The Witch's City

by M. Gregg Roe

  “Okay. That makes sense. I’m heading back to my cottage now. I’ll be over for breakfast and to help with Rosalind’s move.”

  “Thank you, Audrey. Take care.”

  Almera hadn’t expected her son to suddenly agree to date Rosalind exclusively. She really hadn’t thought he would ever seriously date her. She found herself wondering if Rosalind was more clever than she appeared. Perhaps she had deliberately maneuvered things to achieve this outcome, taking advantage of her illness. Or maybe it had just happened. Either way, she would keep an eye on things.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Rosalind wasn’t the only one moving out. Draymund had spent much of the day relocating their unwanted felines. The gray kitten was now living in the Witch’s Castle, specifically with Ermiana after she managed to persuade her mother. The female black-and-white kitten now resided at Desires, and her male counterpart in the thrift store’s warehouse. The mother, who he had been forced to extract from beneath the gardening shed, had gone to the family of one of his employees.

  “Sharper Edges?” he suggested to his wife as she walked up to her side of the bed. She was wearing a lavender-colored, diaphanous nightgown that boded well in his opinion.

  Almera paused and then raised her eyebrows. “And then after it burns down the next one will be called Sharpest Edges?”

  Draymund laughed. “Perhaps. But I would prefer if the new shop didn’t burn down.”

  “As would I.” She climbed into bed and laid down on her back.

  “Is our son really interested in Rosalind now?”

  “He thinks he is. He’s in her bed even as we speak.”

  Draymund suppressed a sigh. He felt that using the mansion’s magical systems to spy on their son was going too far, but mentioning it would simply lead to an argument and wouldn’t change anything. “This is going to be awkward for Audrey,” he pointed out. “It might have been better if she had moved in with Kora.”

  “I disagree. She’s fine where she is. The real problem for Audrey is Violet. She’s going to continue to be distracted until we hear that Violet and her baby are fine. Saxloc is probably tired of her talking about it.”

  He knew it was preying on Audrey’s mind but he rarely heard her mention it. “It shouldn’t be much longer. Then she can take a caravan and go visit.”

  “Yes. That would be very nice. The two of them are practically sisters in many respects.”

  “And we are practically Audrey’s parents,” added Draymund, smiling at his wife’s wistful expression.

  “Yes, we are. And Audrey is still my preferred choice for a daughter-in-law. The two of them will figure it out eventually.”

  “I suppose so.”

  But personally, he doubted it. As much as he loved his son, he thought that Audrey deserved someone better.

  21

  ‡ Priestess ‡

  “You are lying,” said Siljan as she frowned deeply. “Tell me who broke your arm and gave you those bruises.”

  The young woman that Siljan was confronting had a desperate look about her. Vinca’s left cheek was bruised and her left arm was tied across her chest with a crude sling. She glanced over at a man standing nearby, older and with a ragged scar on his left cheek, and Siljan really didn’t care for the look he returned.

  Vinca looked nervously off to the side. “I … fell down. I’m clumsy.”

  Siljan frowned at her and wondered what was going on. How did I know she was lying? Why am I so certain? And why am I talking differently than I usually do? “You are lying. Did your husband inflict this injury?” Why did I say that?

  “Yes,” she said in a despairing voice.

  The man took a step forward with his face turning red. Siljan motioned and Ariel drew her scimitar and interposed herself between the man and his wife. “Take him away,” ordered Siljan. “Secure him.” What is going on? I don’t talk like that!

  Siljan smiled gently and gestured. “Please sit down, Vinca. Jost will not be harming you again.”

  There was hope in the woman’s eyes as she sat down on the wooden pew. Siljan gently placed her hands on Vinca’s left arm and they began to softly glow as she gathered her will. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Three minor fractures and several contusions. She focused her magical energy and could feel the bones and ligaments begin to knit. When they were whole, she healed the contusions on the woman’s arm. She expanded her awareness and probed the rest of the woman’s body. More contusions and several healed fractures, but the fractures are all old, probably from when she was a child. She has given birth once. Siljan channeled more energy and completed the healing. She opened her eyes and saw a look of wonder and gratitude on Vinca’s face.

