Witch Crystal (Witches of Zrotaz Book 1)

by Malika Gandhi

  She thought of Xyth, whom she had sent to Earth to protect Larissa. The High Witch must not get a hold of the girl! She must be kept safe! Larissa is important, not only as a daughter of her dear friend, Marcaria, but also as a daughter of Zrotaz. She hoped Xyth had made contact with Zleus. Her own magic wasn’t strong enough to find Xyth; Earth was too far away...but Zleus would be able to speak with him. She must get a message to him. He must know she is still alive, and not to come looking for her. She must also find out if he has spoken to his brother.

  Telepathy was the only way, and the only form of communication she could still use without being detected by the witches. Luckily, for her, councilors were gifted in this way, and the Empire Witches were still unfamiliar with it.

  Zarina tried again to focus on Zleus, and after a few moments of hard concentration, she found him. However, she was surprised, what was he doing? Was he performing a spell? The room was dark, and the curtains were drawn. Zleus was chanting something. There was a vase in the middle of the room, and he seemed to be directing his spell at the object. The vase glowed fuchsia, then shattered. Zleus’s smile was triumphant. He tried the spell again, and this time on a rock. It glowed blue, green, and then fuchsia. The stone was resisting! Finally it shattered.

  Zarina couldn’t understand why Zleus was practicing such a spell. It was one of the complex spells, and yet, he was succeeding. She searched the room. All furniture had been moved to one side, and all ornaments and pictures taken from their places. Zarina spotted a book that lay on the table. She concentrated on it. It was large in volume, with gold-leafed pages. The cover was of bound fabric and the colour of midnight blue. It looked familiar. She looked closer and read the title in trun – the language of the witches – ‘Spellification and Charms.’ Zarina gasped, the book belonged to the Sacred Witch! Why did Zleus have it?

  “Mother, is that you?” came Zleus’s voice, loud and clear in her head.

  “Zleus! How are you, my dear boy?”

  “Where are you, mother? I’m coming to – ”

  “No! You must not, son. It is too dangerous!” Zarina literally shouted in her mind. “Do you hear me?”

  “Mother, tell me, where are you?” Zleus began pacing the floor.

  “Have you spoken to your brother?” Zarina asked quickly.

  “No mother – ”

  Zarina heard footsteps and cackling laughter.

  “Zleus, keep safe.” She closed down the communication, and lay down, pretending to be asleep.

  Her cell door opened, a metal dish clanged, and then it slid on the floor towards her. The door closed, but Zarina feigned sleep a little longer. When she was sure it was safe, she opened her eyes, and sat up.

  That was too close! She let out a sigh of relief. She must be mindful to not use her telepathy near a mealtime.

  11

  EARTH

  Larissa entered the room first, followed by Marcaria. The Sacred Witch nodded in greeting.

  “Thank you for coming, Marcaria and Larissa. It is paramount we talk in private, as this issue is most sensitive. It would not be good for everyone to know of the unsettling developments with regard to the abduction of Chantelle,” began the Sacred Witch. “I will be leaving Earth shortly after this meeting, as there has been some activity on Zrotaz that needs urgent attention.”

  “Chrysies, forgive me but I have brought someone else,” said Marcaria.

  “It is against protocol, you know that Marcaria,” the

  Sacred Witch warned.

  “I understand but it is vital he is included in our

  discussion,” Marcaria insisted.

  “Very well,” sighed the Sacred Witch. “Who is this

  person?”

  “It is Xyth, son of Councillor Zarina. He is known as Jake

  on Earth,” said Marcaria. “We know Zarina has been taken

  by the High Witch.”

  The Sacred Witch was silent for a moment. “Call him

  in.”

  Jake came in and bowed to the Sacred Witch. The witch

  looked at him with deep interest but also with regret. “I have spoken with your brother, Zleus. The Witch

  Council is working with him to bring your mother home,”

  she said.

