Title:  Lauren, a Wellspring -- Part 1 of 3

Codes:  Ff, con, rom, magic

Summary:  Rachel has discovered that Lauren is a wellspring,
a source of great magic power for the witch or warlock who 
beds her.  However, Lauren wants nothing to do with this.  
She just wants to be a normal, popular girl.  Things -- as 
they say -- cannot be so simple.


*****


I spoke the final words.  The spell worked.  I felt its 
power pass through my body, electrifying me.  Then my mind 
broke free.

I reached out through the night and found her.  Her house 
was several miles from mine, but my spirit passed 
effortlessly over the distance.  She was asleep in her bed, 
curled up, her hands grasped together beneath her chin.  The
spell let me see deeper to her essential self.  She glowed 
brightly, a brilliant shining soul.  I had expected that.

The spell gave me no power to compel, but only to touch.  
Not her body, of course.  I reached out with my thoughts.  I
felt the contact.  It was too much.  The spell shattered and
my mind reeled.  My body shuddered as my consciousness 
reentered it.  I gasped for breath.

She was more powerful than I had imagined.  Much more 
powerful.  Something singular.  Extraordinary.  I had 
touched her and survived.


*****


As my wits returned, I saw Erica standing over me.  Her eyes
were wide with concern.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

She was wearing a tight blue t-shirt and yellow panties.  
Her legs were smooth and tanned.  She had cropped black hair
which surrounded a wide face with big, expressive brown 
eyes.

"Yes.  I'm fine."

"I guess you found her."

"Yes."

"She's the real thing?"

"Sure is."

"I wonder if she knows."

I thought about that.  I'd never talked to her, but there 
were no odd rumors.  She seemed to have no interest in the 
craft.  Of course, if she knew the extent of her power, 
she'd want to conceal it.

"I have no idea if she knows."

"What will you do?" Erica asked as she gathered up my books 
and candles and returned them to the shelves.  She moved 
gracefully.  She handled each artifact with care.

"I'm not sure.  I guess I'll need to talk to her.  I'll see 
her tomorrow at school."

Erica gave me a little smile and rested her hand on my 
shoulder.  She knew me well.

"Do you want my help?"

"No.  I'll do this on my own."

"I could at least introduce you."

I gave her a sharp look that said not to interfere.  I was a
priestess now, and it was time I stopped depending on her to
get me through tough social situations.

She looked resigned.  I would not be dissuaded.  Somehow, I 
would arrange to meet and talk to the girl on my own.

"Do you feel drained?" she asked with a little grin.

"I do, a little."

She stroked my face and kissed me.

"How about a recharge?"

"That would be nice."

She led me to the bed and kissed me more.  My shirt came 
off.  Next my skirt.  The sheets felt cool and clean against
my skin.  She was very gentle.


*****


The girl's name was Lauren.  I found her the next day 
sitting at a crowded table in the cafeteria.  Everyone there
was pretty and popular.  She was a fast social climber, 
having been at the school only one month.  I approached.

"Lauren."

"Yes?"

Conversation at the table stopped.  She looked at me 
suspiciously.  Her eyes were green.

"I'm Rachel.  Can I talk to you alone?"

"Uh -- I guess."

She got up and followed me.  I heard someone mutter, 
"Freak," as we drew away.

I led her to an empty stairwell.

"So -- uh -- what do you want?"

I took a deep breath.  I hadn't really planned out what to 
say.  A few moments passed.  I just looked at her.  Her 
sweater was very snug.

"What?  Are you a dyke or something?"

I laughed, just a bit, under my breath.  She was clearly 
perceptive.

"Yeah, it turns out that I am."

"Oh!  Well I'm not.  So forget about anything like that!"

I caught myself staring at her again.  It was hard to say 
the words.

"You've only been here a month?"

If I couldn't talk about it directly, perhaps I could manage
the indirect approach.

"Yes."

"Where did you come from before?"

"Albany."

"Really?  Do you like it here?"

"Yeah.  I guess."

There was a coven in Albany, but I didn't know any of its 
members.  However, they certainly would have felt this 
girl's power.  I made a mental note to contact them.

"Look," I said, gulping a bit as I prepared to say it, "Were
you ever into magic in any way?"

She looked at me.

"Oh god!  You're one of those!"

Obviously the witches in Albany had contacted her.

"Yes, I'm one of those."

