The Blind Witch
Chapter 17

They fear you, child. You are the fire that will level the Earth and the darkness that will consume it.

After the vote is completed, a young witch takes Clarissa from the room. This left the Counsel, Ophelia, Victor, and Lydia. For a moment, everyone was silent, unsure of what to say. Clarissa was an enigma to them. Her magic, the gods, her path in life, everything was shrouded in mystery.

“Has there ever been a record of a witch blessed by four gods?” One person asked as they looked around the room.

Ophelia glanced at Craigen and Anneliese. All three shook their heads. Never, in the thousands upon thousands of years of witch history, has anyone ever had more than three gods bless them. Everyone expected to see Nyx and Inti. Certainly Bil since she was a fated mate. But Inti gave her fire from a sun. This is not where fire magic originates for other witches. And yet, even after hearing what Inti said, the most surprising thing was Frigg. She did not give Clarissa magic. No, she blessed her path.

“Did Nyx say she created her? Not bless her?”

“What did Nyx say to you during your Welcoming Rites?” Ophelia questioned Victor.

“That I was blessed by her. She definitely did not say she created me.” He replied. “What does it mean?”

The answer to that question was unclear. Created. Why would the Goddess create a mortal being?

“But Nyx also did not say the word powers to me,” Victor added. “She blessed me with magic.”

“The girl does not use dark magic,” Ophelia thought aloud. “She uses fire. You only know she has dark magic because of her eyes.”

“Do you think the girl has the powers of a god?” Someone questioned, their voice filled with fear.

“We have never once had a witch, or anyone for that matter, born on this world with God-like powers. Yes, we have had powerful witches, but all can be explained by magic.”

“And what of the Great Chasm?” Another retorted. “That was not magic, but sheer force of nature. The witch fractured the Earth. That was no mortal will but that of a God!”

“Only a God could handle fire that came directly from the sun.”

“She was able to question the gods without being struck down!”

“Frigg mentioned her mortal body. She must know there is more for the girl after her death!”

“Everyone!” Craigen yelled with his hands raised for silence. “Let’s calmly think about this. Nyx said that even they don’t know where her path leads. She is no God; she is a girl. A young witch who needs the support of a coven.”

“She was told her path depends upon the choices she makes,” Anneliese continued. “But you all heard the fear in her voice. She thinks she is dangerous because some of you think it. What do you think fear will do when she needs to make a path-altering choice? No matter what or who Clarissa ends up being, don't you think it beneficial to help and be kind to her?”

The members of the Counsel looked around at one another. Slowly, they began to nod in agreement. If she were just a powerful witch, having her on their side, especially with the coming turmoil, would be beneficial. But should she be a god, meant for things other than their world, it would be seen as an impossible blessing. They only stand to benefit from Clarissa, no matter the outcome.

“Why don’t we take a break,” Anneliese said as she walked into the center of the room. “There is a lot on our minds right now. We can reconvene in an hour in the council room.”

“What about the girl?” Someone questioned. “I’m sure a few of us would like to speak with her again. There is a lot of responsibility that is to be placed upon her shoulders. How do we even know she can handle it?”

“Let Craigen and I speak to her,” she replied. “It’ll be less intimidating that way. But, to satiate your need to say a few words, we shall all meet for dinner. But I forbid anyone from lecturing her or giving her warnings. I’d prefer she leaves here happy and in good spirits, not overwhelmed and anxious. Agreed?”

This was a compromise that everyone could agree on. To some, mere hours ago, they dreaded meeting this girl. Her association with Nyx was enough to cause doubt in her. But, after her Welcoming Rites, after all that had been revealed, all wanted to see her again. Some wanted to unravel the mystery of her magic and powers. A few wanted to leave a good impression should she be a god. But others wanted to see her, to see her eyes once again.

As the members of the Counsel left the room, Ophelia approached Craigen and Anneliese. Victor stood nearby but did not move. He was still lost in his thoughts. Part of him wondered if Edith knew.

“I have a favor to ask of you two,” Ophelia whispered.

“Anything,” Craigen replied.

“I need you to perform The Katallasso Oath on me with Clarissa today.” She requested.

“Do you know what you’re asking of us?” Craigen questioned harshly. “The consequences of this could be great. You could die.”

“And that is by my choice,” she asserted. “You saw the same things I saw. But what you don’t see is how vampires and witches from Requiem try to kill her or take her away. Requiem will accuse her of something; I know they will. But I want to ensure that whatever path she takes, she does so without them interfering.”

“I will do it, but only if you explain to her what Katallasso is and what it means. She must agree to it herself. Otherwise, I won’t do it.”

“Agreed,” Ophelia sighed. She knew Clarissa would fight against it, but she would hope she saw reason. She hoped that the girl trusted her enough to do this.

Craigen and Ophelia left the ceremonial chamber, leaving behind Anneliese and Victor. It wasn't until several seconds later that Victor realized everyone else had left.

“You were thinking of Edith,” Anneliese stated, as though it was a matter of fact.

“When did you become a mind reader?” Victor groaned in reply.

“Do you care for the girl?” She questioned.

“Of course I do, she is my...” He paused. The words stopped forming in his mouth as if something blocked them.

“Daughter?” Anneliese smiled, finding the missing word for him.

“She isn't,” he said with a shake of his head. “She had a father, a human man. She is not looking for a replacement.”

