The old healer huffed. “Just pay attention and be quiet.”
Astrid picked up the black stone.
“Obsidian?” Westley asked.
“Hematite,” she corrected. “For strength and protection, courage and fortitude.”
She placed the black stone beside the rose quartz—Westley had a sinking feeling in his stomach as the temperature dropped a few degrees. Astrid looked at Laeknir and he collected the remaining crystals, rewrapping them in their linen cloths and placing them carefully in the cupboards.
He came back with an empty crystal pitcher.
Astrid and Laeknir looked at him expectantly, like he should know what to do. She nudged the pitcher towards him before he understood.
Focusing hard on his bond with Solveig, he pulled at it, trying to get to his magic. Solveig responded immediately, and he could feel her concentration, sending her own power towards him. It was muted, but there.
He reached deeper and placed his hands over the pitcher, cupping them. Water slowly began to fill them, and he allowed the liquid to spill into the pitcher. It took time, but eventually it was full.
He slumped back against the chair, exhausted.
“Thank you,” Astrid said, and Westley could only nod.
Astrid poured the water directly into the circle. He thought it would wash away the runes drawn in the salt, but it didn’t. The water flowed around the obstacles in its path, curling to fill in every free space.
When the pitcher was empty, there was a circular pool on the table, the black salt keeping the water from leaking out. It was like glass, and Westley was tempted to touch it. He refrained, but his fingers twitched at his side.
“We need Solveig for the next part,” Astrid said softly.
He didn’t know if he could get her in there, but hopefully the time alone had helped her process. Opening the window, he looked out, his heart dropping when he didn’t see her.
Panic drowned his senses, and he jumped through the opening, stopping short. She was at the threshold of the house, looking unsure.
You scared me, he said, coming to stand beside her.
I’m sorry,I felt I needed to come in, but I can’t make myself open the door.
I can help with that.He reached for the handle, but before he could open the door, she put a hand on his arm, stopping him.
Wait.
For what?
She reached up and placed a soft kiss on his lips before pulling away, but he didn’t let her get far. He brought her back into him and kissed her thoroughly—kissed her like it was the first time.
Her body fell into his, and he just wanted to live in this moment. That pit of dread moved to the back of his mind as if it knew that this would be their last chance to embrace. He could not think of it.
If I loved you any more, the world would not be able to hold the force of it, Solveig, he said, breaking their kiss and looking intently into her eyes.
He didn’t wait for her reply before opening the door, and they entered the cabin hand in hand.
Solveigkeptherfaceblank as she took in the ancient witchcraft on the table.
Part of her studies in Vanir school had been learning about all the different kinds of magic.
Vanir had not only their source magic, but also ways to harness magic from the land of other realms—from the earth, from crystals and stone. Mortals who’d tried to use this form of magic were burned at the stake by the other races for stealing power.
The crystals laid out in the pool of water buzzed with energy, calling to Solveig’s charged magic. She was drawn to the table and couldn’t help but peer over, noting the runes and the placement of each crystal, specifically the rose quartz and the hematite.
She didn’t need to be told what it all meant.
