The Blind Witch
Chapter 5

To be blessed by the darkness is seen as a curse to those who fear the dark and all that lies within.

Ophelia stood on the edge of a clearing, looking out into a meadow shrouded in mist. She walked onto the grass, feeling the cold dew beneath her bare feet. She walked until a small, dilapidated cabin came into view. It had been many years since she was last here, and yet, nothing had changed. Vines grew on the wood, clinging to the cracks, blooming small, delicate flowers. The roof was covered with moss; she wondered if the original shingles were even there.

Ophelia lifted a fist and gave a gentle knock to the old door. The door opened, revealing an old woman. She was hunched over, her body creaked, and her eyes were black as darkness. She squinted as she looked up to Ophelia.

"Well," the old woman remarked. "It is the Queen of Queens here to visit little old me."

"It is good to see you, Lydia," Ophelia smiled. "But I am not the Queen. I haven't been for ten years. When my son took the throne, I stepped down."

"How is your son, Azrael?" Lydia inquired. "You have yet to bring him here to see me."

"I wish I could say he was well, but we both know he is not." Ophelia sighed in response. Lydia gave a solemn nod and motioned for her to come inside.

"I remember you used to come to spend your summers here, learning from the Goddess Frigg. You were so young then," Lydia mused while she fumbled to find a cup. She poured a dark liquid into it and offered it to Ophelia.

"That was nearly 200 years ago," Ophelia replied as she looked into the cup. She could not distinguish what was in it, so she set it down.

"Sybil still visits me," Lydia stated as she sat across from Ophelia.

"How is she? I haven't seen her in a few years," Ophelia sighed softly.

"She is doing well," Lydia answered. "But I am sad to hear that you two do not stay in touch. Azrael isn't your only remaining child. I know you lost Gideon during the attack, but you can't forget that Sybil is also your daughter."

"I haven't forgotten," Ophelia snapped. Her aura grew brighter, blinding Lydia and causing her to look away. "But she shall live another 100 years at least. Azrael is lucky if he can live another two. Both of my children with Damien shall be dead sooner than anticipated. I came to terms with the fact that when I became his Queen, I would outlive our children, but I didn't expect to have only 32 years with Gideon. And then Azrael, I am barely keeping him alive, just long enough until Aiden can be crowned King of Kings."

"I'm sorry," Lydia whispered. "I know you did not intend to come here to talk about your children. What can I do for you?"

"I need you to come with me to Haerford Palace," Ophelia replied. "I need you as a teacher."

"Your Majesty, I have not left my home in many, many years. Why have me go to the palace?"

"Because the girl you need to teach is Aiden's mate. He found her, and no one will take her away from him." Ophelia explained.

"What can I teach the girl?" Lydia questioned. "I teach the ways of the Earth, the ways of Frigg. What could a wolf need of my teachings?"

"She isn't a wolf. She is a witch. And she does not need to learn the ways of the Goddess Frigg. She is blind, just as you are. She sees, just as you see." Ophelia answered. "But, she unfortunately does not know what she sees."

"What coven raised her that they did not teach her these things already?"

"Well, that is the problem," Ophelia scowled as she crossed her arms. "She was not raised in a coven; in fact, she was not raised by witches. Humans raised her."

"I don't understand."

"She was abandoned at birth. She was left, or perhaps found, by the humans that raised her. They did not know the depth of her magic, nor does she. I need you to come with me, help teach the girl. Come for just a few months; that is all I am asking of you." Ophelia pleaded.

"Who would abandon a child?" Lydia asked with a frown. "Who would do such a thing?"

"You shall find out," Ophelia assured. "After you pack, we first must go to the counsel of the Lode Star. They have already been summoned, but I wanted to get you first."

"Say no more," Lydia said as she stood. She rummaged through a few baskets, tossing some fabric into a bag. She also grabbed a few herbs and bottles and added them in. She then turned to Ophelia with a smile. "Let's go."

Ophelia chuckled as she took Lydia's hand. Their bodies began to flicker like a candle, slowly disappearing from sight. Within a few seconds, they appeared outside of a large stone building. Ophelia had the ability to transport herself, but only with the help of blessed crystals. These crystals had to be placed in the ground or walls to give her a waypoint to teleport to. She only had enough crystals to take her to Haerford Palace and the Coven of the Lode Star.

