A Witch's Word

THE MISSING BRIDE

Sidnax, Reid’s dragon, approached the skies of Sourcero cautiously. He had never ventured this far south and clearly there was a barrier blocking their entry into the territory. A fog of purple and pink created an obvious obstacle, and Reid's training immediately suspected a threat.

“It is magic, but I don’t sense danger. It is an unnatural witch enchantment,” Sidnax reported to Reid, mirroring his rider’s suspicions regarding witches, and the calmness helped to ease some of Reid’s misgivings.

However, caution soon diverged into irritation as he foolishly hovered in the skyline. He was glad that his emperor and prince hadn’t arrived yet, because this welcome was insulting. Despite his dragon’s reassurances, he couldn’t help but feel that this situation was purposefully meant to humiliate them.

The steadfast thrumming of wings alerted him to the arrival of Cadmus and Emperor Nokon. The three beasts halted looking at the unusual spectacle. Reid assumed that they would confer about the best course of action. Prepared to fly through first and face any lurking threat, he was astonished when Dostex flew through the phenomenon without pause, forcing the younger men to follow. Soaring through the skies that had a much softer hue of violet, they could see a party waiting for them in the distance. The fields were layered shades of pinks and purples, and Cadmus couldn’t deny the beauty of the sight. The air on their skin as they descended was a comforting warmth as opposed to the unforgiving temperature at home. Heavy thuds of Dostex claws indicated that the emperor was grounded, and the younger men rushed to meet him.

“If either of you committed yourselves to the studies of our allies’ customs, you would know that the purple swirls are residual magic that is caught in the clouds. Although if it was acid, I would still expect you to fly through it. Dragons are impervious to most magic, and no-one is allowed to impede the path of the emperor. It is one of the benefits of winning the war.” Nokon, chastised them both, although he had the most impact on Reid.

In the field were beautiful tents decorated with flowers and glass ornaments that cast rainbow colours on the ground. Mother Maggie was at the front of the welcoming party, with a woman in her late teens stood next to her. Cadmus had a horrible feeling that this was the witch he would be presented with, and her youth was the deciding factor in his absolute refusal. If this was who his father wanted him to marry, then he had lost his mind and Cadmus was more than willing to present this argument to the nobles when he returned home without a bride.

“Glad to see you have made a good time, Emperor Nokon. May I present my youngest daughter Tabitha? She will escort you to your bride in a moment as is in keeping with our customs.” She offered the party of dragon riders’ their seats and substance, before continuing.

Cadmus felt a little relief from the introduction, but also disappointment that he couldn’t use her youth as an excuse to end this charade. Pointing to the top of a perfectly globed rich purple hill, Mother Maggie smiled conspiratorially at Cadmus.

“This is where the ceremony will take place at dusk. My people are preparing it now, so that fortune will chase both of you for all your life. Our holy relics are being brought over from our holy shrine to the Crone and any additions your father requested will be prepared,” she announced.

In many ways, she seemed like a mother of a bride who was excited about her daughter’s union, and willing to support her in the next stage of her life. However, the tone was too affected, the enthusiasm too laboured, and it was at this moment that Cadmus realised he might not be the only one who didn’t want this marriage to take place. Otherwise, why hadn’t his bride’s sister forced herself to smile at him?

Immediately, Nokon and Maggie started to debate, haggle and nitpick over the beneficial bones of this unwanted marriage. Tabitha’s face was almost as purple as the grass beneath her, and abruptly she walked to the prince’s chair.

“Would you like for me to take you to your bride?” She asked but left little room for refusal.

Ignoring the nod from her mother that agreed with the plan, Tabitha led both Cadmus and Reid through the marketplace. Bunting was zig-zagging across each stall, and cheers were called when the vendors saw them. The ground was gravelly, but clean and children were running alongside the trio throwing petals on the ground they walked over. Patriotic pleasure was pulsing through the streets. Cottages behind the busy market threw their shutters open and called out words of celebration. Reid noticed different colours of smoke swirling around them.

“What is this?” He asked Tabitha, who was keeping her eyes fixed on the direction they were heading in, so that she could blink away her tears without them knowing.

“They are different blessings, wishing you happiness and good fortune,” she explained.

“Do you mean spells?” Cadmus clarified with a harsh tone.

“No, not everyone can conjure spells to such high levels as my mother. These smoke tendrils are people’s physical representation of their good will and hope for you. You are about to marry their most beloved daughter, and they want her future to be happy,” Tabitha explained, hoping that their goodwill didn’t have too much to accomplish.

Satisfied with her answer, Cadmus couldn’t help but compare his home to the sight before them. Children were shod as they ran across the ground, there were no tiny, bloody footprints on the ground from cut soles. They were clothed in basic linen, but no-one was crossed-legged on the floor naked and rattling a cup. Food was plentiful and hopeless was absent, starving cries called out across the streets in Novtexo. Cadmus wondered what his bride would think when he saw the disparity of wealth in Novtexo. He was humbled by the fact that he had always accepted it, until he saw it wasn’t a plague in every land. Reid, ever the tactician, speculated how such an achievement had been possible.

