Sarah took a shortcut through the pines, fighting branches that mussed her hair and scratched her skin. But this would be worth it. She mentally cataloged what ingredients she had on her: some holly, some heather, and some sage. What could she do with those? A momentary trance. Maybe five minutes if she did everything right. Maybe 90 seconds if she didn't. Sarah took off her backpack as she ran, reaching inside for the herbs and a length of twine, trying to remember her knots.
She couldn't take The Stone directly. Theft of a magical object, especially one this powerful, would create ripples that anyone with even the hint of magical potential would be able to detect. It would paint a target on her back. How was she going to do this?
A hurricane of thought whirled in Sarah's brain as she pushed through the trees, backpack hanging at her elbow, fingers tying knots. She didn't have the resources for a second spell.
But she had a connection to The Stone. Could she use that somehow?
The trees cleared. Sidewalk. Jon. Alone. Sarah quickly finished off her last knot.
"Jon!" she cried loud enough to get his attention.
He turned. She threw her spell. The knotted packet of twigs and leaves hit the boy square in the forehead.
He blinked once, then stood stock still.
