The Summons

Things can get a little weird when you are not lucidly dreaming and messages are given through others to shut up and listen.  Today I was summoned back to the library.  I’ve been there only twice before and each time I was escorted by those I know well and trust implicitly.  I wasn’t really sure if I could find the way on my own, but when one is given a direct summons, then how can one turn it down right? So, I begin my journey, pulling my cloak around me, not really to ward off chill, but as a way of centering, lowering that frieze of near panic that sits low in my belly and crawls up my spine.  Why am I being asked to present myself?  The first time there, I acquired a place to work, in the shadows of the back, the most recent time I was studying with George who was quite the task master.  I soon find myself standing in front of the nondescript shop front with the slightly askew sign hanging above swinging crazily in the sudden breeze that has begin.  I see nothing amiss, so open the door in front of me.  The bell above rings to signal the shopkeep, as if the crow that begins to caw loudly wasn’t enough to alert him of my presence. “Come in, come in”, he says cheerily.  “I trust your journey  was uneventful”? I nod and wonder to myself as to why he acts as if he does not recognize me.  But I soon see the reason for his spacial aloofness.  She was seated upon a stool just beside the check out counter.  Dressed in what could only be construed as the garb of royalty.  I am taken aback.  I was not expecting to see anyone else since the last time I was here George whisked me out of sight as if I was not to be known to frequent these parts.  My confusion must have shown on my face, because the woman spoke to me gently.  “I’m sure you are wondering why I asked you to come here”, she said.  “My apologies for it being so abrupt”.  “I know that you were here the other day when I needed a book on script for an event I am holding, and I wished that I had gotten to meet you then so that you would not be so taken aback now”.  “My guardian thought it best to keep me out of the way”, I said quietly.  “I have no idea what it is you need to speak to me about”.  “No, m’dear, I am the one who should apologize for my abrupt summons”.  “And where are my manners?  Come, let us retire to the tea I have ordered and we can converse in a more hospitable setting”.   I look above my head at the crow who seems to shrug as if to say,” fuck me..I have no clue either”.  I almost laugh but bite my lip to stifle it as I follow Her Ladyship through the library towards a table in the back that has seemingly been transformer into a rose arbor.  It contains a beautifully sat table with two chairs as well as servants who stand at attention awaiting our entrance.  At once they jump into motion, pulling out our chairs and bringing in tea, sandwiches and tea cakes.  I move to push back the hood of my cloak and as I do so, she smiles. “You are appear younger than I imagined”.  “With all that I had hear, I’d imagined you as an old woman, with gray hair, and yet you are neither.” I laugh.  “I’m not sure how to take that really.  I am ancient as I like to tell my friends…older than most of them, yet not as old as you pictured me obviously”.  She smiled.  “I am so glad you accepted my invitation Shae..may I call you Shae? I want to learn all I can about those who can help when I need it”.  Wait..I think…help her do what, and this was more than an “invitation“.  My confusion had to be showing because she spoke again while pouring our tea as the minions/servants filled my plate.  “I am planning a wedding…It must not be interrupted for any purpose, and I have spoken with one of your compatriots previously and they agreed to help, so if I should need it, can I also count on you as a back up plan?” FOR FUCKS SAKE! I know the compatriot of whom she speaks, have been privy to part of this conversation from their perspective.  How in the hell am I to help if her plan A doesnt work out? “Ma’am “I begin, “I am not certain that I have anything to offer on that front if my friend finds herself unwilling or unable to help you with that”?  She smiles.  “Don’t sell yourself short Swamp Witch”.  “Your guardian assures me that you would be most helpful should I need it, and you are willing”.  That last part was almost said grudgingly by Her Ladyship and this time I did allow the smile play around my lips.  So George was going to give me an out after all.  How very human of him after all.  the thought of George human almost was my undoing and Im sure if he ever found out, I’d never hear the end of it, but it allowed my nervousness to disparate and to see things as they were.  Her ladyship had an event that MUST take place for whatever reason and she was calling in reinforcements to make sure that happened.  “I will be happy to lend whatever assistance I can”, I tell her. She smiles and claps her hands.  “Oh good.  I was hoping you would do so”.  “Please, help yourself to more food”.  I had not even realized that I had eaten any.  As I look up, I spy a familiar rainbowed furry leg among the leaves in the rose arbor.  Oh.  I guess I didnt eat after all.  “No thank you”, I tell her I am fine”.  She continues to eat and speak of the upcoming wedding, about how she herself had personally written the invitations out in a flowing script and had them hand delivered.  She sounded so excited that I couldnt help but think that this good deed of hers..yeah would definitely have a price tag attached.  Ispent several more minutes with her, then she looked at the watch that was pinned to the front of her dress as a jewel.  “Oh my goodness..time just seems to get away with me.  I must leave, but thank you so much for this visit and your help”.  I stood as she gathered her belongings .  “Goodby m’dear.  I hope to see you again”.  And just like that, she was gone.  I shook my head.  “You can come out now George”, I tell him.  He shifts downward to the previously vacated chair wearing a sheepish grin(if such a thing can happen with a spider).   “So …let me see if I can wrap my head around this shit.  First you pull me out of sight before I can see her and tell me stay quiet, now you’re volunteering my services? Is that correct?” George nods.  “I wanted to scope things out first before I allowed the connection.  I know you know others who are connected to her, but this is different from your side”.   I shake my head.  “You owe me lunch you know,”I said as I gestured toward the table.   He laughed and soon the table was laden with all sorts of things.  “I could not allow you to eat just anything without knowing if it would harm you”, he said.  I knew this, and was grateful that he had my back even if I was still a little ticked over the manipulation.  Ah well..it’s not like its the first time nor likely to be the last.   So I ate my lunch and listened as George explained some details and went over some of the formulas he had me study before.  Soon it was time to return home, and George walked back with me because as he said, the shadows were gathering.  I dont mind shadows much, but if it made him feel better, was not going to argue.  We reached my door, and George stopped and looked at me..”You always have the choice Cher, don’t forget that”.  Out of my head spider,lol…”I know”, I tell him.  “But thanks for caring enough to remind me”.  He nods then disappears.  I have GOT to learn how to do that I think. I make my way inside and lie down on the bed to think things through.   This could either be damned interesting or a fucking train wreck. Either way the energy is going to be damned intense.  I need more rum and or sleep…either order works for me.