  “What was the motive? Why Zarina?” Marcaria asked. “My guess is that since she helped you and Larissa

  escape Zrotaz, the High Witch has associated the connection

  with you. I believe she is after Larissa and the Crystal. Zarina

  would be the one who would know about it, as she is your

  closest friend and was present when you fled, therefore, she

  would have knowledge of your whereabouts,” the Sacred

  Witch explained.

  “That is absurd!” said Jake. “Forgive me, Sacred Witch

  but how would mother know about this Crystal?” “Jake is right. Zarina and I have not been in contact since

  my coming to Earth. She doesn’t know where we live, or

  where the Crystal is hidden,” said Marcaria.

  “My speculation is that the High Witch doesn’t know

  that,” said the Sacred Witch.

  “It doesn’t make sense, why take her after all these

  years?” Jake said in frustration.

  “It’s because the Crystal has matured...I am correct, am I

  not, Chrysies?” asked Marcaria.

  “That is my conclusion as well,” the Sacred Witch said

  quietly.

  As Larissa watched the bizarre conversation between her mother, Jake, and the Sacred Witch, she tried to understand whom they were talking about. She was certain she had never heard the name, Zarina, before. Her mother never spoke about her.

  “What is going on, Mum? Who is Zarina?” asked Larissa,

  very confused.

  Marcaria looked to her daughter. “She is the one who

  helped us to escape...the day your father gave up his life for

  us. She is Jake’s mother.”

  “Larissa, I want to speak to you, about your task,” the

  Sacred Witch intervened.

  Larissa was watching the ceiling now; planets, shooting

  stars, and the galaxy shimmered above their heads, artwork

  that could only be created by magic.

  “It is mesmerising, isn’t it?” the Sacred Witch said. Larissa nodded, unable to take her eyes away from the

  illusion. Jake too, was in the same quandary.

  “Chrysies, we need to talk about the abduction of

  Chantelle, and the task,” Marcaria said.

  “What task, Mum?” asked Larissa.

  The Sacred Witch waved her hands in a crescent moon

  shape. The space before them turned into a swirling mass of

  moving stars, planets, and space dust before settling down,

  and clearing to a live image of the Aurora Borealis. “The Northern Lights!” gasped Larissa.

  “Correct, but do you see the holes?” asked Marcaria. “There are more of them,” Larissa stated. “What does it

  mean?”

  “Your task is to repair those holes,” said the Sacred

  Witch. “It is necessary for the balance to return. With the

  creation of these holes, the passageway has opened up wider,

  this allows evil of every kind to enter Earth at will, putting all

  of Earth’s inhabitants in grave danger. The Empire Witches

  used this passage to their advantage. They came through,

  found Chantelle, and took her as easily as a thief in the

  night.”

  The Sacred Witch looked directly at Larissa as she sat on a soft white, upholstered chair.

  “You shall travel to Norway and find the Earth Spirits who guard the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights – as you call it – contain reflective lights that make passage from Earth to other planets possible and vice-versa. Over the years, the particles have dwindled because
of the misuse of power. This is the cause of the holes. The Earth Spirits have watched this over a number of decades.”

  “Earth Spirits? Who are they and why didn’t they stop it?” Larissa cried.

  “They are the guardians of planet Earth. They hoped the misuse of power would stop. It was perhaps a silly presumption. When the Crystal connected with you, Larissa, activity in the Scandinavian skies went into a frenzy. The tourists thought it was nature’s light display, but the authorities were confused by this development.”

  “What happened?” asked Marcaria.

  “The creation of more holes, I’m afraid. The gap is getting wider. Marcaria, Larissa, have you seen the silver lining around the sun?”

  “Yes,” said Larissa. “I thought it was strange.” “That is a short term repair solution of the Aurora Borealis,” said the Sacred Witch. “It is a shield, and visible to witches only, which I am thankful for. It can be seen from Earth, and is seen as an outline around the Sun. The shield is an ‘emergency barrier’ cast by the Sacred Witches of Zrotaz, but it is not effective. It is of great importance that the particles of the Aurora Borealis regenerate, thus closing the holes. The Earth Spirits will explain more to you once you reach their dwelling in Norway.”

  “What do they look like?” These spirits intrigued Jake. “Can we see them? Are they like ghosts?”