"Look, I'm not into that freaky shit.  Please just stay away
from me."

She gave me a scornful look.

"Alright," I said.

"Fine," she replied.

She just stood for a second.  I didn't say anything.  She 
turned to leave.

"You know it's real, right?  The magic."

She turned back facing me.  She didn't say anything.

"There are worse things in the world than me.  Some won't 
take no for an answer."

She gulped.  "Just stay away."

She turned quickly and left.  I didn't try to stop her.

I took out my phone and called Erica.

"Hello," she answered.

"Do me a favor.  Find out who leads the coven in Albany.  
Then set up a contact ritual for me.  We can do it tonight."

"Sure sweetheart," she said.  I hung up.

I thought about the situation.  To find such a powerful 
wellspring was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It was 
also a great responsibility.  I had told her the truth.  
There were other forces in the world far more malign than 
me.  They would sense her.  They would take her against her 
will.

If I couldn't have her at least I had to protect her -- 
somehow -- if I could.  I needed to know more about her.  It
would have to wait, however.  The bell was about to ring, 
and I had a chemistry test.


*****


The test was hard.  During class I missed a call from Erica.
I returned it on my way to algebra.

"The leader of the Albany Coven is named Amanda Stevens," 
she said.

"Good."  I had heard the name before.  "Have you set up the 
ritual?"

"Uh -- well -- no ritual will be necessary."

"Huh?"

"She's here in town."

"Oh?"  I wasn't surprised.

"Yes.  She's staying in the Hyatt.  We're meeting her after 
school."

"That will be fine.  See you soon."

"Yes my dear," she replied.

I hung up as I arrived at my algebra class.  I took my seat.
Erica entered a few moments later, wearing gray slacks and a
yellow blouse.  She looked around at everyone.  She gave me 
a little wink as she walked to the front of the room.

"Did anyone have any problems with their homework?" she 
asked, "Because today we're starting on polynomials."

I took out my homework and raised my hand.  Problem seven 
had proved troublesome.


*****


"You're how old?" Amanda Stevens asked, looking at me in 
disbelief.

"I'm sixteen."

"And you're her math teacher?" she said to Erica.

"Yes, she is," I said, flatly.

We were sitting in a booth at a diner just down the street 
from Amanda's hotel.  The waitress brought out our drinks, 
and we sat quietly.  The two women got coffee.  I got juice.
The waitress left.

"And the Mothers know about this?" she asked, looking at 
Erica.

"They do," I answered.  Erica remained quiet.

"And they approve?"

I gave her a cold look.

"It's complicated."

"The girl has been through a lot," Erica said, "But yes, she
has the approval of the Council of Mothers."

"And they know that her wellspring is also her teacher?  
Have they any idea what sort of scandal that could cause?"

"Yes -- " Erica started to answer her.

"Erica," I interjected, "Why don't you go outside for a bit 
so I can talk to Amanda."

Both women stopped and looked at me.  Then Erica smiled and 
put her hand gently on my arm.  She got up and left.

Amanda kept staring at me.  It seemed she had decided that 
she would need to measure me up.  I sat back and took a sip 
of my juice.

"You'll just have to accept me as fait accompli."

She looked skeptical.  I went on.

"The Council has accepted me.  This is my territory -- "

I took another sip.

" -- and I won't be bullied."

She stayed quiet.  She stared at me hard.  I saw the light 
in her eyes and felt a slight tingle of magical energy.  She
began to mutter a spell.  I smiled.

I spoke a single word.  I let my power flow freely.  She was
slammed back into her seat.  Her body shuddered.  She 
grabbed the table, dislodging her cup and sending coffee 
spilling to the floor.  She tried to cry out, but her mouth 
was clamped shut by the spasms.  All that emerged was a 
gurgling sound.

I kept my stare locked onto her.  More magic flowed.  It 
lasted longer than it needed to, just a few seconds.  Her 
eyes got big.  Was I going to kill her?

I let her go.

The ritual had been designed to establish dominance without 
injury.  Its designers, however, had made no effort to spare
the loser pain.

She sat breathless.  Her hair was rumpled.  Her clothes were
in disarray.  The waitress rushed to our table.  "Is she OK?
Should I call an ambulance?"

"I'm fine," Amanda grunted out, "I just had a minor seizure.
Please don't call anyone.  This happens from time to time."

