The Talisman Quotes

“You’re my successor. You’re to become the mentor of the Daughters of the Moon. That’s why the Atrox has been trying to stop you.”
Penelope felt certain she had misunderstood.
Then Pandia handed her a small vial. “This is an elixir from Selene, to counteract your aging. The potion must be taken during the full moon for its strongest effect, but it can be used at other times. The liquid will regenerate,” Pandia explained. “Now I have much to tell you before you leave for Rome.”
“Rome?” Penelope felt suddenly dizzy.
“Yes,” Pandia went on. “The Daughters there need you. You will be their Magna Mater, their guardian mother.”
Suddenly Penelope felt a light from her heart reaching through the ages and connecting with all the Daughters who would come to her, including the one who would one day take her place over two thousand years from now on a continent not yet discovered in a city called Queen of the Angels. The daughters would call her Maggie, for Magna Mater.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“Penelope.” The familiar voice spoke her name, bringing back sweet memories of childhood.
“Mother,” she whispered, hot tears rushing to her eyes.
Chrysippus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Her head whipped around. For the briefest moment she had thought her mother stood beside her; then she turned back to the stone and placed it against her cheek, listening, feeling its caress of love.
“Hera imprisoned me within the moonstone,” her mother whispered. “But Zeus in his pity and love allowed me to remain alive inside until I could speak with you again, on the day you needed me most.”
“Then tell me what to do,” Penelope begged.
“Things aren’t always as they appear,” her mother said soothingly. “You must rely on your intuition and trust the greater power inside you to know what to do. You are the daughter of Zeus and have been given an important destiny.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“I love you, Penelope,” he whispered. “Be with me tonight.”
“I love you, too.” She watched his face, entranced by the warmth of his body and the rushing sensations within her own. Her desire was strong and suddenly free.
He swung her into his arms and carried her through a labyrinth of halls and into a room. Small flickering lamp flames cast a golden light across the walls. Incense perfumed the air.
He set her gently on the bed, the many pillows soft beneath her.
She set the moonstone on a small table beside her, then turned back to Hector and took him into her arms.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“Penelope shuddered and swirled around. Something dangerous lurked in the raging fire. Then a black shadow wrapped around her. The foggy shape of a man stood beside her, its eyes wicked black points, its strong arrogant face challenging her.
“So you’re the one sent to stop me.” It spoke with a proud voice and stroked her shoulder.
She winced and pulled away, disgust rushing through her, but even as she hated its touch, it also awakened a forbidden hunger, and a pleasant thrill traveled up her spine.
The Atrox smiled as if it knew her secret thoughts. Too late she realized she had let down her guard. It was in her mind, sensing her revulsion and desire. Its grin filled with hideous confidence.
Fervent flames shot up in celebration, howling with desire, the swirling vortex slapping around her. Her heart throbbed, its beat slowing. The cold became unendurable and she began to cry, tears freezing on her cheeks. When she could bear it no more, the pain changed and burst through her veins with a sweet ache, filling her with deliciously evil and dangerous longings. She saw new possibilities. Why not give in and join the Atrox? Why continue the struggle?
The conflagration hissed louder, her flesh needing its touch. Shadow hands fondled her back, the caress intolerably arousing. She surrendered and stretched out her arms. But as she ran her hands over her body, her fingers touched the talisman, and the trance broke. She recoiled and tried to step away from the fire. The blaze grabbed her and drew her back, its soft swelling roar trying to comfort her.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“My need for revenge forced me to turn to the Atrox. It's your fault."
"It's not too late." Penelope tried to touch Taemestra, but she pulled away. "We can go to the temple of Selene and you can be cleansed."
"Why would I want that?" Taemestra asked. "Death no longer limits me."
"But you're a servant, a slave to—" Penelope's stomach knotted with grief.
"My master," Taemestra cut in. "The Atrox gave me immortality in exchange for Hector. It was an easy decision. If I can't have him, no one will."
