The head priest licked his lips and craned forward to look at the child, his hands clenching the sides of his chair to hold himself upright. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡOst2YL01Z5
"Father, we ask to bless her and have a proper ceremony," LeVane spoke in a low respectful voice. His head was still bowed. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnOke1cC8V
The priest reached out and touched the child's smooth head of blackened hair. This roused the infant and suddenly her eyes were open, bluer than sapphire copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡslS0sFQVxH
"Tch!" the priest jerked his hand back and stood up in surprise. He pulled his hand back. "A witch?" he questioned. His eyes were startled as he clutched his hand in fear of the unknown.copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uLewyxdMF
"No, father," Kreta reassured with tears in her eyes. "An angel!" she declared while embracing the child to her bosom. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2DbTxhddR
The boys heard what happened and rushed forward to defend their own. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rpMyILLDY
"Don't hurt her!" Nolan stepped forward. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPWR8xb3gn
Arlen crossed his arms.copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S9v66KD98
"No! She's our sister!" Keenan said bashfully.296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTASyJYoD5
copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWQvfj7K4k
"Mine!" Hadin declared. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡI16TvuvHl0
LeVane stood up and waved his hand to silence the boys. The priest sat back into his chair with a displeased face. Kreta turned to stand behind the boys and had them bow in respect for what they had done. 296Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjANnT9bLYu
copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfmz1FaxnC
"Father, please, I know what the people think and what you have heard. Aye, it is true, but she is ours... I swear it that the Star of Fortune was low the night we found her. It was meant to be," LeVane reasoned. "Look at this child. She is beautiful, and she came at a time my family needed her most."copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XHcLwWD0V
The priest sat up straighter and signaled for LeVane to continue. LeVane was a respected man and swearing on the Star of Fortune had to mean some words of truth.copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ58YZ5rwO4
"This is but an infant. This child can grow and learn to be part of the church. Give the ota a chance. Why deny a child to the gods? Father, you are a priest of mercy and good fortune" LeVane persuaded while knowing exactly which words would soothe over the priest's pride. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ9EDzbipZ
"--And such a pretty thing is sure to have a suitable husband to donate to the church," Kreta added tactfully. She bounced the child up and down in her arms and gave the priest her best convincing smile. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuQ5QmS13w
The priest relented and made the sign of the cross in agreement. "Let it be done," he bobbed his head decidedly. "Next service we will have a full ceremony by the river! Let's welcome this child of fortune, as I am a priest of fortune!" copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsDXzaFvB5
"Oh, bless thee!" Kreta thanked. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2ycT6ubxB
LeVane kissed the Father's hand and the family left feeling very grateful. With the priest behind them it would force the people to welcome Mira. copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDSoYVcoxR
_______________________________________________________________copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCcj1SwA83
Here is part 2. Just wait for the drama in the next chapter!copyright protection292ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlzFcZZy1i
ns18.234.247.75da2
