The Black Witch

by Jenny McKane

  “You should leave me,” he said suddenly, jerking his hand away. “I am an old, broken man, Avalon. There is no guarantee that anything will restore me to what I once was.”

  “Do not say that!” hissed Avalon. “I promise you, I will find a way. We found you for a reason, Everard. We could have arrived too late and found you dead, but we didn’t. We found you in time.” She took a deep, shuddering breath. “We found you in time so that we can save you.”

  But he had turned his face towards the wall of the cave, and he refused to look at her.

  Guilt started to invade her blood like a poison. She had done this to him. He was here because he had followed her. He never believed in the cause. If not for her, he would still be in Agnoria, living the life that he wanted.

  The guilt was almost unbearable.

  “I will get you some food,” she said, taking a deep breath. “You must eat…to keep up your strength.”

  She stood up and walked to the supplies. She hoped that he couldn’t see the tears streaming down her face. He didn’t need her pity, or her guilt.

  He needed her courage. It was the only thing that would sustain him. It was the only thing that would save him.

  ***

  It was hard to know the passage of time in the cave, but Avalon thought that it was probably late afternoon.

  She had persuaded Everard to eat, but he had not had much. She had tried to force him to eat more, but he had gotten angry with her, flinging her hand away.

  It had been the same with the water. He had barely two mouthfuls before he had let it dribble down his chin. He had given up again. She had seen a small spark of life in his eyes when he had asked her if it was possible to reverse the spell, but then he had convinced himself again that it was impossible.

  She had to get him out of here. Still being in the place that he had been imprisoned for years was keeping his spirits low. She was frightened that he would simply give up and slip away from her.

  Would Skyresh and Hansa be at the eagle’s nest yet? She tried to stem the impatience that surged through her.

  At least, Aberfa seemed to be improving. She had changed the creature’s dressing and seen that the bark paste had improved the wound considerably. The creature had eaten and drunk well, too.

  They were both asleep now, so she lay down and closed her eyes.

  And that was when she heard the sound. A scratching. She sat up quickly. What was it?

  It seemed to be coming from the entrance to the cave. She grabbed her sword and crept through the cave towards the opening.

  Just as she was near the entrance, she ducked down. A creature was sniffing around. It was large; it looked like a kind of bear. It was covered in a brown pelt that looked wet. She saw that it had flippers, which it could also walk upon. It raised its head and stared into the cave.

  Could it see her? She didn’t think so – the cave was dark. Nevertheless, she raised her sword, ready to strike if it came any closer.

  It hesitated for a moment. Go the other way willed Avalon. Just walk away.

  Then, it turned, lumbering into the cave.

  Avalon stood up and lunged at it. She couldn’t see where to attack it. The animal was taken by surprise, staring at her stupidly. She had pierced its shoulder, and the wound started to bleed profusely. She felt the blood envelop her, warm and wet.

  The creature bellowed, stretching out great claws at her.

  Avalon quickly withdrew her sword and lunged again. This time, she felt it connect with the animal’s head.

  It fell forward, on top of her, pinning her to the ground.

  Her face was pressed against the animal’s chest so hard that she couldn’t breathe. Desperately, she pushed at it, trying to dislodge it. It took all her strength, but eventually she managed to move the creature. It fell off her, and she gasped for breath.

  She panted, heavily, overcome. Then, she managed to shakily stumble to her feet. She was covered in blood.

  She stared down at the animal. It could have killed her. It was a new creature obviously. Although it was like other bears that she had seen in the Safe Zone, it had different features. The fact that it walked on flippers was one. Was it a water creature, as well as being able to walk on land?

  It didn’t matter anymore. The creature was dead. She had defeated it.

  She grabbed it and dragged it out of the entrance. She would have to leave it here. But how was she to wash all this blood off her? They had enough water to last them for drinking, but not enough to clean her completely.

  She sighed. There was a water hole some distance away, but she couldn’t leave the others for so long. She would just have to wet a cloth and clean herself as best as she could.

  She stumbled back into the cave, still breathing heavily.

  She collapsed onto the ground. Aberfa raised her head, staring at her.

  What happened to you, my queen?

  Avalon turned her head to look at the wounded animal. There was an intruder, Aberfa. It was going to come into the cave. I had to kill it.

  The animal whined. I should have been at your side. I should have killed it for you.

  Avalon sat up, slowly. Aberfa, you have already done enough. It is my turn now. I must protect all of us until the others get back. Do not worry. It is dealt with.

  Aberfa’s yellow eyes blinked rapidly. But there might be others. I was afraid this might happen. The scent of the creatures that inhabited this cave is dispersing, and other creatures are drawn here now.

  Avalon frowned. Do you mean that they know?

  Aberfa yelped, softly. Yes. The cave is deep and large. It would provide shelter for any creature. Once they know that the creatures who lived here are gone, they will all start to come, seeking to make it their home.

  Avalon sighed deeply. How could she defend the cave if more creatures came? She had been lucky in that the creature that she had killed had been alone. If it had a companion, she would not have been able to kill them both.

