“I think he will. He’ll believe you’re weak, and that we’re fractured. He’ll see a chance, want to take it. It’s family he doesn’t understand, and the bonds of friendship. But he’ll understand what we lure him with.”
He took her hand, walked with her into the workshop where the others had already gathered.
Even for this, Meara thought, the ritual must be kept.
So they lighted the ritual candles, watched while the smoke from the cauldron rose in a pale blue.
Branna took the ritual cup she placed in the circle, and spoke words familiar now.
“This we drink, one cup for six, from hand to hand and mouth to mouth to fix with wine our unity. Six hearts, six minds as one tonight as we prepare to wage this fight. Sip one, sip all, and show each one here answers the call.”
Three times they passed the cup, hand to hand, mouth to mouth.
“A circle are we, two rings forming one three by three. Tonight we ask for strength and power to see us through the dark hour. Four elements we will call to bring about Cabhan’s fall. Fire, earth, water, air we’ll stir into a raging sea. As we will, so mote it be.”
The three closed the circle.
“We’re ready. The circle’s been cast, the spell begun. If we have time to cast a circle on the rise, so much the better.” Branna looked at Meara. “You’ll know when to start.”
She hoped so.
They walked to the rise, carrying candles, cauldron, weapons, and wands, shielded from sight—but for Cabhan’s. Connor told her they’d left a window for him.
As they topped the rise, he reached for her hand. She pulled sharply away.
And the play began.
20
I TOLD YOU TO STAY CLEAR OF ME.”
“Ah now, Meara, it was just a pint in the pub.”
“Talk runs like a river, Connor, so I know just how you spent your time in the pub.” She sent him a look of absolute disgust. “And while I was barely able to stand after what was done to me. On your account done to me.”
“Jesus, Meara, it was just a bit of a flirt. Some conversation, a bit of fun.”
“Have all the fun and conversation you want, but don’t think you’ll come cozying up to me after.” Deliberately she quickened her pace. “I know your ways. Who better?”
“What do you want?” He hunched his shoulders as they climbed the gentle rise. “I needed a bit of a breather, is all, after being cooped up day after day in the cottage or slammed with work at the school. You could do little but sleep for hours at a go.”
“And why was that?” She stopped, rounded on him. “It’s you and your magicks put me flat, isn’t it?”
He planted his feet, glared back at her. “It’s me and my magicks saved your bleeding life!”
“And while I was clinging to that life, you’re off conversing with Alice Keenan at the pub.”
“Enough, enough, enough!” Branna blasted at both of them. “There’s no time for this. Didn’t I tell you my star chart has tonight as our best chance to finish this? We can’t do what needs doing with the two of you sniping at each other.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” Meara jerked up her chin. “I’m here putting my life on the line yet again because I said I would. I keep my word. Unlike some.”
“A man buys a girl a pint, and suddenly he’s a liar?”
“Lay the candles, Connor.” Branna shoved them at him. “And focus on what’s at hand. By the gods, couldn’t you have waited till we’d done this before sniffing around Alice Keenan?”
On an outraged hiss, Meara dumped her pack on the ground. “Oh, so it’s fine and well for him to run around behind me after I’ve been useful?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Branna said, her tone sharp, dismissive. “Stop acting the gom.”