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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcQ8ZlRfo3
"Father, we ask to bless her and have a proper ceremony," LeVane spoke in a low respectful voice. His head was still bowed. copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jrb1WrhAV
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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPfrkqgMch
"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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3u4cup4JO
"No, father," Kreta reassured with tears in her eyes. "An angel!" she declared while embracing the child to her bosom. copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S7y49vvq5
The boys heard what happened and rushed forward to defend their own. copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1VGtf6K2j
"Don't hurt her!" Nolan stepped forward. copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gnvlAZKEJ
Arlen crossed his arms.copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLCHkGQPbh
"No! She's our sister!" Keenan said bashfully.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKYEL5OX6r
copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBjQiM6ow8
"Mine!" Hadin declared. copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyp54KF4vj
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. 159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB4pTPxlQb
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"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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9TdZb05Ax
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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡei5Dnan2eS
"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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2XpsJOyl2
"--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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfbIsbUthu
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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vM689gwcv
"Oh, bless thee!" Kreta thanked. copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxxmXZ5Mxr
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 protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnG069c0Dt
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Here is part 2. Just wait for the drama in the next chapter!copyright protection155ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3b3q93wVB
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