The Witch On The Mountain

Chapter 16

Two more days passed as I continued my dull lifeless existence, wondering what Nathan was doing and how soon I would be reunited with him.

I heard a knock at the door, stumbling out of bed I rushed to open it. Somehow I just knew it wasn't Nathan that had returned to me. No matter how much I yearned that it was.

Instead it was covent leader standing passive on the other side of the door.

I bowed immediately, surprised at her sudden appearance.

"Greetings Covent leader" I said as I made way for her passage into the cabin.

"Azula" she replied entering the kitchen.

She glanced around the small space assessing its appearance.

I had made sure to remove all traces of Nathaniel's presence both in and around the cabin. Something told me Covent leader would not be too pleased if she discovered he had been here with me.

My cleansing worked as she quickly refocused her attention on me.

Silently she inspected me, probing at my skin, hair and body. Thankfully the discolored skin Nathan had left behind in some places had faded. Finally she inspected my necklace, taking a long hard look at the shimmering gem.

Holding my breath I awaited her conclusion.

"You're ready." She said taking a step back from me.

My gaze snapped up to meet hers. Did I hear her correctly? My awakening was going to happen? My heart began pounding in my chest.

'We could leave to join him soon' the voice whispered.

"We leave immediately. Leave everything behind." Her words brought me back to the room and away from my straying thoughts.

"Yes covent leader." I said bowing.

............

The journey down the mountain to the covent's home was short. I hadn't brought anything with me as covent leader hadn't told me to.

The large home was similar to the cabin only larger and a bit more modern. Entering the interior I was greeted by four women all of varying appearance.

"This is her."one of them spoke as I looked at the floor. It was rude to challenge the gaze of your senior. Her words didn't sound like a question.

Covent leader had made it clear to me in the past that looking directly at your superiors was rude and unbecoming. I had learnt that the hard way. I chanced a glance around the room seeing all five imposing frames.

"Yes the conditions are right, we won't have a better time to do it." Covent leader replied.

"Everything is as it should be then." Another voice said before the occupants of the room made a collective sound of agreement.

" I'll prepare her." Yet another voice said.

"Go with her." Covent leader instructed.

I bowed following the woman away from the group.

These were my fellow witches then, so far there were six members to the covent including myself.

The woman lead me up a flight of stairs to a room, glancing around it was a bedroom much more vast and modern than the one I had at the cabin.

"Remove your clothes" the woman said taking assorted items from around the room.

I followed her instructions very glad they had waited more than a week to come get me. Otherwise I would have been embarrassed at them seeing the marks on my skin.

She led me to a bathroom where a large white tub was being filled, the water holding a mixture of various herbs and automatics.

I finally had the opportunity to observe her freely.

She had dark brown hair and smooth youthful skin. She wasn't as old as covent leader but not as young as I was. She appeared to be somewhere in the vast middle.

She wore a form fitting red dress that contrasted her fair skin, her mahogany hair cascading down her back like an elegant waterfall.

She tested the temperature of the water evidently pleased she spoke.

"Get in"

I followed her instruction sinking almost completely into the water. Silently she began washing me.

After awhile of just the sounds of water between us I wanted to speak, ask questions, but I refrained.

She washed every inch of my skin, rubbing every nook and cranny, even in my ear. Then she washed my hair, scrubbing my scalp almost raw.

She held out a white towel to me, wrapping me in it's soft fabric as I got out the large bath. Wordlessly she dried my hair and body briefly disappearing then reappearing with another assortment of items.

First she massaged lotion into my skin, spraying perfumes on my body and oils in my hair. She then clothed me in a white dress of simple design, lacing the back loosely. She soon after placed a pair of white shoes on my feet. The insoles soft on my usually bare feet.

After clothing me she styled my hair in a simple style braiding the strands and intertwining them with each other. She placed dried herbs along my hair their fragrant natures sweetening my smell along with the scented oils.

I looked at my reflection enjoying my appearance secretly hoping Nathan could have seen me like this.

I reached up to caress my hair but the woman slapped my hand away. "Don't"

"Sorry." I mumbled shrinking into myself.

"It's ok." She said her impassive face melting only slightly. I took that sliver of warmth as an invitation to quell my curiosity.

"What's it like." I said biting my lip, unable to stop myself. " To be awakened? "I elaborated.

Her eyes met mine through the mirror as she placed the finial petals in my hair. She quickly returned her attention to her task before replying.

"You'll find out tonight."

I shrunk into myself deflated, I would go into the awakening completely ignorant. My head fell to my lap as I stared at my interlocked fingers.

I felt the woman caress my shoulder making me look back up at her in the mirror, she had a small smile on her face.

"It will be over before you know it." She said as if reassuring me.

I nodded my head smiling up at her.

"What's your name?" I asked turning to face her.

Her eyes widened briefly her smile more noticeable. "Melinda." She said retracting her touch.

I was sure she knew me already, but I still told her my name.

"I'm Azula."

Read Rate Review
🧙🏼👰🏻‍♀️💃🏻