Dance of Dreams Read online

Page 19


  “My boy,” she said to Eamon. “Three drops from thee, three drops from me, and from the hawk’s heart, to seal three parts.”

  Though his lips trembled, Eamon held out his hand.

  “And my baby. Don’t fear.”

  Her eyes shone with tears, but Teagan watched her mother solemnly as she held out her hand.

  “Three drops from thee, three drops from me, with the horse as your guide, the magicks ride.”

  She mixed the blood, kissed Teagan’s little hand. “There now, that’s done.”

  She lifted the cauldron, slid the vials into the pouch at her waist. “Bring the rest. This is best done outside.”

  She chose her spot, on the hard ground with snow lumped in the cool shadows of the trees.

  “Should we get firewood?” Eamon asked her.

  “Not for this. Stand here, together.” She moved beyond them, called on the goddess, on the earth, the wind, the water and the fire. And cast the circle. The low flame bubbled over the ground, rounded until end met end. And inside, warmth rose like spring.

  “This is protection and respect. Evil cannot come within, dark cannot defeat the light. And what is done within the circle is done for good, is done for love.

  “First the water, of sea, of sky.” She cupped her hands, opened them over the cauldron, water blue as a sun-kissed lake poured out, poured in. “And the earth, our land, our hearts.”

  She flicked one hand, then the other, and rich brown earth spilled into the cauldron. “And the air, song of the wind, breath of body.” She opened her arms, and blew. And like music, the air swept in with earth and water.

  “Now the fire, flame and heat, the beginning, the ending.”

  She glowed, the air around her simmering, her eyes burning blue as she threw her arms up, cast her hands down.

  Fire erupted in the cauldron, shooting flame, dancing sparks.

  “These your father gave to me. They are a sign of his love, a sign of mine. You are, all three, of that love.”

  She cast the three copper bracelets into the flame, and circling it, added fur and hair and feather, added blood.

  “The goddess gifts to me the power so I stand in this place, in this hour. I cast the charm, protect from harm my children three and all that comes from them, from me. The horse, the hawk, the hound, by blood they are ever bound to shield to serve from life to life in joy, in sorrow, in health, in strife.

  “In earth, in air, in flame, in sea. As I will, so mote it be.”

  Sorcha lifted her arms high, turned her face to the sky.

  The fire shot up in a tower, red and gold, wild blue in its core as it spun and twisted into the cold winter sky.

  The earth shook. The icy water in the stream went to roaring. And the wind howled like a wolf on the hunt.

  Then it stilled, it died, and there were just three children, hand gripping hand, watching their mother—pale as snow now—sway.

  Sorcha shook her head as Brannaugh started toward her. “Not yet. Magick is work. It gives, and it takes. It must be finished.” She reached in the cauldron, drew out three copper amulets. “To Brannaugh the hound, to Eamon the hawk, to Teagan the horse.” She slipped an amulet over each child’s head. “These are your signs and your shields. They protect you. You must keep them with you always. Always. He cannot touch what you are if you have your shield, if you believe its power, believe in mine and your own. One day you will pass this to one who comes from you. You’ll know which. You’ll tell your children the story and sing the old songs. You’ll take the gift, and give the gift.”

  Teagan admired hers, smiled as she turned the small oval in the sunlight. “It’s pretty. It looks like Alastar.”

  “It’s of him, and of you, and of me and your father, of your brother and your sister. And why shouldn’t it be pretty?” She lowered to kiss Teagan’s cheek. “I have such pretty children.”

  She could barely stand, and had to bite back a moan as Brannaugh helped her to her feet. “I must close the circle. We must take everything inside now.”

  “We’ll help you,” Eamon said, and took his mother’s hand.

  With her children, she closed the circle, let them carry the tools into the house.

  “You need to rest, sit by the fire.” Brannaugh pulled her mother to the chair. “I’ll fix you a potion.”

  “Aye, and a strong one. Show your brother and sister how it’s done.”

  She smiled when Teagan wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, when Eamon spread a blanket over her lap. But when she started to reach for the cup Brannaugh brought, her daughter held it back. Then squeezed at the flesh around the cut on her hand until three drops of blood plopped into the cup.

  “Blood is life.”

  Sorcha sighed. “It is, aye. It is. Thank you.”

  She drank the potion, and slept.

  • • •

  For a complete list of this author’s books click here or visit

  www.penguin.com/robertschecklist

  Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than two hundred novels. She is also the author of the bestselling futuristic suspense series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than four hundred million copies of her books in print. Visit her online at www.noraroberts.com and facebook.com/noraroberts.

