14
Will You Bargain?
The rain poured down in a steady sheet as Celyn stood by the door. He heard voices, raised in anger: Thomas’, and that of another. The father. His fingers gripped his sword hilt and a prayer rose into his mind, part of a Saxon charm against the aelfas, as they called the tylwyth teg. He spoke it under his breath, trying to calm his rioting heart. “Matthew, guide me; Mark, protect me; Luke, free me; John, aid me always. Amen. Destroy, O God, all evil and wickedness; through the power of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, sanctify me; Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, free me from all attacks of the enemy; the benediction of the Lord be over my head; mighty God in every season. Amen.” Mother of God, be with me. St. Michael, be my shield, and all the angels, guard me, he
