The Witch

by V. A. Lewis

  To my surprise, Jack actually spoke out, adding his thoughts. "Not as good as it’s made out to be."

  "You’ve been there before, haven’t you?" I addressed the man, who simply shrugged.

  "For a while," he said. "But I’d rather not talk about it."

  "Of course." I exchanged a look with Lisa, but she was just as clueless as I was. I patted him on the arm. "As long as you don’t cause us too much trouble."

  He grunted. "Don’t worry, I won’t cause you as much trouble as you’ve caused for us."

  "Hey—" I frowned, staring at his less dour expression. "Wait, was that a joke?"

  Jack simply turned away, not opting to respond. I narrowed my eyes. So there’s more to him than just a cynical grouch, huh? There was still so much I had to learn about these people; I was kind of looking forward to it, actually.

  Socializing like a normal person was something I had been deprived of for so long. I was an antisocial kid back in Villamcreek, and my time with others after leaving the small village had always been under tense situations. The few weeks we would have at sea offered me an opportunity to bond with others normally. Like the normal person I had been before I died.

  Lisa smiled her usual smile. "Jack is actually a really nice guy once you get to know him," she said.

  I rolled my eyes. "If he lets others get to know him."

  "Kind of like you, huh?" She raised a brow at me.

  I ignored that playful gibe and turned to face her. "So what will you be doing once you get to Taw?"

  "I don’t know." She leaned on the bulwark of the ship, facing out into the ocean. "We’ll figure it out when we get there. Plus you said you have some contacts don’t you? That you can get an audience with some rich and influential people?"

  "Gennady can do that," I corrected her. "The only thing I can do for myself is get an audience with the King."

  At this point, I was already most of the way to Jahar’taw; there was no longer any reason for me to doubt Felix’s words that King Adilet would see me at his request. And even if that didn’t work out, Gennady made a similar claim. So there was no point in traveling to Taw under the assumption that I wouldn’t at least be seen by the King. Whether or not I would actually be granted sanctuary was a different question entirely.

  "Hm, I should probably ask him about that then," she said.

  "You should." I barely got the words out before Lisa called out to the Dwarf who was chatting across the deck from us.

  He strode over, a bottle of alcohol in hand, already halfway through to its finish. "What do ya need?"

  "Well, I was wondering if you could situate Jack and I with—"

  I glanced past Gennady, at the young man following him. Sevin was one of the few people in Ginah’s Crew who voluntarily wanted to come with us. He was fascinated with technology and tinkering with it, so it made sense that going to the biggest hub of innovation in the world piqued his interest.

  "Hi, uh, Melas." He had a hint of hesitation in his voice— a pretty blatant hint. He scratched his cheek as he greeted me, still uncertain how to approach me.

  He was obviously feeling awkward; that I knew. So I had to break the tension, that was all. I lightly punched him in the arm. "Hey, thanks for giving me your Shock Pistol. It works great— it really helped me out."

  He blinked a few times before slowly nodding. "Right, I did give you that, didn’t I?"

  It was a while back, but I didn’t get the chance to use it proper until we sprung our trap on Lilith. I made sure to use the stun bolts when I was fighting Lisa, Ginah, and the others so as to not hurt them while keeping up the illusion that we were actually fighting for real.

  "Yes," I said, gesturing at the gun holstered on my belt. "I don’t know how you even did it. It worked so seamlessly."

  Sevin grinned and began to loosen up. "Oh, well, as I told you I took an Inferior mana crystal and…"

  By the time Sevin was finished with his explanation, he was talking to me like normal once again. Lisa left after pestering Gennady for a while, which freed him up to join in on our conversation and brag about how we would be amazed when we got to Jahar’taw. Some time after that, it was night and most everyone headed to sleep.

  I didn’t go to sleep. Instead I went to the bow of the ship, and just stood there, taking in the night sky. The darkness that hung overhead was tranquil— almost calming. I could see the storm clouds forming in the distance, already threatening this peaceful weather, but it had yet to come. So I simply enjoyed the current gentle night’s breeze.

