He didn’t reach for his own weapon. “I can’t move,” he said in a worried tone.
“Neither can I,” said Raewyn. “What are they doing?”
“I don’t know,” I said, though obviously they were casting a new spell, and we were the targets. I was immobilized as well.
Which of my glamours could get us out of this? Though none of the women was looking at me, I tried Compelling.
“Stop. Release us immediately,” I said.
The chanting continued.
“Say it again. I’ll help,” Stellon said.
I did but to no avail. The chanting only grew louder, the swaying faster.
“Can you do the fear thing again?” Stellon asked Raewyn.
“I’m trying, but I can’t get through. It’s like there’s a shield over their minds. I think they’re drawing power from the bonfire.”
Sure enough, the flames were rising, burning hotter and higher.
We were in serious trouble. Did they mean to make the fire jump its bounds and burn us alive?
Instead of moving outward toward us, the inferno suddenly shot upward, high into the sky, forming a blazing orange column that seemed to reach the stars.
The heat against my back was intense. Wishing I could grab Raewyn’s hand, I had to settle for connecting with her mind.
Are you all right? Are you in pain?I asked her.
No, I’m just immobilized. Are you okay?
Yes,I assured her.I don’t feel anything but a bit of discomfort from the heat. I’m going to find a way to get us out of this, don’t worry.
Have to admit—I’m a little worried,she said.
She looked terrified. I was too honestly. I had no idea what was going to happen next.
Just in case… I want you to know… I love you.
I know,she said.I love you too.
Stellon’s awestruck voice interrupted the poignant private moment.
“Look,” he said. “What’s happening?”
The column of flame was dividing at the top, separating into a multitude of individual spokes, fanning out in all directions high over our heads.
And then the separate streams bent and turned toward the earth again, resembling one of the large fountains on my estate.
All we could do was watch as the distinct tendrils of fire landed atop each Earthwife’s head, igniting her hair and then her dress.
One by one they began to scream as the fire spread and eventually killed them all.
When they’d all fallen, the fire went out completely, and the paralytic state that had gripped me released.
Stellon and Raewyn began to move as well, each spinning in a circle and observing the decimation of the coven.
She turned to me. “Did you do that?”
