Page 42 of Pure Magic
Without waiting for a response, I take the lead to get us back to the coven house before Adam leaves without me. “I have a few items I’ll need while we travel.” I wish I had time for a list and thoughtful packing.
When we arrive, Johan is holding the reins of two saddled horses, one black and one gray. Both are fine looking and stomping with an urge to be gone.
My heart stops at the sight of Adam holding his pack over his shoulder.
“It was kind of William to send a horse, but what do I need with two and two saddles?”
Running toward them, I grip my stomach to catch my breath. “The second is for me.”
Minerva pets the black, and the horse calms immediately then nuzzles her shoulder.
“Beth, what are you talking about?” He drops his pack to his feet.
“I only be about ten minutes gathering a few things we’ll need. It will be twilight soon. It’s a good time to slip out of town unnoticed.” Without waiting for him to respond, I open my thoughts to him. “I’ll not let you face this alone.”
Adam’s mind is a jumble of emotions, but he’s not repelled by the idea of me leaving with him. He looks to Jonah for clarification, but only receives a shrug. He says, “Who will protect the coven?”
“I am not essential to the safety of this coven or this town. There are many who can take my place. Perhaps, though—” I step so close we’re nearly touching. “I am needed to keep you safe, Adam.”
His chest rises and falls with quick breaths. “And keeping me well is important?”
“Vital.” Staring into his eyes, I let the love inside me ease out. “But not just to me. You are needed to save Goddess and this world.”
When his mouth opens but no words come, I add, “Give me a few minutes.”
At the top of the stairs, Prudence waits. “You’ll go with him?”
“I must.” I draw a long breath.
She shuffles closer and holds out her hand. “Take this.” She places a shard of blue crystal in my hand. “For protection and strength.”
“Thank you, Great Mother.” I hug her and fill with worry that this will be the last time I see her.
Patting my back, she laughs. “Goddess isn’t calling me yet, child. We shall meet again.” Threading her arm through my elbow, she walks with me to my room. “There are witches who are in the light all over the land. Use them for safety.”
I pull a bag from my wardrobe and a change of clothes and my money purse. I fill the purse with the money I keep tucked in a drawer for emergencies. With this, we can eat, and I can use magic to mend and wash. Taking my grimoire and some healing salves, I don’t have time to sort through all we might need. I can make things as we go, and with that in mind, I put three vials in my bag. “I won’t want to put anyone in harm’s way.”
“I know, but they are witches in the light and will want to help. You must stay alive, as must Adam. I can’t say how I know, but the day will come when we’ll all need you. There are none in the light who would not die to save our Goddess.”
She’s right, I know, but I still will only stay a day with any family or coven. Letting Ariana and Kaden catch up with us could lead to disaster. “We’ll keep moving.”
“There are places that will keep you hidden as well. Ancient places, where centuries ago our people worshiped Goddess. Look for them when you need to rest.” She dashes a tear from her eye.
I think of the place Minerva told us about where she and Jonah were blessed by Goddess. It wasn’t visible to those under the demon’s control. Ariana is no demon, though she may as well be. “We’ll come back in a few weeks. The mild weather is a good sign for us. We’ll not freeze to death.”
She shows her gapped teeth and pats my cheek. “An early spring is always good fortune. Now, be safe and well, for I know you’ll be wise.”
One last hug, and I bundle my bag in my arms and rush down the steps.
Trina hugs me, and teary-eyed, runs up to her room.
June smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She hands me a pouch, and the bread and cheese within smells wonderful. “It’s time for an adventure, I see. We’ll care for Great Mother while you’re away.”
I hug her. “I know you will.”
Sylvia waits by the door. Her face is an emotionless mask. “You know I’ll do all I can to help Minerva. Any instructions?”
It’s not that she’s cold or indifferent. Like me, she keeps her emotions tightly corked. I appreciate her directness and lack of tears. “Be careful and keep our leaving town quiet for as long as possible. If Kaden comes snooping, shoo him away. If there’s trouble, you know how to defend this house and this town.”