  A set of heavy footsteps approached me from behind, and I didn’t even turn around as I greeted the man. "Gennady, what are you doing up so late?" I asked, arms crossed and leaning on the wooden railing of the ship.

  The Dwarf stopped right next to me. "I was going to, but I saw you leaving your room to go up here. I’m supposed to be your bodyguard, aren’t I? I can’t let you get swept up by the waves."

  "Come on, do you really think I’m not careful enough to avoid falling into the ocean?" I faced him with a mock glare.

  "No," he said. turning to meet my eyes. "But as you would say— better safe than sorry, right?"

  He chortled and I joined him in his laughter. After we stopped, we stood there basking in the moonlight for a minute, until I decided to ask him the question that was weighing on my mind.

  "I made a lot of promises to Ginah, Lisa, and the others," I said, looking up into the storm clouds ahead. "But do you really think I can keep them?"

  Gennady considered this. He placed a hand on his chin and glanced heavenward in thought. Finally, he shrugged. "Don’t know if you can keep them," he answered truthfully. "But I’ll help you try and do just that. I may not seem like it, but I’m a pretty important Dwarf after all."

  I raised an eyebrow dubiously at that, and he folded his arms indignantly.

  "I am."

  "I know, I know," I said, grinning at him. "I was joking. I have a sense of humor too, you know?"

  He snorted. "Could’ve fooled me."

  I sighed wistfully as I rested my head on my forearms, leaning slightly off the edge of the ship. "I just hope everything works out."

  "Don’t worry." Gennady patted me on the back, and gave me a reassuring grin. "Just have faith, will ya?"

  I nodded and said nothing more. We stayed there in silence once again, letting the sounds of the waves and the wind fill the moment.

  "Sorry, by the way," I added.

  "For what?" he asked.

  "For almost killing you when we first met."

  "Oh please, there’s no way ya would’ve killed me. Can ya imagine what the headlines would be back in Taw if they found out I was killed by a little girl? It would’ve been—"

  I watched on and smiled as Gennady told me of all the ways him dying to me would’ve sullied and disgraced the Dwarven Kingdom so there was no way he would’ve allowed it— he simply let me catch him off guard or something or another excuse.

  Whatever the case was, I enjoyed the moment for what it was with my friend. Because while there might not always be bright days ahead— even though it might not be smooth sailing from here on out— at least I was making progress. At least I was finally going to get to the Jahar’taw.

  Maybe there I would finally be safe.

  "You’ve got to see this!" the young fisherman called out to his companion as he hauled the net back to the boat.

  "What is it?" the older man asked, looking over his shoulders.

  "I don’t know," the young fisherman said, scratching the back of his head. "I think it’s a woman or something."

  The older man sputtered. "A woman?" He turned to the young fisherman and pulled him back. "Boy, what’s wrong with you? That’s a Mermaid!"

  "It’s not—"

  The young fisherman’s protests were interrupted as the figure in the net jerked. A young woman stood up, tearing the seaweed and the fishes off her with her one remaining arm. Blood dripped off the stump on her left, as the broken mana
crystals fell off her torn and tattered clothing.

  The two men backed up as red lines formed throughout her body. Her eyes flashed with fury.

  "I’ll kill her. Goddess damn me if that isn’t the last thing I do!"

  Chapter 38: Interlude V - The Emperor

  The Fiend has a daughter. She has the potential to become a bigger threat than the Fiend herself. Send Inquisitors to my location.

  — Saintess Lilith

  It was morning when the message reached the Xan Palace. It came as an encrypted message. Not that it mattered since it immediately spread quickly throughout the military wing— by the time it reached the Xavier’s ears, everyone important had already heard about it.

  Well, everyone that was important excluding Xavier himself. It could be argued that he was the most important individual not just in the Xan Palace or the Holy Xan Empire, but the entire world. Not that he thought of himself that way. But it could not be disputed that he was the Emperor of the largest and most powerful nation in the world.

