Page 70 of Magic Touch
"Of course," William says. He waves his hand, and the bubble pops, depositing Trina on the wood floor with an unceremonious thud.
She gasps for air as if she'd been suffocated. "He's a villainous dark witch. I might have died in that thing."
I hand Sara Beth the athame Trina tried to kill me with. "She created the shield to keep any magic, or my screams, from getting out. She intended to kill me and give my blood to whomever she's serving."
"Who is she serving?" Minerva examines the silver-handled blade. "Trina?"
The fire has gone out of Trina's eyes, and she stares up like a lamb. "I serve Goddess and the Windsor coven. Do not believe their lies."
"Great Mother?" Sara Beth asks, her face pale. "This girl was raised in the coven. What say you?"
"She's been away this last year and must have fallen into the hands of evil. I saw her attempt to kill Esme with my own eyes. If not for William, she might have succeeded. Three days ago, she and William nearly drowned, held under water by dark magic. Perhaps whoever she serves was unhappy with her attempts to seduce William."
William's gaze snaps to Prudence.
She sighs. "I may be old, and you may think me ignorant of goings-on, but I see how things are. I know you and Esme have a bond that Goddess favors. I know the girl tried to break that bond and might have succeeded with time."
"One drama at a time, Great Mother." Sara Beth shakes her head. "Why would Trina kill either Sir William or her sister witch?"
I answer, "She said she would be forgiven if she delivered my blood to him."
"Who?" Minerva asks.
Shaking my head, I shrug. "I don't know."
"Who do you serve, Katrina Davidson?" Sara Beth draws close to the girl still huddled on the floor.
"Only you." Trina's voice is barely audible.
Sara Beth crouches. "If you tell me the truth, I may be able to help you. If you lie, and I sense you are full of half-truths and lies, I have no choice but to call a full coven trial. I'll not be able to protect you if you are guilty and show no remorse."
When Sara Beth touches Trina's shoulder, a blue bolt zaps Sara Beth's hand, and she recoils.
When Trina looks up, her eyes are full black. Her hair stands out from her head. "I need no protection from something as weak as you. I was reborn."
Brushing out her skirts as Minerva helps her up, Sara Beth says, "Bring her food. I will call for a full coven." She turns to William. "Can you cage her again once the food is brought?"
"I turned her magic on her to create the bubble. I think I can contain her in a similar magic or perhaps you can jail her in some manner."
Sara Beth says, “I’m curious about your magic. You’ll not harm her?”
William narrows his gaze. "No. I will harm none. Will I be allowed to stay for the coven trial?"
Sara Beth nods. "We'll need to hear what you saw and felt during the time you spent with Trina. You and Esme should stay." She looks to Anne, Samuel, and Henry standing just inside the door. "If your people wish to stay, they are welcome."
"When will the trial happen?" William asks.
"I'll send word immediately. We should have ten by dark, and with ten, a trial can be held." Sara Beth's eyes are full of worry and anger.
William bows. "I will send my staff home to rest and care for the horses. They may return if they wish. I will stay. Thank you for your hospitality. I'm sorry that what Trina has done is distressing to you, madam."
Sara Beth's expression softens. "She is a cousin, though distant. I have known her since birth. What evil has seduced her I do not know."
"I wish it were different," he says.
She cocks her head, looks at me then back at William. "That cage you made is special magic. I've not seen the like before. May I feel that which is yours?"
William nods then lifts his chin.
