The Witch’s Kiss. Katharine Corr

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      The older woman shook her head.

      ‘I cannot break a curse such as this. My magic is protective, and Gwydion … It is many years since I have seen such power.’

      Edith dashed a tear away from her cheek, as her last hope faded.

      ‘Jack is lost then.’

      Anwen guided Edith to the bed and made her sit down.

      ‘Do not give up all hope. Three things I can offer you. First, advice. Send the child away somewhere secret, somewhere he can grow up hidden from Gwydion, and without fear of what is to come. Second, a blessing. Where is the baby?’

      The nurse passed Jack to Anwen.

      ‘Poor little one, to have such trouble thrust upon you.’ Jack blinked up at her and smiled. ‘I foresee suffering in your life, Jack. But there will also be love, and those who love you will never abandon you.’ She traced her fingers across the baby’s forehead and chest – as though marking him with invisible symbols – before putting him back into Edith’s arms. ‘The third thing I can offer, Edith, is a promise. If in time I see a way to help you, to break the curse or to defeat Gwydion, I swear that you will have my aid. I will bind my daughters to this promise also.’

      Edith glanced at the three girls. They were sitting in the corner of the room; the eldest – a blonde child Edith judged to be no more than five – seemed to be telling a story to the other two.

      ‘But they are so young, Anwen. It doesn’t seem fair …’