“You seem so sure of yourself, but have you asked? She is still a child, one who is still developing emotionally. Do you not think she desires the comfort of a father? Do you think this is how Edith would want it to be?”

“You dare speak of her as if you knew her!” He hissed between his teeth.

“I was the High Priestess when she joined this coven. I stood in this very room, watching Frigg and Eir come to her. I may not have spent much time with her, but I knew what lay in her soul, and I saw the path she would take.” She replied in a calm tone. “But I did not need to know her to know how she would feel, how a mother would feel for her child. You abandoning her was all part of a plan you knew nothing about. You only did as the gods willed you. But now, now that your child is within arms reach, why do you still push her away?”

“I do not push her away,” he sighed. “I have given her things that I thought would be lost with me. The sword that was made for my family thousands of years ago is worn around her waist.”

“That is a step forward, I suppose.” Anneliese shrugged as she began to walk to the door. “But do remember she is still just a child. No matter how much power she may wield or where she shall go in life, she is still your flesh and blood.”

Victor scowled, but he did not continue arguing. He crossed his arms as he followed her out of the ceremonial chamber. Anneliese could see Craigen standing at the end of the corridor with Clarissa and Ophelia. She smiled as she approached them.

"Shall we go sit?" Craigen questioned when she joined them. He led them to a quiet area, away from others.

"Firstly," Ophelia said as she sat beside Clarissa. "You are not in trouble. We need to speak with you about some things."

"Is it about the gods that I saw?" Clarissa questioned.

"Indeed," Craigen replied as he pulled a chair to sit before her. "Did you know Nyx was not one of the original gods that ruled this universe?"

"Victor told me she came down on a rock from space," She answered with a smile. "She created witches from those that touched the stone the first day."

"Did you know the theory was that she was exiled from her own universe? The old witches of Lode Star learned of her never-ending power. They learned that she could squash light, absorbing it into her darkness."

Clarissa's smile faded as she looked down. She absorbed light magic yesterday morning. She had taken some of Sybil's magic. She had felt the darkness grow within her as it consumed.

"But all of the gods have destructive natures," he continued. "Nyx is not the only one. She is simply the newest of our gods, the one we know so little about. You asked them if you were dangerous. But what the Goddess told you is true for everyone. You are not dangerous; it is the choices you make that can be."

"What if something dangerous happens that is not my choice?"

"Then you work on controlling what is within you," Anneliese answered as she reached over and took one of Clarissa's hands. "Learning to control magic takes time. But it is not just willpower. Magic can stem from your heart, your mind, your very soul. This means you can use magic purely based on your emotions. In time, you can learn to control your emotions and the magic tied to them. But you are still a child—a girl who, a year ago, knew nothing of the world around her. We do not expect perfection. All we ask is that you try your best, and when you fall, you remember that you have the support of others to help you."

"I promise to try my best," Clarissa replied with a small smile. She was still unsure of herself, but after listening to the high priest and priestess, she felt less fearful.

"There is just one more thing I need to discuss with you," Ophelia said. "I need to talk to you about a Katallasso Oath."

"A kat..a.. oath?" Clarissa questioned with confusion.

"A Katallasso Oath," Ophelia repeated. "It means to exchange one thing for another. In this case, should you ever do something, whether on purpose or not, you would not get in trouble for it. Instead, I would stand in your place."

"Why would you do that?" Clarissa asked as she furrowed her brows. "Why would you stand in my place for me?"

"Because I do not trust many outside of who is here now," Ophelia answered in a firm tone. "I have lived my whole life watching over my shoulders because of those who would seek to take what I have. And I know what they can do and what they will try. So, to protect you and give you the chance to find your path, I will stand in your place should the need ever arise."

"Do you accept this?" Craigen questioned Clarissa. "Do you understand that if the Gathering of the Wicca sentences you to death, it would mean Lady Ophelia shall die instead?"

"Then I shall not do anything that would mean she would die for me," Clarissa replied as she sat up straight. She trusted Ophelia. She had no reason not to. If this powerful witch wanted to shield her, she would accept it. "I accept this oath."

Craigen looked to Ophelia with a frown. He did not want to do this. Lady Ophelia was a prominent witch. She was powerful; she was influential. Her becoming queen paved the way for many of the reforms that the witches experienced in the last century. She risked a lot for a girl whose path was unknown, whose gifts and powers were mysterious. But he would not deny her the oath. Ophelia requested it, and Clarissa accepted.

"Stand and take each other's hands." He instructed as he stood from his chair.

Ophelia gently helped Clarissa up. They stepped a few feet from the chairs and held each other's hands. Craigen put his hands over theirs. His magic created a band around them.

"Recite." He commanded Ophelia. She knew the words. He did not need to tell her what to say.

"Let the Earth and the gods be my witness that I take full responsibility for the young witch, Clarissa. Should she break the witch law, I take her punishment without question."

Craigen's magic sparked as the oath was sealed. There was no going back.

"It is done," he scowled as he walked away. Anneliese gave a quick nod to Ophelia before heading after him.

"He did not want you to do it, did he?" Clarissa asked Ophelia as she felt the palms of her hands. The spark left small bits of magic in her hand. It was slowly fading away as she rubbed it.

"He did not," she replied. "It is not because he does not trust you, but there is history between us. He is just scared."

"Is it love?"

"Love that is only one-sided," Ophelia answered softly. She hooked an arm around one of Clarissa's. "Now, come on. I am famished. How about we find our way to the kitchen and see what we can eat?"

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