Chapter 3: Summons
New Haven. Wednesday, November 29, 2006.
Neal and Sara could have waited to attend the book reception in Manhattan, but they were eager to support Chloe. And now that Sam was under a threat, they wanted to be in New Haven for his sake as well. Realistically, there wasn't much they could do, but Neal thought Sam might like to talk it through with him.
Sam had told him about the Yellow-Eyed Demon a couple of months ago when they were investigating an enchanted netsuke. At the time, Sam was experiencing nightmares but didn't want Dean to know. For him to change his mind, they must have gotten dramatically worse.
The Elysian Bookstore was near the Yale campus. It attracted a large following from the university. The bookstore was crowded when Neal and Sara arrived. Chloe was seated at a table near the front, signing copies of Monkshood by Moonlight. Neal noticed Maia standing by the refreshments table in the back. There was no sign of Dean or Sam.
They paused to admire a poster for the book.
"Mozzie told me he's found an agent for Chloe who also works in Hollywood," Sara said. "Someday a TV series might be made of the adventures of Zoe Alderwood and Ravensword."
"Given how steamy some of the scenes are, I hope it's on cable." Mozzie was currently in Japan, consulting on the latest project for Yellowface. The anime producers were keen on developing a Godzilla movie for their bee superhero.
A long line of readers had formed in front of Chloe, so he and Sara decided to hit the refreshments table while waiting for a lull. Neal noticed Mozzie's honey wine was among the selections. He'd probably sent up a case in honor of the event.
"Judging by the turnout, Chloe's book will be a best-seller," Sara told Maia.
"It's a welcome distraction for all of us," Maia replied. "I've been keeping myself busy by working on the new annex to the bookstore. I hope Sam will get interested in the project."
"What will the annex be for?" Neal asked.
"Used and rare books. The demand is high but currently there's only one bookseller in the university district. He wants to retire and has offered to sell me his stock."
"Will you have a section for the occult?" Sara asked.
"I really should, as well as botany and mythology. The three seem to go together these days." Maia turned to Neal. "What have you learned about the Celtic coin?"
He hadn't planned to bring it up till after the reception, but she was probably trying to latch onto topics to avoid thinking about Azazel. "It appears to be identical to the one in the hex bag," he told her. "We'd dated it to the first century. When we found it in the hex bag, we didn't know about Astrena. Now, the imagery has a deeper significance."
Maia nodded in agreement. "The moon and stars could be references to her. The flower on the reverse side could symbolize an orchid."
"I'd wondered about the lines radiating away from the star," Sara said. "They could represent the tail from a meteor. Neal told me about the connection between meteors and pure-blood vampires."
Maia swallowed. "This coin could have been part of the ritual to bring pure-bloods to Earth."
This was why Neal hadn't wanted to discuss it yet. Not exactly the pleasant sort of chitchat to make at a book reception. On the other hand, it was a reception for a book about a witch and her supernatural lover. Anyone eavesdropping would likely assume they were discussing a plot in a novel.
"I wonder how involved Astrena was with the creation of the coin," Sara mused. "The only example we found on the web was discovered in an ancient grave in Ireland. Could there be a connection?"
"It's certainly possible," Maia said. "She's been around since the dawn of prehistory, and some sources mention trade between the ancient Celts and the Greeks." She paused to smile ruefully. "Although no one mentions a goddess visiting Ireland."
"You said Chloe sensed an enchantment on the coin," Neal said. "Have you determined what kind?"
"Not really. I had a vision of myself playing as a child with two young boys who I thought were my brothers. It could have been something planted by Astrena. Chloe told me the coin you found in the hex bag was used by one of her sisters."
Neal nodded. "Peter and I reviewed the surveillance feed. Alcy Lancaster and Curtis Hagen walked out of the prison with no one paying any attention to them as if they were invisible." He turned to Sara. "A few days later Crowley possessed him."
Maia's cell phone rang, causing her to flinch. Neal was sympathetic to her reaction. Azazel was on her mind day and night. Probably every time her phone rang, she wondered if it was bad news.
She swallowed when she looked at the display. "It's Bobby. I better take it." She raised the phone to her ear. Neal couldn't hear his voice, but her face drained of color. She turned to them. "Sam and Dean have vanished."
