The wicked path: the chronicles of a witch

Chapter 13: The Wizard's Summons

The night of the ritual arrived with an air of anxious anticipation. Glinda, Elysia, and I gathered in a secluded glen, illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted lanterns. The ritual circle, intricately inscribed with ancient runes, lay at the center, its magic humming with potential.

Glinda led us through the preparations, her movements graceful and precise. The ancient spell was meant to sever the entity's influence and bring clarity and healing. We each took our places around the circle, our intentions focused on breaking the malevolent force that had disrupted our lives.

As the ritual commenced, the air thickened with power. Glinda chanted incantations in a language that felt both ancient and foreign, her voice weaving a spell of protection and purification. The magic around us swirled, a vortex of light and shadow, as we channeled our combined strength.

Despite our best efforts, something went awry. The spell's energy wavered and sputtered, unable to break through the oppressive force that had taken hold. The circle's light dimmed, and an unsettling silence fell over the gathering. It was clear that the ritual had failed.

Elysia's face was etched with frustration and fear, while I could feel the sting of failure cutting through the hope we had held. Jarek had not joined us for this ritual; he had stopped coming to school altogether, his absence adding to the weight of our disappointment.

In the aftermath of the failed ritual, Glinda's calm demeanor faltered slightly. "This entity is more powerful than we anticipated," she admitted, her voice heavy with concern. "It seems our efforts alone are not enough."

As we grappled with the reality of our situation, a new development emerged. A magical summons, delivered through a shimmering scroll that appeared in the center of the ritual circle, commanded our attention. The scroll bore the seal of the Wizard of Oz, and the message was clear: we were to meet with him immediately.

The Wizard's summons was both a relief and a new source of anxiety. The prospect of facing the legendary figure who was said to possess great wisdom and power was daunting. But if anyone could help us overcome the entity's influence, it would be him.

We decided to use the Yellow Brick Road to reach the Emerald City, a path known for its magic and guiding power. The road, paved with shimmering golden bricks, stretched out before us, its brilliance offering a contrast to the darkness we faced. I brought my flying monkeys along, knowing they had become a trusted part of my support system. They had proven their loyalty and usefulness during the earlier chaos, and I felt their presence might provide an additional layer of assistance.

The journey along the Yellow Brick Road was both mesmerizing and taxing. The road wound through vibrant landscapes and enchanted forests, each step resonating with the magic of Oz. As we traveled, we encountered a variety of magical creatures and curious sights, each adding to the sense of wonder and anticipation.

Arriving at the grand palace in the Emerald City, we were ushered into the presence of the Wizard. The room was opulent, adorned with magical artifacts and shimmering curtains. At the far end of the chamber sat the Wizard himself—a figure draped in elaborate robes, his face partially obscured by a hood.

The Wizard's gaze fell upon us, and his eyes narrowed slightly as they settled on my flying monkeys. They hovered around us, their wings gently fluttering, ready to respond at a moment's notice.

"Welcome," the Wizard said in a voice that resonated with authority. "I understand you have been struggling with a powerful force that has disrupted your lives."

Glinda stepped forward, her demeanor respectful yet anxious. "Yes, Wizard. We have been attempting to break the influence of a malevolent entity, but our efforts have been in vain. We seek your guidance and assistance."

The Wizard's expression remained inscrutable as he listened to Glinda's account of the situation. "I see," he said finally. "The entity you face is indeed formidable. It feeds on the darkness and discord within individuals, making it challenging to confront directly."

However, the Wizard's tone shifted as he continued. "I must confess something. Contrary to popular belief, I am not a wielder of great magic. I am, in fact, a regular mortal—an inventor and a con artist. The grand displays of magic and power you've witnessed are nothing more than technological effects and illusions."

The revelation hit us like a jolt. The grandeur of the Emerald City and the Wizard's supposed magic were all fabrications.

"You see," the Wizard continued, "I come from another world—a place devoid of magic and full of mundane landscapes and people. It was a dull and monotonous existence. I accidentally stumbled into Oz and, intrigued by its wonders, decided to create a persona of a great wizard. My technology and illusions allowed me to maintain this façade, but I have no true magical abilities."

The Wizard's confession left us stunned. The Emerald City's grandeur, the illusions of power—everything we had believed was a sham.

"You see," the Wizard added, "I rely on this illusion to maintain my position and influence. However, I can offer you something in return. If you agree to work for me, performing magic under the guise of it being my own, I will use my influence to clear your name and make Glinda a renowned witch."

The offer was both enticing and unsettling. The Wizard's proposition meant that I would need to pretend that my magic was his. But it also meant that if I complied, I could achieve the recognition and help needed to address our current crisis.

I glanced at my flying monkeys, who were watching the exchange intently. They fluttered closer, sensing the gravity of the situation. "What's in it for you?" I asked cautiously.

The Wizard's eyes gleamed with a mixture of intrigue and calculation. "By having you work for me, I maintain my position and the illusion of power. In return, you gain the chance to set things right and achieve your goals."

Elysia, who had been silent up to this point, finally spoke. "If we accept, how will we address the entity? Can you truly help us?"

The Wizard's expression softened slightly. "I will provide guidance and resources, but ultimately, the resolution lies in confronting the entity's influence directly. The path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but it is a path you must walk to find the answers you seek."

With this new understanding, we were faced with a crucial decision. Accepting the Wizard's offer meant playing a part in his deception while striving to resolve our own crisis. As we left the palace, the weight of our choice loomed over us. The road ahead was uncertain, but with the Wizard's guidance and the unwavering support of my loyal companions, there was a glimmer of hope that we could overcome the darkness that had cast its shadow over us.