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Warning: This section you're about to read has spoilers for the A Feather of Stone. Read at your own risk! |
Chapters are not numbered.
 Clio
Clio Martin is in a local cemetery, trying to perform the biggest spell she has ever done in her young life. It's been two days since Récolte, the night when Daedalus Planchon stole power from the other Tréize members to create a summoning spell to force the last two members of the Tréize, Marcel Theroux and Claire, to come to New Orleans. Clio is upset by Daedalus's under-handed scheme, but she also wonders how Daedalus did it. Clio is very curious, and she believes she can acquire it through a memory of her ancestor Cerise Martin.
Clio prepares for her spell and does it as quiet as possible. Suddenly, she is thrust into the memory of Cerise, as if she was Cerise. Clio sees that Cerise is 7 months pregnant and happily awaiting her baby's arrival. It is not revealed who the baby is for, but Cerise is clear that she doesn't want to be with either of her two lovers, Richard Landry and Marcel. As long as she has her sister, Melita Martin, and her mother, Petra Martin, she believes she is all right.
Melita convinces Cerise and a group of people to take part of her rite, ala the Téize. The rite takes place and Cerise dies.... And Clio wakes up from the memory. While Clio recovers from what she just saw, Daedalus appears. He tries to persuade her to join his side but she says no.
Thais
Thais Allard is in the café with her friend Sylvie Allen, Slyvie's boyfriend Claude, and Thais's present love interest Kevin LaTour. Thais muses over the current events that have happened (read A Chalice of Wind and A Circle of Ashes). She is happy for times of normalcy with her new friends.
Clio
Clio is helping Melysa, Petra's good friend, with gardening in Petra's backyard. Clio thinks about the vision (Cerise's memory) and remembers the runes and sigils Melita used for the spell. She recognizes some but others she doesn't. She decides that she will do a little research on the topic.
Clio ponders on the topic of immortality and how she might like it. Clio asks Melysa about Tréize's original spell. Melysa really doesn't say much on this subject, and really doesn't want to. However, Melysa says the magick the Tréize practiced is forbidden. Thais eventually arrives, waving her new Louisiana driver's license. Clio mentally makes a note to talk to Thais about the whole immortality thing later.
Black Like My Soul
Richard is in a pirogue riding the canals, surveying how much has changed since he was "boy". He thinks about Clio, and conflicting feelings about her uproot. He cannot deny his feelings for her; she's the only woman in Cerise's line that he has desired (besides Cerise herself). He feels bitter about Clio's feelings for Andre-Luc Martin, but a thought strikes him: if Clio doesn't get over Luc, she will most likely end up like the rest of the females in the Martin line--pregnant and then dead. He feels he has to protect her in some way. He finds the granite boulders he is looking for. He docks his boat and searches for a hidden item that he hid long ago...
All the More Believable
Deadalus is in a local cemetery, looking for something. He passes the Martin crypts. He is lost within many thoughts: about Armand Martin and Petra's separation, about his leg injury that left him limping when he was young (in the year 1970 he got it fixed; he still has his cane, though), and Clio working her spell last night.
He comes up to what he is looking for: the Planchon tomb. Most of his family is buried in Lafourche Parish, but his brother, Jean-Marie Planchon, was buried in New Orleans. But Deadalus is also looking for something else...a sign that Jean-Marie's wife ever came to visit his crypt. Jean-Marie's wife deserted him, never to return. And who is his wife's name? Melita Martin.
Taught by Evil
Marcel is boarding a plane. An elderly woman asks him to bless her. Marcel tells her he is unworthy to bless her, but the old woman says she is made of evil. The thought of evil makes him think of the past, of the night Cerise died--and how he sought after Melita, enraged. Marcel remembers striking Melita down, but she, still alive, laughed in his face and ensnared his soul for years to come.
Thais
Clio confronts Thais about the idea of immortality. Thais has no desire to become immortal, nor does she want to go through with the rite. Thais senses Petra coming home, and she is excited about her awakening powers. Clio asks Thais to think about what they discussed, and Thais reluctantly agrees.
