“But I know what might fix it,” he said, squeezing my hand. “Metaphorical magic. When Aelvesgold enters this world from Faerie it fills the spaces between atoms, connecting all things. One of the tricks that the fey taught the first witches was sympathetic magic – how to manipulate that connection in order to effect change in objects – and people – at a distance.”

“Oh, like a correlative spell,” I said, glad I’d crammed. “My friend Diana did one on me to fix my spine. She created a correlation between my broken neck and some yarn and then knitted the yarn to heal me. Wheelock says that the most powerful spells are correlative ones.”

“Yes, you can use Aelvesgold to create a bond in order to strengthen a correlative spell. That’s why magic became more difficult as the supply of Aelvesgold diminished in this world. But we don’t have that problem. You’re brimming with the stuff.”

He took my hand and held it out in front of my face. For a moment I was too distracted by noticing what long elegant fingers he had to see what he was showing me, but then I saw it – a thin gold aura around my hand.

“With this much Aelvesgold running through your body you can do practically anything – become practically anything. I think we may be able to release your blocked up energy by using metaphorical magic to change form.”

“Changing form?” I asked.

“Some witches call it shape-shifting. When you assume the shape of another creature you can sometimes unlock trapped energy. Besides,” he added, grinning and looking especially boyish, “it’s fun.”

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

WE WENT OUTSIDE to my backyard because, Duncan said, magic was stronger in the open air.

“The woods will give us more options for transformation. I’m assuming there’s not much in the way of wildlife in the house.”

“There’s Ralph,” I said, explaining how Ralph had come into existence. He had stayed behind the books while Duncan was in the library.

“It sounds like he’s your familiar,” Duncan said. “And you should avoid transforming into your familiar’s shape. It creates … complications. I think you need a form that’s more liberating.”

We’d come to the edge of the woods. The light from my back porch had lit our way across the yard, but beyond the trees it was dark. Either the moon hadn’t risen yet or there was no moon tonight. I supposed that if I was going to be a witch I should start noticing matters of this sort. Suddenly I felt very unprepared for whatever it was we were going to do.

“You mean I’m going to turn into an animal?” I asked.