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her legs splayed out in front of her, white hair caught up in a bun at the nape of her neck, she made a sucking sound as she puffed a silver pipe. Lined like a map, her weathered brown face showed no emotion. But her deep onyx eyes studied me.
"You're in trouble , child."
"Yes, mother. A great deal of trouble."
"Sit then. Tell me."
I told her everything, and she listened as I wept. Then shaking her head she looked into my eyes.
The smoke burned my eyes and made me cough as a gray fog floated out of the wide mouth of her pipe each time she inhaled. She rocked back and forth as she contemplated my situation. Finally after what seemed like hours, but in fact was only minutes, she placed her pipe on the ground. Only a few teeth remained on either side of her wrinkled mouth, her parched lips smiled in sympathy.
"I will help you. But you know child, you are a gypsy witch as I am. You, are a special one. As you grow older your powers will become stronger. I know you don't believe me, but you have the power to do this yourself if you so chose."
"Old mother, I have some magical abilities, I know, but not against him. He is so strong. I cannot get away. It is essential that the spell be broken, and that he no longer is able to control me. I wish for him to go from my life and leave me in peace."
She continued to rock. Lifting her pipe she stuffed it full again and lit it then continued puffing deeply in silence.
"If you do not believe that you can do it alone, you will not be able to."
Finally she rose and walked over to a cabinet. She took a bottle of herbs and mixed them with a liquid. "Take this sweet child, and by tomorrow, you will be free of his magic."
Kneeling she handed me the vial. For an old woman she was very limber.

I drank the potion, and felt nothing.
"Old mother, I would like to give you some money."
I took a small velvet purse filled with coins and put it on the floor beside her.
"Do not leave me money, you are Rom, you are one of us."
"But I can spare it and I wish to make this gift to you."
With gnarled fingers she took the money bag, and nodded her thanks.
"Hurry home, your husband is filled with worry. Go now, and all will be as you wish."
"Thank you, thank you mother"
Turning away, she dismissed me, then lifted her hand and waved to indicate that our time together was over.
I left.
Through the forest, I rode, the sound of galloping hoofs were all I heard. The tree branches scraped my face and arms but I continued faster than an arrow flies.
When I arrived the following morning, Jan skin was the color of the old mother's smoke. I could see by the dark thick swellings beneath his eyes that he had not slept.
"Where were you? I was so worried?'
"Please, don't ask me. I had to go and find a Kompania."
"For what? Couldn't you wait and I would have gone with you? I found the horse gone and I knew you'd ridden off somewhere. When I thought of you all alone in the dark night, I was distraught. I rode all around town looking, but I couldn't find you. I tore my hair out hoping it was not something I had done. My God, please don't ever do anything like this again."
"It's nothing you did. I walked over and touched his face. I felt him melt like butter.
"Promise me, please that you won't ever do anything like this again."
"I'm so sorry, I won't. I promise."
After riding all night I was dirty and spent. I bathed my body and my hair. As I lay immersed in the hot soapy water, I was thankful that Jan had not pressed me for more information. I retired to my bed and slept for two days.
I awoke to find Jan beside me, asleep in a chair. Rising from the bed I walked over to him. Tenderly kissing his cheek I helped him to lie down. I placed a light blanket over him and he fell asleep. For a few minutes I stood watching him, filled with tenderness.
Late that afternoon, while Jan was finishing work on the land, Grigori appeared.
"I was here several days ago, looking for you, where have you been?'
"Never