Clio
Clio believes that Thais will need some more convincing when it comes to immortality. She also thinks of her vision the night Cerise died, and the symbols that were used in Melita's rite. Petra asks Clio to go to the store to get some candles. Clio goes to Botanika and sneaks in a blocked off section for people under 18. She finds two books about forbidden symbols and the subversion of power. Clio finds Luc behind her. He asks what books she has, and Clio says it's none of his business. When she goes to the checkout counter, the woman asks for some ID. When Clio doesn't have the ID, Luc helps her buy the books. Outside he asks why she has the books, since they are dangerous. Luc tells her he can help her and she doesn't have to face it alone, and Clio says she has her sister, Thais.
Someone Who Could Help
Marcel is in New Orleans. He feels so much better, and he will feel even better once he sees Daedalus (completing the summoning spell). Marcel climbs inside a taxi to go to Petra, a woman who can help him.
Thais
Thais and Clio are out in the garden when a copperhead snake threatens them. The girls eventually send it away. When Clio and Thais go inside the house to tell Petra, they over hear Petra and Ouida talk about a "dark twin".
The twins soon meet Marcel. Thais remembers him from her vision. Did Marcel kill Melita? Thais questions if Melita is alive or not. If Melita is alive, she would need only one of the twins not both of them to do the rite. Thais reminds herself to talk to Clio about her thoughts.
Would That Kill Him?
Claire is finally in New Orleans. She contemplates on how to kill Daedalus. She goes to Jules's home and meets up with him.
Clio
Marcel stays at Nan's until night fall. Clio and Thais secretly brainstorm on who is trying to kill them. Thais speaks her theory about Melita being alive and out to get them. They both conclude the discussion with no answers.
That night, Clio tries a spell from the book about the subversion of power. As she prepares the spells, she thinks about a lot of things. She reasons with herself as to why she is even attempting forbidden magick. She is convinced that she has to think about safety of her sister and herself.
Clio starts the spell. As she advances, seven cats, including Q-Tip, her own cat, appear before her. Clio realizes that the spell has to do with cats and presses on. Suddenly, Clio is filled with the essence and power from the all the cats. She has gained their senses and their amazing acrobatic dexterity. Clio luxuriates in her newfound power. However, she looks at the cats to realize their are alive but hallow. The cats sit around her circle like vapid statues. Ashamed, Clio recites the last of the spell to reverse the effects. Filled with their essences once again, the six neighboring cats flee. Only Q-Tip remains for a few seconds and stares at Clio with some hidden knowledge. When the cat leaves, Clio cries and feels she has gone too far.
Thais
Thais arrives home to find Petra and Melysa doing stuff around the house. Petra asks if anything happened to Thais that day, and Thais says no. Melysa suggests that maybe the attack of the twins is over. Melysa offers to teach Thais about witch tools, and says she can use Clio's wand that is under her bed. Thais goes to Clio's room to search under her bed. She stares at Clio's bed and wonders sheepishly if Clio and Luc had sex. As she searches under the bed, she finds Clio's notes on the spells that came from the subversion of power book. Thais wonders what is Clio doing. She decides not to tell Petra about it. She will talk to Clio privately.
Not by Ordinary Means
While Richard privately admires his obsidian knife he found, the door bell rings. He answers it only to find Clio. There is something different about Clio, though. More vulnerable? Tired? Clio is looking for Luc, and Richard is perturbed. He lights a cigarette to annoy Clio. For a few moments their eyes lock. Within seconds the mood changes: they grab each other and start some passion kissing. Just when it starts getting physical, their make out session screeches to a halt. The couple is left confused, and Clio leaves without a word. Richard hears do to door open again, and for a second his heart flares up. Is it Clio again? No. It's--of all people--Luc. Luc asks if something is wrong with Richard, and Richard replies with a "no". Luc announces that Claire and Marcel are in town. They agree to get something to eat together.
