Heart of the Hill Read Free Page A

strength.”
    Ava looked worried. “But what has happened to her? The mist of Manannin must be thick and all enclosing or she would be awake to guide us. Even in sleep, the necklace should warn of the Dark Being’s approach.”
    Equus stirred uneasily.
    Myrddin’s brows met. “The Lady answers to no one. We must trust and believe. Traa dy liooar, remember? Time enough…Traa dy liooar.”
    â€œBut IS there time enough?” Equus gave voice to the fear deep in their hearts.
    Ava pulled herself up and spread her wings. Her light blazed. “NOW is the time. We will ready the Place Beyond Morning and wake her.”
    â€œThen farewell friends,” said Myrddin gruffly. “Travel safely among sunbeams, for the Dark Being abhors the light. I will work alone on Gaia with the Magic Children.” He flung back his head and swung his cloak. “Adam, are you ready? I come!” he roared. His hair and beard blazed with inner fire.
    â€œWait” Ava laid a wing tip on his arm. “Equus and I cannot leave Chantel and Owen without explana tion.” Equus agreed. “They too can help. They must per suade other humans to keep the light.”
    Myrddin snorted. “Not easy.”
    â€œMay light flicker always in human hearts.” The bless ing voiced by Ava drifted through the heavens as the three Wise Ones wove among sunbeams toward Gaia.

CHAPTER TWO

T HE C ARES OF T OMORROW
    The children’s entire day was stormy.
    The thunderstorm showed no sign of abating, and Owen sulked when his father prevented him from boating on the floodwaters.
    Holly and Chantel organized a game of Scrabble, but the four cousins couldn’t agree.
    â€œThat’s not fair. Those dumb two-letter things aren’t real words. We never use them in Canada,” protested Adam.
    â€œIf everything is so great in Canada, why don’t you go back?” retorted Owen.
    â€œI will as soon as my idiot parents stop arguing and send for us,” Adam shouted. He left the table, knocking the board. The game pieces scattered.
    Everyone began yelling.

    â€œCan we bake cookies?” Chantel asked a little later.
    Even Adam brightened at that suggestion.
    Aunt Lynne shooed them out of the kitchen.
    â€œBut, Mum… Chantel and Adam know how to make chocolate chip cookies,” said Owen.
    â€œNot today,” said Lynne as she rolled out pastry. “I’ve promised gooseberry pies for the museum’s fundraising dinner tonight. There’s plenty of biscuits in the tin if you want a snack.”
    â€œNot with chocolate,” muttered Owen.
    His mother rolled her eyes.
    The phone rang. Everyone jumped.
    Lynne held up her floury hands. “Could one of you catch that? It’s probably the hospital confirming Chantel’s appointment.”
    Owen and Adam dived for the phone. Their heads met with a clunk. They rubbed foreheads and glared at each other.
    Holly giggled and picked up the receiver. “White Horse Farm, Holly speaking.” Her face grew wary. “Oh, hello.” She turned uneasily to her mother, her hand over the mouthpiece. “It’s for Adam and Chantel,” she hissed. “It’s Aunt Celia, but she’s crying.”
    Adam pushed past Owen.
    Lynne swiftly wiped her hands on her apron and took the receiver. She motioned Adam and Chantel to wait.
    â€œGoodness, Celia, what time is it in Canada? It’s only mid-morning here …three AM! Why can’t you sleep?”
    She listened for a moment, a frown gathering between her eyes. “Yes, Chantel and Adam are here.”
    Chantel and Adam stared at their aunt. There was an odd tone in her voice.
    Lynne turned away from them and dropped her voice. “Do you think that’s wise, Celia? Shouldn’t you get some rest and speak to them later … No … Of course I’m not keeping your children from you…”
    Chantel slipped her hand into Adam’s. They