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Tara, you really have watched too much TV, Lizzy
chided.
Myra considered the twenty-first century
television and understood Lizzy s humor.
What do we have to lose? Reading a couple
books and practicing a few chants, spells, or
whatever you want to call them, can t hurt. If it
doesn t work...oh, well. If it does...who knows, it just
might save a life like it did with Duncan and me.
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Silent Vows
Myra studied the book over Tara s shoulder.
Amber snuggled into her side.
Witchcraft, gifts, powers of premonition. I m a
lost cause. Liz tossed her hands in the air before
Myra could contradict her. Yeah, I know what I ve
seen with my own eyes. But I haven t even managed
a spark from these fingertips.
You haven t tried, Myra reminded her.
Yes, I have. I just can t do it. Even Simon s
tapping into his gifts.
He was so cute when he lit the candle last
week.
Myra agreed with Tara.
He s even starting to talk to me in his head.
Really?
Liz shrugged. He called me into his room the
other night. I thought he was yelling, but when I
realized no one heard him but me, I thought I d go
check on him.
Did he do it on purpose?
I think so. Ever since Grainna kidnapped him,
he s been a little more needy.
I ve never heard of a parent and son connection.
My father and mother, and Tara and Duncan
connect, but only because of their vows. Can you
speak with him? Or is it one way? Myra wasn t sure
what to make of it.
Both, sometimes. We connected because of the
trauma of Grainna s attack. At least that s what Fin
thinks. I tend to believe him.
Having someone poking around in your mind
isn t always a good thing, Lizzy. I love Duncan, but
sometimes having him in my head can be a real pain
in the ass.
Lizzy laughed. I don t think Simon has clued in
to any real private thoughts.
What thoughts? Amber remained silent until
that moment. Myra realized they weren t being very
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Catherine Bybee
careful around someone so young.
Nothing, she changed the subject. What does
that book say?
Going along with her suggestion, Tara pointed
to the page in the book. It talks here about casting a
circle for protection.
The stones are placed in a circle, Amber
reminded them.
A circle of fire kept Grainna imprisoned right
before I sent her back.
Myra wiggled up off the bed. Should we try it?
Tara added to the overall excitement. Let s use
the candles.
Myra and Tara took candles from around the
room and set them in the middle of the floor. Now
what?
We should sit in the middle, then light them.
Amber enthusiastically hopped off the bed and
sat next to her sister.
Liz had to be pried off the bed.
Come on, Lizzy. What do we have to lose? said
Tara.
This is lame.
Just get over here.
Once seated in a circle, Amber lit the wicks and
Tara read from the book.
Our circle is cast, we come in peace. She
flipped the pages and shook her head.
What is it? Myra asked.
These words don t apply to us.
So we make up our own.
Does it have to rhyme? Liz rolled her eyes.
These do.
Myra tossed her hair over her shoulder and
grasped the hands of Amber and Liz who sat on each
side of her. Tara followed her lead and began to
speak. Our circle is cast not once but twice
Twice? Liz questioned.
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Silent Vows
Well, we re once and the candles are twice.
Lame. Stupid and lame.
Undaunted, Tara continued, We sit inside and
seek advice. We look for promise, for hope and love,
the gifts we ve been given from God above.
The flames drew higher around them, taking
Myra by surprise. The others gasped.
Close your eyes, Amber told them all, her voice
exceeding her tender years. Help us connect and see
as one.
At her request, Myra felt her hand warm. She
opened her eyes and noticed their hands sparked.
Liz jolted back, but Tara held firm and wouldn t let
her go.
Images flew into Myra s mind. She saw Simon
calling his mom. She felt Tara s emotion as she held
her pregnant belly. She watched everything through
Lizzy s eyes as Duncan laughed and held Tara. All
the feelings welled up inside her. Joy, frustration,
anticipation, and fear. Everyone s fragmented
thoughts threatened a headache of extreme
magnitude.
Let s try clearing our thoughts, all these visions
are giving me a headache, Liz took the words right
out of Myra s thoughts.
Myra opened her eyes and glanced at the others.
So did Lizzy. Ahhh, Myra? Lizzy cleared her
throat. Are you doing that?
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