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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmVQiKkHB4
"Father, we ask to bless her and have a proper ceremony," LeVane spoke in a low respectful voice. His head was still bowed. copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyQk38hjqA
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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjaVgbwwaT
"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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9of5fxPzfq
"No, father," Kreta reassured with tears in her eyes. "An angel!" she declared while embracing the child to her bosom. copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0Zul3DCm4
The boys heard what happened and rushed forward to defend their own. copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTnnPEylbJ
"Don't hurt her!" Nolan stepped forward. copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡek8tpn0fWf
Arlen crossed his arms.copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAgF5BIJd5
"No! She's our sister!" Keenan said bashfully.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLpIiTInh7
copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqZbOOQn91
"Mine!" Hadin declared. copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nlfQLCR1z
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. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo3q90tIjT
copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HammfY5Zc
"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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNC9YrXPO6
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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVucakYMbZ
"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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡliGvF3LE8K
"--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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiytsxUpmI
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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcE1pOlnAx
"Oh, bless thee!" Kreta thanked. copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWQ3sw6dae
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 protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0xxtZ4opq
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Here is part 2. Just wait for the drama in the next chapter!copyright protection82ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM6HQzeWNo
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