True Love
Sophie visits Jules. She wants to have a private conversation about where his loyalties lie, and if they could form some sort of secret alliance. However, the conversation is interrupted by Claire. Sophie quickly leaves. If Claire is in town then so is Marcel. The thought makes Sophie cringe. For some unknown reason, she doesn't want to see Marcel ever again.
No Room For Her
Daedalus is trying to do a spell, which requires some scyring--his least favorite form of divination. He wanted Jules to help, but figure Jules is with Claire. The thought of Claire leaves a bitter taste in Daedalus's mouth. When he scrys he sees the unexpected: Melita. Was the vision true or false? Is Melita alive?
She Can't Hide It
Luc goes to a store to get some supplies for his spell. He thinks about Thais and Clio, both he figures make a whole. He performs a summoning spell for Clio; not as powerful as Daedalus but enough. Clio comes angry. He confesses he misses her and asks her permission to "allow" him to love her, even when she doesn't love him back. It is clear in Clio's face that she can't hide her love for Luc. However, she dismisses him and leaves.
Clio
Clio is so angry at Luc. She still has hatred and love for Luc, and is angry that she feels that way. Clio goes home. Thais confronts Clio about the books on forbidden magic. Clio confesses that she is tried a spell, only to protect to twins from danger. The twins agree to talk later to figure their situation out. Clio helps Thais get dress for a movie date with Kevin.
Clio heads to Racy's house for a some "girl time". As she heads there, her car catches on fire. She quickly calls 911, and the fire department soon arrive. Clio is highly upset. Was it another attack?
Two Black Sheep
Luc meets up with Claire and Richard at the Napoleon House. Claire and Richard are obviously drunk. The three talk about the Treize--and the twins. Claire appears worried about the twins. Claire reminds Luc and Richard of the Twin Angels legend, one twin dark while the other one light. Richard and Luc argue that Clio and Thais are not like that, but Claire disagrees. Claire admonishes that the twins have power, over all of them. Richard and Luc don't say much to that.
Thais
Thais's movie date takes an erupt turn. Thais and Kevin miss the movie, so the couple go to Kevin's house. They make out, but Thais cannot pushing away the feeling that Kevin doesn't evoke deep passion within her like Luc did. Kevin appears to want to go a little further, but Thais hesitates. Thais is saved by Kevin's stepmother, Dr. Hendericks (Mrs. LaTour), coming home. Dr. Hendricks clearly disapproves of Thais being there, and almost reflexively, Thais sends out a small spell for make the stepmother forget.
Thais heads home to find out about Clio's accident. Thais wonders if it is Melita's doing.
Get Over It
Marcel observes with disdain at present day French Quarter. Marcel runs into Luc, Richard, and Claire. Claire observes that Marcel hasn't changed since she last saw him. There is tension between Richard and Marcel, and Claire has had enough. She tells both of them to get over Cerise. She abruptly pauses and announces she is going back to Jules. Richard makes a comment about Marcel being "Melita's bitch". Marcel is shocked that anybody knew. Further explanation on the comment is not explained.
Clio
Clio cannot sleep, so she wakes up Thais so they can do a spell to reveal who is after them. They go miles out of New Orleans to a small river. They do the spell in the middle of the river. The spell reveals Richard as the culprit. They spell spins out of control; a waterspout is created in the middle of the river, and when Clio tries to perform a spell to try to save them, the waterspout snatches Thais away.
The Bottom
Petra has a bad feeling that the twins are in trouble. She calls on Ouida and Melysa to help find the girls. They eventually find the twins--and their waterspout they created. Petra, Ouida, and Melysa use spells to dissipate the waterspout. They find the twins battered by the water but alive. Clio reveals that Richard is the one that has been attacking them. Everybody is shocked. Petra wonders out loud if it's because the twins look like Cerise. Clio appears clearly surprised by that revelation.