I kept my eyes locked on her.  She looked back at me and I 
saw fear.

"I understand now," she muttered after the waitress left.  
There would be no more questions about the council's 
approving me.

"Alright, now that THAT is out of the way, we need to talk 
about Lauren."


*****


Later, I left the diner.  Erica met me by her car, wrapping 
her jacket around me and helping me into the seat.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"I won."

"Of course you did.  I felt the power.  But how are you?"

I looked at her.  The battle had been hard.  Hiding how 
weakened I was had been harder.

"I'm good.  I got the information I wanted.  But please, 
take me home."

She got into the driver's seat.  She reached over and 
touched my hand.  I leaned into her.  Our hands closed 
tightly together.

"Please hurry.  I'm exhausted.  It might be too late."

She drove fast.  She understood my weakness.  If you think 
of magic as an energy, and the wellspring as a battery, then
the witch is the conduit through which the energy flows.  
Mine was a wide conduit.  I could perform amazing magic 
because I could use more power at once.  However, there was 
a cost.  It left me more deeply drained.

This was my secret.  If known, it would surely be used 
against me.

I could barely walk by the time we arrived at my house.  
Soon I would fall unconscious and into a deep coma.  If that
happened, only another witch could awaken me.  There were 
few that I could trust.  Erica pulled me from the car.  I 
stumbled.  She carried me through the door, and I heard my 
mother's voice, "Is she OK?"

"She should be, but we haven't much time."

Then I was in my room.  I heard my door close.  Erica shut 
my mother out; it was best that she never saw this.  My 
clothes came off.  Her kisses began.  They were enough to 
keep me conscious, but not enough to recharge me.  She went 
lower.  I felt her mouth -- there.  It didn't take long.  My
body was so hungry.  Her tongue felt so good.  The climax 
came, and the energy flowed between us.  I felt exalted.  I 
felt fulfilled.

Erica crawled up next to me, embracing me.  She kissed me 
softly.  My flesh tingled as the energy suffused through me.
A deep relaxation.  Gradually, sleep.


*****


"So, what did you learn?" Erica asked when I awoke the next 
morning.  I had slept for fourteen hours.

"Not much that we couldn't have guessed.  The witches of 
Albany knew of her.  She wasn't interested in joining with 
them, so they just observed and protected her."

"I see.  And I guess Amanda Stevens had followed her here to
continue the protection."

"Well yeah, mostly to see what was happening.  She was 
considering assigning one of her witches here to protect 
her."

Erica gave me a serious look.

"That means the council is not advertising your presence.  
That will make it harder for you."

"Yeah.  There isn't much I can do about that now.  In any 
case, after what happened to Amanda, I expect my presence 
may become more widely known."

"Don't count on it.  Amanda Stevens won't want it known that
she was bested by a sixteen year old.  So, how did you leave
things?"

"Well -- not so good."

"Really?"

"I told her to leave my territory and not return."

"Oh dear!" she said, looking a bit panicked.  "Was that a 
good idea?"

I gave her a look that demanded silence.  She was right, 
though.  Commanding Amanda Stevens out of my territory had 
been impulsive.  I hoped that it wouldn't prove to be a 
mistake.

I heard sounds in the kitchen, mother fumbling around to 
prepare breakfast.

"Are you hungry?" Erica asked.

"Yeah."

"Let's go eat."

"I want to do something first."

I leaned over and kissed her.  She was wearing only her 
panties.

"You don't have to, sweetie.  I took care of myself while 
you slept."

It wasn't often that I gave back to her what she gave to me.
After coming so close last night, however, I wanted to.  I 
kissed her again.  Her nipples grew stiff.

"I want to," I said.

She smiled.  She lay back in bed, and I climbed on top of 
her.  I kissed her down her body.  I sucked on her breasts.
I pinched her nipples.  They were brown and plump.  Then 
further, I ate her, pulling the crotch of her panties aside.
It took some time.  I let it be slow.  My tongue lingered.  
She grew warm and very wet.

When she came, she bit down on the pillow so as not to cry 
out.  I was glad.  Mother did not need to hear that.

We embraced.  Then she helped me pick out clothes for 
school.  She grabbed a yellow t-shirt and, as usual, a 
little skirt.  Today it was blue.  We dressed, then on to 
breakfast.  Mother fed us a fruit plate and cereal with soy 
milk.  We left for school.

