. The one who holds the chest is the only one to know the secret. I believe that your great-grandmother was just a carrier for the chest. As you will be. You may be the one to father the next set of triplets. Or possibly one of your brothers. Have you heard from them lately?”

“I did talk to one of them while I was over there. He updated me on the others as well. None of them are even married yet.”

“Well, we won’t know until it happens. We believe the third chest is probably still in Europe somewhere.”

Serafina had not spoken a word. She and her sisters had often talked about the tradition and wonder which one of them would be great-grandmother of the next set.

“Mom, you said that Tabitha, Amalina and I have a special destiny. When were you going to talk to us about this? We’re going to be 27 soon and you’ve been dropping hints for some time now. Don’t you think we have the right to know what the special destiny will be?”

“That will be for another day, Serafina. And when the three of you are together. Perhaps it is time for you to find others to help in the shop. There will come a time when you will all have to be out of there at the same time.”

“Mom, you know how we feel about other people in the shop. I suppose we could start looking for someone soon. I know, I’ll talk to Gram. I’ll bet she’d love to come in for a few hours.”

“Dear, that’s not what I had in mind.  You three will need to take on responsibilities that will take you out of the shop for days at a time.”

“I’m thinking that at least Amalina will not be happy with that. She doesn’t even like to talk to the customers that come in. All she wants to do is make her potions.”

“As I said Serafina, it is not time anyway. So let’s get back to the problem at hand. Finding Malachi’s chest.” Arabella said. “Malachi, you did say you talked with the police in Lowell regarding the man who bought your chest from your sister.”

“Yes but it was obvious that they are far more interested in the actual murder than the chest. I don’t think they realized how valuable it was.”

“I have alerted the coven in Lowell to be on the lookout for it. I only explained it is something that the Council has been looking for. Do you think there might still be any reason for the two of you to go back to Lowell and check things out again? I’d be interested to know why he bought the chest in the first place.” Arabella said.

Malachi said, “I know that he had a son that was taking care of the estate. Perhaps he might know.”

“Then I suggest that you leave immediately. You should be able to make it to Lowell yet today. Let me know as soon as you have any information.” Arabella left the room and Aurora turned to Malachi and Serafina.

“I’m sorry. Arabella has been under so much stress lately. The paranormals have been restless and last night was a prime example.  The shifters are infighting and even the witches are complaining about anything and everything.”

“Wow, I had no idea. No wonder she’s not been coming home on weekends. I wonder if Dad knows how much she’s been working,” said Serafina.

“Probably not,” Aurora said. “I try to get her to take some time off but she doesn’t think she should leave Boston.”

“I’ll call Dad and see if he can get away and come here.”

“That would be great. Maybe she can relax. Let me know and I’ll try and clear her calendar.”

“I’ll call him from the road and let you know. And since she said to get going I guess we’d better go, Malachi.”

“It’s a good thing we brought overnight bags. There’s no way we can get to Lowell and back to Salem before night.”

We said our good byes to Aurora and left.

Chapter 4

The next morning Serafina woke and felt a warm body next to her. She turned over and smiled at Malachi who was laying there watching her.

“Good morning,” she said.

“Good morning to you also. Did you sleep well?”

“Once I got to sleep,” she smiled.

He leaned over and brushed her lips with his. His hand went to her cheek and he looked into her eyes.

“You are the most beautiful, special witch I have ever known. I told you yesterday that I didn’t want to rush in to anything but I think it’s too late.”

Serafina looked into his eyes as well. She couldn’t stop the tears as they slid out her eyes.”

“What’s the matter, my little witch?”

“I never thought I’d ever find anyone who affected me the way you have in such a short time. My sisters and I had begun to wonder if any of us would ever find the love of our lives. After all, one of us has to be the one to continue the line.” Serafina snuggled next to Malachi and he pulled her closer.

“We do have to learn everything about each other but I think last night was a good start. I know you like red wine over white and lobster over steak. You are ticklish on the bottom of your feet and behind your knees.”

“And you are ticklish right here!” And she got him right under his chin. He pinned her down with her hands above her head and kissed her hungrily. Within moments they were totally engrossed in each other once again.

A while later as they lay there together, enjoying the sunlight coming in, Malachi’s cell phone rang. He grabbed it off the night stand.

“Hello.”

“Malachi, this is Detective Baker. There was another break-in at Clive’s last night. Clive is in the hospital but he’ll be okay and we don’t know yet if anything was taken. Clive would like to see you because he said you and Serafina were the last ones there and might be able to tell if anything is gone. He said he gave you a tour as Serafina is interested in some of the antique’s as soon as he’s allowed to sell them.”

“Okay. I’m glad you called. We were planning to go back to Salem this morning but we’ll head over to the hospital and see him first.”

“Thanks, would you stop by here after talking to him before heading out?”

“Of course. We’ll see you in a while.”

Serafina waited. Malachi laid back down while he told her what happened.

“Do you think it’s connected to the chest? Maybe it is hidden the house somewhere.”

“I don’t know but it’s certainly a possibility.”

Serafina took her shower first and gave Malachi strict instructions to wait in the bedroom. Otherwise she was certain that it would take longer to leave.

Once both were showered and packed up, they checked out and grabbed a cup of coffee and Danish from the breakfast bar in the lobby. Malachi gave the key to the valet and they waited for the car. He asked for general directions to the hospital and they headed out.

When they entered Clive’s room it was quite evident that he had taken quite a beating.

“Clive,” shouted Serafina as she rushed over to his bed. “My god, what happened to you?”

He tried to smile at her but it evident he was in a lot of pain. “It was a paranormal,” he whispered. “I couldn’t tell that to Detective Baker. He may have been looking for the room. I need you to check to be sure everything is okay with it.”