  I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve never been able to sense so much about someone before. Ever. This has to be because I’m trying to become a Priestess of Kyran, but no one ever told me to expect this kind of thing.

  Vinca pulled her arm out of its sling, flexed it, and stared in amazement. “Thank you, Priestess,” she said as tears began running down her cheeks.

  Siljan smiled gently. “You are most welcome. I will have someone escort you to Fisherton. Jost will not be returning for some time.” If ever!

  Vinca stood up, looking much more confident. “I can get back myself. I know how to handle a boat. I need to get back to my baby.”

  “Did Jost ever harm the baby?”

  “No.”

  That’s a relief. “Very well. Take care on your journey.”

  Siljan watched as Vinca walked out the front entrance of the temple. She heard footsteps and saw Alessandra walking up wearing one of her skimpy, bright blue dresses. Siljan grinned at her. “I think I’ve been possessed.” Hey! I sound like me again!

  Alessandra smiled slyly and bowed low. “Congratulations, Siljan. You are now a Priestess of Kyran.”

  “What? How?”

  “In a way, you were possessed. Kyran was working through you.”

  Siljan stared at Alessandra in amazement. “Really? No one told me about that.”

  “That is because we were not sure it would ever happen. We did not want to get your hopes up.”

  Siljan shook her head. “So that’s it? I’m a priestess now? I don’t feel any different, except for that possession thing.” She had been expecting something spectacular, like maybe a divine visitation by an avatar of Kyran or something.

  “That, as you say, is it. I now feel your divine connection to Kyran.”

  “I don’t feel anything.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she saw a faint golden glow around Alessandra. She looked down and saw that she had the same glow. And she could feel something now, a connection between the two of them and something greater.

  Alessandra smiled gently. “Now do you believe me?”

  “Yes. I can feel it.” It was an odd feeling, but somehow comforting.

  The smile vanished as Alessandra told her, “You will deal with the husband as well.”

  “Deal with him how? Can I break all his bones and throw him into the river?”

  “Interrogate him. Make him confess what he has been doing to his wife. If he promises to never harm her again, then send him back to Fisherton in a day or two.”

  Was she insane? “He’ll just lie!”

  “Perhaps, but you will know if he is being truthful. From this point on, when there is a need, you will know.” Alessandra sounded absolutely certain.

  “And if he lies?” asked Siljan. “If he’s still a danger?”

  “Then deal with him as you see fit. I doubt that he will, though. He did bring her here to be healed. He is likely not a complete monster.”

  Siljan wasn’t so sure. “Have you ever actually killed someone like him, who beat up his wife?”

  The look on Alessandra’s face was frightening. “Yes. A man who nearly killed his wife and did kill his son. He sank his son’s body in the lake and we were unable to find it. I forced him to build his own pyre and then stand in it.”

  Gods
! “Did you at least kill him before lighting it?”

  “No.”

  Alessandra turned and walked out as Siljan just stared at her slack-jawed. What kind of power does it take to make someone stand in a fire while they burn to death? The thought of it was frightening. What have I gotten myself into?

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Siljan spread her arms wide, looked up at the sky, and said, “Kyran, I need help.” She thought a moment and rephrased her plea. “Lord Kyran, your priestess humbly asks for your assistance. Please.”

  It was cool outside as Siljan stood atop the tallest hill in the vineyards well past midnight. The only light was from the stars and crescent moon, but it was enough for her dark-adapted eyes. She had just addressed a cluster of stars that was associated with Kyran but that didn’t really look like anything to her.

  Siljan was desperate. She didn’t know what to do about Jost and no one would help her no matter how much she begged and pleaded. It was a test that she was failing miserably. And it was one with real consequences. Her decision would affect Vinca and her infant son. The fear of making the wrong decision had paralyzed her.

