A Witch's Word

TWENTY YEARS OF PEACE

Chatter, complaints and criticism filled the hall as easily as the red wine poured into the goblets. It was Emperor Nokon III’s duty to host the ‘celebration’ for the twenty years of peace this year, so as the room filled with his enemies and allies, he watched from behind the curtains of his balcony and studied the affiliations below.

Pale-faced and draped in his thick ermine cloak, Grzegorz sat rigidly on the seat closest to the throne safe in its shadow. It was rumoured that he was the favourite to be the next leader of the Vampire Democracy, an occurrence that happened once every hundred years, and the fact that he had been sent to negotiate for his state suggested that the rumours were true. Facing him was Barrett the Bastard, a usurper and vicious King of the Lycans, and the least respected member of the group. He had created a circumference of stains on the table where he repeatedly slammed down his goblet of wine, while laughing at his own cruel jokes that were aimed at Madoc, who had the misfortune of being sat diagonally from him. Madoc was possibly the most heroic and virtuous guest at Nokon’s table. Having been raised as the youngest royal wolf prince of three brothers, his manners were impeccable, so, other than the tension in his jaw, one would never know how much the youngest abandoned werewolf prince hated King Barrett, not only for the insults he threw his way now, but for the atrocities that were inflicted on what remained of Madoc’s country a principality of Lycanis. Ignoring his enemy as much as was possible, Madoc was in deep conversation with Maggie, Mother of magic. Unlike others, he was unaffected by the aura of her. He had known worse feelings and whispered into her ear to discuss business and trade. As the matriarch of the magical beings and a skilled witch herself, she nurtured the cold, frightening ripples that she cast around her. Her black curly hair was so long that it seemed to blend into the sheep skin coat she covered her body in. Her impossible fluorescent green eyes would have been considered beautiful if it weren’t for the poisonous mind that sat behind them. However, the most intimidating feature that she proudly wore were the tattoos that covered every inch of her skin. Each was a symbol of the branch of witchcraft she had mastered. She was a formidable enemy to have.

The twenty-year peace had lasted, but all could remember the part that each territory played in it. Patting the former prince on his shoulder to end their conversation, Maggie greeted her closest ally, Ilyrune, chief of the elves. Wearing his golden armour atop of his linen clothing, increased the physical size of him, which was a good idea when in the company of dragons and wolves. Their burst of laughter, demonstrated their disdain for this gathering. The penultimate arrival was Goodwin, lord of the fairies. Choosing to fly over to the table rather than walk, his wings were a spectacle to behold. Lined with golden trim that was sharp enough to cut flesh and pointed down like daggers dipped in blood, his appearance was unintentionally threatening. Although he was artful in his diplomacy skills, like all fairies, he couldn’t be trusted.

“I want you to watch and learn everything I do and say, but more importantly, what I don’t say. Do not speak, you are not invited to contribute.” King Nokon commanded his son, who had been evaluating the crowd below with equal interest.

“Yes father…I mean Emperor Nokon.” Cadmus answered, aware of his role as he was being tutored into assuming the crown. “Where are the Merpeople’s representatives?” Cadmus asked, seeing that his father was about to enter the meeting.

“They have to keep time with the tide, and they are having a lot of issues keeping the portal secure at the moment. It is unwise to wait for them any longer. We will send the water dragons to pass on the conclusions of the meeting when they go to support them,” Nokon answered, disappointed that his son hadn’t familiarised himself with every species’ strife in preparation for the meeting.

A crash of claws thumped on the wall of the castle and, to Nokon’s amusement, he saw that Barrett jumped from his seat a little. The others were used to how dragon royalty announced their presence, and schooled their expressions to the show of power. Dostex, the emperor’s dragon, roared with such force that the windows steamed up, bringing a dull grey mist into the hall. Nokon reached his throne slightly, nodding his head to each leader.

“Let us begin.” Nokon declared.

There was no hesitation as Goodwin fluttered from his seat, allowing his wings to stretch out impressively.

“I ask for one clarification only. For a hundred years, the fairies have been protected from the bloodlust of the vampires. When the new leader is elected, can you ensure us that this agreement will continue, Grzegorz?”

The vampire partially rose from his seat and inclined his head humbly.

“If I were to be elected, then I have no plans to make any changes to this agreement. However, I cannot speak for my rivals.”

“If one vampire hunts one of my pods, I will declare war. Take that information back to your people!”

Ending the discussion, both parties returned to their seats, but Goodwin looked far from satisfied.

Calmly, Madoc stood slightly, scraping his chair back as he rose. He looked across the table and made sure to study everyone’s face apart from Barrett’s. Sympathy made him feel uncomfortable, but he recognised it would be needed for his request.

“The grain supplies have been decreasingly short when coming through the grain routes. I request that food from Mother Maggie and Ilyrune is delivered via an alternative road going forward, to help decrease the effects of starvation that we are beginning to see in our elderly and vulnerable.”

The table shook with Barrett’s reaction to the request, his fist pummeling the wood. Piercing blue eyes stared at Madoc, who seemed unaffected by it.

“Do not break the agreement of our peace in my palace!” King Nokon growled, channeling his dragon.

“You are insulting me by raising problems within your Principality for which you are answerable to me in this public forum. They only invite you here because you’re a mirror into the past. You make them feel better about not doing anything to help your family, to help you as a child. The food supplies come through Lycanis, and then come to you. You should be happy with what you receive, Mad Dog.”

