Page 21 (1/2)

“A virgin’s blood of Druid decent, only of age to give consent” Duncan repeated the curse out loud so they both could ponder its interpretation “Virgin blood will set you free; this is your curse from us to thee” Duncan watched as Tara talked with Cassy

“If Tara has to give consent, then force isn’t an option for Grainna How can she force consent?”

“She can’t Not withoutmind and is unlikely to fall under any spell Grainna can cast”

“Maybe,” Duncan murmured “Daoing according to her plan”

“Agreed,” Fin said in trepidation

Tara took the opportunity to walk through so the intermission At least that is what she told Cassy In reality, she wandered the crowd looking for Duncan “Searching for someone?” his voice caot up on her tiptoes and looked over several heads in the crowd “Just a tall, dark, and handsoht find one, do you?”

His laugh warmed her She loved the ave her hand a quick kiss When she winced, he turned it over and saw the scratch “How did this happen?”

“Gwen’s rings caught It’s fine” Tara waved her free hand “How is everything going out there? You look like a natural”

Duncan rubbed her skin with his thumb

“What is it?” Tara asked when he didn’t respond to her question and comments

He pulled her closer, his voice hurried “What did Gwen tell you about today?”

“What do youher

“Did she ask anything else of you, any other task?” Duncan urged

Tara shifted fro, why?”

He forced a sht her hands to his lips His eyes closed, he brushed her knuckles to his cheek

So

“What is it?”

He looked through her “If you fear anything, Tara, call onthe warriors to the field

The feeling he projected shook her to the core

So “Trustin vain to see as bothering hih her

They both had places to be, both in opposite directions His hand brushed her chin and left a blaze in its wake

She watched hih, his stance and stride demanded people part in his path

And…they did

“Her cure has begun,” he told Fin when he met up with him “Tell me”