Enchantress Awakening: Part One of the Book of Water (The Elemental Cycle 1) Read Free Page B

brew. They exchanged pleasantries to begin with as expected before moving on to matters of interest. The two of them had been friends for four years ever since Dana had become widowed. In the two years since Caleigh’s parents died, from a fever she had been spared, Dana had kept a watchful eye on her acting as if not a surrogate mother perhaps a surrogate older sister or aunt, of which Caleigh had no real versions. “So how goes it with you and that squire of yours?” Dana asked interestedly.
    “Well…I think.”
    “You seem not sure.”
    “Penric is not the problem.”
    “So there is a problem?”
    “Yes, I do not know how to explain it. On yester eve we lay together for the first time.”
    “You have regrets?”
    “No, it was fine, I enjoyed it, much more than I thought I would after your warnings.” Caleigh said with a giggle. “No, it was afterwards that…well, did you find that after your first time you could sense desires in men?”
    “I am not sure what you mean, I suppose that as you become more experienced you can read the signs more easily.”
    “No, I might expect that, this is different. I know when men have desires about me as clearly as if I had thought the thought myself. I’m sure that is not normal, I have never heard of such a thing before.”
    “Is that all that has happened?” Dana’s tone suggested she expected more.
    “The last two nights I have had dreams, very clear dreams about someone I have never met. I remember them when I wake in every detail.” Caleigh read Dana’s thoughtful expression; it was not the kind of look she was expecting, reassurance or confusion she would have understood much better. “Does this make sense to you?”
    “Yes it does.”
    “What is it then? Is it usual, am I ill?”
    “Neither. You are gifted, Caleigh.”
    “Gifted with what?”
    “You have the gift of magic.”
     

3. Ellie and the Spy-Hole
     
     
     
    “Magic” Caleigh repeated. “Like Tovrik?”
    “Perhaps, though I suspect your art is a different one to his. Tell me more of what you can sense in people.”
    “It is only desire. I know nothing else of what people are feeling.”
    “Is that so? You have always had a tremendous gift for empathy. Do you not remember how you were able to comfort bereaved family members after the last war? I noticed it and I was astounded by it. It is fitting that you mention Tovrik.”
    “Why?”
    “He has been expecting this for some years. Did you ever wonder where your mother acquired all those books and why she insisted that you learn to read when neither she nor your father could?”
    “I thought it was strange but I never felt it was right to ask.” Caleigh pondered. “None of this makes sense. I was told that wizards had all but died out. Apart from Tovrik’s light shows I have never heard of anybody doing magic anymore.”
    “It is not common but neither is it as rare as you might think. I come from a line of druidesses myself.”
    “So that is true, I thought that was mere rumour.”
    “Well, I do not wish it to be widely known. Since my grandparent’s time we have tried to keep it secret. People do not always react kindly when they know someone has the gift. I suggest you keep your gift quiet as well. Have you told anyone else?”
    “No, I did not know what to make of it.”
    “You must have been very worried. How do feel about these powers?”
    “I am not sure. At first it was disturbing, then I was embarrassed, I am learning things that are meant to be secret. Now, I am not so sure…it is confusing but I think I may grow to like it.”
    “I hope you do.” Dana said sincerely. Caleigh blushed momentarily then continued in relief at being able to talk about it.
    “I never realised so many men liked me before.” She paused. “It affects me sometimes.”
    “You will learn control over time.”
    “And then I will be like you?”
    “Oh no, Caleigh, I think you will be much more powerful than me.” Dana gave her young