Chapter 20
‘Gifts are my area of expertise,’ said Augustine, ‘and they are Willow’s prime interest, too.’
He gestured to the rod, which soared back into his hand. ‘Willow is a diviner—she has been with me since birth. I was just one of many cousins with royal blood; nobody suspected that I would be the next keeper. But when Willow materialised beside me on the day I was born, my path was set.’
Augustine filled a bowl with water and set it down on the low table beside Esme. ‘Willow is very interested to see your Gift, as am I. May I?’
‘Uh … sure.’
‘Rest your hand in the water. Relax, close your eyes.’
She did as he instructed, and almost at once, one of her interminable headaches started up. A rushing sound filled her ears, but just as quickly, it was gone. Her eyes opened and the kee