Ignoring the belittling nickname that he had heard a thousand times before, Madoc appealed to the council of leaders again.

“I have raised this issue before, since you have forbidden us from foraging in the Royal Woods, and we are forbidden from growing our own food. This is the last option I have. I will not let another pup die from lack of food.”

Barrett stood sloshing his wine across the table, paying no attention as it dripped on the floor. His hand shifted into its Lycan form, but Madoc watched him without reacting. Maggie stood and waited for the shifters to resume their seats before she began.

“If Ilyrune agrees to match my contributions, I will form a separate agreement with Prince Madoc to have a portion of our harvest delivered to your people. As for invitations, I think I speak for everyone at the table when I say that we would all rather have the previous royal Lycan and werewolf houses at this table than you, but twenty years ago you murdered our friends in their beds and chased Madoc’s family into exile. Now we are stuck with your company.” Maggie sat down, unconcerned about the effect her words had had.

If the mother of witches had been paying attention she would have seen her male counterparts struggling to hide their amusement. Barrett wasn’t equal to Maggie’s power yet, but one day he would be and this was a concern she aimed to cut at the root.

“Lastly, we need to decide how we can help King Timor. He reports that the portal is often breached by humans. Can we offer more defense or protection?” King Nokon, announced to the table.

There were collective nods.

“Then all topics on the agenda will have been agreed. Food will now be served!”

While the tables were filled with meat from the grill, grain and salad, the leaders began to make their excuses, declaring that they were needed at home. Grzegorz’s diet wasn’t catered for, so his early absence was understandable. Barrett was sulking, so his early exit was more than welcome, and Goodwin and Ilyrune, who despised meat, so made their apologies before returning to their lands.

“Forgive me, King Nokon, this meal looks exceptional and reminds me of happier days, but I must return home before King Barrett, he will be looking for someone to expunge his anger on.” Madoc bowed slightly.

Nokon lowers his head. There is little that can be said. He knew that he could have done more, but the peace was too fragile. Consequently, the youngest son of a lost family has to beg for food and aid.

“Fear not, young prince. There seems to be far too much food for the three of us,” Maggie said, nodding her head towards King Nokon and Prince Cadmus. Casting her eyes across the table, two thirds of the food disappeared. “It has been sent to your home, and you can distribute it before Barrett arrives. If you’ll allow me, I can get you there instantly. My daughters would insist.”

With a nod, Maggie places her hands on Madoc’s head, and he instantly fades under her touch.

Picking up her wine goblet, she took Barrett’s earlier seat next to Emperor Nokon. Pulling strips of meat off the bone, she stared at the father and son, as they wondered at her behaviour. For the past twenty years, nobody had stayed for the meal. That was why the emperor didn’t concern himself about providing food to please all. Maggie felt the energy of confusion and awkwardness as she chewed her food contemplatively. Surreptitiously, she studied the young Prince, pleased by the self-deprecating doubt that he hid behind royal privilege.

“Barrett is becoming a real threat. I doubt I will have to host a celebration for twenty-one years of peace, if he is allowed to go unchecked.” Maggie sipped her drink, remembering to keep the urgency out of her voice.

“He’s no concern of mine. Dostex is partial to Lycan from time to time.” Nokon disagreed arrogantly.

It was the blind superiority of males from all species that Maggie hated more than anything. It was one of the main reasons why men were prevented from holding power in her realm.

“We are the two strongest nations, in that I can agree with you, Nokon, but we are not immune to the cruelty of others. Think about your daughter, think about my elders. We nearly killed each other over accusations that were disproved when peace was declared. We are vulnerable, and I can see that Barrett will grow in power.” Maggie contradicted him, but at the mention of his daughter, the mighty emperor looked bereft.

“Let’s kill him now. Madoc would be happy about it. I’m sure others would too,” Cadmus volunteered.

The mighty fist of his father slammed down on the tabletop, and Maggie could see the confidence chip away from his son’s expression. She hadn’t raised her daughters to cower to her, but that was something she was beginning to regret now.

“It wouldn’t look good if your father and I, as the two dominant powers, annihilated the peace by assassinating one of the protected members, even if he is the s**t stain of the council. Instead, I have a more lasting suggestion. Your son is of marriageable age, as is my eldest daughter. What say you to a political marriage between the two? We could achieve great things together. She is of moderate ability if you are worried about her magical skill. It would unite our people longer than these perfunctory celebrations.” Maggie raised an eyebrow at her host, compelling him to see the wisdom in her plan.

Nokon’s eyes fluttered from side to side as he weighed up the dangers of this scheme. They had been enemies, but he could see how this political alliance would strengthen their position. Cadmus’ felt the heat from his dragon ripple along his jaw and neck in a rash of rage. He didn’t want this. Nokon wished he could love his son completely, but he couldn’t look at him without remembering what had happened. It was a prince’s duty to improve the situation of his people. Personal feelings were worthless in negotiations. Facing Maggie, he extended his hand, she offered hers eagerly, and with her free hand she produced a twine that tightened around their grips.

“A marriage vow that cannot be broken,” Maggie declared, and Nokon nodded in agreement.

Neither the witch's mother nor the dragon emperor noticed the repulsed prince, who ran from the throne room in disgust.