  She wearily reached for a water bottle and a cloth. She stank of blood. She had to clean if off before it started drying on her skin. She would give anything to swim in a water hole and cleanse herself of it completely.

  She closed her eyes, wiping the wet cloth onto her skin. When would the others be back? She didn’t know how long she would be able to defend them all by herself, but he had to.

  She must.

  She would save them…even if she died doing it.

  ***

  Time moved so slowly in the cave. Avalon understood, now, how it had broken Everard to be in here for so long. It would drive anybody to distraction.

  Two days had passed since she had killed the creature. Two long days, where she had tended the others. Aberfa was improving, but Everard still refused to eat and drink much. Even worse, he had stopped talking to her, turning his face to the wall every time she spoke to him.

  Despair threatened to overwhelm her. She tried to keep busy, but there was so little to do. She was conscious of not leaving Everard and Aberfa for too long; if she left the cave, a creature could wander in. They were both so weak, they would not be able to defend themselves.

  She had left the cave briefly to find long branches, dragging them back. Then, she had spent most of her time whittling the ends to sharp points with her dagger. She had made a few, and then she positioned them at the cave entrance with the sharp ends pointing outwards. If any creatures attempted to enter, they would be stopped by the branches. They might not kill them, but it would alert Avalon that the entrance had been breached.

  Even so, she was still frightened.

  They were getting low on food, too. If Skyresh and Hansa didn’t return in the next day, she would be forced to go foraging. She tried not to dwell on the fact that they might not return at all. Who knew what might have befallen them on their journey? A patrol might have spotted them, and they could have been killed or taken. Any creature might have attacked them. They might have been unable to find the eagle’s nest, and
they still be wandering the desert, lost.

  But she mustn’t think that way. She must believe that they had been successful and would return soon.

  Suddenly, she heard noise at the entrance. She stilled then got to her feet quickly. She grabbed her sword, ready to battle.

  She crept down the cave, towards the entrance, blinking to adjust her eyes to the sudden light.

  And that was when she saw them. Skyresh and Hansa, standing there.

  She let out a soft yell of joy and ran to them.

  She threw her arms around Skyresh, almost knocking him to the ground. “Oh, I am so glad to see you both!” she cried, hugging him tightly. “I thought that you weren’t coming back.”

  Skyresh laughed, hugging her back. “I told you that you couldn’t get rid of me.”

  Avalon bent down to hug the wolf. Hansa, my dear friend. I am so glad that you are safe.

  The wolf panted, her tongue lolling from her mouth. She looked like she was smiling. It is good to be back with you, my queen.

  “What happened?” she said, straightening. “Did you find the eagle’s nest?”

  Skyresh grinned, then stood aside. “See for yourself.”

  She walked out. A huge bird was there, perched atop a rock. It flapped its vast wings, causing a breeze to stir, lifting Avalon’s hair from her face. She started laughing with joy.

  Thank you, she said to the bird, hoping that it could hear her. I will never forget this.

  The bird squawked. Do not thank me, queen, it said to her. Thank my little one, who is allied to your companion. But I am happy to help you, just the same.

  The bird lifted a wing, and Avalon saw a smaller bird beneath.

  “It took a bit of convincing,” said Skyresh, standing beside her. “The eagle didn’t want to help us, but my little companion, who has liked me since it was an egg, talked her around.” He gazed at her, his eyes shining. “We have come back, Avalon, and the eagle has agreed to take Everard and Aberfa to the Safe Zone for us.”

  Avalon almost collapsed with relief. Skyresh put an arm around her, seeing that she was about to fall. Then he turned her slowly towards him.

  “It will be alright,” he whispered in her ear. “How have you been? I see you have been busy in our absence.” He gestured to the sharpened branches, defending the entrance.

  “Oh, Skyresh.” She leaned into him. “I killed a creature that tried to enter. I thought that the branches might slow down any more, or at least alert me that they were there. It has seemed like an eternity since you and Hansa left.”

  “How are the others?” Skyresh gazed at her, not smiling.

  “Aberfa improves,” she replied. “Her leg is healing well, although she still cannot stand on it. But Everard…”

  “What about him?”

  “Oh, Skyresh, I am so worried about him,” she whispered. “He barely eats or drinks. He refuses to talk to me. He has given up. He doesn’t believe me when I tell him that I will find a way to return him to his former self. He has told me to leave him here to die.”

  Skyresh reached out a hand and gently stroked her hair. “Avalon, do not worry,” he said. “The eagle will get them to Mother Oda, and things will improve. We will find a cure for him; I am positive.”

  “Yes, I must believe that,” she whispered. She turned back to the two birds, who were staring at them. “We should get them ready to leave. We cannot waste any more time.”

  Skyresh nodded. He turned to the great eagle. Will you be ready to take the ones that I have spoken of soon, my friend?

  The eagle squawked, flapping its wings again. Whenever you are ready, I am ready.

  They walked back into the cave. Skyresh lifted Everard, carrying him outside, and then returned for Aberfa. The great eagle had flown to the ground and lowered itself so that they could put the man and the creature atop.

  “Everard,” said Skyresh. “You will need to put your arms around the eagle’s neck and hang on tight. Do you understand?”

