Circle of Protection

By Laura Schiller

Based on: Circle of Magic

Copyright: Tamora Pierce

Charcoal. Rose geranium. Rosemary. Frankincense.

Protection and purification. No shadow may enter.

The scent of crushed herbs rose around Sandry as she ground up the ingredients for her spelled oil, filling the mortar to the brim with her magic. The end result would be used to treat gloves and masks for the healers of Summersea as they fought the plague, including Briar and Rosethorn. If this magic had any power to protect them, Sandry would give it all she had.

In her mind, she imagined a silver circle around her family, picturing them one by one. Briar, with his teasing grin and gentle touch with plants. Daja, calm and steady, dreaming over metalwork. Fiery Tris sparking lightning from her hair. Uncle Vedris, the strong and steadfast heart of the city - what would happen to them without him? Lark. Rosethorn. Niko. Frostpine. Sandry's circle blazed with a determined light. She had lost one family to disaese already; she would not lose this one.

It was thinking of her noble-born parents, perhaps, that prompted a small, niggling worry in her mind. There was someone missing. What about Crane?

Crane! She sniffed over the absurdity of it, nearly losing her concentration. Crane was no part of her family. He was an arrogant, overbearing snob who had insulted Briar – within reason, perhaps, since Briar had stolen his shakkan. And yet...

A memory from this morning flashed into her mind. A worn-out Crane running his hands over his face, staring back at her with bloodshot eyes.

Coming to ask for help, in an awkward but strangely endearing manner; 'dancing like a kitten', as Lark expressed it. "This is – I mean, I – I would like to request..." A blush. An apology for the inconvenience – gloves and masks with an extra layer of protection. A genuine concern for Rosethorn he could not quite hide.

He was losing sleep in his search for the cure, she realized. Overworking himself, just like Uncle Vedris. Like any noble should, he was watching out for those under his charge.

Yes, he was arrogant, and quite disagreeable at times. But perhaps his haughty noble attitude was like Sandry's – a shield to hide behind in times of fear?

And who else, she asked herself, was looking out for him? Did he have any family or friends?

Glad she had sprinkled the Endurance blend in his tea, Sandry included Crane in her mental circle of protection. He needed it as much as any of her family. Besides, the more people she could help, the better.