I put down the stub of the candle and take up the vial of bone dust. Removing the stopper I lean over and sprinkle the fine gray powder over the area I have drawn. When this is done I look to Violet again and give a firm nod. She knows what is required of her, and begins to chant in a soft, low voice, the incantation for protection. She might never have been a part of such strong magic, but every witch knows this chant, and knows that the more it is used during spellcasting the more it shields those present from the forces of the Darkness. For a long minute she chants alone, then, tentatively at first, other witches join in, then more, until the chamber buzzes and thrums to the low voices as they utter the sacred and powerful words over and over again.

I touch the rope on my arm.

“Maygor’s Silver Thread, gift from our revered ancestor, awaken and do my bidding,” I say, before blowing gently on the delicate glistening strands. Within seconds the rope begins to shine brightly until it seems to pulse almost with a life of its own. I can feel the strength of the magic inside it as it slips a little tighter around my arm so that I feel as if a serpent is embracing me. I raise my arms slowly and am about to begin the calling when I notice my father’s spirit restlessly shaking his head.

He’s trying to stop me. Does he think I cannot do this? Is he afraid for me? No, I know he believes in me. Wait. I have forgotten something, that’s it! He’s trying to tell me there is something missing from the circle. But what? The rope, the candle wax, the bone dust … Ah! The Book of Divine Wisdom! Yes, of course, I should have it beside me.

I reach out a hand toward Violet. “There is one more item I need. Bring me the Book of Divine Wisdom.” As she fetches what I require I fancy I hear more than one sigh of relief among the gathered witches. They are powerless to interfere. Even though they knew I was doing something wrong, they could not speak out. If things go badly they will not help me. I must do this alone. Alone save for Father.

I glance toward where he stands and see his spirit is still and calm once more.

Placing the book by my feet on the edge of the wax circle I raise both my arms.