Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 19

"I can accompany you for a little while." Gertrude tells us. "I have an old friend who I need to meet up with in Guildo. Her name is Miokat, and she is the greatest witch that I've ever had the honor of training. She, herself, has trained a few witches, and is currently residing in Balazi."

"So what did she need to meet with you about?" I ask.

"Oh, it has to do with the war. You see, we are worried that my pupils may be targeted by the crown if people find out that we are witches. She will take my two most promising pupils to safety. Hopefully I will be able to protect the other three."

"There are that many witches?" Ysana asks.

"Yes. I bring witches in from all over the world to train them. Between myself and all of my students, I know probably 75% of the world's witch population."

"Amazing."

"Unfortunately, it is a small world."

"Yeah, I realize... My parents were murdered for being witches."

"That is the story of far too many witches. I'm heading east. After I leave you at Guildo, just pass through the Guildo Mountain Range, and continue east until you're past the lake. At that point you can begin going south towards the Tahili Desert."

"Are you sure? I took a look at the map earlier, and if we cut through Heri Forest, we should be able to make our way to Tahili much quicker." I say, pulling a map out of my backpack.

"No. Do not. The forest is incredibly dangerous. A group of cannibals lives there, and kills anyone who dares invade their forest. They're nice enough people if you have permission to enter the forest, but I'm certain that you do not. Not only that, but there are deadly plants and animals all over the place. You would die within an hour."

I think about it for a moment. Going around the lake will definitely add at least another day or two to our travel time, but if we try to take the route through the forest, we might not even make it to our destination.

"Thanks for the tip." I tell her.

"I've travelled around these nations plenty. I know some of its best secrets. Now, shall we get going?"

"It'll be getting dark soon." Heroth tells her. "Should we find a nearby city to settle down at for the night?"

"No. From my understanding, you kids are in a hurry. I can keep you safe while I'm with you, so we can keep walking even through the darkness."

"We are in your capable hands." Emma tells her.

We follow Gertrude deep into Roanne's Forest. The forest is teeming with life, but even the bravest animals stay far away from us. I can't help but wonder if it's Gertrude's doing. Before long, it gets dark, but Gertrude produces a flame in her palm so that we can see the way.

"We're coming up on the temple." She tells us after several hours of marching. "If you kids are tired, we can stay there. I'm good friends with the head priest there."

We've been walking a long time, so we decide to take her up on her offer. As we approach the steps to the temple, the door creaks open, and a high pitched voice whispers, "Welcome back, Gertrude."

Gertrude smiles as she pats the head of the small child, probably no older than 10.

"It's good to see you again, Silvia."

"Is it true that you're planning to send me with Miokat? I don't want to go."

Gertrude sighs. "Scrying into the future again, are we? Yes. These lands are dangerous, especially with the war upon us. I must stay here, but you are not confined to the same restrictions as I am. Please, I know that I am like a mother to you, but Miokat is a good woman."