"What now?" she asked as she drove.

"Well -- I guess we should put a protection circle around 
her house.  Can you prepare the material and we can do it 
tonight?"

"Alright."

"Also, I'd like to make an amulet for her, if I can get her 
to wear it.  Perhaps we can do that tonight also, and I will
give it to her tomorrow.  Perhaps if it is small and 
pretty."

Erica smiled.  She pulled out a little gold bracelet with a 
small figurine of a woman.  "It represents Diana.  I did the
basic blessings last night while you slept.  All it needs is
an infusion of power."

I grasped the bracelet and spoke a spell, letting a small 
measure of magic flow.  Not too much.  It wouldn't be enough
to stop a truly powerful entity, but at least I would be 
warned if they approached the girl.

If she would wear it.


*****


Lunchtime came.  Approaching Lauren again in front of her 
friends would likely cause a scene, so I went to find my 
friend Amy to have lunch with.

Brandon Waters stopped me in the hall.  He was tall and 
athletic.  He played sports.

"Hey!  You're that Rachel girl, right?"

"Yeah.  What do you want?"

"So, I heard you were hitting up on Lauren yesterday at 
lunch.  Right?"

He leered at me.  His mouth seemed gigantic compared to his 
face.  I folded my arms and looked at him.

"Did she say yes?" he went on.

"Whatever Lauren and I talked about is none of your 
business.  But I assure you, nothing in your childish 
imagination is true."

He leaned forward as if to whisper in my ear.  I drew away.

He muttered, "Bitch," under his breath.  He went on.

"I bet she said yes.  I bet you and that frigid bitch are 
both dykes."

Then he said something very lewd.

I mumbled a spell under my breath.  I used a little bit of 
power.  A wet spot appeared in the crotch of his pants.

"What the -- " he exclaimed as the wetness spread.  He gave 
me a dark, panicked look.  I smirked.  He slumped a bit.  He
covered his crotch with his hands and ran away.

I walked onward, smiling, feeling pleased.

I found Amy.  We went outside to the picnic tables and ate.


*****


I managed to find Lauren alone between classes.

"Hey Lauren," I said, approaching her from behind.

She turned.  When she saw me, her face turned dark.

"I heard what happened to Brandon, and don't try to say that
it was an accident.  I've dealt with your type before.  I 
know the kinds of shit you pull."

"Uh -- Yeah, well Brandon deserved it.  He said awful 
things."

"I don't care.  Now he's pissed and telling everyone I'm a 
dyke.  It is hard enough making friends in a new school 
without that."

"I'm not responsible for what Brandon does.  But look -- I 
have something more important to talk about."

I took out the amulet.

"Would you wear this?  It will help keep you safe."

She arched her eyebrows.

"Look -- It's small.  You can just wear it on your wrist.  
You don't have to commit to anything, but I'd just feel 
better knowing you have it."

I held the amulet toward her.  She didn't move.

"I can only think of two things worst than people thinking 
that I'm a lesbian.  One is that I'm into that magic shit.  
The other is that I'm with you.  Keep it."

I withdrew my hand, letting the bracelet dangle in my grasp.

"Oh -- And it's ugly," she said, as she turned away.

I looked at the amulet.  "It's not ugly," I muttered.  I 
dropped it back into my purse.


*****


"Perhaps we could lift some of her jewelry," Erica said, 
"And put the charm on it."

"That might work.  I'll think about it."

It was evening.  We were driving toward Lauren's house to 
lay out the protection circle.

"Getting the jewelry in and out of her house would be hard,"
I said.

"Couldn't you use a shift spell?"

A shift spell moved material objects through space.  It took
a lot of magical energy.

"I am powerful enough to cast a shift, but it is a delicate 
spell.  A lot can go wrong.  Plus, I'd really need to get in
and see the jewelry before I could shift it."

"Shift yourself in."

I smiled.  "I've shifted things before, but never a person.
As I said, a lot can go wrong."

"How about invisibility?"

"The same.  It takes a lot of power.  If something goes 
wrong, I could be in trouble.  Plus, it doesn't work on 
cats.  It just seems to piss them off.  We'd need to find 
out if they have pets."

"Oh."

"In any case, I'll think about it."

She nodded her head.  She kept driving.

"Stop here," I said, still a half mile from her house.  
"I'll walk the rest of the way."