"But why would it want Hector?" Penelope asked, stunned.
"I've sealed his fate." Taemestra couldn't stop smiling. She seemed to enjoy the misery she was causing Penelope.
"But if you love him—" Penelope stopped. "You couldn't have loved him, but I do." Her words surprised her.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“Moonlight overwhelmed her. The milky glow spun around her, becoming brighter and brighter. Her chest ached with its unbearable beauty, and at the same time something pure and longed for penetrated her being, flowing through her with pain and pleasure. She gasped at the strength of this newfound power and closed her eyes, but when she tried to open them again, another force kept them shut. Even with them closed, she could sense the terrible brightness of the moon’s silver radiance.
For a while she lost consciousness underwater or thought she had passed out. When she came to, she was floating. She blinked and stared up. The moon overhead seemed close enough to kiss. The air quivered with its magic. She had a vision, and in it Selene had revealed sacred mysteries, but then the goddess had given her something to drink to make her forget.
Penelope was certain it had only been a dream, but the sweet taste of honey, mint, and barley meal remained in her mouth, and a lingering feeling of terror and anguish still filled her heart. What had Selene told her? She tried to recall, but the last hazy fragments broke apart and, like a dream, floated into unconsciousness.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“Moonlight poured through an opening in the roof, reflecting off a rectangle of water leading to a giant statue of Selene. Narcissus and roses made a path from the door to the water's edge. Their intoxicating fragrance was mixed with the smoky aroma of incense burning on pedestals on either side of an altar in front of the water. The bluish smoke twisted into the air, circling up to the heavens.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“When she turned back, she caught a glimpse of Pandia. The cloth of her tunic was woven with such skill that her clothes clung to her and flowed around her body. Her skin was the palest white, her eyes bold. Silver bracelets twisted around her delicate wrists and her matching earrings and necklace shimmered, seeming to light her black, luscious hair.
Pandia no longer went out during the day, preferring to the beauty of the night, and rumors had circulated that she bathed only under the moon’s glow. Those who had seen her claimed that something magical happened when she stepped into the pool of water inside the temple. No one discussed her age, but Penelope sensed that she was as ancient as the gods.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“This time an ancient moon goddess had come to earth, but as often happened, she had no awareness of her true identity. The girl was hostile and filled with too much self-confidence. What would she do when she learned the truth? It had been nearly impossible to convince her that she was a Daughter of the Moon, and now Maggie had to tell her that she was an ancient goddess and destined to take Maggie’s place.
At last the moon rose. Its gentle radiance touched the flask, and the potion became a rainbow of lights spiking from the glass. Maggie sipped the sweet elixir. Heat seared through her veins, and a delicate pain prickled through muscle, bone, and skin. Her body tightened, becoming young again.
When she finished drinking, the flask vanished, leaving only a cascade of sparks in her thin, graceful hands. This was the end. She had no potion left to restore life. That was sad but good. After living for more than two thousand years, she was ready.
Her mind turned back to the girl. How would it feel to think you were one person and then learn you were entirely another? Convincing the girl was not going to be an easy task, but it had to be done quickly.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“She chanted the incantation as purifying white flames consumed her body. Dying, she prayed her invocation would destroy the Atrox.
Her heartbeat slowed and something let go. She rose above her apartment into the night. Death was nothing more than the separation of the body from the mind. Joy transported her and she embraced the white moonlight.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman

“"Penelope." The Atrox called her by her old name, his voice brutal and at the same time alluring. "I've come to take back my gift."
"I surrender it easily," she said. "Your immortality was always a curse."
He touched her and a burst of silver sparks burst into the air. His fingers stole the warmth from her body, draining the power of the elixir.
At once she began to wrinkle, lines crinkling over her hands, veins becoming ropy under paper-thin skin. She could feel death's cold breath on her shoulder, but it didn't frighten her.”
― Lynne Ewing, The Talisman