Jovana awoke with a gasp where she had been laid after she had collapsed in trance during the dance, as had many other witches who were dancing around the Fire Loft. All who had left their bodies to circle the First Mother and shower blessings on the world had been laid in a semicircle on sheepskins around the warmth of the bonfire (though far enough away not to be injured by cinders or sparks), and covered with piles of furs and blankets. As they began to regain consciousness, attendants lifted them to sitting positions and fed them hot spiced wine and cider, and bites of food, to help reground them in their bodies.

"So it is each Christmas Eve among our kind", the lead spellsinger of Skopje Magical College told those assembled around the entranced women as they revived. "Those with the shamanic gifts have circled the Earth with women from around the world tonight, infusing their blessings and prayers with the energy of millions of us wishing the world well from the very depths of our souls. And now, let us go inside again! More food, drink, toasts and music await all and sundry!"

And in they all trudged, once each of the shamanic journeyers had been revived and helped to her feet. Jovana walked in, arm in arm with Lule, a Macedonian and a Saami witch holding each other and grinning in greater joy than either had ever felt before.

*****