Where A Witch Goeth

Chapter Forty-Four: The Making Of Henry Dukes

I came awake turning my nose from an acrid smell. Jesse had roused me with smelling salts. Apparently, Abraham had dashed to the kitchens with vampiric speed, because as soon Van could sit me upright in his arms, Abraham was pushing a glass of juice to my lips.

"I had it in mind to scold you for not eating," Evander said sternly, but then he winced in pain and pressed cool lips as tenderly as he could to my temple. His voice rasped with emotion when he said, "But it's my fault. I left you locked in a cage with only Abraham to see to you. He doesn't always consider human needs, and I didn't consider that. I'm sorry, lass."

I reached for the cup myself and gulped down the sugary, orange goodness. "It's alright. It's been a day. And a night." I smiled up at him.

He bowed his head next to mine, stroked my hair. "And it's not over. Again, I'm so sorry, but only you can rouse Henry, correct?"

I nodded and held out my empty glass to Abraham. "A bit more orange juice, please? And then bit more Abraham juice," I joked.

Evander looked startled. "What does that mean?"

"Calm yourself. Not all power is passed through blood. Although it does seem that your lover has a natural attraction for me," Abraham winked at me as he poured the juice, then made a show of rolling up his sleeves and wiggling his fingers at me.

I chugged and gave Abraham a mild squint. He apparently delighted in riling Evander. However, it must be a thing Evander was long-experienced in handling because he tightened his lips for the briefest second before replying in even tones. "Not merely my lover. Perhaps you're unaware that Celiliadh is a time-traveler. She is your great, great grandmother."

"Oh, I know. She has already bared her mind to me," Abraham scoffed as he squatted in front of me and tenderly caressed my face, before pulling the empty glass from my hands and taking both of mine in his. "I think I shall call her Septmother, however. There's not a thing about her that is...grandmotherly." He snicked his fangs and bit his lip, giving me a wicked smile, before lowering to kiss both of my hands and, in doing so, delivering me a magical power boost.

"I think maybe I'll call you Ass-aham." I tugged one hand away and swatted at his head. He gave a liquid laugh, ducked my swatting, and reclaimed my hand, pushing more power.

Evander watched the transfer impassively. "Your magic is highly compatible," he noted flatly.

"Well, it makes sense, doesn't it?"

Evander said nothing, he just nodded and turned his attention to Minnie, who was now staring at us.

"Time-travel?" she murmured.

"Yes, Sweetheart. As incredible as it seems, Celie has been living unawares under a glamour her entire life, but now her true identity has been revealed. She is from a future time, and may still be moving backward. It seems my past could be her future. Or perhaps she has altered her path. The physics of it all might be unpredictable." Evander said. "Time for all those musings later. Right now, we must help Henry."

Minnie wiped tears and rose from Henry's cot, nodding with determination. "You're going to make him a vampire?"

Evander sighed. "I'm going to offer him the choice. But Henry knows better than most men the consequences of choosing the Blood Curse. He has seen our dark sides," Evander's eyes cut to Abraham.

Minnie's gaze turned to Abraham. Her lips quivered, but she mastered herself, and she smiled at Abraham. "And he has seen the love this family bears one another."

"True," Abraham agreed. "Don't worry, my dear one. If he takes the Curse, your Henry is not likely to go insane like me."

"You're not insane," Minnie growled.