“I see.” Eliza’s finely painted brows rose a notch higher as she cast another dubious look at the fanny pack strapped about Kenna’s waist. “And what is in that wee bag? More essentials, I suppose?”
“Yes.” Kenna checked the strength of the clip attached to her belt loop. She didn’t want to leave a trail of tampons and toothpaste across the cosmos. There were just some things she wasn’t ready to give up. “I need this stuff, Eliza. Trust me.”
Eliza smiled and gave her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “I trust ye, gal, and I know in my heart ye will be just fine.”
“Did you stick the motion sickness patch behind your ear this morning? Doc said if you didn’t wear it for a few hours before you traveled it wouldn’t be as effective.” Mairi fastened a silver chain around Kenna’s neck then hugged her. “Of course, I’m not sure it’ll work for the kind of motion you’re about to go through, but it’s worth a shot—and just in case it doesn’t, here’s some peppermint oil and chewing gum for after you vomit.” Mairi shoved the items into Kenna’s jacket pocket and snapped the flap securely shut.
“It’s going to work.” Kenna tapped her temple. “The power of positive thinking. As long as I believe it, it will be so—right?” She fingered the silver locket Mairi had placed around her neck. “And thank you for the necklace—I know it’s your favorite. I promise I’ll give it back to you the next time I see you.”
Mairi smiled and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Take good care of it. And take good care of you.”
“I will.” Kenna cleared her throat, trying to dislodge the lump of emotions strangling her. Damnation, had Trulie felt this bad about leaving when she and Granny jumped back to the past?
“Let us know about Trulie and the baby as soon as you have news.” Lilia unzipped the side of Kenna’s backpack and shoved a floppy-armed teddy bear inside. “And tell Mr. or Miss Little MacKenna the bear is from her soon-to-be favorite Auntie Lilia.”
Kenna hooked her thumbs in her backpack and nodded. “I promise I’ll tell the little one all about the two fabulous aunties waiting to meet him or her.”
“It’s time, lass.” Eliza motioned for Kenna to get closer to the bonfire blazing around the pond. “Ye mustn’t tarry. Nia set the markers to ready on the other side, but as inexperienced as ye are with leading a jump, ye best make use of all three of the web’s conduits to send ye on yer way. The moon is aligned with the water and the flames are high enough to receive yer energy. Say the words to open the web.”
Kenna stole a last glance at Mairi and Lilia and blew them both a kiss. They had made a pact there would be no long-drawn-out, tearful good-byes when it was time to go. Emotions had to be as controlled as possible right before a jump. “Thank you, Eliza . . . for everything.”
Eliza squeezed her shoulders and gave her an affectionate shake. “I feel as if ye are my verra own. Take care, dear sweet lass, and give my love to yer grandmother, aye?”
Kenna sucked in a deep breath and nodded. “I will.”
“On wi’ ye then.” Eliza turned Kenna toward the fire and stepped back.
The ring of brush piled around the old pond crackled and popped with the hunger of the flames. Orange sparks exploded free, racing up into the night. Kenna swallowed hard and double-checked the nausea patch stuck behind her ear. Good. Still there. She breathed in deep through her nose and exhaled out her mouth. It was time to say the words to start this damn roller coaster ride.
“Web of time
Veil of space
Carry me to
My chosen place
Borne of water
Trialed by fire
My Sinclair blood is
My rightful power
For the good of all
With harm to none
So as it is spoken
So let it be done.”
The ring of fire roared higher with the surge of Kenna’s energy. The rippling surface of the pond immediately smoothed, hardening into an ebony mirror. A deep crackling, like the sound of thick ice breaking apart, echoed through the night. Every dancing tongue of orange-white flame solidified. The glistening blaze sprouted up around the mirrored surface of the water in an eerie circle of sculpted flames.
Kenna glanced back one last time and waved. Tears finally escaped and streamed down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and jumped through the flames. As her feet shattered the glass of the pond, she screamed out the command, “So mote it be!”
CHAPTER5
