The head priest licked his lips and craned forward to look at the child, his hands clenching the sides of his chair to hold himself upright.
"Father, we ask to bless her and have a proper ceremony," LeVane spoke in a low respectful voice. His head was still bowed.
The priest reached out and touched the child's smooth head of blackened hair. This roused the infant and suddenly her eyes were open, bluer than sapphire
"Tch!" the priest jerked his hand back and stood up in surprise. He pulled his hand back. "A witch?" he questioned. His eyes were startled as he clutched his hand in fear of the unknown.
"No, father," Kreta reassured with tears in her eyes. "An angel!" she declared while embracing the child to her bosom.
The boys heard what happened and rushed forward to defend their own.
"Don't hurt her!" Nolan stepped forward.
Arlen crossed his arms.
"No! She's our sister!" Keenan said bashfully.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJn3CayTtP
"Mine!" Hadin declared.
LeVane stood up and waved his hand to silence the boys. The priest sat back into his chair with a displeased face. Kreta turned to stand behind the boys and had them bow in respect for what they had done. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0CqvVW10C
"Father, please, I know what the people think and what you have heard. Aye, it is true, but she is ours... I swear it that the Star of Fortune was low the night we found her. It was meant to be," LeVane reasoned. "Look at this child. She is beautiful, and she came at a time my family needed her most."
The priest sat up straighter and signaled for LeVane to continue. LeVane was a respected man and swearing on the Star of Fortune had to mean some words of truth.
"This is but an infant. This child can grow and learn to be part of the church. Give the ota a chance. Why deny a child to the gods? Father, you are a priest of mercy and good fortune" LeVane persuaded while knowing exactly which words would soothe over the priest's pride.
"--And such a pretty thing is sure to have a suitable husband to donate to the church," Kreta added tactfully. She bounced the child up and down in her arms and gave the priest her best convincing smile.
The priest relented and made the sign of the cross in agreement. "Let it be done," he bobbed his head decidedly. "Next service we will have a full ceremony by the river! Let's welcome this child of fortune, as I am a priest of fortune!"
"Oh, bless thee!" Kreta thanked.
LeVane kissed the Father's hand and the family left feeling very grateful. With the priest behind them it would force the people to welcome Mira.
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Here is part 2. Just wait for the drama in the next chapter!
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