Ophelia led Lydia up the old steps into the castle. They walked through the main corridor, stopping at a set of double doors. Ophelia pushed the doors open, revealing a room with a large oval table. People were sitting around the table, waiting for her. She helped Lydia to sit in a chair against the wall, then went to the head of the table.

She stood by two witches, dressed in ornate, white outfits. These were the High Priest and Priestess for the Coven of the Lode Star, Craigen and Anneliese. They were not necessarily the strongest of the witches, but they were powerful, and they respected the laws of both witches and man. They were wise and patient. They possessed the qualities that this coven wanted in their leaders.

Ophelia, as the former Queen of Queens, could stand by them. She was well respected not only by her coven but also by most other witches. Should she ask to be named a High Priestess, no one would deny her. But this was not something she sought after. She would remain an advisor for the King of Kings, so long as her blood was on the throne. She would not leave them, not when there were others who would kill them.

Ophelia looked out at the table. She knew every witch here. They were part of the counsel either because of their knowledge or because they had incredible magic. But each of them earned their seats; they fought in battles, helped prevent wars, or did magnificent deeds. But her eyes stopped on one person. His name was Victor, a tall, slim man. He had dark brown hair that almost looked black in certain lights. His eyes were brown, but they would shift to gray when he used his magic.

"I have come here to make an announcement," Ophelia said in a loud voice. "Prince Aiden, heir to the King of Kings, has found his mate. His fated mate. She is a pure witch who possesses fire magic."

There was excitement in the room. This would be the second queen to be a witch, Ophelia being the first. But Ophelia's eyes did not leave Victor. She could see his face slowly change into disgust. He was piecing things together in his head like a puzzle.

"What coven is she from?" Someone asked.

"She is not from a coven," Ophelia answered. "She was abandoned as a baby and later was found by humans. They raised her, away from magic. She was later taken and forced into slavery. But that is when our Prince found her."

There was confusion at the table. Who would abandon a baby of the witches? There was no law against it, but these things were celebrated. Victor crossed his arms, his gaze finally meeting Ophelia's.

"She is 15 years of age, and she celebrates her birth during the fourth moon." Ophelia continued.

Everyone went silent and turned to Victor. They knew. Just over 15 years ago, Victor had a bonded partner, a witch named Edith. She was pregnant, but then, while in labor, their home caught fire. Victor had told them that both Edith and the baby perished in the fire. But that wasn't the case.

"And you are certain that she is Victor's?" Craigen asked Ophelia.

"She has Edith's hair," Ophelia replied with surety. "She also has black eyes like Lydia's. The Goddess Nyx would not have gone to another witch who was not a descendant of her coven."

"A curse," someone commented. "Nyx's dark magic is just a stain on the world. She is just another cursed witch to add to the fire."

"Well, that cursed witch will be Queen of Queens in a few short years. I suggest you keep your snarky remarks to yourself," Ophelia commanded.

"When can the girl come to the Coven?" Anneliese questioned. "She should be amongst her people."

"You want to try and take a fated mate away from the prince?" Ophelia inquired harshly. "He is mostly a werewolf. Cyrus will come out and kill anyone who tries to take her away. It doesn't matter if it is to be with her people or not. No, that is not going to happen. But that is why I have brought Sister Lydia with me. She shall go and teach the princess about her sight. I shall ensure she has the best training she can get with her magic and physical abilities. But, High Priest and Priestess, I need your permission to have Victor join us. It seems I am in need of his defensive skills."

"Like hell you do!" Victor shouted as he stood. "I will not go within 50 miles of that girl!"

"It isn't up to you!" Craigen retorted angrily. "You robbed the community of a chance to raise our next Queen. Now, we shall watch from a distance. There is no telling what values she holds within her soul, or what magic she might possess. Any of us in this room would have taken the child and raised her as our own. But you left her to die. No, Victor, as punishment for this, you shall be charged with protecting the life of the girl. You shall also be responsible for any of her expenses. If you choose to refuse, consider your membership to this coven voided. You will be exiled and a bounty placed upon your head."

"You dare threaten to kill me?!" Victor hissed between his gritted teeth.

"Those are my terms," Craigen replied. "What shall it be?"

"As you command," Victor mocked as he bowed slightly. He stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him.

"Let us know if we can assist you in any way," Craigen said as he turned to Ophelia.

"I shall," she nodded with a smile. Ophelia went back to Lydia and gently took her arm. The two women stepped back outside, waiting for Victor. Though he was angry, he was known for his ability to protect others. He was a hired sword in his youth. If anyone could protect Clarissa, it was him.

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