an impressive display of rainbow fire, and now they walked in the gloaming. It had been her great-gran's favorite time of day, those haunting moments between sunset and true dark.
She sensed shadows coming up alongside. Beth and the delightful Liri, both wide-eyed. Beth carried a small ball of light over her palm. Moira strained her ears. "Is the wee thing singing?"
Liri chuckled. "Apparently the young man handing out witchlights didn't want anyone to forget it was his birthday."
Ah, how the faeries would enjoy Aervyn tonight. "Walk with me then, will you? I used to make my way well enough in the dark, but the rocks find my toes more often now."
"I don't believe that for a moment." Liri linked an arm through hers, and Beth followed suit a moment later. It was a tight fit on the narrowing path. "But we don't want to get lost, and we heard you've walked this way a time or two."
Something tugged on Irish instincts - they weren't entirely humoring an old lady. Two souls a little lost in the bustle. "Perhaps you'll join me in the outer circle, then. It's great good luck to sit with new guests." If that wasn't part of solstice lore, it should be.
"That would be nice. I didn't expect so many people."
Moira didn't miss the relief in Beth's voice - or Liri's quick wink. "Witches love a celebration, my dear."
"We're used to such a tiny circle." Liri stared at the winding crowds ahead. "To think that witches are this known and loved..."
"You'll be in the outer circle?" Beth frowned, her light wobbling.
There had been more than enough tears shed on that subject today. "Aye. I've been there many a time. There's no finer seat in the house." She held a little firmer to the strong young arms linked with hers. "Magic is a fine thing - but it's no match for love."
-o0o-
Nell was up to something.
Lauren watched their solstice spellcaster standing on the flat rock in the center of the forming circle at Ocean's Reach. Judging. Measuring.
Readying.
Mind telling us what you're working on?
Not yet. Nell's mind voice was distracted, deep in thought. Can you get everyone to back up some? Two or three feet should do it.
Math wasn't Lauren's strong suit, but she was pretty sure that was going to make room for a spell bigger than a house.
Something like that.
Cripes. Lauren did her job as circle monitor, scanning Nell a little deeper. No doubts, no enlarged sense of adventure. No guilt. Just conviction and focus.
Good enough. Lauren grabbed a few handy minds and began the process of shifting several hundred people back a few feet. A few cast curious glances her way - most of them members of the Sullivan family. But there was no one the witching world trusted with a spell more than Nell Walker. The outer circle shifted, small children and baskets of cookies changing hands as well.
Lauren searched for Beth, wondering how she was handling the crowd. And found her gathered with Nat and Moira, Kenna happily ensconced in Liri's lap. Lauren checked to see that Jamie's super-duper baby bubble was still working - the last thing they needed was his girlchild trying to take charge of a circle again.
Shay sat just in front of Beth, very still, holding Nat's flute in her lap. Lauren looked a second time. Nope, a second flute. A night of beginnings for lots of people.
Matt and Teo emerged from the path through the narrow valley opening, herding a few stragglers, and sent her a quick thumbs-up.
Lauren beamed out the message. We're all here.
The valley quieted, a moment awaiting its beginning.
And then the flutes began to play, Elorie's clear, lilting tones and Nat's more hesitant ones. Lauren moved slightly for a better look, listening for the third player - her responsibilities weren't only for the inner circle tonight. Shay sat, flute numb in her fingers, frozen in a battle of nerves and desire. Lauren linked into her mind and gave a gentle push. You'll make Auntie Nat feel a whole lot better if you play.
Shay grinned and raised her flute to her lips.
The magic had begun.
Chapter 22
Such majesty.
Beth sat on a soft blanket, thoughtfully laid out by Nat, and soaked