Samhain, when the worlds collide,

The veil draws aside and denizens ride

the night skies

 

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A timid autumn sun rose on October 31st, Samhain, the Day of the Dead. In the chilly early morning air, on Ynys Mon, the Mother Isle, known to the English as the island of Anglesey, Nia Griffith, a young witch, made her way to a cottage in the village of Llanddona. It was occupied by two Chief Witches. Bella Mawr was six foot tall in her socks and Siani Bwt, was four foot nothing in her working boots. Nia was in awe of both of them. They’d led the Coven of Seven for as long as anyone could remember. She’d been summoned to discuss the evening’s ritual in recognition of Samhain.

 

Before she could knock on the door Siani swung it open and led her into the kitchen. A woman she’d never seen before was sitting at the table with Bella. The stranger was slender and beautiful with penetrating green eyes and midnight-black hair cascading around her shoulders. There was something unearthly about her.

 

The woman turned to her. “Welcome, Nia, shining light. You are well-named, child. I see in you the potential that these two can see. You will be a great witch.”

 

She saw the amused glance that passed between Siani and Bella. Siani winked at her.

 

Reassured, she confronted their guest. “You know who I am, Lady. May I know who you are?”

 

The woman smiled. “I have many names: Hecate, Circe, Morrigan and others I choose to repudiate. In your culture I am called Cerridwen, She In Whom You Must Believe, Keeper of the Cauldron of Knowledge, Goddess of Witchcraft.”

 

Nia trembled. She felt dizzy.

 

The goddess said, “Sit down, child, before you fall.” Siani pulled out a chair for her and she sat.

 

Bella said, “You’re terrifying the girl, Cerri. No wonder she’s jittery.”

 

This encounter was getting weirder by the minute. Since when had Bella and Siani been on such familiar terms with a goddess? Nia said, “You sound like old friends. How did that happen?

 

Cerridwen said, “Tell her.”

 

Bella sighed. “I suppose you had to know sometime, Nia. We met Cerri four hundred years ago?”

 

“What? I knew you were old but that’s ridiculous.”

 

“Shut up and listen. Back in the seventeenth century witches were feared and persecuted. Seven of us were dumped in a leaky boat by a crowd of idiots who probably thought we planned to turn them into toads or some such. They cast us adrift in a hurricane to face the treacherous tidal currents of the Menai Straits. Cerridwen caused the waves to wash us safely onto the sands of Red Wharf Bay.”

 

Nia said, “I’ve heard the story of the shipwrecked witches who made their home at Llanddona. The other four in today’s coven aren’t that old, are they?”

 

Bella shook her head. “No. The rest of them died when their time came and they were replaced by new recruits. Only Siani and I were cursed with longevity.” She turned to Cerri. “Why did you do that to us? You never explained.”

 

“Because I am She In Whom You Must Believe. There always needs to be someone alive who knows I’m real. When mortals cease to believe in the deities we cease to exist.”

 

Siani interrupted. “Why are you here now, She Who’s So Important? Are you going to make us live another four hundred years?”

 

“No, Siani Bwt. I’m here to give you a warning.”

 

“About what?”

 

“Cath Palug.”

 

Bella and Siani gasped. Bella said, “Why should we fear that vile fiend? He’s imprisoned in the Otherworld’s dungeon dimensions.”

 

“He escaped.”

 

Bella said. “How could he do that?”

 

“He’s a feline. They can escape from anywhere. Tell me what you know of him.”

 

Siani said, “He’s the Demon Cat of Ynys Mon: the Eater of Souls. He sucks out his victims’ souls. They become empty shells, undead scavengers, driven by a voracious appetite to devour living human flesh: in other words, zombies.”

 

Nia sighed. “I’ve always been fond of cats.”

 

Siani chuckled. “Of course you have, you’re a witch, but you wouldn’t be fond of this one.” She turned to Cerridwen. “Why should we fear him? Whether he’s escaped the dungeons or not he’s still in the Otherworld. He’s Gwynn Ap Nudd’s problem. Gwynn rules the place with a heavy hand. He’s a scary brother and he can deal with runaway criminals.”

