< Gazi Desert >
< Frisia Kingdom >
"We have finally gathered at long last, my dear sisters!" The Grand Witch Elaine greeted her people with a spark of fire in her eyes.
All of them were gathered underneath the moonlight.
It was a spectacle for any of those who might have caught sight of them and it would have been the last sight for any unsuspecting travelers that actually did see them.
The fire in front of them all burned brightly with righteous fury as the Witches all tipped their hats at one another and greeted each other with tidings.
Katherine who excused herself from tutoring Sophie and her other countless jobs finally traveled out from Hastings to the outside of Riga and was among them.
There was a smile on her face as she joined this large group of her people. It was finally great to be here at last and no longer hiding continually among the humans because now it was time.
A coven for witches.
It was also known as a gathering for those who practiced witchcraft,but it was mostly a race that held magic and power within their fingertips. Similar to elves, but less liked by the rest. A bit like the lycans.
An enemy to the human kingdoms, an aid to others.
These humans wholeheartedly believed and were fooled into thinking that witches casted curses, hexes and other spells to unsuspecting victims and were only those who created chaos.
Perhaps, not all of them were as evil as what the king of Riga claimed to be. Although that did not matter to those outside of the coven and circle that gathered tonight.
"Once upon a time, a dear friendship was struck between a lycan and a witch." Grand Witch Elaine smiled and started the tale to begin their meeting. "The desert in which the young witch took her training was harsh, arid and dry."
"Not this story again," a young woman groaned silently beside Katherine.
She was a beautiful witch and looked so similar to the Grand Witch currently recounting the tale. This was the beloved witch who was monumental to the current alliance with the lycans.
Her name was Eloise, the youngest witch in history who had proven herself to be almost as powerful as the grand witch herself.
She had long raven hair and twinkling eyes with the color of pumpkin. Her eyes had this bewitching quality that always managed to enchant men to submit to whatever she asked of them.
"I tip my hat to you, Eloise." Katherine carefully curtsied and tipped her floppy witch hat to the Grand Witch's daughter.
"Yes, I tip my hat to you as well, Katherine." Eloise smiled and greeted her.
Grand Witch Elaine narrowed her eyes at the two witches, but continued her tale of friendship that she used to inspire her fellow witches. It was not often that witches themselves participated in the war.
However, this was going to be the first time that Witches aided another greatly to destroy a kingdom. The solidarity between the Witches who were more often predisposed to smaller witch covens was necessary.
This was a speech that would make everyone act and remind them of their responsibilities.
"The lycan could have killed this witch back then, but instead, this strong she-wolf who introduced herself as Isolde saved me back then and soon started a bond of friendship that also took part between our children..."
Katherine soon listened closely and found herself a bit in awe of the story. It was a beautiful tale of friendship and as she glanced at Eloise, the woman also looked like she was blushing.
It seemed like this friend… was more than a friend. Eloise acted like a lovesick woman when the grand witch mentioned Isolde's child.
Katherine only shrugged it off. It was none of her business. Eloise was a much younger witch and perhaps she was still curious about love and a relationship between a man and woman.
"I tell you a tale that is true and filled with hope," Grand Witch Elaine said. "It is a dark contrast compared to prejudiced and narrow-minded humans who detest everything and everyone that is different to them."
At those words, the rest of the witches all paused and their expressions darkened.
The entire race of Witches was all women and it meant that they often needed to go to other races like humans to bear their next child and kin which always turned out to be female.
It was also one of the reasons why people like Katherine were also in human kingdoms, if not only to marry and continue the bloodline of witches but to also gather information.
Perhaps also lend a hand.
Grand Witch Elaine addressed the crowd of witches.
"And now, the Blood River Pack is moving with the rest of their packs. We must render our aid and ensure that they succeed in conquering the kingdom of Riga. The Alpha is risking his life there."
"Are they close to the capital now?" Katherine couldn't help but wonder to herself. There were also other Witches who were asking for updates about the success of the lycans.
"I believe so, my friend was in my castle just a couple of months ago," Eloise answered. "It was a castle I got from one of the old Dukes that used to live there and I made him make me inherit under my name."
"That's wickedly smart," another Witch cackled beside them.
Katherine only smiled a bit thinly. One of their contributions as of late was manipulating the weather and conversing with nature. The latest winter storm was one of their actions to camouflage the lycans who moved and to also seek out the worst in humanity.
Katherine didn't need to think too hard. Helga Limberg and her two daughters immediately came to mind. It was on that day that Sophie finally had enough of her coldhearted family and left.
Katherine couldn't help but feel a bit guilty that the ugly nature of Sophie's relatives was enhanced during that winter.
However, now that Sophie was under the help of a kind if not distant duke, Katherine was just relieved and happy for them. It seemed like the duke had feelings for Sophie.
"The lycans give their thanks for our help in creating the landslide to hide their tracks. I think they will be bringing us precious moonstones and other jewelry as thanks for our aid in assassinating the late Baron Ferdinand."
Katherine's eyes widened when she heard the information. She hadn't known any of this when she went to Hastings at all. So... the late Baron Ferdinand's death was not an accident?
Ahhh... she knew she should have been more suspicious about the circumstances. She looked around her and found that it seemed like the rest of the Witches were in the know. Katherine could only keep her surprise to herself.
Grand Witch Elaine continued.
"Their current situation has been reported to me by Isolde. The Alpha, her son, Leland is masquerading as Duke Ariam Romanov. He has finally reached the capital of Riga, Livstad and they will need our help once they arrive there."
"No," Katherine stammered in surprise.
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