AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do whatever you have to do,” Ray said.
“Go for it,” I told Sage.
She opened the jar, releasing a mixture of scents I couldn’t identify.
“Sea-buckthorn is the primary ingredient,” she said, as though anticipating my question. “It’s a hex breaker.”
“Should we leave?” I asked.
“No, I like company when I work.” She frowned. “Except my grandmother. She’s my worst critic. I could create the most perfect mixture in the world, and she’d say the lavender had too much purple in it.”
I gestured to Renee. “Could we maybe…?”
Sage snapped to attention. “Oh, right. Sorry about that. It can be hard living in such cramped quarters with your loved ones. This house would be paradise for us.” She dabbed some of the mixture on Renee’s forehead. “Except we’d have more furniture. It seems so bare.”
“Well, it’s just me, and I’m spending most of my time and money on the renovations right now.” And survival. Story of my life.
“I can help you find a sofa for your parlor room, or living room, whatever you call it. I’m an excellent thrifter.” She glanced at her clothing. “I realize this outfit doesn’t support my claim. I have pieces I assemble from multiple decades that look like they were designed to be worn together.”
“Accept her offer,” Ray urged.
I fought the urge to shush him, not for Sage’s sake since she couldn’t hear him, but for mine.
“That sounds good,” I said vaguely.
“Okay, now I need a minute of silence while I focus.” Sage concentrated on Renee.
I gazed out the window at the backyard where a flock of birds were pecking the ground. They seemed to have migrated there in light of the scarecrow’s relocation to the far side of the property.
“Renee, can you hear me?” Sage asked. “If you can, I need a sign.”
She remained motionless on the bed.
“Can you move a finger?” Sage asked. “One little pinky?”
Nothing happened.
“Let me try a different blend.” She reached into the tote bag and produced a second jar. This one was more colorful and when she opened the lid, a honey-sweet fragrance hit me in the face.
“Echinacea?” I asked.
“Yes, and blackthorn and blessed thistle,” Sage said. She used a cloth to wipe away the first mixture and applied the second, followed by the same questions to Renee but to no avail.
“I haven’t seen any movement, have you?” I asked.
Sage regarded the patient. “No. This is bad.”
“Did you invite her here to state the obvious?” Ray asked, unusually agitated.
“Did you learn anything at all?” I asked.
Sage nodded. “It isn’t a spell.”
“Really? You’re sure?” I couldn’t decide if that was good news or bad news.
“It’s supernatural but not magical.” She rummaged through the tote bag and produced a potion bottle. “I’m going to leave this for you. It will help keep her nourished and her system functional, so her body doesn’t start shutting down. One teaspoon per day. Hopefully, you’ll be able to wake her up before you’ve used it all.”
“Would you mind dropping off a bottle at Camryn Sable’s house? She’s currently in the same condition.”