 

Cerri sighed. “King Gwynn would be happy to see the back of this one. I have contacts in the Otherworld. They tell me that when the veil between the worlds parts tonight the wretched monstrosity plans to gatecrash into the mortal realm. Be ready, ladies. I’ll be back to see how you solved the problem.” She vanished.

 

Siani said, “Typical immortal. Leave the dirty work to us, then take all the worship and we get burned at the stake. How the Hades do we deal with this?”

 

Bella said, “We use a holding spell. We three take the first offensive by blocking him on three sides so the only way he can move is backwards through the veil. The other four give us back-up.

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~ * ~

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At sunset the coven met at the Neolithic burial chamber, Bryn Celli Ddu, where ancient magic hangs heavy in the air. When Nia arrived Bella Mawr and Siani Bwt were already there, calming the agitation of the four apprentice witches: two sets of twins, Phyllis and Dilys and Eryl and Meryl. Following Bella’s instructions they arranged themselves in front of the standing stone aligned with the entrance to the chamber. Bella, Siani and Nia stood directly in front of the stone, with the four twins behind them. They began the chant to invoke the holding spell. The seven voices rolled and soared, merging, dividing, capturing the essence of Samhain’s power and forging it into the immobilising web of the spell.

 

The sun slipped below the horizon and what appeared to be a fissure manifested in the stone. It clarified into the parting veil, revealing the mists of the Otherworld beyond. With a caterwaul of triumph, the demon cat clawed his way back into the mortal realm from which he’d been banished. He was a monstrous parody of humans’ favourite pet. The size of an elephant, his fur was speckled grey, his eyes were swirling green orbs and his snarl revealed two rows of yellow fangs. He sniffed the air and sprang forward, howling in frustration as he became entangled in the strands of the spell. He clawed with his talons and tore with his fangs. The three foremost witches held the spell in place but Cath Palug was fierce and tireless and they began to tire. Bella called to the twins, “Increase your power while we ease off and rest.”

 

Eryl and Meryl called back in unison, “We can’t, Bella. We’re exhausted.”

 

They were unable to hold him. He leapt high into the air and with an ear-piercing screech disappeared into the night.

 

The exhausted witches looked at each other. Siani said. “I’m thinking that didn’t go well. What’s plan B?”

 

Nia pointed to the parted veil. “Something else is coming through.”

 

The misty shape solidified into a large, black hound. It stepped towards them, and spoke without words, directly into their minds. “Good evening, ladies. It appears that Kitty did a runner. Shame. I was looking forward to ripping out his guts.”

 

Bella said, “I’m guessing you’re not a cat lover. Would you care to introduce yourself?”

 

“I am Dormarch, also known as the Black Dog of Death, canine companion of Gwynn Ap Nudd, ruler of the Otherworld. He suspected that you might require my assistance in dealing with Kitty so you have me on loan for the night. You may call me Mac.”

 

Bella said, “Never has the Black Dog been so welcome.” She introduced them all to him.

 

He bowed. Turning to the sets of twins he said, “Hmm. Two from the same egg here, two from the same egg there, Gemini twice over. Fascinating. Take my advice ladies. When you choose your life partners don’t select the same candidate as your twin. I’ve seen it all before. It causes enough trouble to shake the firmament. Now, let’s sort out Kitty. He will have eaten by now so we’re on a zombie hunt. When we find some I’ll pick up his scent from them and we’re in business.”

 

Nia didn’t like the sound of that. Coming face to face with a zombie had never been likely to make it onto her bucket list. They set off in silence, taking the general direction in which Cath Palug had fled. It wasn’t long before they spied, in the light of the rising moon, a group of figures shuffling towards them, whining like injured beasts.

 

Phyllis and Dilys whispered in unison, “We know them. They’re ‘The Sons of Chaos,’ the Beaumaris bikers.”

