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turned over the second card in each pile, this time going from left to right. |
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"This man . . . This is the most powerful Hungan I have ever encountered." Paula turned over another carda huge man with the wings of a bat, pointed ears and horns. "He uses powers I would never dream" Paula saw Kyna's expression and added, "I'm sorry, but this is giving me the creeps." |
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"What on earth could give a witch the creeps?" Cyrus joked. |
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Paula's voice grew cold to add emphasis to her words. "This man barters the blood and suffering of his victims to the dark forces for power. He has cast the spirit of the wolf and reanimated the dead and forced them to do his bidding. He has contacted members of the spirit world that others would never have the nerve to arouse." |
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Paula's head bent forward until her chin almost touched her chest and closed her eyes. |
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"He has many weapons at his disposal. When he walks as a man, he casts the shadow of Baron Samedi, and the rest of the Guédé ride his shoulders." |
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"Why, Paula?" Cyrus whispered urgently. "Why is he after Kyna?" |
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Paula cocked an ear to one side as if she was listening to voices hailing her from a long way off. "I see a boy lying on a dirt floor. His spirit is tainted and weak. His face is colored by debauchery from wallowing in the pleasures of the flesh. I see a dark form standing over the body. I feel awesome fury. I see" |
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All at once Paula's eyes flew open wide and spittle flew from her lips as she tried to form words that would not come. As the blood drained from the witch's face, her skin turned the pasty-gray color of wet modeling clay and her lungs labored to pull in air. |
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"Paula!" Cyrus shouted. "Paula, what is it?" |
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He jumped up, pulled the witch from her chair and shook her. |
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