The boulevard of the dead and other stories

Nahara

There are those who say that in every city there must be some characters that are responsible for differentiating the place in the eyes of other visitors. For example, there are places that have their own "cat lady" or even someone who was given the label of "Loco". Who are they and what is their story? It's a question that is asked quite often, just not out loud. And, in this specific city, the rule is also fulfilled by adding one more character: "The Witch."

I am the witch. And I'm on trial.

As I climbed the steps of the scaffold, waiting for my judges, transformed into executioners, to take their places, I remembered the moment when I discovered that which would bring me here. The people still attributed their ailments to the curses and tricks of spirits that had probably tormented their family for generations. The world was still afraid of the unknown, so to mention something they considered strange or unexplained, it was enough to point fingers and have the authorities establish whether it was acceptable or not.

However, every year in May, a fair was held as a celebration for the king's birthday, in which different artistic events, artifacts that could function as gifts and scientific advances were presented, although the latter were never of much interest to the king, because he thought that all the necessary knowledge was already on the crown. 

But, years later, when a foreign family came to his court with animal masks covering their faces offering their services in exchange for them and the rest of the people with them to settle in his domain. And, the king pondered the possibility of accepting something rather unusual, until, finally, he agreed.

They were apothecaries, so they quickly settled in the middle of the forest, in small houses whose interior was quickly filled with plants and jars full of liquid inside, making that within a few weeks everyone began to consume their products. Until, after a year of their arrival, they received a baby girl, who they named Nahara. She would be the first to start a new generation in their lineage.

At first they took care of her and allowed her to grow like any other child in the kingdom, but, once she reached the age of five, she began to learn the names of various plants and herbs, to later learn the meaning of each one; at seven, she learned how to generate medicines through nature itself; and finally at ten, she discovered that her knowledge, like that of her parents and her family, came not only from books, but also from her own powers.

Her lineage had the ability to imitate nature, acquiring the elements of this, which in turn explained that the symbol of her house were the animals. Although, only the members of her lineage knew this. "These are difficult times for the unknown" she had told her before making her promise to keep the secret. And, it was at that moment that Nahara first felt the weight she had carried since birth: she was to remain hidden for the rest of her life.

However, the following days continued with the same normality as before, until, without anyone realizing how it happened, or when, things began to change. Days before her parents and the rest of her lineage disappeared, her mother had sat next to her, resting a book full of notes, potion-making instructions and small flower samples, on her hands. "Parsley always lessens bitterness. Thyme, represents bravery and courage. And, if you use rosemary, keep in mind that it symbolizes love, loyalty and strength" she mentioned to her, holding out different jars with herbs inside.

And while Nahara continued analyzing the pages inside, her mother took a mask, and added "Use your voice before using your power", and then left the room. 

The next morning, she listened as a large number of her people congregated in the living room of her house, holding in turn different jars and books, conversing agitatedly with her parents. "They are sensing our power, but, they don't know it's us." her father was saying calmly looking back and forth, ignoring the comments that insisted they were suspecting them, and the danger they were in by staying. As they moved a little closer to the other room, Nahara could see how many still wore their faces covered. Until finally her mother saw her.