The Obsidian Dagger by Brad A. LaMar Page B

Brendan said incredulously. “Who are you?”
    Biddy, now sitting atop the table spoke up for the newcomer. “This is Rory. He has a gift for seeing the future.”
    Rory leapt from the floor to a chair to the spot next to his counterpart. “’Tis true, you know. Long ago I foresaw this day… or at least a shadow of this day.”
    Biddy, Brendan, and Lizzie stood and listened intently as Rory told his tale. Dorian listened while she packed the tabled items into a backpack.
    â€œSome three or four years ago a vision was given me,” he began. “I saw the rainbow dissolve above our heads and a horrible shadow overtake the town. I knew that one of us would go missing. I felt a great sadness and loneliness.”
    â€œI bet he’s the life of the party,” whispered Lizzie.
    â€œBut, I also saw two shining figures of light and they appeared right after the shadow left us.” Rory looked up hopefully at the siblings. “They joined three from our village and pursued the shadow.”
    Brendan thought aloud. “Well, we know what the shadow was and we know who went missing.” He stole a glance at Dorian who kept her eyes on her backpack. The zippers and pockets must have been extremely interesting. “But, what I don’t know is where the griffin took Dorian’s father, or for that matter, why he was taken.”
    â€œThe witch,” Dorian said in a weak, frightened voice.
    â€œMorna?” Biddy looked surprised to hear the accusation. “But she has always let us be. Why would she do this?”
    â€œDon’t you see, Bid? She wants my father’s magic.”
    Brendan felt he had to interject at the mention of the “M” word. “Time out. Magic?”
    Rory laughed. “You’ve just seen the end of a rainbow, a griffin, and a village full of Leprechauns, and you can’t buy into magic?”
    â€œHe’s always been a doubter,” said Lizzie.
    â€œI’m not doubting anything,” said Brendan defensively. “This is just a lot to take in.” He turned toward Dorian. “Who is this Morna?”
    â€œShe’s a very powerful witch.”
    â€œWhy have we never heard of her before?” asked Lizzie. “You’d think someone with crazy power would be on the news a few times.”
    â€œDeary, she’s not out there making herself known,” said Biddy.
    Rory nodded. “No, but I believe that Dorian’s right. The witch is making a play at something.”
    It was Brendan’s turn to laugh. “You don’t know, Rory? You haven’t foreseen it?”
    Rory raised an eyebrow that spoke of his astonishment. “It’s a gift. It’s not like I’m running around getting visions all of the time, now am I?” He chuckled again. “That’d be plain silly.”
    â€œRight. So, what do we do?” Brendan asked Dorian.
    Dorian zipped her last pocket shut and threw the bag on her back. “I’m going to the witch’s castle. That’s where she’ll be holding him.” She walked towards the door without indicating that she was taking anyone else along.
    â€œWait, Dorian.” Rory jumped from the table and sprinted to block the doorway, well at least as best as he could. “You know I get these visions for a reason. We have to follow the instructions. Each of us in this room must go.”
    Dorian looked down at the little man and at each person in the room. “If that’s the way it must be.”
    Rory held his arms up. “Before we go, I must give warning. I know that sorrow is waiting upon us.”
    Lizzie gulped. “What do you mean?”
    Rory nodded solemnly. “I‘m afraid that we may each face our mortality and I fear that not all involved will survive.”
    â€œGee, now I’m pumped about this,” said Brendan sarcastically.
    â€œDo you see?” huffed Dorian.
    â€œDon’t worry,