  Her first attempt to question Jost had come to nothing as he simply sat and stared at her, refusing to say anything. She couldn’t determine if he was lying if he wouldn’t talk. For her second attempt, she resorted to using magic, specifically a Charm spell. That worked. In Jost’s mind, she was now a trusted friend, and he willingly answered her questions. But the answers had been disturbing. And confounding.

  Jost loved both his wife and son, or at least believed he did. He couldn’t imagine ever doing something to bring harm to his son, but Vinca was another matter. He wanted revenge for what he viewed as her betrayal. He believed that she deserved the beatings he had administered. That clearly indicated to Siljan that she couldn’t allow him to return to Fisherton and that he deserved some type of punishment.

  But if Jost didn’t return, then Vinca would have to find someone else to support her and the baby. She might have a loving family willing to help her, or she might not. Siljan hadn’t thought to ask, and she was seriously considered going to Fisherton to further investigate. But that still left the issue of what to do about Jost. They couldn’t keep him locked up for much longer and he would certainly head straight back to Fisherton and seek out Vinca. Siljan just couldn’t see a solution, and it was tearing her up inside.

  Siljan put her hands on her hips. “I’ve been a lousy acolyte,” she confessed to the sky. “And I’ll probably be a lousy priestess. I don’t know why you accepted me. I’m flattered, but I just don’t think I’m ready. So if you don’t mind, can you please get someone else to deal with this? I don’t know what to do.”

  She listened carefully, but all she could hear were the ever-present crickets. And footsteps. She looked to her right and saw Julien approaching wearing a light cloak. As he neared, he opened his cloak and spread his arms wide. She ran into his embrace and he wrapped the cloak around them both. She found his embrace both warm and comforting.

  “Were you really expecting an answer?” he asked as he held her gently.

  Siljan sighed. “No, but a girl can hope. Do you have any advice?”

  “No. That kind of thing is not my responsibility. Your safety is, which is why I came here after a guard reported you going out.”

  She didn’t need to ask how Julien had found her. If she had been paying more attention, she would have sensed his approach because he also had a divine connection to Kyran. He wasn’t a priest, but a Warrior of Kyran, sworn to protect the temple and its servants, including her.

  “I can take care of myself,” she protested weakly. “I’m really powerful, you know.”

  “The average person has no idea of just how powerful a Priestess of Kyran is,” he stated in a serious tone.

  And suddenly Siljan saw the solution. Kyran hadn’t answered directly, but maybe he had a hand in Julien turning up and saying that. Or maybe her brain had just started working properly. It didn’t matter because she knew what to do now. It was an incredible relief.

  Siljan moved her right hand down until it was on Julien’s rear. “I’ve never had sex outdoors,” she said in a husky voice. “How about it?”

  “I am at your command, Priestess Siljan.”

  She thought of a smart reply but decided to just start kissing him instead.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Siljan spent the entire return trip from Fisherton watching the scenery go by and ignoring Ariel’s non-stop babbling about her future plans. She also wasn’t doing her share of the work to row the boat back to the temple, but Ariel didn’t seem to mind.

  Alessandra was waiting on the pier as they approached. As soon as they arrived, Siljan promptly climbed out, leaving Ariel to deal with tying up the boat and carrying the things they had brought back from Fisherton. Alessandra motioned for her to follow and the two of them walked along the shore to the east until they were out of earshot of Ariel.

  “Am I to understand that you broke that man’s arm and otherwise assaulted him before taking him back to Fisherton?” Alessandra asked with a stern expression.

  “Ariel helped too; it was a team effort. And we splinted it. It will take a while, but it should heal just fine.”

  “We are supposed to heal the townspeople, not injure them.”

  Siljan narrowed her eyes. “He deserved it. We gave him the same injuries that his wife had when she came here. And I told him that from now on, that was how it worked. If he hurts her, then he gets hurt. I implied that if he did anything, then I would know and come after him. I talked to several people there about it. They will be watching him for me. I may also have implied that I have god-like powers. I shot flames from my hands during the trip there, but it was just for emphasis.”

