Page 78 of Magic Touch
Skin slightly pale, William stands in the center of the circle with Trina limp in his arms.
"Have you killed her?" Sara Beth rises slowly.
Magic pulses in the room as all the witches prepare for whatever may come from the unknown magic that William holds.
His lips twitch, but he gives only half a smile. "She's alive. Unconscious and in need of a healer, but alive."
Minerva, Sylvia, and another witch rush forward and take Trina from William's arms. They struggle to hold her and lay her on the floor.
"I can carry her wherever you need." Henry strides forward and helps the struggling witches. He follows Minerva up the stairs.
Sara Beth faces William. "What did you do? I have not seen magic of this kind."
"I saw her as she should be." William shrugged.
Standing, I say, "That is the nature of William's magic. While he can wield the elements as well as any witch, his true gift is to see things as they ought to be and alter the circumstances to match."
The circle of witches erupts into chatter over whether or not such magic is light or dark.
Prudence holds up a weathered hand and calls for silence. "I have seen no evil from William." She turns to him. "Did you feel whatever was in Trina? Were you able to remove it?"
"I felt hatred and desire. I saw someone male. I fear whatever it is, knows what I am, and is intrigued rather than afraid." He sighs and sits in the chair Trina vacated.
I stand in front of him and place my left hand over his heart and my right on his forehead. "I just want to be sure whatever that was doesn't lurk inside you."
His smile is tired, but he nods. "I am not afflicted, but you may check." He looks at Sara Beth and Prudence. "You may all check if it will give you ease."
Inside William is all light and love. His heart beats true, and his thoughts are of me, and what he'd like to do once we are alone. I have to work hard to keep a blush from reaching my cheeks. Once I move back, I say. "He is as he always was."
Sara Beth touches his cheek. After several seconds, she drops her hand. "I sense nothing dark or foreign. I'm going to check on Trina."
As Sara Beth climbs the stairs, Henry comes down and stands in front of William. "Are you alright, Will?"
"A bit tired, but otherwise, fine." William struggles to his feet.
I want to go home more than anything. I don’t even care if it’s my tiny rooms over the shop or William's grand house. However, I know we have to remain with the coven until all are satisfied that William is not a danger to them or the crown.
Unable to stop myself, and with all the witches watching, I throw myself into his arms. "I've never seen anything as magnificent in my life. Magic like yours is a rare gift."
"But is it a gift of Goddess or something else?" Winnie Treacher's blue eyes are wide and fierce.
Kissing the top of my head, William releases me. "Is there no way to ask Goddess and know for certain?"
Lauren Baxter stands. "You would be willing to undergo such scrutiny? Goddess's word is final. If she declares you a danger, we will have no choice but to bind your magic."
"I want no magic that's nature is to harm rather than help. I understand that magic can be used for either, but I have done enough harm in my life, my friends. I never wish to take a life again." He faces the witches that remain as they gather on the hearth side of the circle.
"What if you must defend Esme O'Dwyer or one of your staff?" Winnie's arms cross over her chest.
Henry's eyebrows lift. "You know you're speaking to Sir William Meriwether, a man who defended this nation and nearly lost his life?"
Eyes narrow, Winnie meets his glare. "As he didn't know he was a witch while in France, my question stands."
"I don't see how that makes any difference." Henry moves closer.
William places a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Stand down, Henry."
Winnie's expression softens. "I only mean that before Sir William didn't have power that might afford him the crown should he want it."