When They Had Met
It's morning. Jules wakes up and finds this day--and everyday--a blessing. He remembers when he was slave on a tobacco plantation. He escapes his owner's savagery, only to be wandering for days on the run. Just when he thought he was going to die, he is saved by a young Marcel. Jules is taken to a private village called Ville du Bois. There, he was nursed to health (by Petra) and adopted the villager's customs and religion. One particular day he comes across and argument between Claire and a local villager named Etienne. When Etienne threatens to physically hurt Claire, Jules intervenes. Etienne leaves, and Claire says Etienne promised to take her to New Orleans if she slept with him. Jules is baffled as to why she would want to leave. Jules reverie is abrupted by Claire. Jules asks how was last night, and Claire says that she ran into Marcel. Jules says that now the whole Tréize is here Daedalus will want to convene. Claire agrees.
Clio
Clio lies in her bed, pondering about Richard. She even thinks of the time she almost slept with him and is disgusted with herself. She cries over both Luc and Richard, who both seem to desire her for all the wrong reasons. She has a powerful urge to confront Richard--and rip his lungs out.
Someone Unseen
Daedalus's spell has worked. He had never done this particular old spell before. The spell created an orb that is used to locate whatever is desired. Daedalus orders the orb to locate the circle of ashes, which it does. He is surprised, and wonders if someone...unseen...is helping.
The Endless Cycle
Petra confronts Richard about the attacks on the twins. Richard confesses it was him with the earlier attacks, but not with Clio's car exploding. Richard explains that before he knew the twins he didn't want to Treize to reunite and create the rite again. He did everything possible to try to kill the twins. Petra asks Richard if this has to do with the twins looking like Cerise and if it's still painful that Cerise rejected him. Richard argues that Cerise didn't reject him, and that Cerise's child, Hélène, was his. In fact, after the rite, he intended the claim his daughter but couldn't because he didn't age. And during the years, Richard witnessed each ancestor of Cerise, all female, marry, get pregnant, and then die. He just wanted it to stop. Petra argues that he didn't have to commit murder for that, and Richard counters that he freaked out and he didn't know the twins then. He swears to Petra that he didn't cause Clio's car to blow up, nor did he cause the house fire at Petra's house. Petra swears if he lied to her she will make him pay for the rest of his life. Petra finally leaves.
Thais
After school Thais goes to Axelle's place and demands answers from her. Axelle insists that she did not kill Thais's father, nor she believes Daedalus did. Thais asks Axelle about the "dark twin", and Axelle admits she hasn't heard that phrase in a long time. The woman says that it's an old legend that predicts that one witch twin will have an inclination to go dark. When Thais asks her about the rite, there is a knock on the door. Luc and Claire are at the door. Claire admires Thais and marvels at how Thais looks like Cerise. The lights suddenly go out due to a storm raging outside. Thais bolts out of there because she doesn't want to look at Luc. Luc offers her a ride, and after some thought, Thais agrees. Suddenly, the thought "jump" runs across Thais's mind. She jumps away just in time for heavy metal plantar to fall where she was standing. Thais figures this "accident" is not from Richard (Petra told the twins she confronted Richard), and Luc overhears her comment.
Clio
Racey Copeland gives Clio a ride to Richard's house (or close to it). Clio bursts into Richard's house to confront him. She hits Richard with her messenger bag. Richard quickly thwarts her attacks, much to Clio's surprise. Richard says Clio has every right to be angry, and he adds that she's stuck up and spoiled, which infuriates Clio even more. But soon Clio's anger deflates, and Clio asks if he pursued her because she looked like Cerise. He says no; that Clio is different from Cerise. While Cerise was light like honey, Richard considers Clio the darkest shadow--a fine wine, a current coursing at the bottom of the river. He tells Clio that he appreciates her--but doesn't love her because he doesn't love anybody. When Richard tries to touch her, Clio backs away. Just when Clio leaves, Luc is there fussing at Richard. Thais is there and reunites with Clio. Both girls leave Luc and Richard to their fight.
Tonight
There's a knock at the door, and to Petra's disdain it's Daedalus with some dreadful news: the rite will take place past midnight. Petra says they are not ready, and she doesn't trust him. All these verbal thoughts don't faze Daedalus. He tells Petra to bring the twins tonight. When the twins come home, Petra tells them they need to talk.
