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“It was just like the map described and what I saw in my vision,” I proclaim as Ason helps me off the dragon.
“Next time, I will give you a wand that extracts light. You will be able to use it like a flashlight,” Leo tells me.
“Thank you, that should help,” I say, grateful for his help.
It’s funny how far we have all come. In just a few days, I went from being the target of their tricks and games to being part of their team to save the academy.
“Now that you have seen the inside of the forest, we need to tackle step two of our plan,” Ason begins.
“Ok, what’s that?” Leo asks.
“We go find the Gullah,” Ason states flatly.
Chapter 16
“Ican’tbelievetheHeadmaster let you borrow her car,” I exclaim, as we all jump inside the large SUV.
The midnight black exterior allows the vehicle to seamlessly blend into the night. The cool leather interior is plush and comfortable against my warm skin.
“Technically, it’s the school’s vehicle, but she didn’t really have a choice. We have to get to the Gullah and I’m not walking,” Leo responds.
“So, what exactly is a Gullah?” I ask, unsure if I should speak up or not. I only learned what a Gullah was briefly in my class, but our professor hadn’t spent a great deal of time on the topic.
Kindle sits next to me in the back seat and answers. “The Gullah are a group of people first introduced to people in North America in the 1700’s. Many were enslaved on plantations right here in Charleston, South Carolina. They began telling stories and delving into healing. Now, they share their stories and healing powers with those that seek them out. Many go to plantations to do presentations, while others prefer to remain in the low country, hidden among the swamps and undisturbed.”
Nodding, I recall some of that information.
“What exactly are we going to ask the Gullah to do?” I question.
Times like this make me feel useless. Everyone here knows so much more than I do, even Leo who is a second-year like myself.
Candi turns around from the front seat and provides me with a sympathetic smile. “First, we have to explain that we are with the Academy. This particular Gullah is familiar with the Headmaster and the Supernaturals at this school. Not just any human can pull up to the home of a Gullah and expect them to talk to you. Some Gullah’s have stores in downtown Charleston where they sell Voodoo items, books of magic and herbs, and other items that people purchase to ward off Boo Hags, like alligator teeth,” she explains.
“A Boo hag?” I almost laughed.
“That is not something to laugh about,” Stella snaps from behind me. “A Boo hag is what the Gullah call bad spirits or demons. Dark Magic Witches rely on these to conjure the evilness needed to create their evil spells. The Dark Magic Witch that we are about to battle has used Boo Hag’s to conjure the students into the forest.”
Nodding, I close my mouth and decide not to ask any more questions. There is so much I have yet to learn and the Gullah is another culture I need to learn.
As I sit and listen, Ason scoots over and sits next to me, putting me in the middle of him and Kindle. Leo hops in the driver's side and Candi sits in the front passenger seat. Stella takes the third-row seats, stretching out her legs. Apparently, shifting back into human form from her Dragon causes aches and pains in her legs and arms.
“Don’t worry, you will learn all of this in time. It takes a great deal of research and courses to gain all of this insight,” Ason reassures me. Taking my hand in his, he squeezes and I feel comfort.
As Leo pulls away from the academy, I hold my breath as we head out of the countryside and toward the main City of Charleston. I have never really taken the time to admire the city. As we pass through the city, I spot the Charleston City Market and the sign for Rainbow Row. I make a mental note to do some sightseeing once this is all over. Well, if I make it out alive that is.
With the windows rolled down, I can smell the salty air of water. We are near the harbor and a large bridge comes into view. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is upon us. This famous bridge will take us to Mt. Pleasant and into the area where we will find the Gullah.
I stare out the window while others in the car chat. As the SUV continues, I spot an older model car pull up next to us. The people inside the car are dressed in what appears to be older clothing. Their faces appear gray and eyes are somber.
“Don’t stare too hard, they will notice,” Ason whispers next to me.
“What?” I ask, tearing my eyes away from the strange looking car.
“That car isn’t really there. I mean, yes you see it, but the people inside of that car are dead,” Ason explains.
“What are you talking about?” I gasp, turning my head so that I can observe the car once again. The faded green Oldsmobile keeps up with our SUV, the five people inside staring blankly straight ahead.
“She really is clueless about everything around here and her own world,” Stella gripes.