#
Bobby glared at the Mystery Machine. "I knew I should have stepped in earlier. When Sam discovered the connection to orchids, why in blazes didn't I take my sledgehammer and consign that demonic contraption to the scrapyard?"
Sara winced in sympathy. With Chloe in the middle of a book signing and Maia in charge of the reception, she'd volunteered to stay with them while Neal headed for the mansion. Neal relayed updates to her which she passed on to Maia. They decided to wait to tell Chloe till the reception was over.
Once they were back at the mansion, they quickly caught up because there was little additional information. Dean and Sam were experimenting with various samples of orchid infusions by adding them to a small reservoir tank and then monitoring the machine for any reaction. Dean had worked wonders with the inside assembly, cleaning the parts and replacing worn belts, but he'd been unable to get it to do anything.
Bobby was focused on wiring up the call center and wasn't paying much attention to them. He suddenly heard a loud humming sound and an exclamation from Dean. He spun around to see the machine light up like a Christmas tree. A second later they were gone. The machine went quiet immediately after they disappeared, but now no one wanted to touch it.
"I'm sorry, girls," Bobby said contritely. "I should have watched those idjits more carefully."
"It's not your fault, Bobby," Chloe said. "We'll just have to figure out what happened to them. Did it suck them into a different world?"
"Or perhaps another time," Neal suggested, raising an eyebrow. "Like 1913?"
A light bulb lit up in Sara's mind. "You're thinking of the message Mozzie found carved into a stud at June's mansion."
Neal nodded. "According to it, Dean and Sam were there on February 20, 1913. The Winchesters were convinced Sam carved it. He finished the message with one word—Astrena."
"Balls, this is a friggin' time machine," Bobby muttered. "Someone kick me in the ass for not having realized it."
"We'd all gotten too complacent," Chloe said. "With Astrena back in the stars, I didn't think experimenting with orchids would be dangerous."
"No one's to blame," Sara said, stepping in before they became mired in remorse. "In any case, dwelling on past mistakes doesn't help. We need a path forward."
Neal flashed her a quick approving smile. "Sara's right. Bobby, hold off on the wrecking ball. The machine worked once. We just need to get it working again. I'm positive whoever invented it wasn't interested in one-way trips to another time."
"The reservoir may hold a little residual orchid essence," Maia suggested. "We could analyze it to determine which batch the men used."
"We also know of one person who's familiar with the machine," Chloe said, a determined expression on her face. "It's time to summon Seth Winchester."
"You act like that won't be difficult," Sara said, shocked. "Will you be able to use the machine or some of his papers to make the connection?"
"I'd rather use a small hard object," Chloe said. "Don't ask me why, but it seems to work better. We'll need to use the séance room. The etheric field is strongest there." She turned to Neal. "Do you think Henry will let us use Seth's pocket watch?"
"Not only let us. He'll want to be here. I'll give him a call now."
A relative had given Henry the gold watch months ago, but he'd never wanted to try to contact Seth. Sara was familiar with Henry's aversion to ghosts, but Neal was convinced his concern for Dean and Sam would make Henry a willing participant. They weren't planning to contact Seth out of idle curiosity. He was their best hope of bringing Dean and Sam back. The message Sam had carved into the stud included Astrena's name, but no one wanted to count on her help. She could have been the cause of their disappearance.
#
There was no question in Neal's mind that Henry would agree. He promised to leave for New Haven immediately and would commandeer one of Win-Win's company cars for the trip. Eric planned to come along and Splash would be with them as well. She'd become friends with Tatyana on previous trips, and the mansion had plenty of bedrooms to accommodate everyone.
No one knew how long they'd need to stay. Eric had brought along his work laptop. He was currently designing the detailed blueprint for Mozzie and Janet's new cottage and could work remotely.
Chloe and Maia researched the orchid infusion while waiting for Henry and Eric to arrive. A trace of liquid was still in the reservoir. By analyzing it, Maia was able to determine which sample the guys had used in the machine. The initial batch had been depleted, but she believed she had enough orchids to distill a second batch.
Bobby continued to install the wiring on the new call center. He viewed the current crisis as having a slim silver lining—for the moment Sam was out of Azazel's reach.
Neal wasn't without an assignment either, and that was thanks to Sara. She'd pulled him aside as soon as he relayed the news about Henry's plans.