  Regardless, the message reached him last, and when he read it, he spat out his drink.

  "The Fiend has a what?"

  "A daughter, your majesty," Emlen— his Steward— said.

  Xavier rose from his seat, putting down the cup of tea back onto its saucer as he wiped himself down. "And you’re sure this is true?" he asked.

  "Yes, your majesty." Emlen’s facial expression did not change as the Emperor straightened his uniform, trying to appear more befitting of his imperial station. "The telegraph was not only written in code that only high ranked officials would know, but attached with the special designation Saintess Lilith was assigned for her most recent mission. It has been verified by Saint Justin to be legitimate."

  Placing one hand on his chin, Xavier began pacing back and forth as he considered the implication of this. Bigger threat than the Fiend? he thought, furrowing his brows. That’s dangerous.

  It wasn’t an Empire-ending kind of a danger. If the Fiend and her many accomplices such as the Imp, the Nuckelavee, and the rest of the Shadow’s Evangelium failed to topple the Holy Xan Empire, a single girl shouldn’t either. No, the threat here came from what she could possibly do if she gathered powerful allies.

  Currently, the Dark Crusaders were barely in the radar of the Empire. Not only were they located in the continent of Vitae— across the world— but the Holy Xan Empire was currently engaged with… a more troublesome problem.

  Xavier’s eyes flickered as his gaze found the report lying on his desk. It was the most recent report on the team of Inquisitors led by Saint Noelle against the Cult. And from what was detailed in the report— they were all dead.

  It was a terrible loss to the Empire. A tragedy that would have to be announced at a later date— when people weren’t as panicked over the Abominations that came from the same group that killed Noelle.

  And while Xavier had met him before, it was only through his reputation that Xavier knew he was a kind man. He was not the most powerful Saint, nor the most well known one. But still a kind man. It made Xavier’s heart ache knowing such a man died when it could have been prevented. Perhaps if Theron did not fail...

  Xavier paused. He turned to his Steward, standing back straight to the side. "Was Saint Theron not the one who slew the Fiend half a year ago?"

  "Indeed he was, your majesty," Emlen said, bowing his head slightly. "I believe it was during his pursuit of the Cult where he found the Fiend hiding in a small village on the outskirts of the Rem Republic, although I can find further details about this encounter if you wish it."

  "No, that’s fine Emlen." The Emperor shook his head. "I am sure I would recall a mention of a daughter, had such a thing been brought up."

  The Steward raised an eyebrow. "Do you suspect that Saint Theron omitted this information, your majesty?"

  "Perhaps," Xavier said, rubbing his chin. Finding his coat and donning it, the Emperor combed his white hair back with his hand and strode around his desk. "I will bring this issue up with the Church. Inform the Grand Inquisitor and all the relevant nobles that there will be a meeting tonight. We will discuss this issue there. Otherwise, ensure that speculation remains at a minimum. There has been enough instability within the nobility as of late."

  "As you wish." Taking a step back, Emlen bowed as Xavier passed him. The two Sacred Guards behind him held the grand double doors open as the Emperor left the room. "And may I inquire as to where you are headed, your majesty?"

  "To speak with Saint Justin. I desire his counsel."

  Xavier walked through the halls of the palace, drawing eyes from those who saw him. It was not unusual for the Emperor himself to make an appearance in his own palace, but this was not his palace. Well, it was not his part of the palace.

  Currently, Xavier was in the religious wing of the palace. The Xan Palace was not just a single structure reserved solely for him. Rather, it was split into four quadrants: the imperial wing where the Emperor presided, the religious wing where the Church presided, the noble wing where the nobility presided, and the military wing which was almost influenced by all three groups.

  And since he was in neither the imperial wing or the military wing, he was essentially in unknown territory. Or rather, that would have been the case had he not known where he was going.

  Xavier pushed open the golden door and entered the private temple. It was a small room— barely even the same size as the Emperor’s office itself. And it did not help that the place was lined with rows of candles going all around the sides, creating a thin haze that partially obscured the figure standing by the altar.

