For Love of a Vampire

Chapter 16

The star filled night reminded me of a quilt my friend Linda kept over her bed. Its deep navy background created the perfect palate for the brilliant white and gold stars that were too many to count. Linda's quilt didn't twinkle with life like the night sky did, but that was the only difference. Whoever crafted that quilt did a fine job of capturing the essence of a starry night.

As we approached the circle, the apprehension I'd been nursing about the ruse Helen and I were playing rose within me. This was not any ordinary group of people. This was a group of people who had magical abilities. Grant it some had stronger abilities than others, but they all had them to some level. I had no desire to anger any of them and find out who knew what.

Lady Helen seemed oblivious to the risks we were taking as she walked boldly into the center of the circle. Or perhaps she just didn't care. She held her hands up in the air and silence swept over the attendees as quickly as if she's flicked off a switch. I was in genuine awe of the influence she had on the coven and the apparent regard they held for her. I wondered if Margaret was held in as high esteem. It didn't take long for me to find out.

I listened intently as Helen announced the return of Lady Margaret and explained the tragedy of her memory loss that occurred as a result of her time-space travel. The group seemed to buy her story hook, line, and sinker. I saw no doubt in anyone's face. What Lady Helen said was to be taken as absolute and that was that.

All eyes were on me as they waited expectantly for Lady Margaret to make her grand entrance into the center of their circle. I was so engrossed in the fascination of how one person could have such unquestionable obedience and respect from such a large group that it took me a few moments to realize that I was supposed to be Lady Margaret. Somehow Duncan's arrival shifted my thinking and I no longer felt the need to be someone I wasn't. Unfortunately, Lady Helen still felt there was a need and, since I owed her a great deal, I needed to continue pretending. If this wasn't a great exercise in the art of method acting I don't know what was. It was a shame it couldn't be used on my resume.

I took a deep breath and pulled on my best smile as I glided across the firm ground to stand next to their true leader. I found it interesting that I'd stood in the face of the threat of death on numerous occasions and never broke a sweat, but standing in front of this group of magical people scared me to death.

Go figure.

I addressed the group with as much confidence as I could while apologizing for my lack of memory. I went around the circle and had each attendee introduce themselves to me as well as tell me a bit about who they were and why they were part of the coven. Although some found it an odd request, the majority not only obliged willingly, but actually enjoyed themselves. They teased and poked at the appropriate times without ever showing disrespect to one another. I found them to be a wonderful and tight knit fellowship. On more than one occasion during the process of introductions I caught myself wishing I could take them back to the future with me. What I wouldn't give to have such loving and kind people as my circle of friends. Of course Daryl, Doug, and Linda were certainly kind and loving people, but they were so few in number that it couldn't compare with being a part of a family such as this. Plus, they weren't magicians. There was a lot to be said for surrounding yourself with people just like you. I would miss it if I was able to return to the future; especially now that Isabelle was gone.

The thought of Isabelle saddened me. I looked for Duncan for reassurance as I did my best to regain the mood I'd so enjoyed just a few minute earlier. He was nowhere in sight. I allowed my mind to wonder at his whereabouts briefly before I returned my focus to the matter at hand. I was sure Duncan hadn't gone far and would return when the circle meeting ended.

I was correct.

We finished our meeting and the group dispersed quickly and quietly. I looked around the clearing in awe. There was very little sign that we'd even been there not five minutes earlier. Even the fire we'd used had been extinguished and disguised. I was certain you would have had to either been an attendee or a skilled tracker-hunter in order to recognize the signs that a fire ever existed. To add to their security factor, the coven performed a powerful cloaking spell over the area.