"Huh?"

"Look -- I'm going to be creeping around her backyard laying
out the circle.  If they call the cops, I'd rather be caught
alone than with you."

She looked at me.  She pulled over.

"Just find someplace to park and keep your phone on.  I'll 
call you if I need you."

She gave me a half smile.  I leaned in.  She kissed me on 
the cheek and brushed my arm.

"Be careful," she said.

I walked away.


*****


I trudged down and over several blocks to Lauren's house.  I
wished, as I had many times, that we really could fly on 
broomsticks.

Lauren's was a typical suburban tract house.  There was a 
bright streetlight in front and a wooden fence surrounding 
the backyard.  Both would prove troublesome.

I called Erica.

"There's a fence and a streetlight.  This may take a while.
Why don't you grab some coffee or something."

"Fine.  Be careful."

The front of her house had two large windows.  However, only
faint wisps of light were visible through them.  Evidently 
the family gathered in the back of the house.  The neighbors
were very much the same.  I thought it safe to approach the 
streetlight.

I let a car pass.  I went to the light pole.  I grasped it 
on both sides and muttered a spell, passing in my power.  I 
felt the location of the electric cables.  To try and 
manipulate the electricity directly would be risky.  I could
probably do it, but it would leave me drained.  I could, 
however, melt the copper.  I sent in pure heat.  There was a
loud popping sound.  The light went out.

I smiled.  I thought that perhaps I should thank my science 
teacher.  I imagined the look on his face.

It was dark now, but I was still visible in silhouette.  I 
retreated from the pole and ducked behind some bushes.  I 
waited.  Nothing happened.

The protection circle didn't literally need to be a circle; 
its perimeter needed to run between one and seven paces from
the dwelling.  To place it, I would have to enter their 
backyard.  I decided to do that first.

The fence was too tall for me to climb, particularly in my 
skirt.  It had a gate, however.  I felt through it with my 
power and moved the latch.  The gate opened, and I entered 
the backyard.  It was quiet and dark.

I removed a small packet from my purse and opened it.  I 
began walking around the house, gradually sprinkling a fine 
powder from the packet.  I crossed a cement area by the 
pool, my footsteps making faint echos.  Then I was back on 
grass.  I turned a corner to the far side of the house.  
There was another gate there.  I opened it.  She was there.

She let out a loud "EEEEP!"  I stepped back quickly.

"What the -- " She exclaimed.  "Who's that?"

I could immediately tell it was her by her voice and the 
shape of her silhouette.

"It's me, Rachel," I whispered, "Please don't freak out."

"Holy crap!  You're stalking me now!"

"Well, no -- I mean -- yeah, but not like that.  I'm putting
a magic circle around your house."

I couldn't make out her face, but her whole body sort of 
slumped in exasperation.

"Look, I promise I'll stay away from you.  I'll never talk 
to you at school.  I won't even look at you.  But let me 
complete this circle."

"Get off my fucking lawn!"

"Please.  How can it hurt you?"

A car drove by lighting us up.  She noticed the packet of 
powder and grabbed it from me and threw it down.  The 
contents scattered.  Then she shoved me, not too hard, but 
enough that I staggered back.

"Get out of here!"

I had staggered back through the gate.  Getting out meant 
going by her.

"You'll have to let me pass."

She stood aside.  I walked back to the street and away from 
the house.  I called Erica.

"Total failure.  She caught me."

"I'll come."

"Meet me on the corner of Elm and Martin."

Later, in her car, she looked at me.  "What now?" she asked.

"I don't know.  I'm not going to try to get her jewelry.  
After getting caught this time, I'm not tempting fate 
again."

"Do you think fortune is against you?  Should we do an 
augury?"

I thought about that.

"It's very difficult.  Particularly for me, given the nature
of my power.  It's difficult for most witches to control the
flow of energy when they enter their trance.  I might 
totally lose it."

"Didn't you practice Augury in your training?"

I looked at her.  "I don't want to talk about that."

We were quiet for a bit.

"You could give up on her.  No one could blame you.  You've 
done your best."

I didn't respond.

"You could ask the council for -- "

She cut short.  I gave her a hard look.

"You know I won't do that."

We sat quietly as she drove.  We waited for a traffic light.
She drove down a street and turned, pulling out onto a main 
boulevard.  Streetlights zoomed by as she picked up speed.  
Shadows bent back and forth over her face.  Still, we said 
nothing.  A few more turns, another street, and we arrived 
at my house.

