The Death Song of Evanore Frock

Chapter 6- Judgement

The chamber was rather large, made of stone. Spectators were seated in a row above the walls. I did not need to look to know my friends and family were there waiting for me, in front of the room was a podium, in front of it six chairs. In each chair sat one of my sisters.

My head held high, I walked from the shadowy doorway to the podium. Ignoring my sisters completely. I reached the podium, turning to face the room of spectators. Specifically Arch Mage Maxwell.

Already standing straight above me on that platform. Leonarde and Aine on his right. Witches of the council sitting stone-faced on the sides of the room.

"Omisha, previously known as Evanore Frock, can you confirm for the record that you are the seventh witch belonging to this coven, Sororus Tempus? Claiming to be falsely imprisoned by your coven as the memories you gave us informed?"

I nodded.

Right. Those memories I had let Maxwell drag from my mind. Of the betrayal. The loneliness and fear of that coffin. He didn't even say anything about it after I had given it to him. Thankfully, I wasn't entirely ready to face my past just yet. I was barely prepared to face my sisters now.

"The council has seen the memories, acknowledged this is your place of judgement. As the only coven sister left of Sororus Tempus, it is for you to decide what happens to the coven name."

"Thank you Arch Mage. I would like for you to disband the coven, for it to be forgotten to time. Mentioned nowhere in the history of us. And, if I may. I wish for all possessions and items of the coven to be sold. The earnings of which I want to be put towards those mortals and witches in Camp Odyssey, now referred to as Camp Evanore. As gifts to be given to any camp member who needs it to become who they were always meant to be."

I could tell Maxwell was doing his best to hide a smile as he nodded. Looking toward the other council members in question, all of them giving a subtle nod in approval. "It shall be done."

I thanked him, and he announced it was time for me to decide upon punishment. To say my peace and decide what shall be done with them. Taking a deep breath, I stared down my sisters.

They would not look at me. Not directly. Towards the wall behind me with blank stares. I wondered if I was ever a witch to them, or just a tool to be used since the beginning.

"24 years ago, I came to your coven. I came for knowledge. I came to find my path on the search for the witch I was meant to be. But I realize you don't care about that. I was worth nothing to you. So trying to make you feel guilty about the betrayal is moot. You know, people have been asking why. Why fifty three people had to die by your hands. They have settled upon the idea that you are insane, sadistic. But truly, there are only two that know the truth of the matter. You. And me."

Something flickered in their eyes for a moment. Questioning. Oh, I knew. I knew what they wanted no one else to hear. And I was going to drag their secrets from the dirt they buried me in. "You weren't trying to kill me, you weren't trying to kill any of your victims. The opposite actually. You were trying to use experimental spells to make witches immortal. To destroy the element of death."

They looked at me then. All at once with eyes empty of emotions they looked at me. "I didn't know this when you forced me onto that altar. Forced spells in my body and brain without explanation. Did any of you hesitate? After months of being sisters, did any of you hesitate as you drove magic into me like it was a spear?" Only Vinnie showed a flash of emotion. Almost like regret. It was gone as fast as it appeared.

"I guess it was answer enough when you tossed my broken body into that coffin. I may be alive, standing here in front of you. But I am not Evanore. You murdered Evanore when you shoved her into a coffin. Only you and the moon heard the screams you drew from her like notes in a song she never wanted to play." I did my best to hide the slight shake I felt in my hand.