Thais
Petra and the twins talk about the rite. Thais says they are not prepared, and Petra explains that she, along with others, have set plans. Petra reassures the twins that she will be there to protect them. She doesn't believe that rite tonight will make either twin immortal, which appears to disappointed Clio. However, there is a gleam of determination in Clio's eyes that Thais notes.
Thais and Clio talk alone. Clio tries to comfort Thais, saying she will protect them both, along with Petra's help. If only they had more time. Thais reveals her theory that Daedalus killed her father to bring the twins together to New Orleans. Clio replies together they are strong, and that this rite might reveal the identity of person that wants to see them dead.
Please Forgive Me
Sophie is tense in the car with Manon. Sophie dreads what Manon plans for the rite tonight. Sophie hopes that Manon will forgive her of her plans, too.
A Burst of Divine Power
Ouida asks if Marcel is all right. Marcel replies he feels fine. In fact, thanks to Petra, he hasn't felt this "right" since who knows when. At last, the rite will grant his dreams to come true.
Had He Learned Nothing?
Petra glances in the back of the car. Thais appears afraid. Clio, on the other hand, looks expectant, which worries Petra. Petra parks the car; all three walk towards the site the rite will take place. The older woman notes that the twins are very quiet. It's as if they are aware of somebody dying tonight. Petra knows who that person will be.
Clio
Clio wishes she had more time to work on some magick. But with Petra's help, she feels she is able to protect Thais and herself from harm. Clio feels different lately--less Clio, herself. A thought comes to mind: the spell she and Thais performed--did it somehow switch the twins' personalities? Clio feels less bold and brash while Thais, Clio observes, is more so. Clio hopes nothing has changed; she has enough trouble dealing with her own personality. Clio carefully dressed herself tonight. She made her face up to cover the tired, weepy look she had earlier.
Daedalus makes a big announcement about the rite. Clio glances at everybody in the circle to see different emotions. Clio feels a jolt of emotion from Richard, and she quickly dissipates the feeling. However, Clio feels somebody's frustration in the circle about the twins being there. She doesn't know who, though.
Daedalus starts to rite, saying the words in Old French. Daedalus sings his magical song while the rest start their own. Clio starts her magical song, mainly to protect the twins. Again, Clio wishes she had more time.
Power begins to rise, and the winds become fierce. Clio continues on with her protection spell as rain falls and lightning flashes. She gets a vision from the past of the first rite taking place. However, in this present moment in time, Cerise is not here; the twins are just her replicas. Suddenly, Clio panics and looses her breath. She is attack with the thought that she shouldn't even be at this rite. Suddenly, lightning strikes, and the power of it knocks Clio several feet back. Another big lightning bolt strikes the center of the bonfire, making the ground shake. The blast breaks the circle. Electricity snakes and swirls around each member. Clio witnesses Daedalus raise his arms up, ready to embrace the power. Marcel does also, and Petra tries to embrace him, but it's too late. Marcel falls to ground, dead.
The aftermath is still and quiet. Claire breaks the silence with her screaming that Marcel is dead. Daedalus is furious. He accuses Petra of circumventing the rite. Petra doesn't deny it and says that Marcel wanted to die. She couldn't let Daedalus sacrifice the one he wanted. Daedalus argues that what she says isn't true; he needed everyone there. He accuses Petra of destroying all the Tréize's dreams. Petra counters by saying she destroyed everything he ever dreamed of.
There is gasp from Marcel. He asks if he is dead out loud. Luc gives him a scathing reply. Then Luc looks around at the Tréize in disgust--not at the twins--and walks away. Jules adds that the rite didn't work; the Source didn't come. Thais comments that all the alliances, betrayals, research...all of it for nothing? Petra says no. Even though Daedalus spell didn't work, there is much magick working tonight. Clio glances down at her copper bracelets, revealing Richard's bruise he gave when he pinned her down. She finds this interesting. She wonders how many spells are at work tonight. Had any of them taken? Had hers?
Book 3 Finis
Last Modified: Friday, 01/15/10
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