“Of course,” said Serafina. “You’ll have to give me the locking spell you used. And then give Malachi the key for the lock. We can get in and check all the items. Maybe we should think about calling the Council? If your life is in danger, are they really worth it?”

“Yes, definitely. I’m not ready to give them up yet.”

Malachi spoke, “Clive do you think they might have come back looking for the chest. Is there any chance that your father had another hiding place for the chest?”

“I suppose it’s possible. But I don’t know where. Hilda and Harold have gone to a hotel. I don’t want them in the house alone. There’s a key fob in my pants. It has the house, garage and my car. The room key is hidden in my bathroom. Third drawer down on the left side.”

“What’s the spell Clive?” asked Serafina.

“Come over here so I can tell you.”

“Careful Clive, just so you know, she’s mine.”

“Malachi, I’m in a hospital bed, unable to get up. I don’t think I’m a threat right now,” Clive smiled.

Serafina gave Malachi a little witchy look and bent over to hear his whisper. The spell was a simple locking spell and she wondered how much he really knew about being a witch.

The doctors came in and asked Serafina and Malachi to leave. Serafina gave him her cell phone number so he could get in touch with her when he was released. Malachi grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door. He didn’t speak until they were down and out to the car. He once again pinned her against the passenger side door and took her face in his hands. With his forehead against hers he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so jealous. I’ve never been good at sharing.”

“We’ll need to have some kind of signal. I wasn’t flirting with Clive. I’ve been told I’m a very caring person and take on others problems all the time. It doesn’t mean anything sexual. After last night you are the only one I want to be a permanent part of my life.”

Malachi kissed her gently as she put her arms around his neck.

He put her in the car and went around to the other side and got in.

“I will try to be more aware of the situation. I’m in love with you Serafina. I didn’t think it could happen this fast but it did. I won’t pressure you but I know what I feel and it’s not going to change.”

Before Serafina could say a word, Malachi started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. They drove in silence to the house and pulled around back of it. Serafina grabbed Malachi arm before he could get out.

“I love you also. This is not supposed to happen with witches. Our feelings are not the same as humans. We reincarnate and spend years looking for our soul mate. Sometimes we never find him or her. Or we settle for someone else just to have companionship. But I think that we are soul mates and have been the lucky ones to have found each other. Let’s just go with that for now. Okay?”

Malachi said, “Okay.”

They got out of the car and went to the back door and found that the key worked that as well. Once in the house they looked around and found the yellow police tape around the living and dining room and saw the blood on the floor and furniture. That must have been where Clive was beaten. Serafina stepped over the tape to stand in the middle of the door way between the two rooms. She could feel the strong magic in the air. As she turned she realized the magic was black and recent.

“Malachi, this is not right. Someone was here very recently. And I mean within the last hour. After Clive was already in the hospital.” One of the triplet powers was being able to sense magic that had been used within the last hour or so. After that it would begin to fade.

“I’m glad that he sent Hilda and Harold out of here. They would have been in great danger. We need to check the entire house to be sure there is no one still here.”

They started going from room to room leaving the basement until last. As soon as they were sure the house was totally empty of any paranormal beings they headed for the basement. After looking around there and Serafina could not sense any magic here they attempted to open the room. The locking spell that Clive had given her would not undo. She tried other spells that she knew and nothing would work. If a paranormal had been here it would have been while Clive was still in the house.

“I wonder if someone was able to break the spell but could still not get in because they didn’t have the key.”   

“Let me try. My sister only took my location skills not my other skills.”

Malachi began to work. It took about ten minutes and the spell fell away. He put the key in the lock and opened the door.

“Not bad, babe. Where did you learn to do that?”

“My childhood. I guess if we’re going to learn about each other we need to confess things. My dad used to lock me in my room when Mom was gone. He didn’t want me doing any magic around the house. Although he’d use a spell to lock my door. I would spend hours working to undo them. And then I’d put my own on and when he came back to let me out he couldn’t undo it. I finally realized it was his way of teaching me how to think through my magic before using it. Prior to that I’d use it whenever I wanted and got us all in trouble at times. Being the youngest Mom and Dad were getting tired of having a wild kid around.”

“I can certainly envision that. My folks had the three of us all at once.”

“They probably had it worse, considering you were one of them.” He smiled.

They spent time looking around the room. Serafina checked each piece and since she could remember each one, she confirmed that everything was still there. It was then that she realized that there was another door in the wall at the back of the room. She could see the outline but it had no handle or hinges[W1] . She started feeling around the entire area and felt under a shelf to the side of the crack. There was a button that when she pressed it the door started to move. It slowly turned inward. The interior was dark but as soon as the door was open all the way a light came on. There were several more pieces in here, but not the chest. These pieces seemed to be even more endowed with magic. Powerful magic. Some dark but more white. Perhaps the white helped to control the black. Serafina had a lot of questions for her mother.

“Well, everything looks secure. I’ll call Clive and let him know. I still think we should let the Council know about this but I told him I’d wait. There is just too much here. I’m sure many of these pieces can be cleaned and then just treated as regular antiques.”

Malachi agreed. “I can’t believe he has such a collection. I wonder if this all started a long time ago and Clive’s father inherited it from his father and so on. And each generation just added to it. We need to get going so we can stop at the police station first.”

Serafina made the call to Clive on the way to the station. She asked him about the extra room that she found but he said he didn’t know anything about it. He had only found the first room after his father’s death. She told him that the pieces in the second room were far hotter than the other and she really wanted him to consider talking to the Council about them. He said he would think about it after he got out of the hospital. Malachi told him that they would leave his keys at the reception area in the hospital.

The stop at the station was a waste as Detective Baker wasn’t in. Malachi left a message that they had been there and that the detective should call him. They were heading back to Salem.