  The figure did not turn to greet Xavier even as he made his approach. Instead, the figure remained in solemn silence with his head bowed and his hands on the table. Xavier stopped right behind the figure as they continued their quiet prayer, muttering words of reverence to the Goddess of Light.

  Finally, after the figure finished, they pushed themselves off the altar, straightening their back and tidying their robes. They were a man— an older man— senior to Xavier by two decades. But despite his age, he had a head full of tidy brown hair and a face belonging to someone ten years younger. Certainly, standing side by side, one wouldn’t be able to tell that there was such a stark age gap between Xavier and the man.

  However, the stern look he carried did not betray his age, but told anyone who met him of his experience and rank. "Your majesty," the man said, turning to face the Emperor. "Your presence honors me."

  "You know you don’t have to address me by my title, Justin. We’re friends here." Xavier offered a hand and a smile to him.

  The Saint accepted the kindly greeting, but continued with his formal speech. "Did you need something of me, your majesty?"

  "I would like to hear your thoughts on a matter."

  "My thoughts on a matter?" He furrowed his brows. "Would your advisers not provide a better perspective?"

  "You know I trust your advice, Justin," Xavier said, closing his eyes. A scene played in his head. And for just a brief moment, he could feel his heart racing and hands shaking once again. The feeling went away as soon as it came, but the gratitude he felt never left. "You saved my life. That amounts to more than I could ever give you."

  Justin simply bowed his head. "I appreciate the sentiment, your majesty. But I was simply doing my job."

  "Of course." The Emperor opened his eyes, and turned to the older man. "And it is because you are so diligent in your duties that I have come to you. I believe you must have heard the news?"

  Saint Justin visibly hesitated, his lips drawing into a thin line beneath his beard. "If you are referring to the Fiend’s apparent… daughter, then I have been well informed, your majesty."

  "Good, I—" Xavier cut himself off. He saw Justin avert his gaze for a single moment, before regaining his composure. "Justin," he said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

  "I am fine. Thank you for your concerns, your majesty."

  The Emperor n
arrowed his eyes, boring his gaze into the older man. He knew he shouldn’t have pressed the issue, but he wanted to know. "Do you regret that she died—"

  Justin spoke quickly, almost interrupting him. "The Fiend was exterminated. She deserved her fate. I have no regrets about the circumstances involving her demise."

  The Saint paused, realizing his tone and caught himself. He bit his lower lip as he continued slowly.

  "If I have any regrets, your majesty, it is that I wasn’t there to personally slay Valeria myself."

  His eyes flashed— and it was not just in a figurative sense. Something in the hazel eyes of Saint Justin glowed a brilliant blue. Like a fire— but not a real one. Xavier nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder.

  "The Fiend was truly a malicious individual," the Emperor said. He looked over at the alter, then at the candles lined throughout the room. He shook his head. "However, could the same thing be said of her daughter?"

  "What do you mean, your majesty?" Justin asked after having calmed himself.

  Xavier did not respond immediately. Instead, he lifted his hand off Justin’s shoulder and placed it gently on the altar. His fingers slowly traced the gold carving of a flame on its center, as he eyes found itself glancing heavensward— at the mural on the ceiling.

  The mural painted atop in this private temple was a beautiful one. Made in collaboration with the best artists of the Holy Xan Empire. It depicted not a single scene, but a timeline. From the start of Damnation just above the doorway, to the end of Damnation with the Goddess of Light banishing the Devil directly overhead where the two men were standing.

  The Goddess of Light was simply a figure of light. She had no features but the vague outline of a body that glowed. One that illuminated the darkness that came from Damnation, and purified the souls of all living things suffering within it. She had Her arms stretched to the side as the Devil— an incarnation of that darkness and suffering— cowered in fear before Her rays.

  It was Her kindness that saved the world from Damnation. That was why all peoples worshipped Her, even if they might have had other disagreements about Her. No one believed that She did not end their suffering and the Devil’s rule. That was the truth of the world.