 

 

 


    A Little Magic Read onlineA Little MagicVision in White Read onlineVision in WhiteTrue Betrayals Read onlineTrue BetrayalsThe Next Always Read onlineThe Next AlwaysA Man for Amanda Read onlineA Man for AmandaBorn in Fire Read onlineBorn in FireTribute Read onlineTributeNight Moves Read onlineNight MovesDance Upon the Air Read onlineDance Upon the AirThe Name of the Game Read onlineThe Name of the GameJewels of the Sun Read onlineJewels of the SunRiver's End Read onlineRiver's EndPublic Secrets Read onlinePublic SecretsHomeport Read onlineHomeportPrivate Scandals Read onlinePrivate ScandalsThe Witness Read onlineThe WitnessBlithe Images Read onlineBlithe ImagesHidden Riches Read onlineHidden RichesKey of Light Read onlineKey of LightDivine Evil Read onlineDivine EvilHigh Noon Read onlineHigh NoonBlue Dahlia Read onlineBlue DahliaSea Swept Read onlineSea SweptThis Magic Moment Read onlineThis Magic MomentYear One Read onlineYear OneA Little Fate Read onlineA Little FateHonest Illusions Read onlineHonest IllusionsThe Reef Read onlineThe ReefShelter in Place Read onlineShelter in PlaceThe Hollow Read onlineThe HollowHolding the Dream Read onlineHolding the DreamThe Pagan Stone Read onlineThe Pagan StoneSavour the Moment Read onlineSavour the MomentThe Perfect Hope Read onlineThe Perfect HopeIsland of Glass Read onlineIsland of GlassHappy Ever After Read onlineHappy Ever AfterBed of Roses Read onlineBed of RosesStars of Fortune Read onlineStars of FortuneDark Witch Read onlineDark WitchThe Return of Rafe MacKade Read onlineThe Return of Rafe MacKadeChesapeake Blue Read onlineChesapeake BlueThe Perfect Neighbor Read onlineThe Perfect NeighborThe Collector Read onlineThe CollectorCome Sundown Read onlineCome SundownRebellion Read onlineRebellionAffaire Royale Read onlineAffaire RoyaleDaring to Dream Read onlineDaring to DreamBay of Sighs Read onlineBay of SighsBlood Magick Read onlineBlood MagickAngels Fall Read onlineAngels FallCaptivated Read onlineCaptivatedThe Last Boyfriend Read onlineThe Last BoyfriendIrish Thoroughbred Read onlineIrish ThoroughbredInner Harbor Read onlineInner HarborThe Right Path Read onlineThe Right PathNight Shadow Read onlineNight ShadowThe Heart of Devin MacKade Read onlineThe Heart of Devin MacKadeShadow Spell Read onlineShadow SpellThe Playboy Prince Read onlineThe Playboy PrinceThe Fall of Shane MacKade Read onlineThe Fall of Shane MacKadeRising Tides Read onlineRising TidesCommand Performance Read onlineCommand PerformanceHidden Star Read onlineHidden StarCordina's Crown Jewel Read onlineCordina's Crown JewelThe MacGregor Brides Read onlineThe MacGregor BridesThe Pride of Jared MacKade Read onlineThe Pride of Jared MacKadeBorn in Ice Read onlineBorn in IceWhiskey Beach Read onlineWhiskey BeachThe Last Honest Woman Read onlineThe Last Honest WomanNight Shield Read onlineNight ShieldBorn in Shame Read onlineBorn in ShameSecret Star Read onlineSecret StarTempting Fate Read onlineTempting FateNightshade Read onlineNightshadeThe Obsession Read onlineThe ObsessionNight Shift Read onlineNight ShiftPlaying The Odds Read onlinePlaying The OddsTears of the Moon Read onlineTears of the MoonOne Man's Art Read onlineOne Man's ArtThe MacGregor Groom Read onlineThe MacGregor GroomIrish Rebel Read onlineIrish RebelMorrigan's Cross Read onlineMorrigan's CrossIn From The Cold Read onlineIn From The ColdNight Smoke Read onlineNight SmokeFinding the Dream Read onlineFinding the DreamRed Lily Read onlineRed LilyThe Liar Read onlineThe LiarMontana Sky Read onlineMontana SkyHeart of the Sea Read onlineHeart of the SeaAll The Possibilities Read onlineAll The PossibilitiesCarolina Moon Read onlineCarolina MoonOpposites Attract Read onlineOpposites AttractCaptive Star Read onlineCaptive StarThe Winning Hand Read onlineThe Winning HandKey of Valor Read onlineKey of ValorCourting Catherine Read onlineCourting CatherineHeaven and Earth Read onlineHeaven and EarthFace