Tina was thankful to finally get out of proximity with the brunette, while Bette sighed at the absence.

They walked towards the door and entered cautiously. “Wait,” Bette said putting her hand on Shane’s chest to stop her, “you’re not coming with us.”

“What? But there’s trouble,” Shane said.

Bette sighed at her protective nature and said, “Shane, you got a wife and seven kids at home.”

“Seven kids? Spirits!” Tina said.

“Carmen will kill us if we don’t bring you back,” Bette said.

“Just go home Shane, thanks for the help,” Alice said.

“Thanks very much,” Tina said smiling at Shane.

Shane sighed, knowing it was a losing battle, and said, “good luck on your journey.”

“Bye,” Bette said as Shane embraced her then embraced Alice, gave a low bow for Tina and ran away.

“Who’s there?” a strong voice said.

“We are looking for the guardian, the blind witch Tasha?” Tina said carefully.

“Do you want to go to Midland?” Tasha said as she came into view. Though the room was dark, the light from outside illuminated the room enough for them to be able to see the dark-skinned witch. She was wearing a deer-skin skirt and top that ended just above her belly button.

Her skin looked so smooth in the moonlight and Bette and Tina could hear Alice’s heavy breathing. They looked at her as she answered, “yes.”

“Is that the voice I think it is?” Tasha said standing up straight.

“It’s been a while Tasha,” Alice said smirking.

“I’d say since you came through here with that baby 32 years ago,” Tasha said.

Bette straightened her back and Tina gave her a look. “She’s with me now,” Alice said.

“Hmm, is she the other voice?” Tasha said.

“No, that was the mother confessor,” Alice said.

Tasha immediately bowed and said, “blessings, mother confessor.”

Bette looked at Tina in surprise, what was she royalty? “No need to bow,” Tina said, “we just need to get through.”

“The baby I had brought, is now the Seeker,” Alice said.

“What?” Tasha said moving her head to the side to try to listen.

“I think she wants you to talk so she can know where you are,” Tina said.

“Speak Bette,” Alice said.