The blinds are down, and the curtains drawn over the windows, so that neighbors and casual passers-by will not get an eyeful. We are in the living room because this is the room that has the most open floor space. It’s also where he keeps his altar and his ritual supplies. They store easily enough when not in use; he keeps most of them in the carved ornamental chest that doubles as a coffee table and an altar. Tonight, he has some of the supplies laid out on top of it. A chalice filled with water; a dish with salt in it; a long, slender dagger made of what appears to be bronze; two lit candles; a long wooden rod of some kind.
Some of the supplies have already been used to cast the circle around us. Tonight, the circle is designated as a space for lessons.
Shadows flicker and dance on the