"You realize what this means, don't you?" she said.
"We're going back in time to rescue them."
She nodded. "Someone has to. Bobby can't—not with a broken arm. Chloe and Maia will probably offer but they're not trained investigators. They need us along." She hesitated. "I assume you're as eager as I am."
He brushed her lips with a kiss. "You know me well. If Seth can describe how the mystery machine works, we'll demand two tickets."
"I bet we can access old plans of Manhattan online. We need to make ourselves familiar with that period."
Maia and Chloe were excited to hear about the research plans and logged Neal and Sara onto their computers. The project let them move past all the difficulties that lay ahead—summoning Seth and getting the machine to work. Instead, they could focus on the rescue phase, a much more pleasant topic to consider.
#
"Driving to a séance," Henry sang, sneaking a glance at Eric sitting next to him in the company car. "I promised you that life with me would never be boring, but this wasn't what I had in mind."
Eric rested a hand on Henry's thigh. "Whatever happens, we're in it together. Splash and I will be your security blanket."
Henry made a face, but he couldn't dispute that Eric was much calmer about this than he was.
"If Dean and Sam's lives weren't at stake, no way would I have agreed to this," Henry admitted. "My views haven't changed. If Choe manages to summon Seth, he won't be thrilled at seeing us. He'd done his best to erase his Winslow past." Henry stopped himself before detailing the violence he felt could erupt.
"That's why our presence is so important," Eric said calmly. "We need to convince him to help us. You're the best salesman I know. Consider this as one of those marketing initiatives you promote so well for Win-Win."
Henry made a low rumble in his throat.
"Didn't Neal manage to pull a fast one on Astrena with the Bewitched con?" Eric added. "Don't tell me you'll let him show you up."
Henry groaned. "You know me too well. Now it's a matter of personal pride."
"That's the guy I know and love," Eric said, giving his thigh a reassuring squeeze. "You got this."
"If I do, it's thanks to you. How can you be so comfortable with summoning a spirit?"
"Have you ever been to a séance before?"
"Nope. I never wanted to. Having to confront Vance's vengeful spirit was enough for any reasonable person's lifetime."
"Understandable, but you had a rough introduction. I've attended several séances, and nothing gruesome happened in any of them."
"Were they in New York?" Eric had never mentioned them before, but then he knew Henry's attitude so he probably wouldn't have.
"No, Central America."
Of course. For years, Eric had volunteered his carpentry skills in impoverished villages in Central America.
"Rural populations are much more comfortable with witchcraft and sorcery than us city dwellers." Eric was being kind to lump himself with Henry. "The belief in magic—what's called Brujería—is strong in villages. Wizards and witches—brujos and brujas—practice their trade openly. Once when I was sick, I went to a bruja for an herbal preparation, and she cured me."
"Did you run into any hunters in Central America?"
"No, but I discussed Mexico with Dean and Sam during that weekend we spent in New Haven with Julia and Graham. They know of Latino hunters, and there's no shortage of creatures in that part of the world. The States don't have a monopoly on vampires, vengeful spirits, and werewolves."
"I'm sure that's right." That weekend in early October was Pops and Julia's introduction to the world of hunters. It could have easily been a disaster. Pops' sarcastic streak could rub folks the wrong way. It helped that he and Julia had already experienced the fury of Abaddon. Plus, Pops knew he was there on probationary status. Dean, in particular, was very reluctant to reveal much about their lives.
"You managed some Brujería of your own that weekend," Henry said. "Your ease in discussing what hunters confront and the respect you gave them smoothed over the initial awkwardness. I'm adding brujo to your list of outstanding attributes."
Eric chuckled. "Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment." He fell silent, looking absently out the side window.
"I hope I didn't offend you by calling you a brujo," Henry said. Did the expression carry some derogatory connotation he was unfamiliar with?
"No." Eric turned to face him, giving him a reassuring smile. "I was just thinking that you and I have more in common with hunters than you might think—the difference being their current situation is like ours was when we were teenagers."
"Because we're gay?"
He nodded. "We both grew up having to hide aspects of our lives. You and I are lucky now. We can be much more open than before, but the Scoobies still have to be very careful. I don't imagine Maia and Chloe are comfortable telling casual acquaintances they're witches. Dean and Sam have to conceal the nature of their jobs. It's a tough way to live."
