The
figure stopped, as if sensing some presence. . .then turned and looked
up at her. A face once handsome and strong. His name was instantly
upon her lips, as in fear and ecstasy she made to cry out to him---
Suddenly from behind her came a whoosh and swell of blazing light, and
a harsh voice crying harsh words. She whirled to see her mother
outlined in fire and smoke against the blood-red backdrop of the
Stone. Then pushing past her, the witch hurled a flaming brand into
the abyss.
"In se nama Dagda!" she cried in anger. "Baek wealcan sawol, to
Helan!" A great billowing fog engulfed the place where the figure had
stood. And when it cleared again, he was gone.
Still her mother stood poised, waited expectantly, a blackened rib
held in her uplifted hand.
But when the apparition did not reappear, slowly she lowered it. .
.and the look of wild fear passed from her eyes. She trembled, and
spat upon the ground. Then with a sharp look at the girl, she turned
to extinguish the swift bonfire she had made.
Then without a word, she took the sobbing girl by the wrist and led
her away.
Pages:
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111