It hadn’t occurred to me that I could take a class inritual construction, and I had to admit I was a little intrigued.
“Festivals typically have all sorts of classes. Psychic self-defense, aspects of the goddess, ritual constructions, raising Pagan children, all kinds of things. It’s a way to keep the religion going as well as offer more formalized instruction,” Luna explained.
“So, all in all, does this seem like a fairly normal festival to you?” I asked as I watched a man with glittery ram horns glued to his forehead wander by.
“Actually, it does. It’s a nice mix of people having fun, people taking things seriously, and a slew of vendors and workshops. Perhaps a little more nudity than usual, but even that isn’tthatfar out of the realm of normal. Pagans are a fairly earthy and accepting sort. All in all, I’m impressed so far,” Luna said.
“Well, I’m certainly glad to hear that,” a low voice sounded over our shoulders, and we all turned at once.
Horace stood before us, naked to the waist, a loincloth tied loosely around his privates. A ritual cloak, looking to be made out of some sort of green woven material which alternately gleamed and sparkled, hung loosely from a crystal-embedded cord around his neck. He wore the same soft leather boots I had seen on him the other day, and his white hair flowed from beneath an intricate crown made of small bones ending in huge horns, rising easily a foot above his head. His horns were higher than Miss Elva’s feathers, and I could tell immediately that she was miffed.
“The devil!” Rafe hissed in my ear. I did my best to pretend I hadn’t heard him.
“Horace,” Luna said, by way of acknowledgement.
“Luna, Althea. Lovely to see you could make it. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show. And yet, here you are. Along with this radiant creature,” Horace purred, his odd-colored eyes landing on Miss Elva’s robes.
“I’m all female, thank you very much,” Miss Elva said, and Horace laughed softly.
“Of course, my apologies. What is it you do then?” Horace watched Miss Elva closely.
“Clerical work,” she replied smoothly.
Miss Elva was as much somebody’s secretary as I was a Supreme Court Justice, but we all allowed that one to slide as we watched Horace for his response.
“Interesting. I’m sure there’s a need for it here,” Horace replied, running one hand lightly up and down a large wooden staff he carried.
“It pays the bills,” Miss Elva quipped, and I almost smiled.
“Indeed. Well, you’ve shown up a little late, Althea. I’m not sure if you’ll have time to give any readings before our ceremony.”
Oh darn.
I shrugged. “I’m sorry. I told you I would have to check my schedule, and I was booked solid today. Maybe next time you could call ahead.”
Horace didn’t seem to like that, and he raised his staff a little in my direction. Without thinking, I put a mental shield up, something my mother had taught me how to do a long time ago, for protection in case anyone tried to mentally harm me. At the time, I hadn’t really understood why anyone would do that, but she had insisted that I studyit anyway. And, I’m sad to say, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to raise my shield.
I felt Horace’s energy bounce off my mental shield and he winced slightly as I sent it back to him twofold, all while smiling brightly at him.
His eyes narrowed.
“Horace, have you heard about the murder last night?”
Luna and Miss Elva both sucked in a breath; I imagined they would’ve pummeled me if they could have.
“I have. Terrible tragedy,” Horace said immediately. Screw this, I thought and reached out to scan his thoughts.
I was surprised when all I found was a black hole of nothingness. No thoughts, No emotions. No memories.
I’d never encountered such a thing before.
“It is. We’re all praying for the poor man’s family,” Miss Elva said, effectively ending the conversation.
“Of course. We’ll be sure to send a prayer to the gods and goddesses to protect his spirit and ask that it be given to the light,” Horace said smoothly. He glanced up to see the setting sun sinking below the horizon, leaving only darkness.
“I must be starting the ceremony soon. Follow me.”
I was fairly certain that was an order, and looked quickly at Luna for confirmation on what to do. She shrugged and nodded.