#
Neal looked up from his cell phone. "Henry texted they're only a few minutes away," he announced to the group in the living room. Chloe and Maia were in the stillroom preparing the infusion.
"It's almost midnight," Sara said. "Chloe said that's the optimal time for a séance. It's the time of day when the spirit world—or should I say the etheric plane—is closest to us."
Neal smiled at her. "Are you starting to feel a little of your witch ancestry?"
"Maybe I am. But more likely it's because of the Wicca meetings I've attended. Talking about the spirit world no longer seems quite as strange."
Chloe had discovered that one of Sara's ancestors was a seventeenth-century witch named Rowena MacLeod. It had since become a private joke. And perhaps, it was more than that. As part of the Bewitched con, Neal had gotten Astrena to believe that Dean and Sam were her father's emissaries and that Neal still adored her. Astrena knew Chloe and Maia were powerful witches. They'd convinced her they were working to restore her place on Earth. Sara wasn't part of the con, but her pedigree could be a useful tool if Astrena ever started to act up.
When Henry and Eric appeared at the front door, everyone breathed easier.
"There'll be plenty of time for small talk later," Bobby said gruffly. "You brought the watch?"
Henry patted his jacket pocket. "Let's do this."
Chloe came into the entry. "Henry, I know this isn't something you're comfortable with. You don't have to be present, but it would be helpful."
"I want to be there," Henry said without a trace of hesitation in his voice. Neal knew how much it cost him to maintain that confident look about something he dreaded.
"I was there for Neal when Vance attacked," Henry continued. "I doubt Seth will be as angry as he was. Besides, Dean and Sam are family. Seth doesn't know that yet but I'm the best person to convince him of it."
The séance chamber was a small annex next to Astrena's bedroom. Crowding seven people around the table was a tight fit, but Chloe said their presence would reinforce her summoning power. She had Henry sit opposite her chair and placed Eric next to him. Maia and Bobby were on one side of Chloe. Neal and Sara were on the other. Between Bobby and Eric was one empty chair. Neal assumed that was reserved for Seth. He was glad it wasn't next to Henry.
He'd spotted Bobby talking with Eric earlier, probably to find out if Eric approved of the seating arrangement. Eric had met Crowley and appeared to enjoy the experience. Many Latinos were comfortable with the concept of ghosts. Was Eric one of them?
Chloe carefully placed the watch in a direct line between herself, the infusion, and Henry. She had an absent look on her face as if she was already connecting with the etheric plane. Neal felt the air grow heavy as she began to chant in Greek. Sara clasped his hand more tightly. Henry wasn't the only one who was new to séances. Neal placed his other hand on top of hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Maia added her voice to Chloe's. It was easy to distinguish the two. When Maia chanted, the Greek words sounded like lyrics to an ancient hymn. Neal could easily imagine her strumming a lyre as she chanted.
An image started to coalesce. Gradually a man wearing a rumpled suit materialized. He appeared to be in his fifties. His hair was salted with grey. Any doubt about Seth being a Winslow evaporated. Henry and Dean weren't the only ones who looked alike. The ghost bore a strong resemblance to Graham. Neal had seen photos of Henry's grandfather at a comparable age. He and Seth could be twins.
Henry choked back an exclamation, and the ghost turned to stare at him. He was still translucent. Neal was able to see Bobby through him.
Henry leaned back, his face turning gray. Eric sidled in front of his husband to shield him.
"Why did you summon me?" Seth growled, turning to face Chloe.
"We need your help. Two of your descendants, Sam and Dean Winchester, experimented with one of your machines and have now disappeared. We fear they traveled to the past, and we don't know how to bring them back." A look of anguish transformed Chloe's face from a trance-like state into the look of an anxious relative.
"Why are you here?" Seth demanded, pointing at Henry.
"Because I'm your descendant too. My name's Henry Winslow."
Seth reared back. "My son?"
"I bear his name but I'm your great-great-grandson," Henry explained.
"What kind of devilry is this? How do you know about me?" Seth demanded angrily.
"No demons were involved," Henry insisted. "Dean and I look very much alike. We thought there might be a family connection. Our research led us to you. We know who you are. How you erased your Winslow identity to shield your family. We're now asking you to aid your family once more."