The adoration of the people faded into the distance, as Tabitha led them into the forest, taking time now and then to pick up certain leaves and flowers. Despite it still being midmorning, the forest was dark, as the green leaves created a canopy overhead. It wasn’t a problem as Tabitha had the fireflies glowing around them to provide reassurance. For the two men, who had been raised surrounded by sand and steel, they couldn’t help but reach out to touch the soft green plants, and smell the freshness of nature, see the woodland animals that ran freely without fear of being prey. The trees began to spread out, and a beautiful white cottage with a thatch brown roof came into sight, the garden was rich with nature’s abundance, and happy colours seemed to be bunched together in a warming welcome.

“Edith!” Her sister shouted, but there was no answer.

Tabitha closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. It seemed that the wind softly nudged her, and a gentle smile tugged her cheeks. The stress that had made her features seem severe, began to relax, and a softer expression replaced the previous harshness. Cadmus and Reid exchanged a skeptical glance at the sudden change of attitude.

“She’ll be here momentarily. Reid, if you would accompany me as I forage further into the forest. I need some supplies for my potions' lesson in the morning.” She directed him, and Cadmus nodded, feeling strangely confident about meeting his bride on his own.

Wandering around the area, Cadmus could hear the gentle movement of water nearby. Instinctively, he assumed it must be a member of Kailush, every territory had to have access for the merpeople, and if there was a chance he could speak to King Timor, he wanted to seize it. Tapping into Dex’s hearing, he was drawn to a nearby lake. Whimsically, he saw it through an artist’s eyes, he wished he could capture how clear the water was. It seems as if the lily pads were hovering in the air rather than floating on water. Long grass could be seen creeping over the banks and at the bottom of the lake were pebbles of grey, purple and pink. Curious about where the earlier splashing came from, he cast his eye over the lake once more, hoping to see some movement. Parting the denser grass a sight paused his curiosity, a copper-haired woman swam in the middle of the lake. Seemingly at peace, she ducked her head back under the water and swam closer to him. Captivated, he couldn’t look away from the lady dressed in a white cotton dress as each stroke brought her closer to him. When the water wasn’t as deep, she stood on the speckled stones while the water covered her up to her collar bone.

Edith knew that the prince was waiting for her, but this had no impact on her taking pleasure in her final swim in the lake she adored. Unfortunately, Edith was not expecting the prince to search for her, and the fact that he had located her haven of tranquility was beyond what her patience could tolerate. She was to be his wife when the shadow hit the owl tree, until then she was her own woman and longer if she had her way. Although she was annoyed, she had gathered the specific water weeds she would need for her travels, and being submerged under the water gave her a little time to cover the majority of her ideograms. Having no compulsion to rush, she allowed the water to wash away her achievements, hating him more for every one of them she had to hide. She kept the birds on her collarbone, and kept the potion bottle. She hoped he would think that she could poison his drinks every night when he saw it. Sorrowfully, she concealed her skull on her breastbone, the dreamcatcher from her forehead, and the tree branches from her cheekbones. His eyes were fixated on her as she walked from the water and tried not to shiver from the cold on her skin that had never bothered her before.

Her white bed dress clung to her body, revealing her shape through the material that was now transparent. Her hair fell over her breasts, and the coverage was alluring. Cadmus’ eyes lingered for far too long before he averted them and gave her some privacy. Concerned she may have placed a seductive spell on him, Cadmus attempted to hold onto his better judgement. However, one thing was certain, she acted nothing like her mother, which he could only be thankful for.

“Prince Cadmus?” She asked, and he nodded his head, feeling unusually on the back foot. “I’m Edith, shall we continue our meeting in my home?”

Without waiting for an answer, she walked ahead of him, and he realised that she had managed to usurp his planned show of authority, effortlessly. Doubt made his steps heavy, as he considered that perhaps his father was correct in his assessment of him because the princess witch had managed to take control of the entire situation. Annoyance flared in his cheeks as he instantly labelled her confidence and attitude as haughtiness hidden in beauty.

When they reached her gate, she took hold of his hand and pulled him over the threshold, then dropped it immediately, as if it was Dex’s breath burning her skin.

“Sorry, it is protected. You can only come in if you are holding hands with the castor,” Edith explained, and then opened the door to her quaint cottage.

