Page 58 of A Keeper of Time

“Maggie, ye remind me of yer aunt. Yer kind, compassionate and loving. Ye would no’ harm a soul.”

“Thank ye, Uncle. It means a lot coming from ye.”

“I love ye, lass.”

“I love ye, too.”

“See ye in the morn,” Angus said as Maggie turned towards her tent

The jury of witches wandered off into the trees as they’d been doing right from the start.

“Where are they going?” Angus asked.

“I’m sure they’ve created a comfortable spot for themselves out there somewhere,” Edna replied.

“I prefer to sleep under the stars with ye, me love,” Angus said.

“A little privacy might be a good thing,” Edna replied. She gave him a seductive look.

“I see what ye mean. Where can we find this privacy?” he asked matching Edna’s look.

“The Council witches are no’ the only one’s who can create a tent.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Well what are ye waiting for then?” Angus put a finger under her chin lifting her face so that she looked up into his eyes.

The others were all occupied with each other. Edna stood, searching for the perfect spot. It was just far enough away to afford them the privacy they needed. She peeked back over her shoulder. The only one watching was Angus.

Concentrating on the empty spot and hoping her powers had returned, Edna imagined the shelter she wished to create and uttered a creation spell while she opened her arms wide framing the space in front of her. Much to her delight a beautiful pale blue, silky tent appeared. She turned to find Angus, but he was already at her side.

“Shall we?” Angus asked, leading her inside and closing the tent flaps behind them.

Chapter 17

Early the next day, Edna was awake and worrying. What if the council wouldn’t agree to reunite the couples? What if Angus was taken from her? The sun was barely up when she rose from their bed. Angus stirred and reached for her. Edna didn’t wish to disturb him. He hadn’t slept much of late and so she cast a wee spell upon him. He rolled over and closed his eyes. She smiled down at him, knowing that her spell would only last a short time, but hopefully long enough for her to get back before he woke.

Angus had held her close all night long, happy to have her back by his side. She was doubly happy to be there, but she needed time to think and so she wandered down to the stream where she could be alone for a few moments before the day began.

She wondered what the Council could possibly find wrong with what she’d been doing?

Of course, they hadn’t been aware of it really. If they had would they have objected? She should be able to use her magic in any way that she saw fit. She wasn’t hurting anyone. Although there had been a few minor issues along the way, everyone was happy and healthy and wanted to stay that way.

“Edna!” Angus irritated voice called to her.

“Down here,” Edna replied. It seemed her spell hadn’t worked the way she expected. She’d have to work on that one.

Angus appeared above her and made his way down to the stream bank. “Edna, ye canno’ leave me like that ever again. If ye plan on getting up, tell me please. Me heart canno’ take the worry ye put me through.”

“I’m sorry, love.” She offered him her lips and he gave her a quick peck before sitting beside her.

“What troubles ye?” he asked.

“Why would ye think me troubled?” She raised an eyebrow in question as she gazed at him.

“Ye left our warm bed to come sit by this cold stream.” He said this as though it should be obvious to her.

“I’m worried. Why did they no’ reunite the couples last night? Why are they waiting?”

“They’ll be reunited just as we were last night.”