the Fire Read onlineFace the FireUntamed Read onlineUntamedSkin Deep Read onlineSkin DeepEnchanted Read onlineEnchantedSong of the West Read onlineSong of the WestSuzanna's Surrender Read onlineSuzanna's SurrenderEntranced Read onlineEntrancedDance of the Gods Read onlineDance of the GodsKey of Knowledge Read onlineKey of KnowledgeCharmed Read onlineCharmedFor Now, Forever Read onlineFor Now, ForeverBlood Brothers Read onlineBlood BrothersSweet Revenge Read onlineSweet RevengeThree Fates Read onlineThree FatesMind Over Matter Read onlineMind Over MatterMegan's Mate Read onlineMegan's MateValley of Silence Read onlineValley of SilenceWithout A Trace Read onlineWithout A TraceThe Law is a Lady Read onlineThe Law is a LadyTemptation Read onlineTemptationDance to the Piper Read onlineDance to the PiperBlue Smoke Read onlineBlue SmokeBlack Hills Read onlineBlack HillsThe Heart's Victory Read onlineThe Heart's VictorySullivan's Woman Read onlineSullivan's WomanGenuine Lies Read onlineGenuine LiesFor the Love of Lilah Read onlineFor the Love of LilahGabriel's Angel Read onlineGabriel's AngelIrish Rose Read onlineIrish RoseHot Ice Read onlineHot IceDual Image Read onlineDual ImageLawless Read onlineLawlessCatch My Heart Read onlineCatch My HeartBirthright Read onlineBirthrightFirst Impressions Read onlineFirst ImpressionsChasing Fire Read onlineChasing FireCarnal Innocence Read onlineCarnal InnocenceBest Laid Plans Read onlineBest Laid PlansThe Villa Read onlineThe VillaNorthern Lights Read onlineNorthern LightsLocal Hero Read onlineLocal HeroThe Search Read onlineThe SearchIsland of Flowers Read onlineIsland of FlowersThe Welcoming Read onlineThe WelcomingAll I Want for Christmas Read onlineAll I Want for ChristmasBlack Rose Read onlineBlack RoseHot Rocks Read onlineHot RocksMidnight Bayou Read onlineMidnight BayouThe Art of Deception Read onlineThe Art of DeceptionFrom This Day Read onlineFrom This DayLess of a Stranger Read onlineLess of a StrangerPartners Read onlinePartnersStorm Warning Read onlineStorm WarningOnce More With Feeling Read onlineOnce More With FeelingHer Mother's Keeper Read onlineHer Mother's KeeperSacred Sins Read onlineSacred SinsRules of the Game Read onlineRules of the GameSanctuary Read onlineSanctuaryUnfinished Business Read onlineUnfinished BusinessCordina's Royal Family Collection Read onlineCordina's Royal Family CollectionDangerous Embrace Read onlineDangerous EmbraceOne Summer Read onlineOne SummerThe Best Mistake Read onlineThe Best MistakeBoundary Lines Read onlineBoundary LinesUnder Currents Read onlineUnder CurrentsThe Stanislaski Series Collection, Volume 1 Read onlineThe Stanislaski Series Collection, Volume 1The Rise of Magicks Read onlineThe Rise of MagicksThe Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One) Read onlineThe Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One)The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1 Read onlineThe Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1Dance of Dreams Read onlineDance of DreamsSkin Deep: The O'Hurleys Read onlineSkin Deep: The O'HurleysThe Quinn Legacy: Inner Harbor ; Chesapeake Blue Read onlineThe Quinn Legacy: Inner Harbor ; Chesapeake Blue[Chronicles of the One 03.0] The Rise of Magicks Read online[Chronicles of the One 03.0] The Rise of MagicksTimes Change Read onlineTimes ChangeDance to the Piper: The O'Hurleys Read onlineDance to the Piper: The O'HurleysChristmas In the Snow: Taming Natasha / Considering Kate Read onlineChristmas In the Snow: Taming Natasha / Considering KateWaiting for Nick Read onlineWaiting for NickSummer Desserts Read onlineSummer DessertsDream 2 - Holding the Dream Read onlineDream 2 - Holding the DreamThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 2 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 2In the Garden Trilogy Read onlineIn the Garden TrilogyEight Classic Nora Roberts Romantic Suspense Novels Read onlineEight Classic Nora