The Unordinary Life of the Enchantress

Chapter Three: The Journey Begins

The Enchantress woke as the first rays of sun kissed the horizon. Morning light filtered through the curtains of her room, lighting up the hardwood flooring as she stepped out of bed. Making her way to the window, she waved a hand to draw the curtains out of the way.

The city of Eia - capital of the Kingdom of Suz, bordered the kingdom and found its place neatly at the foot of a hill. The Enchantress had just so happened to make her home atop that very hill. She gazed upon the city, watching the distant streets fill abuzz as the peoples' day began. Her gaze wandered towards the single path that led to her manor, from her property, through the narrow bush, and to the eastern gate of the city.

Decorated with carvings of mythical heroes, the city's eastern gate was supposed to symbolise strength in defence – or so she had heard. Soldiers gathered around the pillars. A familiar white horse and red cloak caught her eye. Her breath hitched in her throat, her eyes widening with realisation. The streets weren't abuzz from regular business – it was a march!

Horse-mounted soldiers accompanied those on foot and streamed through the largest roads in the city, all making their way to the eastern gate. Their proud king mounted his horse, drawing his sword and raising the blade it above his head.

Her eyes snapped to the dresser – against which her broken staff rested; the shards of crystal still wrapped in a rag.

The Enchantress grit her teeth, do they not rest? When he said they would return – she had not thought it would be at the break of dawn! Drawing the curtains closed, she pushed herself away from the window and rushed to grab a coat and satchel, haphazardly stuffing it with whatever she saw. She rushed to the dresser, snatching the crystal-less staff which rested against it.

Waving her hand, she called a pair of boots to her, stepping into them and storming from her room.

'Boy!' she called, rapping against the door of her guest room. 'Prepare to leave! We must be on our way!'

'Y-yes!' a dreary voice croaked from the other side.

Impatient, she tapped her foot, resting her hand on her waist as she waited for the door to open.

'I thought we were leaving later in the week?' The shaggy-haired head of the boy peaked through as the door cracked open.

'That was the plan before I realised your king wants my head today.'

She pushed his door open, motioning to the wardrobe and flicking her wrist inwards. The wardrobe doors swung open, a cloak and robes flying from within and landing on the bed.

'They may not fit well – since I only ever expect one person to visit. But make do – meet me downstairs in two minutes,' she commanded, turning to make her way downstairs.

'Wait -are these women's robes?' The researcher called.

'They're robes!' she called back. 'Just wear them – your disgusting clothing from last night can't be clean yet.'

Without caring for a response, she made her way down the stairs. As soon as she set foot on the marble of the ground floor, she flung her arms towards the large window across from the staircase – crossing her wrists to pull the curtains closed. She then crouched – resting her hand on the floor. With a moment of focus, a lump of marble found its way into her grip. Pattering steps sounded behind her as the researcher made his way down the stairs.

'What did you mean when you said that the king wants your head today?' he remarked as he wrapped the cloak around himself. 'That king doesn't seem so diligent!'