Ch. 21.4 – By the time Janine finished the tale of her life, none of their eyes were dry.
Col cleared his throat. “You know, Janie, I never got to give you my gift on your name day.”
Bee, who had been gathering dishes from the table, stopped and frowned at him. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea, dear. You’re out of practice.”
Janine hesitated. She’d been cursed with warts last time. Even though she now knew it wasn’t Col’s fault, she couldn’t help feel a little tense. Then curiosity overcame her doubts. After all, Col and Bee performed wonderful magic all the time. Look at the mask they’d made for her, and the protective spells they put around their property. What could go wrong? “I’d like that.”
Col patted his wife’s hand. “Don’t worry, dear. It will be all right. I can do this.” He stood up, took Janine’s hand, and closed his eyes. “To the Princess Janine, I give the gift of…” He stopped.
After a long moment, Janine opened her eyes and looked at Bee, who watched her husband with great anxiety.
Col had a strange look on his face, one that Janine had never seen before. He stared at the wall, but it was as if he saw a beautiful vista from a window in a high tower. When he spoke, his voice was deep, strong, and rang with authority. “My gift you missed when but a babe, my gift here now is granted. Three times of power o’er life and death, and what your heart’s most wanted.”
“What?” Alarmed, Janine jumped to her feet and backed away. Power over life and death? Did that mean she was going to kill someone? And what did her heart want?
Col blinked his eyes and came back to himself. He looked at Bee, and then Janine. “What did I say?”
Bee repeated his words.
“What kind of gift is that?” Janine clenched her hands.
Col slumped and spread out his hands. “It just came over me. I’m so sorry. I should have just left it alone.” He sat down and burst into tears. “Please, forgive me.”
At once Janine and Bee rushed over and hugged him.
“It’s all right, Col,” said Janine. “Don’t worry about it. Do you know what it means?”
“I haven’t the foggiest.” Col blew his nose and looked up at her. “Hopefully you’ll never find out.”
Bee sighed and shook her head.
Carol Nicolas 