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hand looks with scorn upon two dejected figures whose swords are on the ground. The sky is filled with storm clouds. Here is a man who defeats others, who lives by the sword, who is insensitive and indifferent. The symbolism suggests you will lose something;there will be a breaking of bonds and separation from loved ones.”
    Tina was relieved to see the next card was the Seven of Wands, but Meg made it, too, sound ominous. “All sevens imply change. The card indicates you must hold your own against unfavorable odds. You must take a stand and be adamant in the face of opposition, for only in change is there growth.”
    The Four of Cups was laid upon the small table, and Tina let out her breath thankfully. Meg continued: “A young man sits against a tree with his arms folded. A hand extends a cup to him, while three other cups sit upright in front of him. The young man is not reaching out for the cup extended to him, rather he is contemplating the offer. This card represents the love bed, pleasure, and irresistible sexual attraction.”
    Meg turned over the seventh and last card. Tina gasped; it was the Ten of Swords. Meg said nothing. Tina didn’t need it described to her—she could clearly see it was a man lying prostrate on the ground with ten swords stuck into his back, while above him was a blackened sky.
    Meg gathered the cards together quickly. “It has many meanings; everything looks black.”
    “Interpret the whole thing for me,” Tina said, gathering her courage. “Will I get my wish?”
    “Yes,” said Meg without hesitation.
    Tina sighed with relief. Though she had someone in mind for her husband, she had asked that there be no marriage for her this year.
    “The cards speak for themselves. You will be involved with a dark man whose symbol is the ram. He will rule you. The Empress represents you. The dark man will bring you sexual fulfillment; you will be fertile.”
    At this point Tina decided none of it would come true because she would get her wish and her wish was “no marriage.”
    “The Page of Swords is a youth who is close to you. Hewill be instrumental in starting trouble. The Five of Swords shows there will be fighting, struggling, bloodshed that will result in your being separated from your loved ones. The Seven of Wands confirms this change and warns you will have to stand firm if your will is to prevail, but the Four of Cups indicates you will receive an offer and the choice will be yours.”
    “And the last card?” Tina pressed.
    Meg saw the dark male lying prostrate with the swords in his back. Her beloved Heath was dark. She pierced Tina with a fierce glare. “You will wish you were dead!” prophesied the old Gypsy.
    Tina felt something move against her foot beneath the table and jumped. “Oh, what was that?” she cried, lifting aside the table cover and peering down. She saw a large tortoise with a great red jewel embedded in its shell. “Is that a ruby?” asked Tina with disbelief. “Aren’t you afraid your tortoise will be stolen?” she asked, tracing her finger over the ruby.
    The corners of Meg’s mouth turned down in derision. “The jewel is cursed. Any who touch it will experience pain and sorrow.”
    Tina looked at Meg, and suddenly amusement filled her eyes. The Gypsy was doing her very best to fill her with foreboding. There were no such things as curses. Everyone was responsible for their own fortune or misfortune in this world. “You are a terrible tease, Meg. Thank you for the potion. The ache in my tooth is completely gone.” She went to bid Heath good night so she could return to Doon before her absence was discovered. “Tomorrow night will you take me to see the Beltane fires?”
    His teeth flashed. “What choice do I have? If I refuse, you will go alone.” He lifted her into her saddle and she confided, “Father sails tomorrow. I’ll be able to stay out all night!”
    * * *
    Ramsay Douglas thundered across the drawbridge at his castle, and the guard