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Show WORTHING FARM/25 "What kind of curse?" Little Peter whispered. "You'll discover yours," Elijah said, "as I discovered mine. When you do, destroy it. Tear it out of you." "Tear what?" Little Peter asked. "Tear out your gift." Then the hands on Peter's shoulder relaxed, and Little Peter slowly turned to face the tall man standing by him. Elijah's face was hard and dark, and his blue eyes were half-closed. But a shudder passed over Elijah's body and a grimace passed across his face and even as Little Peter watched there was a great cracking sound and the speaking stone split in half. Both halves tipped over and the writing was hidden in the weeds. The speaking stone was down. Elijah ran his hand through his hair and opened his eyes wide again. "I've broken the stone," he said defiantly. "I've killed it." But as they walked back through the forest on the way to Worthing Inn, Elijah knew that the curse was still on him, that he was being punished for his hate and his disobedience, that breaking the stone had only worsened his crime. He closed his eyes and wept empty tears of despair all the way home as Little Peter led him by the hand. As for Little Peter, he clearly heard Elijah's grief and all that he silently said to himself. Peter did not wonder how he could hear words that Elijah's lips didn't speak. It was enough to hear, and understand, and fear, and lead this old man home. |