 

Mac said, “Well, tonight they encountered more chaos than they’d bargained for. Kitty’s had supper. Call up a holding spell, ladies. Immobilise them until we can re-acquaint them with their souls.”

 

Nia said, “Can we do that?”

 

Siani and Bella glanced at each other. They both nodded. Siani said, “Yes. We’ll explain later.”

 

Nia’s instinct told her that a big decision had just been made, but what was it?

 

The zombies were easily enmeshed in the holding spell. Mac sniffed them. “Got it. I can track him down now but we must hurry before he gets hungry again.”

 

Further along the road they came across ‘The Sons’ motor bikes, left abandoned. Mac said, “You young ones, borrow a bike each. Bella and Siani, ride on my back. Let’s go.”

 

The four twins punched the air. “Woo-hoo, we’re biker chicks.”

 

Bella and Siani raised their eyebrows, Siani said, “Witches who whoop? Really?”

 

 Bella said, “We’ve lived too long.”

 

Mac bounded across the island with the old witches clinging on tight while Nia and the twins, on borrowed Harley Davidsons, rode behind him. A cold night wind chilled Nia’s bones and the moon cast a ghostly, silver sheen on the tidal waters of the Menai Straits. They reached Coed Niwbwrch, which the tourists call Newborough Forest. Mac said, “He’s near.” Siani signalled to the biker chicks. They stopped in a woodland clearing.

 

Nia said, “What are you planning? I’ve a feeling we won’t like it.”

 

Bella said, “We’re going to invoke a possession spell. Siani and I will possess Kitty’s mind and release the souls he’s eaten. As soon as they leave him Mac will rip out his guts.”

 

Nia turned to Mac, “But you must wait until Bella and Siani get out of his mind before you do the ripping.”

 

Bella shook her head, “There won’t be time, Nia. This must all be done quickly while Kitty’s off his guard. He mustn’t have the opportunity to fight us and escape.”

 

The four twins cried in unison, “No. You can’t sacrifice yourselves like that.”

 

Nia understood why they were prepared to do it. She said, “You’re escaping Cerridwen’s curse.”

 

Siani said, “We are. Don’t mourn for us, ladies. We’ll be sleeping in the Land of Annwn tonight, dreaming beautiful dreams until the time comes for us to reincarnate in human form.”

 

The twins burst into tears.

 

Mac said, “Stop it. There’ll be time for that later. Invoke the spell. I’ll find Kitty and drive him towards you. Call me with your minds when the heavy duty hex is good to go.” He bounded into the forest.

 

Without speaking the witches wove the possession spell. They called to Mac when they were ready. Bella and Siani sat on the ground and waited.

 

Cath Palug emerged, hissing and spitting, into the clearing. The Black Dog of Death, now grown to twice his size, was close behind him. Bella and Siani closed their eyes. Their bodies fell to one side while the demon cat writhed and screeched. It was two minds against one. They were witches and he was just a cat. His open jaws were forced wide, emitting wisps of grey smoke.

 

Mac growled, “The souls are released.” He leapt upon his prey with bared teeth. It was over in a moment. Cath Palug lay dead. The hound, reduced to his former size, turned to the witches. “Use your witchcraft to burn him. After he’s destroyed, the fire will serve as Bella and Siani’s funeral pyre. When the flames die the night wind will scatter their dust.”

 

Nia said. “We must have a way to honour their memory, Mac.”

 

“You can sow wild flowers here tomorrow if it pleases you: a charming human custom.”

 

When all trace of the demon cat was obliterated, the witches lifted Bella and Siani’s bodies onto the pyre with gentleness and reverence. While the fire burned Mac said, “The bikers’ souls will now have found their way back into their bodies and Bella and Siani will be in the Land of Annwn.” He bowed to the witches. “I must return to Bryn Celli Ddu and enter the Otherworld before the veil closes. King Gwynn will be waiting for me. Five bewildered ‘Sons of Chaos’ should now be recovering their equilibrium. I suggest you return their bikes.”

