Legacy by Calista Anastasia Read Free Book Online Page B

“I have been looking, but I can’t figure out how to get back home. The path was quite easy to follow when I entered, but it seems to have magically overgrown. I have to stay until I've completed my...my task. Then I'll find my way out and return to you, my darling. ”
    Mercy reached a trembling hand , but drew back when she touched the cold glass. Then she placed her palm against the image of Gran’s hand. The cool, hard plane seemed to evaporate and it was as if she was touching her grandmother’s warm hand. Her throat tightened. “Oh, Gran! What’s going to happen now?”
    “I wish I knew . I’m trying to locate the path back across, but my friends here are making it difficult for me.” She sighed. “I guess the creatures here in Minah need me.”
    “I need you!” Mercy wailed.
    “I know, dear and I need you too. I had planned on guiding you through your training myself, but I had to make alternate arrangements.”
    “Darynda!” Mercy laughed.
    “Yes, the Witch’s Training Channel has been charged with your education.”
    “But how did you. . .?” She paused. “I mean, from there?”
    Gran smiled. “Only my physical presence is being detained here in Minah. I’m still a witch and my powers are free to protect you and to act in your best interests. When you step beyond the gate, my powers will no longer be able to guard you, but as long as you're within the boundaries of the fence, my protection will be your shield. This house is protected by a strong enchantment. Y ou will find that all your needs will be provided for. " She smiled and it seemed that the entire room grew lighter. " And of course, you have Alistair. ”
    “Thanks for leaving your cat. ” Mercy snorted. “ He’s got way too much attitude.”
    “Alistair is a fine companion and will protect you with his life.” Gran withdrew her hand to shake her finger. “You must respect him, for he has a valiant soul.”
    “Yes, I will , ” she said, feeling properly scolded.
    “I must go, but I am watching over you. Take care, my precious.” And she was gone, fading into nothingness until Mercy was staring at her own image in the glass.
     
    ~*~
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Mercy awoke Saturday morning feeling comforted. At least she knew where Gran was and that she was somehow still nearby. She had no idea what it meant to have 'an enchantment' protecting the house and grounds. Perhaps anot her thing to ask Darynda about.
    Alistair slept curled at the foot of her bed. His paws were tucked under him and his eyes were closed. He looked like any other cat. Having a cat appointed as her guardian was less than confidence inspiring. I mean, in an emergency, how much help could a cat be? Would he hiss and growl? Maybe his fur would fluff up and he would scratch? She shook her head. Alastair was a well-fed and content feline. She couldn't imagine him perturbed about anything, much less being defensive.
    She remembered that she had failed to remind Gran about her impending date with Greg the following weekend. She was having anxiety about the dance. On the one hand, she was excited about going on her first date with Greg. On the other hand, she didn’t know what to wear and she was pretty certain she didn’t know how to dance.
    She went to her closet and surveyed the meager contents. She had plenty of school clothes and jeans. She had Sunday dresses. What she didn’t have was a dress fit to wear to a school d ance with the hottest boy ever.
    She had talked to Felicity about her pitiful wardrobe and what she might wear to dance with Greg. Felicity had immediately reminded Mercy that she was the shopping goddess. She suggested that they go to the mall to select proper dresses for the dance and arrange d for her mother to drive them.
    M ercy went to her secret cache, which was a n empty tin that had once held sugar cookies. She kept it hidden in the back of her closet. She pulled it out and carried it to the table. When she opened it, a