Wild Irish Heart (The Mystic Cove Series Book 1) by Tricia O'Malley Page A

behind Fiona's words.
    "Okay, I will stay and I will learn protection. But you really scared me with the whole dark energy talk. I'm not into that voodoo, conjuring spirits stuff." Keelin wanted to be firm on this point.
    Fiona laughed and gestured for Keelin to join her in the circle.
    "Where there is light, there will be dark. You can't change it any more than you can ignore it. All you can do is learn to protect yourself the best that you may. To ignore doing so is unconscionable."
    Nodding, Keelin stepped back into the circle.
    "Now, first thing's first. Draw a circle, step into a circle, build a circle with small stones, sticks, chalk, twine…anything around you. A circle is an age-old sign for protection and safety. Yes, the witches use the same and it is for good reason. Do not ignore me on this one particular aspect."
    Keelin pulled out her notebook and began to take notes.
    "Circle, got it. What next?"
    Fiona began to rattle off simple prayers for protection.
    "You always want to ask your angels and lightbearers for their help and protection. They are here for you."
    Keelin nodded diligently and continued to write.
    Fiona handed over the leather necklace with a stone attached.
    "Wear this when you are doing healing work. It helps to absorb and deflect any negative energy. It will also help you to channel your purest form of energy towards the work you are doing."
    The leather cord was knotted and wrapped in an intricate braided pattern and it circled a crystal that was easily the size of her palm. The clarity of the stone belied the strength it held. Keelin admired the craft with which the necklace had been made. The beauty of the design reflected strength and delicacy at the same time.
    "Thank you, this is lovely."
    "It was Grace O'Malley's."
    The enormity of what Fiona said struck her. The crystal warmed in her palm and she was flooded with emotions of hundreds of years past. Flashes of battles at sea, giving birth, and chanting around the cove whipped through Keelin's mind. Her stomach heaved as powerful emotion swamped her. Keelin grabbed Fiona's hand and Fiona steadied her.
    "That will happen sometimes when a stone first connects with its new owner. It recognizes your blood."
    Keelin was dizzy and her vision blurred for a moment. Slowly, the panic drained from her and she was left with a softly knowing power. Confidence soothed her like a cool balm.
    "It's a beautiful feeling, Keelin, yet a responsibility as well. Always tread carefully with your abilities," Fiona warned. "Now that you have learned some basic protection skills and the amulet has recognized you, we can go to the cove."
    "Really? I can't wait." Keelin bounced on her toes. The cove held so many unanswered questions. She was itching to get her dive gear and to get a closer look at what lay under its waters.
    "Can we go back so I can get some of my equipment?" Keelin asked.
    "Not today, Keelin. You need to be accepted by the cove first or you will know its wrath."
    "Okay, so, come on now. Mom told me some of the rumors but is it really haunted? Is there treasure? Why can't people go there?" Keelin's inquisitive mind had a whole list of questions for Fiona and she peppered her with them as she tagged along behind Fiona.
    Fiona stopped walking and turned to look at Keelin.
    "You must always respect the cove. It is from there that your powers come. You are a part of it as much as you are a part of this earth. Haunted, not haunted, treasure or not – you must always respect it. The cove will do as the cove does. You can no more examine it and categorize it than you can predict it. The cove simply is."
    "There is no way that I can believe that. There is an explanation for everything," Keelin said as she stared into Fiona's stubborn eyes.
    "Keelin, if you do not take proper respect and let it be – you will be hurt or die. I can not be more serious about this point." Fiona's breath began to wheeze and Keelin realized that the old woman was starting to