Chapter 36 #3
“That’s why the ley is so attracted to you, and someday you will be able to use the lines much like a full Demon.
Maybe even travel within it. Your power being so close to the earth’s own magic is what makes you so strong, priestess.
It will also make you a target, always. The sooner you can manage this power, the easier it will be for you to protect yourself.
Especially when you are… So open when you and he are… ”
I saw the look on Jordan’s face. He looked positively white.
“What?” I asked. Foras looked back at Jordan.
“Do you have a familiar?”
“No,” I said, still watching Jordan.
“You have Manus,” he interjected.
“He’s my guardian, not a familiar.”
Foras asked Jordan, “Will this Manus act as familiar until she finds a suitable one?” Jordan nodded.
“Fetch him.” Jordan left without a look back. I had the feeling he needed a minute alone, but I wasn’t sure why.
Foras looked back at me. “The familiar will filter and enhance your power. You need that.”
“Try again.” He reached his hand to my forehead and I felt his push on my mind.
This time, I made a bubble that looked like my circle and made a barrier in my mind.
He pushed and moved around it as he attempted to filter in.
I felt my head start to hurt and sweat forming under his hot, heavy hand.
He lifted his hand and the coolness that followed in my head was immediate.
I had been holding my breath and took in a deep gulp of air.
“Much better. You should be able to block the most with that. It will be easier and more effective with the familiar.”
“You said was most open when I was with Jordan. I can’t have Manus around every time we…make love, Foras.”
“That’s not necessary. The familiar is to be with you when you might confront any other Demons or the Dark One. Nessum will return to you soon. He cannot let you live.”
“You know about that? Karackos tell you?”
“No, priestess. I am the finder of treasure and lost things, remember. I know the power of that blade of yours. It was not hard to figure out once I heard you had found it. As for the problem with Jordan, if you want to block others, simply keep the ley from your mind at those times. It is the combination of his power and yours that sweeps the ley and lets others know you’re vulnerable. ”
“Why did he look so concerned that my magic is close to the ley magic?”
“Like I said, there will be many who will want to”—he hesitated—“exploit that power. You may become more of a Demon than he is, even with so little Demon blood in your veins. Mix that with the power I have heard you carry with your Witch blood, Priestess, and you will become a target of those who oppose your views. But also a great leader for those who will follow.”
“Fabulous,” I sighed.
“You seem unsure. Do you not believe my prediction?”
I got up off the well and started pacing.
“No, I believe it. I’ve heard it over and over for the last several months.
I just…I don’t know how to deal with it.
I was just a plain human less than a year ago.
Since I’ve been here, I’ve stumbled over traditions, endangered many others, and made too many bad decisions.
I’m afraid that I will not be this great leader everyone expects.
I don’t want to fail the Kith. Let’s face it, historically, I fail at most everything. ”
“There are perspectives other than your own,” he said, moving to squat in front of me so he could look up at me.
His eyes swirled with the same liquid silver as Jordan’s.
“Yes, you have much history and tradition to learn, but you show strong character, good logic, and a very big heart. The power does not draw you to corruption. That says much. Trust yourself. You are bound to stumble.” He stood and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Hear this well. You have everything you need to get through All Hallows’ in your mind already. Use it.”
I smiled at him.
“I am very proud of Jordan. I was before he found you, but even more so now. Know this also, Keena, Priestess of the Wild. I will not sully this night or Jordan’s trust by ever using my knowledge against you or yours. Call me when you have need. No bargains, no trading. Call and I will come.”
“What are you two looking so serious about?” Jordan asked as he and Manus came through the woods into the clearing.
“Trust,” I said.
Manus stopped in his tracks as he looked back and forth between Foras and Jordan. “You summoned a Demon Lord now? Keena, what is the matter with you?”
Jordan broke in and explained it to Manus in his stern soldier tone. Manus readily agreed to try to be a familiar until I could get a proper one, and we practiced channeling the ley magic through him. The experiment worked well, other than Manus feeling very dizzy afterward.
We decided it was all worth it to prevent either Karackos, Nessum, or any other strong Demon Lord from being able to get into my head at any time. I certainly didn’t want some big nasty pulling me unwillingly into another realm. We thanked Foras and sent him back to his realm.
All Hallows was two days away.