Shocked, Cadmus realised the rooms inside did not reflect the shape or size of the cottage on the outside. A lustrous fire crackled, and purple smoke drifted up the chimney. Edith pointed to a bench next to a wooden table, inviting him to sit, while she went into what he assumed was her bedroom. Another room displayed countless books, a smaller desk with plants hanging over the side, and books were piled high—perfect for a scholar. Without doubt, the most striking part of the room was the stained-glass ornaments of birds and butterflies that were placed on ledges and shelves. They shot beams of colour across the ground. The biggest feature was the stained-glass window above the sink, depicting the face of a happy elderly lady. Her maternal qualities were captured perfectly in the fragile glass, and even though the sun shone through it, it was her expression that made him feel warm and at ease. Cadmus had the fleeting sense of recognition but couldn’t place where he had seen this woman before. Interrupted from his thoughts, Edith went into the dining area, stirring the pot over the stove.

“I believe it is time for us to discuss our terms.” She ordered, pointing once again to the seat in front of her.

Amused, Cadmus couldn’t help the smile that changed his whole expression from pulling on his face. Females in Novtexo were rarely meek, but he had never met anyone like this witch.

“I’m ready to hear your initial suggestions,” he replied, indulging his curiosity.

“I am not happy about this arranged marriage, it isn’t the life I would choose for myself, and I am sure it isn’t what you want either. However, we are the heirs and must commit to this plan. I do not expect any feelings to grow between us, and I am more than happy to be civil with you most days and cordial with others. Firstly, I hope you will agree that this union need not produce any heirs and all efforts need to be made in that area.”

“Well…I think my father was hoping for a union between our nations that would be strengthened with off-spring, but personally, this isn’t the life I wanted either.”

She walked over to her pot and filled a wooden bowl with a clear liquid. Placing it before him, she raised her eyebrow expectantly. Floral tones emitted from the concoction, but Cadmus needed more convincing before he capitulated to such an unusual request.

“It is a pregnancy preventative. You drink it and there will be no off spring,” Edith explained, frankly.

“Why would I need it if we are not going to copulate?” he retorted, amused that he saw the blatant easy route.

“Firstly, I am of the understanding that your court has a wedding night that it witnessed by many, so if all our other plans are thwarted, the unpleasant reality may have to be endured. Secondly, I am aware that your mistress Lizzip will help with your more basic needs, but I am a princess of Sourcero and I will not be humiliated by your obvious affair. You must continue your liaisons discreetly, therefore no offspring from your union with her can result. If you agree, indicate your conformity by drinking.”

Cadmus had no intention of having any feelings other than loathing for his unwelcomed witch, but the idea that she too would be disappointed by their match was a factor he hadn’t considered. Suspiciously, he raised the bowl to his mouth and gulped the liquid down.

“That will suffice for now.” She declared, but beneath the confidence Cadmus could detect a hint of relief.

Edith spent a few minutes checking that she had everything she needed for her new life. It occurred to her that this would be the last time she would ever live alone, and the thought made her pause and remember how independent she had been in a cottage away from her mother. When she turned around, she noticed that her soon-to-be husband was yet again fixated on the stained-glass image in her kitchen.

“Who is this woman?” he asked, as he felt Edith step closer to him.

“This was my grandmother, Joyce. She was the Mother of Magic when your father launched his attacks to find his missing daughter twenty-three years ago. He accused her because he knew it was something she could do, not something that she did do. She was burnt at the stake by Dostex. Your father’s unfounded suspicion was so intense that it managed to reach into the human world. Thousands of innocent women were killed for being a witch, although, of course, many of them were only simple, unprotected women. Mother Maggie started the twenty-year peace when she brought your Emperor news that Grandma Joyce had been placing protection spells around Madoc’s family the night your daughter was taken, the same ones that failed when she died, taking her magic with her. Of course, we all had to pretend to be satisfied with his apology. Now, we are to marry, as if the past never happened. I’m surprised you don’t remember…you were there.” She delivered accusingly. “I wish I could forget.” She uttered more to herself.

Cadmus turned to look at her, and the motivation for her overzealous planning was suddenly very clear. Although he was annoyed that he was unable to find a match for himself, she was afraid, and based on their nation’s history, she had every reason to be. He had made no effort to learn about her customs and history, although it was obvious that she had studied his. From the start, he knew he wasn’t going to be a good husband to her, but in the moment, he didn’t feel much like a good person either.

Despite the tension between them, Edith hovered her hand over her basic belongings and sent them to Novtexo. Pleased, she noticed the prince’s wide-eyed astonishment as her property disappeared. She was glad to find him so flustered.

After gesturing towards her door, he stood by her wooden gate and admired her beautifully tended garden. She raised her hands, and he watched as her irises glowed a little. A shimmer made her home look like a mirage and she smiled.

“It is frozen until I, or a person of my choosing, returns to it. It will prevent damage.” She enlightened him.

Do you know there is a trial to complete once we are married? Dex, my dragon, must decide if he agrees to our union, knowing he will never have a dragon mate. He hasn’t told me his thoughts, so I don’t know what will happen,” Cadmus confessed, and Edith appreciated his candour.

“That’s OK. Witches and dragons are both joined together by our love of magic. In fact, your dragons might be the only part of this state of affairs that I’m not concerned about.”