  Everard stared at him but nodded. Skyresh laid him on the eagle’s back, twining his arms around its neck. Then, he turned to Aberfa.

  “It will be harder for her,” he said, scratching his head. “Perhaps we could tie her onto the bird’s back. She doesn’t have anything to hold on with.”

  They laid Aberfa carefully on the eagle’s back then secured her.

  “All ready,” said Skyresh.

  Avalon walked up to Everard, who clung to the eagle’s neck.

  “Stay strong,” she whispered. “You are going to safety. We are following you and will be with you soon.” She took a deep breath, not knowing what else to say. “It will be alright, Everard. I promise you.”

  The old man gazed at her. “Avalon,” he whispered. “If things had been different…”

  Avalon shook her head impatiently. “Do not talk like that,” she said. “You have endured so much, but it can be reversed. You can heal from your ordeal, but you must stay strong, Everard.”

  She placed a piece of paper in Everard’s pocket. “This is a letter for Mother Oda,” she said. “It explains what has happened. Guard it carefully and give it to her when you arrive.”

  Everard nodded. She reached over and kissed his wrinkled cheek.

  He closed his eyes and sighed.

  She walked over to Aberfa, who was secured on the eagle’s back. She gently stroked the creature’s fur.

  Be brave, Aberfa, she said, reaching out to the creature in her mind. The woman whom I am entrusting you with is on our side. You must do all that she says. She will know.

  Aberfa whined. I do not want to be separated from you, but I trust you, my queen. Please, stay safe, and come to our side.

  We will set out as soon as you are gone, Avalon said. She gave the creature one final pat, then took a deep breath and stepped away.

  The great eagle started to flap its wings, and then it took to the sky. The little eagle chirruped, then followed its mother.

  Avalon and Skyresh stood watching, until the birds were mere pinpricks in the sky.

  Skyresh put an arm around Avalon. “It will be alright,” he said. “They will be in the Safe Zone in a matter of hours. Mother Oda will take care of them.”

  Avalon nodded. “We should get going. It will take us much longer, and we need to get there as soon as possible.”

  “Avalon,” he said gently. “You realize that the spell might not be able to be reversed? Everard might never be changed back to what he once was.”

  Avalon turned and stared at him. “You are wrong, Skyresh,” she said. “Mother Oda will know, and if she doesn’t, I will scour this realm and ours until I find a way to do it. I promise you.”

  Skyresh sighed, tightening his grip on her. “I do not doubt it,” he whispered.

  ***

  They walked over the sand dunes, not speaking much. All of them were subdued. Even Hansa kept to herself, running slightly ahead of them.

  They were all tired, and so much had happened in such a short space of time. They had barely had time to process any of it; they had to keep reacting to the circumstances that they found themselves in.

  She found herself longing for the tranquil home of Mother Oda. She pictured the small house, sitting amidst the overhanging vines. She could see the narrow path to the temple. How she longed to be in that sacred space once more. Perhaps once she was there, so close to the source of the Goddess, all that troubled her would be resolved.

  She glanced at Skyresh, walking beside her. Her heart contracted, even looking at him. She knew that he wanted to tell her what was in his heart, and a part of her yearned for it, as well.

  But how could it ever be possible, now? She had always been confused about her feelings for the two men who had become her closest companions and allies, but now guilt over what had happened to Everard and that she had caused it colored everything.

  If Everard could not be changed back, how could she desert him and go with Skyresh? It was love for her that had caused Everard to be in t
his position and become what he was. She couldn’t just leave him to his fate.

  And Skyresh wouldn’t understand. He had never trusted Everard, not really. He would not hang around and wait for her while she tended an old man, and she would not ask it of him.

  And then, there was the alternative. That Everard could be changed back. She would still feel that overwhelming guilt that she had caused him to suffer so. She still wouldn’t be able to go with Skyresh, even if her heart yearned for him.

  Perhaps, she and Skyresh were never meant to be, despite fate always bringing them together. Perhaps she just had to accept that.

  “Why are you staring at me?” Skyresh asked softly.

  Avalon blushed then shook her head quickly. “I was feeling gratitude for you. I am so glad that you found me in the Outlying Zone that day, Skyresh. I hated you for so long. I resisted what you were telling me.” She took a deep breath. “But if it wasn’t for you, none of this would have happened. I am not saying that I would choose all our obstacles again, but you have led me to a place of realizing who I truly am.”

  Skyresh smiled. “As I said, it was always going to happen. We were meant to meet each other, Avalon. I hope that you see that as clearly as I do.”

  Avalon hesitated. Should she tell him that she couldn’t ever be with him, not in the way that he wanted? That what had happened to Everard had changed everything?

  Suddenly, a shadow fell over them. They looked to the sky fearfully.

  It was the great eagle and her offspring, hovering in the air above them. They watched as the birds slowly descended, landing in the near distance.

  They sprinted to them. Even from here, Avalon could see that Everard and Aberfa were no longer on the great eagle’s back.

  They are safe, said the eagle, flapping his wings. But the journey will take you a long time. I am glad that I spotted you. I will take you. Mother Oda needs you there quickly.

  Chapter Twenty