The Witches of Merribay (The Seaforth Chronicles) by B.J. Smash Page B

speaking . I noticed she didn't say his name in a hushed tone like everyone else did.
    I had to ask . “Why don't you say his name in a whisper like everyone else does?”
    She looked at me as though I were daft . “Why would I do that? If he wants to show up for the mere fact that I spoke his name aloud, let him. I do not fear Izaill. I'll put him in his place.” She stirred the contents of the pot. “Now, do you want to hear what he wants or not?”
    “I do.”
    “He has taken an interest in you and your sister. You are Seaforths. You are allies with the McCallister family—true, loyal friends. It has always been that way, and it will always be that way. The families are tied like a knot. The older generation of Seaforths is aware of all McCallister secrets.”
    “I don't understand what that has to do with anything.” I knew the McCallisters and Seaforths had always been neighbors —and of course, they were good friends—but how good, I didn't care.
    “McCallisters own the woods in these parts . The whole thing. Seaforths have always catered to them, worked for them, helped them. Izaill wants the woods for himself. He wants to turn the next generation of Seaforths against the McCallisters. That would be you and Zinnia. And what better way to get under your skin than by stealing your father? If he can own you, he will have the upper hand. As you know, your grandparents grow old. You will one day take their place, regardless of your own wishes.”  She removed the pot from the stove, dumping the contents through a cheese cloth and into a clay mug.
    “Own us? And I don't plan on living in Maine for much longer.”
    She chuckled and exchanged a knowing look with Drumm.
    “He has your father already , but I shall have him returned. My sister has already tried to get her hooks into Zinnia, on Izaill’s behalf. But you—you have turned to me. Wise choice. I will protect you until my last breath. I would rather die than have him own these woods. He would do terrible things with the power this land holds.” She looked me in the eye. “But one thing is for certain: I need that rolling pin.”
    The pressure was on . I had to get the rolling pin, no matter what.
    I barely listened to her about how the land had power ; I didn't care. After I had my father back, we were leaving Maine. But when she mentioned my sister, I felt uneasy.
    “What do you mean? Magella has tried to get her hooks into my sister, to do what?”
    “She has offered her what she considers a good deal. Whether she has accepted, I do not know yet.”
    “A good deal?” 
    “Extension of life.” 
    I watched Izadora furtively, doubting what she said . Sometimes I wondered if she were senile, despite her ability to make the water boil on command. But when she snapped her fingers and made a saltshaker appear, I relinquished my thoughts.
    “You doubt what I say? I myself could give a person two thousand years of life, added to their own life. But it is playing with fate. I will not do it.”
    Thinking of the night before , I told Izadora about Zinnia possibly putting something into my tea to make me sleep.
    “It is as I feared , then. I believe she has fallen for my sister’s offer.”
    I began to chew my nails, my thoughts becoming fuzzy . I couldn't lose my sister to a pair of old crazies. Izaill and Magella had to be stopped. I looked to Izadora.
    She took a needle out from her pocket , and I knew what was coming. She pricked her finger and held it over the mug, letting a drop of blood hit the contents.
    I wrinkled my face . “Not again.”
    “Do you want to be protected or not? Drink . This concoction will enhance the protection that already exists within you. As I have stated before, if you are in trouble, I will know. But like I said, help is scarce during the night hours.” And then she added, “For now.”
    I didn't know what occupied her during the evening , but I would do as she said. I would have to be so careful when entering