Hello everyone. Welcome to Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors. I am continuing with my boys-to-men story today. One question seemed to crop up more than any other. Why are they going to see a witch? My answer—because they’re kids and kids do stupid things. The final line from last week: With great care, Sam turned his head to face Charlie, arching his brow in silent question. Lozen?
McCallisters 1866
Sam watched Charlie nod, confirming that the center of all eyes was the legendary seer. Regardless of the figure’s male-like appearance, they were gazing at Victorio’s sister, said to be a witch, healer, and spiritual guide for her people. His cousin claimed Lozen was a woman of magic. The hair on the back of Sam’s neck stirred at the idea.
He didn’t know if he believed in God or magic, but if the McCallisters lived through the night, he’d agree that some kind of divine intervention must be at work. Even as the ground heat seeped through the barrier of his clothes, chill bumps skated up and down his spine.
Repressing a shudder, he thought fleetingly that he saw a white owl circling above the flames. When he focused, he realized it was only smoke twining into the shape.
Nevertheless, when the Indian priestess leaned over the blaze and waved a huge feather across the fire, Sam wondered if she’d plucked her mystic tool from the phantom bird circling above.
A Few More Lines
Using the pristine white feather, she fanned the glowing embers into flames and sent new gusts of smoke drifting upward. Threads of white and gray twisted into more strange shapes, each eerily clear to him against the backdrop of the midnight sky. Sam was as mesmerized as the Indians.
As one of the chiefs leaned close to hear her words, Sam teetered precariously on the edge of the cliff and strained to hear too. Charlie hadn’t said why he’d been determined to see the tribal mystic, but once Sam had heard his plans, he’d known he had to come along.
Next to Sam, Rob lay flat on his belly, disapproval making him rigid and tense. He’d argued against the foray into forbidden lands and joined them only after he’d been unable to dissuade his brother from the intended trespass.
Sam lost interest in anything but the drama unfolding below, enthralled by the sight of the Apache woman commanding the attention of all the warriors. His gaze was so intent he missed the stealthy approach of the Indian braves slipping soundlessly through the night.
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Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
gem
Uh oh! That doesn’t seem like a good thing to miss. I hope someone else in the group noticed.
I wasn’t ready for this snippet to end! I can hardly wait to read it, Gem. 🙂
Great snippet — a touch of mysticism followed by a hint of mystery and/or danger.
What wonderful and mystic images you’ve created, Gem! I’m as entranced as they are.
This is so nicely written and just flows effortlessly. Great snippet, Gem! Looking forward to more! 🙂
Caught while entranced! lol They are in trouble.
I loved the descriptions in the snippet, especially about the owl! And what a dramatic way to end the excerpt, with the Indians sneaking up on them. Uh oh!
Loved your beginning comment about kids doing stupid things. They sure do. I think they should be scared, too, esp. with the silent Indians creeping up on them.
Great images, I can really picture it. Hope the priestess is in a forgiving mood!
I’m wondering why they are there too. As you were describing the woman waving the feather, I suddenly flashed on the idea of her perspective, how she is so intent on performing this ritual perfectly so it will accomplish what it needs to do. How the boys’ presence invading the group’s space might invalidate the ritual. I’m so interested to see what happens when the boys get caught out.
You left of hanging with the Indians sneaking up on them. Great snippet.
Ruh Roh…