 

Nia fought back her tears and said, “Thank you, Dormarch, Companion of Gwynn Ap Nudd. Will we meet again?”

 

“Yes, Lady Nia. I have no doubt that we will.” He bowed again to them all and then bounded into the night.

 

In silence, the witches rode the bikes back to their owners and released ‘The Sons’ from the holding spell. A biker, tall and muscular, approached them. His hair was tied back in a ponytail and a tattoo of a fork-tongued reptile curled around his neck. He called to Phyllis and Dilys, “You’re lookin’ good, Phyl and Dil, but what are you and your witchy friends doing with our bikes? Introduce us and state your business.”

 

Phyllis and Dilys turned to the other witches. “Ladies, this is the president of ‘The Sons of Chaos.’ His name’s Snake.” With a coy smile at the biker they said, “Snake, this is Eryl and Meryl and this is Lady Nia, our Chief Witch. She’ll explain what happened, one pres to another kinda thing.”

 

Nia, taken aback at being introduced as Chief Witch, attempted to convey the dignity and authority she’d admired in Bella and Siani. She addressed Snake. “I will explain, but first I must ask, did you have an unsettling experience tonight?”

 

“Yeah, some cretins in the ‘Dagger and Duck’ hostelry must have spiked our drinks. We don’t remember anything before waking up out here with our bikes missing. When we find out who they are we’ll cut off their toes and ram them up their-”

 

“No need, Mr President, we dealt with the problem thoroughly, in an appropriate witchy way. You won’t be troubled again and we have returned your bikes.”

 

Snake nodded. “Fair enough. I won’t argue with a Chief Witch. Can we give you ladies a lift anywhere?”

 

“Yes. Llanddona.”

 

“Our pleasure. Climb aboard.”

 

~ * ~

 

Dormarch reached Bryn Celli Ddu. A figure emerged from the mist of the Otherworld. His skin was the colour of the earth, his flame-red hair flowed to his waist and his tunic was speckled with the brown and gold shades of autumn leaves. He called, “Here, Dormarch.”

 

The hound trotted to Gwynn Ap Nudd’s side and said, “I have succeeded, Master. Cath Palug is dead.”

 

The ruler of the Otherworld said. “Excellent. Cerridwen now owes me a favour. That is an advantageous situation. Come. It’s time to go home.” They stepped into the Otherworld and the veil closed behind them.

 

~ * ~

 

The bikers carried the witches to Llanddona and bade them goodnight. Nia held out her arms to the two sets of twins. After a group hug and a few tears she said, “I’ll stay tonight at Bella and Siani’s cottage. Meet me there tomorrow morning and we’ll begin our search for two recruits to return our number to seven.”

 

She recalled the smile Phyllis and Dilys had bestowed on Snake. Mac’s warning of the shaking firmament came back to her. She must have words with those girls tomorrow. Being Chief Witch was complicated.

 

The cottage curtains were drawn but the embers of a dying fire in the kitchen’s hearth gave a sufficient glow for Nia to see Cerridwen seated at the table. The goddess said, “Welcome Nia. You are Chief Witch now.”

 

Nia said. “Did you know Bella and Siani would die tonight?”

 

“Yes. Their time had come. They had earned their rest and you are now the one who must ensure that mortals will always believe in me.”

 

Nia’s anger rose. “Don’t curse me with longevity, Cerri or I will not serve you. There is another way. We will no longer be called the Coven of Seven. We will be known as the Coven of Cerridwen. You will be believed in for as long as there are witches on Ynys Mon. Do you agree?”

 

The goddess smiled. “I like you, Nia. You have the courage to oppose me. Yes, I agree. I will trust you.” She rose to her feet. “You did well tonight. You rid both the mortal world and the Otherworld of Cath Palug. Gwynn Ap Nudd now owes me a favour. That is an advantageous situation. I will go home now.” She walked to the window, pulled the curtains aside, stepped into a shaft of moonlight that pierced the darkness, and vanished. Nia closed the curtains.

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