  Alessandra smiled and shook her head. “It is not how I would have handled the matter, but it should suffice. I should have known you would choose an unorthodox solution.”

  Siljan shrugged. “That’s me. I’m going to be an unorthodox priestess.”

  “So you are. We are fortunate to have you.”

  “And I’m happy to be here.”

  To Siljan’s amazement, she realized that she really was.

  22

  ‡ Demon ‡

  From across the large stone tub, Aliva watched Siljan climb in and lower herself into the water with an expression of contentment. She was halfway across before she realized that something was badly wrong. In a trice, her demon half had taken over and there was no turning back. Siljan was no longer a friend; she was prey. The human part of Aliva had been reduced to a horrified and powerless spectator.

  Siljan’s eyes snapped open as Aliva grabbed her. “What are you doing?” she asked with a worried look.

  “I’m fondling your breasts.”

  Siljan glanced downward. “I can see that. Why are you fondling my breasts?”

  Aliva smiled and licked her lips. “I just wanted to feel them,” she purred. “Would you like to feel mine?” Aliva released Siljan and cupped her own much larger breasts, offering them. Siljan frowned and tried to back away but reached the edge of the tub almost immediately. Mine! Aliva grabbed Siljan’s right breast with her left hand and squeezed hard, causing Siljan’s eyes to widen with surprise.

  “No, Aliva. That’s—”

  Aliva’s lips found Siljan’s as she pressed herself forward, flattening her breasts against Siljan’s body. Energy began to flow into her own body, feeding her pleasure. She forced Siljan’s mouth open and plunged her tongue inside even as her right hand reached Siljan’s groin and—

  Aliva was pushed backward over two yards, creating a wave that sloshed water out onto the floor of the room. Siljan stared in shock with both hands still fully extended and her face flushed bright red. She pushed me away! Why would she do that? She wants me. Everyone wants me.

  “Bad demon!” scolded Siljan, pointing at Aliva with her right arm. “Stay!”

  Demon? Of course, I’m a demon. I’m a su
ccubus—a sex demon. I live for sex. I kill with sex. What better way is there for someone to die? Most of the time I let my human half rule, but not now. Not with such delectable prey within reach!

  “Come to me, Siljan,” coaxed Aliva as she moved forward and slowly ran her tongue over her lips. “Let’s play. It will be fun.” She felt her glamour power begin to fully manifest, making her even more beautiful and desirable. It’s over.

  Siljan closed her eyes with a look of intense concentration. Aliva stopped abruptly; it felt like she had hit an invisible wall. Divine power! She’s praying to Kyran. Aliva tried to push forward but there was too much resistance. “No!” she yelled in frustration. “I will not be denied!”

  Siljan opened her eyes and asked, “What would your father think if he saw you like this?”

  The words struck deep. Father! Aliva’s vision was suddenly filled with the image of a bearded man in a purple robe frowning at her. I have to stop! Pain wracked her body as she forced her demon half to submerge. She moved to the opposite side of the tub and gripped the edge firmly with both hands. I attacked Siljan! She’s right; I am a bad demon.

  “I’m sorry, Siljan,” Aliva sobbed. “I lost control. I need help.”

  “You’ll excuse me if I don’t come over there and comfort you,” called out Siljan in a shaky voice.

  Aliva turned around and lowered herself until her shoulders were just submerged. Siljan also lowered herself, looking wary. “I was wrong,” said Aliva. “I thought I was in control, but I’m obviously not. I’m going to leave the temple. I might have killed you.”

  Siljan grinned. “And I would have died happy. But you didn’t, Aliva. You came to your senses.” She frowned. “I do feel kind of weak, though.”

  “That’s because I had already started to drain your life-force. Siljan, you survived because you’re a Priestess of Kyran and you knew the right thing to say to shock me out of it.” Aliva pursed her lips. “Next time it might be one of the staff or one of the guards. I’m going to pack up and leave. Today. I don’t trust myself anymore.”