She let me out.  Clearly she intended to sleep at home.  I 
leaned against the car, looking at her.

"I won't give up on her.  You know that."

"I know," she said.  Her expression warmed.  She smiled.  
"You never gave up on me."

I slid back into the car and kissed her goodnight.  We 
embraced.  We kissed again.

"Do you feel drained?  I could give you a recharge."

"I didn't use much power."

"Oh."

Her hand rested on mine.

"You could come in anyway," I said.  I glanced at her.  I 
bit my lip.

We embraced again.  I pulled her close.  We got out of the 
car and walked hand in hand into the house.


*****


Mother was already asleep.  I was glad for that.

We went to my room.  I closed the door behind us and stood 
in front of her.  I smiled and waited.  She looked at me.

"Are we waiting?" I asked.

"I just wanna look for a bit."

"OK."

We waited a bit, just looking.  Then we went to my bed and I
began kissing her.  She squeezed my ass, pulling our bodies 
together.  Her fingers went deeper and pressed.  My panties 
were damp.

"Wow, someone's excited."

"Yeah."

Then I was on my back.  I felt my panties pulled away.  I 
felt soft kisses on my thighs and -- there.  I stroked her 
hair and looked into her eyes.  Fingers entered me.  A 
tongue probed.  Then the magic coursed through me.  My legs 
kicked about.  My eyes fluttered.

"Did you just cum?"

"Yeah."

"That was fast.  Do you want more?"

"Please."

She gave me more, soft caresses, a gentle tongue, for a 
while.  Then she got faster and the magic flowed again, 
shooting through me, tingling up and down.

She sat up.  I lay there breathing for a while.  I spoke.

"I wanna do you now."

"OK."

She began to undo her blouse.  I grabbed her hands.

"Let me do that."

I unbuttoned her blouse.  I removed her bra, kissing her 
neck.  Her nipples were large and dark.  I sucked them.  I 
stood her up and removed her slacks.  Her sheer lavender 
panties I left, though.  They were just so pretty.

We lay together.  We embraced, locking our bodies, wrapping 
our legs, pressing and writhing.  I rocked my hips over and 
over again.  My heart hammered.  I gasped for breath.

"I'm gonna cum again!"

I did.  It was fast and hard.

She rolled over onto her back and yanked her panties down.

"Rachel, please eat me."

I squatted on the floor by the bed and ate her.  I ate and 
rubbed myself.  I came again, my head thrashing.  Then back 
at her, frantic.

"Oh god Rachel!  Oh god!"

A few more licks.  A finger.  Her body went rigid and she 
cried out.  I didn't stop.

"Please stop!  Please, please!"

I stopped, sitting back leering at her.  She relaxed.  She 
began to laugh.

There was a voice at the door, mother's.  "Are you alright, 
Rachel?"

We both got quiet.  We looked at the door.

"I'm fine mom," I said.

"What's going on in there?"

I didn't know what to say.  I always figured she knew.  I 
thought we had a silent understanding.

"I'm with Erica."

She said nothing.  We waited, for quite a while.  Still 
nothing.  She must have gone back to bed.

Erica sat up and hugged me.

"Will you be OK?"

"I hope so."

She pulled me closer.  We kissed.


*****


I lay on the bed with my head resting in her lap.  She was 
caressing my face, staring absently out the window into the 
darkness.

"I'm still worried about the girl.  Something could be 
hurting her right now and I wouldn't know."

She looked down at me, still stroking me.  "You could 
project your spirit and check on her."

"Sure, but I can't do that all the time.  And if something 
did happen, by the time I got back to my body and then back 
over there, it would be too late."

She was quiet.

To perform an Augury, a witch must open herself completely.
She can then sense the currents of fortune, perceive the 
twists of fate.  It's dangerous.  She's both vulnerable, and
it's difficult to control the power.  However, it's a task 
that all witches must complete before they receive their 
full rank.  My teacher had let me skip it.  She believed my 
power would be too uncontrolled.  She had lied to the 
council.

Still, I knew the basic procedure.

"I will do the Augury.  Please bring me my books."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes.  I'm afraid to wait.  I shall do it tonight."


*****


(To be continued ...)


*****


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Read my other stories: http://www.asstr.org/~badfred