  The Sacred Witch smiled. “They are very quiet and invisible to those who are ignorant, or to those who are not searching for them. You will find them, as you will be looking for them.”

  The Sacred Witch conjured up a filing cabinet filled with documents. Larissa couldn’t help but gasp again.

  “An old trick, I can assure you,” the Sacred Witch said, smiling.

  She took out a red file, and handed it to Marcaria. “The location of the Spirits is in here. Once there, you will need to search for it, as this is only an estimate. I assume you know how to proceed?”

  “Thank you, Chrysies,” Marcaria said. “We shall be prepared.”

  “In that case, I bid you all goodbye until we meet again, and good luck,” the Sacred Witch said. “Larissa, remember, the Crystal is a part of you now. It will be lost without you, and you will be lost without it. Go home, and open your heart to it. You will be surprised.”

  Before Larissa could ask any further questions, she found herself on the beach, with her mother and Jake.

  * *

  “Why can’t we just walk out of a door like normal people? This magic is really disorientating,” grumbled Larissa.

  Marcaria laughed, linking her arm with her daughters. “You will get used to it. I would say it is a speciality of hers. Let’s go home, I am hungry, and I’m sure you are too. Jake, you are welcome to join us.”

  “Thank you, Marcaria, but Mike is expecting me. I thank you again, for letting me come to see the Sacred Witch.”

  Marcaria went up to Jake and kissed his forehead.

  “You are like a son to me, and I will do anything I can to help you rescue Zarina.”

  Larissa’s stomach growled making Jake and Marcaria laugh.

  “Goodbye Jake,” said Marcaria.

  “Bye Jake,” said Larissa.

  As Larissa walked home with her mother, she saw the silver lining around the sun. She sighed inwardly, and worried thoughts returned to the task ahead, and to Chantelle. She hoped she was alright.

  * *

  Whilst Marcaria made a pot of tea, Larissa took the Crystal out. She has stowed it in the box in the attic, after returning home from the witches meeting.

  She now placed it on the table before her and closed her eyes, calling out to it.

  “Welcome, Larissa,” the Crystal responded. “How can I be of help today?”

  Larissa opened her eyes to find the Crystal animated, with different colours flowing through it.

  “I think we...um...need to introduce ourselves.” Larissa felt silly talking to an object, but carried on regardless.

  “Agreed. I will begin. I am the Crystal, and I am here to aid you in defeating the High Witch. I possess many powers that can destroy and create. In this moment in time, all I can say it that I am grateful to your father for rescuing me from the High Witch, who had me imprisoned for a very long time.”

  “How do you mean?” asked Larissa.

  “Before the witches of the west became evil with greed, Zrotaz was peaceful where everyone lived in harmony. The High Witch was a young girl, and she found me by chance. I was,” he said dryly, “her playmate.”

  “How did my father free you?” asked Larissa.

  “I am unable to reveal more at this time, dear Larissa, please forgive me. What I can tell you is that he was a lovely man, and I am glad to have met him. I can never forget the day your father sacrificed himself to protect both you and I.”

  “Can you show me that day, please?” asked Larissa, her heartbeat picking up.

  “As you wish.”

  Images of that fateful day ran in Larissa’s head like a film. She saw her father murdered by the Empire Witches, and she and her mother fleeing to a ship for safety.

  “My father died for me...” the fact suddenly hit her.

  “Larissa, you are an Empire Witch – a good one has returned,” said the Crystal. “I will always serve you.”

  Tears streamed down Larissa’s face, and she felt her mother’s hands rest on her shoulder. Larissa turned and hugged her.

  “I miss Dad so much.”

  “I miss him too, but you know, he is still with us,” Marcaria smiled sadly. “Come now, let’s have some tea.”

  12

  ZROTAZ

  Zleus worked hard and practiced every day with Beskine. The witch was indeed strict and made sure Zleus did not slack at any point in his training. Beskine was not happy that he had to train Zleus, and to do so in a month was a bit ridiculous! This kind of training took years to perfect. However, it was the order of the Sacred Witch; he could not disobey.

