Young Makandal, third son of an Sheikh, could easily imagine his future. He could choose from the Army, the Navy, the Priesthood, or working for his oldest brother. The only alternative, making his own fortune as an adventurer, was looking more and more appealing every day.
The only thing holding him back at this point was Cicely. Her beauty and wit had him bewitched - and a little confused. On the one hand, he wanted to go make a fortune so he could win her and live in the lifestyle to which they were both accustomed; on the other hand, he did not want to leave her for fear that some other rake would steal her away. She assured him that that would not happen; she had already made her choice - him. Her sisters agreed that he was a hunk whose charisma was almost irresistible.
Makandal reluctantly signed onto a privateer ship, one contracted to exploration. He had just returned from his second voyage brimming with news of a newly discovered continent, when Cicely trumped him with words of her own; those dreaded four words, "We need to talk!
"I have to level with you. Your love for me is un-natural. I wanted you, and put a hex on you. I feal guilty, and need to come clean."
"Wow, that is the last thing I expected you to say", Makandal exclaimed with relief.
C: "You don't seem upset. How come?"
M: "I don't believe you. How is it even possible?"
C: "Oh, it's very possible. That is another thing we need to talk about. I am a witch."
M: "Yeah, right! If you are a witch, then I am a sorcerer. How is it that I never had a clue?"
C: "I'll get to that last part later. The truth is, my mother is a potent witch, and she is training her daughters. I did not believe either, until she learned of my desire for you and helped me create the hex.
"While you were gone, my father died in a suspicious accident. His enemies are trying to divert attention from themselves by accusing my mother. If WE don't do something, she could end up being burned at the stake.
"The irony is, they don't know that she really IS a witch, but if the truth were to come out...."
M: "You know me. I want to help, but what can WE do?"
C: "My mother, my two sisters and I need to leave town - or something - until this storm blows over. Their husbands will help my sisters, but will also have to deal with the kids. It's up to you to help my mother and me. My brothers needs to stay behind and protect our estate."
M: "Let me think. A new continent has been discovered, far across the ocean. Do you think that is far enough? Your family can sign up to be settlers, under the guise of hoping to expand your businesses."
C: "We can make that work! You are literally a life-saver.
"My mother truly IS a witch. She was teaching me how to read tea leaves, and fortold that the two of us would find untold riches in a place of limitless possibilities. I am starting to believe it now. Of course, she also said that you have the blood of dragons in you, and are destined to become a great sorcerer; except your talent is latent, and you won't uncover it until you face a great crisis.
"So you were right. I am a witch (in-training), and you are a sorcerer -- or will be", Cicely said cackling.
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That is how the two young aristocrats, Cicely and Makandal, along with her mother Samantha, her sisters - twins Faith and Hope, and the sisters' families happened to be aboard the Laughing Lillend during the crisis that awoke Makandal's power.
