Hybrid Trilogy

Chapter 44 The 3rd Territory

"Tell me how is it that you called me auntie?" Nighmeara asked the lady quizzically the lady stepped forward taking her by her gnarled old hand "look Nighmeara" she began warmly "I would know you anywhere, I spent a year, before my mother's death with my aunt, your sister Nighmearee" she paused because at this Nighmeara staggered again taking Niregg's arm for support, "oh, she is well & asked me to send you her love saying that she missed you, so if she is my auntie then naturally as her sister so are you, regardless of my new title" the lady finished again with affection "well dearie that is good to know that Nighmearee is well & irrespective of the fact that you are my goddaughter... You are now the mother of all covens & as I would have done for your mother....I would die for you my lady" Nighmeara said in the soft Celtic lilt that the lady remembered of her auntie Nighmearee.

The four then walked into the village, at the center of the territory, its hub & home of its council. All the Witches, Warlocks & children looked on, imperceptible whispers emanating from the gathered crowd ("has she lost it?"" her age has gotten to her," "truly its time for her to step down") all the mutterings the lady heard as they walked through the crowd, appearing to be dumbfounded that Nighmeara, had allowed these outsiders into the village.

One of the villagers stepped confidently forward, a stately looking Warlock, with grey hair & beard dressed in a black cloak "who is this, I thought we had agreed that any such decisions of this magnitude were to be brought before the council?" The Warlock stated defiantly. "well dearie you may well be one of the senior members on the council but let us not forget that I am its founder & it was I who formed it & sit at its head dearie. Please bear in mind that it was the lady Alcina who asked me to form this coven, & I would NEVER make a decision that would jeopardise the safety of our territory, our village or for that matter the people in it" said Nighmeara with a calm, sweet but stern voice, addressing the whole crowd present. Then the lady stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Nighmeara's shoulder.

"Agnaeshus isn't it?" the lady asked serenely , Agnaeshus looked at her wide eyed (how does she know me) he thought a little panicked as she took hold of his hand, nervously he nodded appearing suddenly to have lost the power of speech "look through reality & see me for who I am" she said soothingly as she put Agnaeshus's hand to her temple, closing her eyes, Nighmeara, Niregg & Isabella waited calmly for the seed of reality to hit home & take root. However, Agnaeshus's eyes opened wide & now completely white, almost trance like his free hand rose high his fingers splayed out & a bright light erupted from them, so bright was the light that everyone in the square had to shield their eyes from its intensity.

The light that emanated from his fingers flew out & touched everyone in the territory & as it did each person's eyes turned white meaning that they all shared in the vision or realisation. Agnaeshus pulled back his hand sharply & dropped immediately to his knees, closely followed by everyone in the square & as each villager who now flocked to its centre entered the hub, they too took a knee. "My lady Alcina, please forgive me for ever doubting you" Agnaeshus said softly, his head cast down not daring to look at her. The lady stepped forward placing her hand on his bowed head, she glanced around her at all the Witches, Warlocks & children all on their knees heads bowed, she still even after 12 years found it hard to come to terms with , still missing her mother. "Nothing to forgive Agnaeshus, fear of the unknown breeds doubt & mistrust" she replied sweetly.

The lady Alcina scanned the village square, looking at the mass of bowed heads "rise please all of you, I am no goddess" she said almost embarrassed. "No, true but you are the lady Alcina, our head of state, our mother if you will dearie" Nighmeara began "& as such we will all look to you to guide us & lead us" she added.

Although she was the lady Alcina, fear suddenly gripped her as for the first time since taking on her mothers' mantle, she realised that people would look to her & the true gravity of her situation began to almost overtake her, the lady drew Isabella close as the feelings of mild panic swept over her. Luckily for her the magical skill of stealth had been past down, because she was able to hide her sudden insecurities from all, that is apart from Nighmeara. She looked at the lady (she is clearly frightened of this, & who would blame her, it is not a weight I would wish to bare) she thought stepping forward reaching her hand out to her niece the lady Alcina, "best you both come along with me dearie, looks very much like young Isabella could do with feeding" she said as they all headed for a large wooden single story building at the far side of the square. They all climbed the steps and walked into what turned out to be a kind of village hall, what greeted them was a huge dark wood room with rows of chairs facing a raised stage at one end on which there was a table with 5 more chairs at it facing out two doors to the sides of the stage led to other rooms. They each took a seat at the table, & without any word a young Witch wearing a grey smock dress, appeared at one of the doors brandishing a wooden platter of bread & cheese, she put it down on the table curtsied & left. Isabella who hadn't eaten for a few days delved into the food full of youthful exuberance.