  Zleus was trained by Beskine to the highest level of defence and attack that was possible in the limited time given. It was the best any mediocre witch could hope for, and it was crucial Zleus understood the complexity of the spells. An attack from an Empire Witch, or creature would leave him dead.

  A timetable was set, which meant Zleus had to practice morning, noon, and night. Although he grumbled, he was grateful as it distracted him from thinking of the dangerous and terrifying journey ahead. Nevertheless, he was determined to conquer the first obstacle to finding his mother.

  “I will show you again,” Beskine said. “Look at that boulder, then close your eyes, and ‘see it.’ That is your target. Call the energy from within, chant the spell in your mind.”

  Beskine was silent, but beads of sweat betrayed his exertion. He will never be able to do it, thought Zleus, with a slight smile. However, the next instant, the boulder exploded, sending stone shrapnel flying in all directions. Beskine put up a shield instantly, protecting them from the flying shards.

  “That was magnificent!” exclaimed Zleus.

  Beskine looked triumphant. “It all comes with good practice. Now, your turn.”

  * *

  Zleus, Charm, and the Council of Witches stood in a line with the Sacred Witch facing them.

  “This is, as you know, a difficult and dangerous journey. I believe you all have prepared well? The Dead Sea is extremely ‘alive’ at this time of year, which is most unfortunate for us. We will travel on our broomsticks, and in the case of Zleus, Charm will aid in the flying.” The Sacred Witch turned to the unisus. “Please express my sincere gratitude to Abyliss for this service.”

  “It is our pleasure,” said Charm.

  “All safety measures have been practiced, and put into place. You and Zleus will be protected, should the need arise. Eve’s Drop is approximately three days and two nights away. Once we cross the Dead Sea, we will rest. Witches and unisus’, are you ready?”

  “Yes!” everyone chorused.

  Zleus climbed onto Charm’s back, and
felt a cushion beneath his bum rather than the firm musculature one would expect from such a creature.

  “It’s a long ride,” said Charm. “Hold on tight.”

  Zleus was indeed nervous, and tightened his hold around Charm’s blue mane. He gulped as he looked at the sky.

  “I hope you’re not scared of heights!”

  “No, of course not.” Zleus tried to keep his tone light.

  Charm laughed, and soared into the air, pushing Zleus back slightly. He tightened his hold, and prayed for dear life. He saw the witches on their magnificent broomsticks flying beside him.

  Verna smiled sweetly with an encouraging nod, but Beskine smirked and zoomed ahead. The Sacred Witch took over the lead, and the flight began in earnest.

  13

  EARTH

  Larissa stood by the window in her room, looking out. She was miles away, thinking of her frequent dreams, which she now understood. Her father died to protect her, the Crystal, and their home planet. Tears welled in her eyes, and she blinked them away. No more tears, she must be strong.

  Her destiny was clear, she must fulfil the prophecy, to make her father proud, wherever he was, and not let his sacrifice be in vain. It was her duty, to not only rescue her best friend, but to defeat the evil High Witch, and avenge her father’s death!

  She thought of Jake and his mother, who was imprisoned, and felt truly sorry for him. She thought of Chantelle, whom she knew must be at the end of her wits! And Chantelle being a witch! She never knew!

  Larissa looked back at her bed, and saw the pile of clothes to be packed. She began to sort through it. She and her mother planned to leave for Norway in the next few days. This gave Marcaria time to tie up any loose ends of her life on Earth. Rita and Mike volunteered to travel to Norway with them, for which Marcaria was grateful. Jake told Marcaria he will travel back to Zrotaz with them – he needed to get back to his brother and rescue his mother!

  Larissa just hoped she would be able to fix the Aurora Borealis, in order to travel to Zrotaz.

  * *

  In the lounge, Larissa, Marcaria, Rita, and Mike went over the plans once again. Their luggage was ready, sitting in one corner of the room. Marcaria looked at her watch. The flight to Norway was at seven p.m., check-in time two hours before. It was three p.m. now. They had plenty of time.