Roberts Romantic Suspense NovelsBest Laid Plans jh-2 Read onlineBest Laid Plans jh-2From the Heart Read onlineFrom the HeartHoliday Wishes Read onlineHoliday WishesDream 1 - Daring to Dream Read onlineDream 1 - Daring to DreamSecond Nature Read onlineSecond NatureSummer Pleasures Read onlineSummer PleasuresOnce Upon a Castle Read onlineOnce Upon a CastleStars of Mithra Box Set: Captive StarHidden StarSecret Star Read onlineStars of Mithra Box Set: Captive StarHidden StarSecret StarImpulse Read onlineImpulseThe Irish Trilogy by Nora Roberts Read onlineThe Irish Trilogy by Nora RobertsThe Pride Of Jared Mackade tmb-2 Read onlineThe Pride Of Jared Mackade tmb-2Lawless jh-3 Read onlineLawless jh-3Taming Natasha Read onlineTaming NatashaEndless Summer Read onlineEndless SummerBride Quartet Collection Read onlineBride Quartet CollectionHappy Ever After tbq-4 Read onlineHappy Ever After tbq-4Heart Of The Sea goa-3 Read onlineHeart Of The Sea goa-3Search for Love Read onlineSearch for LoveOnce upon a Dream Read onlineOnce upon a DreamOnce Upon a Star Read onlineOnce Upon a StarDream Trilogy Read onlineDream TrilogyRisky Business Read onlineRisky BusinessThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 3 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 3Dream 3 - Finding the Dream Read onlineDream 3 - Finding the DreamPromises in Death id-34 Read onlinePromises in Death id-34The Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 4 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 4The Perfect Hope ib-3 Read onlineThe Perfect Hope ib-3Less than a Stranger Read onlineLess than a StrangerSavour the Moment: Now the Big Day Has Finally Arrived, It's Time To... Read onlineSavour the Moment: Now the Big Day Has Finally Arrived, It's Time To...Convincing Alex Read onlineConvincing AlexBed of Roses tbq-2 Read onlineBed of Roses tbq-2Savour the Moment tbq-3 Read onlineSavour the Moment tbq-3Lessons Learned Read onlineLessons LearnedKey Of Valor k-3 Read onlineKey Of Valor k-3Red lily gt-3 Read onlineRed lily gt-3Savor the Moment Read onlineSavor the MomentThe Return Of Rafe Mackade tmb-1 Read onlineThe Return Of Rafe Mackade tmb-1For The Love Of Lilah tcw-3 Read onlineFor The Love Of Lilah tcw-3Black Rose gt-2 Read onlineBlack Rose gt-2Novels: The Law is a Lady Read onlineNovels: The Law is a LadyChesapeake Bay Saga 1-4 Read onlineChesapeake Bay Saga 1-4Considering Kate Read onlineConsidering KateMoon Shadows Read onlineMoon ShadowsKey of Knowledge k-2 Read onlineKey of Knowledge k-2The Sign of Seven Trilogy Read onlineThe Sign of Seven TrilogyOnce Upon a Kiss Read onlineOnce Upon a KissThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 5 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts, Volume 5Suzanna's Surrender tcw-4 Read onlineSuzanna's Surrender tcw-4The Quinn Brothers Read onlineThe Quinn BrothersFalling for Rachel Read onlineFalling for RachelBrazen Virtue Read onlineBrazen VirtueTime Was Read onlineTime WasThe Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy Read onlineThe Gallaghers of Ardmore TrilogyMegan's Mate tcw-5 Read onlineMegan's Mate tcw-5Loving Jack jh-1 Read onlineLoving Jack jh-1Rebellion & In From The Cold Read onlineRebellion & In From The ColdBlue Dahlia gt-1 Read onlineBlue Dahlia gt-1The MacGregor Grooms Read onlineThe MacGregor GroomsThe Next Always tibt-1 Read onlineThe Next Always tibt-1The Heart Of Devin Mackade tmb-3 Read onlineThe Heart Of Devin Mackade tmb-3The Novels of Nora Roberts Volume 1 Read onlineThe Novels of Nora Roberts Volume 1Treasures Lost, Treasures Found Read onlineTreasures Lost, Treasures FoundNora Roberts's Circle Trilogy Read onlineNora Roberts's Circle TrilogyThe Key Trilogy Read onlineThe Key TrilogyThe Fall Of Shane Mackade tmb-4 Read onlineThe Fall Of Shane Mackade tmb-4A Will And A Way Read onlineA Will And A WayJewels of the Sun goa-1 Read onlineJewels of the Sun goa-1Luring a Lady Read onlineLuring a Lady