Seth was silent for a long moment as he scanned the group. "Stuff and nonsense. You're selling me a load of hogwash and I'm not buying it."
"What if we allow you to read our minds?" Chloe asked. "Will that convince you?"
Seth looked at her, startled. "You'll give me permission?"
"I will," Chloe said. "I love Dean. I'll do anything to get him back."
"And I feel the same way about Sam," Maia added.
Everyone at their table added their assent, even Sara and Bobby who weren't directly connected. Neal hadn't realized Chloe would make the offer, but it would simplify matters if the ghost knew who they were and what they'd done. He likely wouldn't be thrilled at his machine having been removed from the crypt, but he'd need to know all the details in order to help Dean and Sam.
What followed could only be described as creepy. Everyone more or less froze in place as Seth locked eyes with one after another. Bobby had told Neal that ghosts can only access your minds if you give them permission. When his turn came, Neal spent quality time studying Seth in detail. He intended to draw him afterward.
After Seth had completed his tour of craniums, he made a face. "Typical whippersnappers. Messing around with equipment they know nothing about. I can see bits and pieces of me in both Dean and Sam. I was more like Sam when I was a Winslow. Once I became a hunter, I embraced the life like Dean has."
He jabbed his finger at Henry. "You're not a hunter, and you're right I abandoned my wife and kids to keep them safe. I don't want to have your blood on my hands either." He jerked his head toward Chloe. "Mistress Bishop, now she's a hunter. You, and anyone else who is tomfool enough to go, need to follow her lead." He swiveled to face Maia. "No way in hell should you go. You'll understand why in a moment."
"I may not have hunted creatures," Henry retorted, "but I'll match my wits with anyone." He seemed to have come to terms with talking with a ghost. Neal planned to keep quiet unless he was addressed. He and Sara were there for support, but Seth might resent them inserting themselves into the discussion.
Seth snorted. "You remind me of myself. You'll learn." He surveyed the group. "Dean and Sam got the time converter to work—that's my name for what you call the Mystery Machine, and you're right Nikola invented it." His expression grew wistful as he gave a slow sigh. "He was a good friend. After I joined the Men of Letters, I moved to New York City and worked with the New York chapter. Nikola was a member."
"Where was the headquarters?" Bobby asked.
"Gone. We moved it to New Haven in 1907. Figured it would be safer. And it was . . . until you came along." He shrugged. "But maybe it's for the best."
"We're carrying on your legacy," Bobby argued. "Creatures didn't pack up for a different planet after Abaddon."
"Yeah, I know. We have ways of keeping up with what's going on. As far as the time converter, I never did understand much about it. That was Nikola's baby. By the time we moved, Nikola had fallen on hard times. He wasn't able to get funding. He asked me to store his machine. He knew we'd keep it safe."
"We believe Dean and Sam were sent to New York City in early 1913," Henry said. "Do you know why that date was entered into the machine?"
"The date was February 15, 1913, and I put it there myself," Seth declared. "I got a message from Nikola in 1919 about a crime that had occurred in New York in 1913. He wanted me to use the time converter to stop it. He tried to walk me through the steps I'd need to take. I was never able to get it to work." He turned to Chloe and Maia. "I reckon I never got the orchid infusion right."
"Why didn't Tesla come to New Haven to assist?" Bobby asked. "In 1919 he was in his sixties and in reasonable health."
"Because he didn't send me the message in 1919," Seth retorted, glaring at him. "Nikola sent it in 1939. He was elderly, frail, and in no condition to travel. He'd lost contact with the Men of Letters. Nikola figured out a way to connect with the converter to send me the message. I'd died in 1922 so he couldn't contact me directly. He said he wanted to connect with me in 1913 so I wouldn't have to use the time converter, but he could only go back twenty years."
"What crime was so important that he wanted you to engage in time travel?"
Seth studied the group for a moment. "Something you'd probably understand. Revenge was a large part of it. Astrena ruined his life. He wanted to stop her before she took another victim."
Notes: Henry's sensitivity to ghosts is understandable. It dates back to his childhood when he remembered seeing a toddler in his house. The little boy disappeared and Henry decided he'd seen the ghost of a younger brother who died. He later learned the toddler was Neal and his vanishing act was caused by WITSEC. Penna wrote the account. It's in "Spring Break" (in the Caffrey Vignettes collection).
