Magician's Touch (Deadly Touch book 3) Chapter 20: 20: Use It Wisely

Read chapter 20 of Magician's Touch (Deadly Touch book 3) by Deb E Howell on NovelPedia.

“For what purpose, though?” Anya asked. “We know he’s smart, and evil, and willing to do whatever it takes to prove that. What’s left for him? You said he has no interest in fighting you now. He’s got all the magic he could ever want. He’s got a family. Is he not content?” “Not all the magic he could ever want.” Llew had suspected Braph’s desires for a while now, but voicing it lent her guess a reality she didn’t want to believe. “The Ajnai tree we had planted over our babies …” Llew couldn’t help the wobble in her voice. Anya gave a moan and sat across from Llew, grabbing her hand, and Jonas reached an arm around her waist. Karlani shifted uncomfortably. “It glows in a way the others don’t. And I— I can sense my baby’s soul, or spirit, or something. In the tree.” Llew wasn’t surprised to see Karlani’s or Alvaro’s skepticism. Anya’s expression softened from pained to wonder, and Rowan and Elka simply listened. “Braph saw, and I can’t help but think that he wants it for himself. He has an Immortal son. But an Immortal soul entwined with an Ajnai … No one’s had that kind of power before.” “But Aris took its power,” Karlani said. Llew wished the Syakaran woman wasn’t there. She glanced at Jonas. “We need that tree. If there’s any chance to return Jonas to full power, I believe that tree can do it. He’s connected to it as much as I am.” “What will Braph do to it? He wouldn’t damage it, would he?” Anya asked. “I don’t think he’ll cut it down. I don’t know what he’ll do to try and access that power, and I’m not willing to put a limit on how far he might go to get it. He’s already used my ma, my pa, me, and now he’s using his own son. He might cut branches, or—” “They drill trees for syrup in some places,” Rowan said. “Could he access its power that way?” Llew shrugged. “I wouldn’t put it past him to try. But it’s all too new to know anything.” “Drilling shouldn’t kill it, if that helps you feel any better.” Rowan’s lips pulled wry, like he expected his words to offer as much comfort as they did. “In the meantime—” Llew flicked a finger indicating the metal pieces on the table. “—these can’t be good news for Quaver. And since we need to get to the Quaven Ajnai to fix Jonas … We can’t pretend like Braph isn’t holding the other end of our nooses. He always has, always will, until the day he dies …” Rowan rotated the metal limb in his fingers so it flopped about the joint. “Such talent, and he uses it to hurt people,” he murmured. “All the people he could help …” Llew stood. “And I need to help cows, then I’ll be back to do your blood,” she said to Jonas. Elka joined Llew as she headed out the door, and went to retrieve the fragrant tree oil from the shed while Llew eased the cows’ discomfort and repaired any damage caused by their infection since the morning. After applying the oil, they leaned on the fence watching the cows return to a contented chewing. Llew savored the easy win the cows gave her. “Tell me, Elka. What would your ma do if someone who had done her wrong came to her in grave need of her help?” Elka thought before answering. “She took an oath.” Llew held her gaze. “I didn’t.” Elka pressed her lips together and Llew had to look away. Oath or no oath, Llew had the power of healing. Turning her back on someone felt like breaking an unspoken rule. They returned to the homestead, collected the syringes, and everyone gathered beneath the Ajnais for Jonas’s blood transfer. This time, the mood was lighter, with Jonas capable of getting himself to the tree and direct the magic Llew’s blood provided right from the start. Rowan held a kerosene lantern for Elka to see by. Anya, Alvaro, and Karlani kept eyes and ears focused into the darkness. The road remained quiet. Reluctantly, Llew offered a full syringe to Karlani. Karlani looked at it, looked Llew up and down. “I’m pretty sure, if you use this tonight, you won’t need any more than this.” Llew wagged the syringe. “How do I know it’ll work?” Karlani took the syringe between her f