The High Priestess of Shadows

Epilouge

"Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again," Lilly said dismissing the Circle. It was their first Sabbath as a Coven and they were already twenty five members strong. The thirteen who cast the spell that destroyed most of the Knights had founded this new Coven with her as High Priestess. Some rebels had joined including Thomas and Will as well as other Knights especially the women. 

After most of the Knights died the remainder had either fled or surrendered and joined the Coven. Not everyone stayed but those who did were happy to slowly rebuild. Most other Covens were extinct or in hiding but she was in contact with a few other High Priests and Priestesses trying to forge trading relationships and alliances.  

"You were perfect," Will whispered hugging her from behind. 

"You weren't so bad yourself," she said taking the red rose he produced from thin air. She smiled at him trying to convey her gratitude while still remaining a professional, calm leader. He'd been trying to learn the craft but hadn't mastered it yet. The rose was some of his best work and a bit risky considering what happened last time he tried to create something. They still couldn’t grow anything in that spot.

"You shouldn't lie," he scolded making her laugh. Their relationship took awhile to be accepted but once everyone realized that they weren't going to break up they accepted them. It was the same with Thomas and Sabby. 

They strolled through the village under the light of the full moon. It was still small but rapidly growing as more people joined them. There were streets lined with shops and a Council building sat in the middle if the village overlooking the square where they held their Circles. 

Lilly lived in a secluded house in the forest not unlike her old home except this time Will stayed with her. They walked hand in hand passed passing the other Coven members all heading home or to the 'secret' after party that everyone knew about but ignored unless someone caused trouble. 

"What are you thinking about?" Will asked her as they turned onto the trail leading up to their home. The usual night creatures could be heard moving through the green forest but none strayed into their path because they sensed no danger from the High Priestess. Even animals respected her power and kept clear if of her when she was out. 

"Nothing really," she said still looking lost in thought. "Just thinking about how far we came since that first Circle. We have all the Knight children and they're training is going beautifully; none of them are as close minded as their parents were. I even had a vision of the future High Priestess during the Circle."

"Really?" he asked shocked. "It's do too soon but do you have any guesses on who she is?"

Lilly shook her head. "None at all but we might not find our out for years. She's beautiful though, I can tell she'll be a great leader one day."She looked far away again as she unlocked the door to let them in. 

"With you as her teacher how could she not?" he said.