Profs and Prophecy

An Afternoon at the Library

Chapter Eight

An Afternoon at the Library

Saturday morning in the residences was a quiet time. Most of the girls would use these precious hours to catch up on their sleep. Others would get up quietly, preparing for their day while trying not to disturb those who remained in slumber. Those who were awake were generally looking forward to a day of fun and relaxation. Thoughts were of meeting with friends, trips into town, or activities in the park or at SASAC. Study and schoolwork very seldom entered anyone’s plans. Unless, of course, you happened to be Priti, one of her sisters, or one of the hapless friends she had drafted into her scheme.

Priti had finally been able to tell Cassia and Sara everything the previous night. She explained everything she had learned from the Council minutes. She told them how their education was a sham, a plot to leave witches powerless before sorcerers, and how there was a prophecy naming her, suggesting her arrival would ensure victory for sorcerers. Now it was Louise, Karen, and Jenny’s turn to hear the story.

The six girls were crammed into the bedroom, listening to Priti’s account of the previous day. Priti explained almost everything, but omitted some of the details of her involvement in the prophecy.

“I don’t believe it,” said Jenny when Priti had finished.

“Really, it’s all true, every word,” answered Priti.

“No, I mean, of course I believe you,” said Jenny. “When I say I don’t believe it, I only mean, that, well, I don’t believe it!”

“I know what you mean,” said Cassia.

“So why can’t they find this student, the one who’s mentioned in the prophecy?” asked Louise. “They know his name and everything, don’t they?”

“I don’t know,” lied Priti. “Maybe he’s hiding. You’ve seen what the Vice Chancellor can do, wouldn’t you hide?”

“Why do you think this has anything to do with Professor Brodie retiring?” asked Karen.

“She told me last night that she was being forced to retire. She said something was wrong at the University, and she knew something was about to happen. That’s why she agreed to teach us magic. But now she’s gone, and can’t do anything for us anymore.”

“So that’s it then,” conceded Karen. “Professor Brodie is the only real witch we know. I don’t think any of our other professors know a tenth of what she knows. Unless we can frighten the sorcerers to death with floating textbooks and herds of dust bunnies, there’s nothing we can do.”

“I’m not giving up that easily,” said Priti. “The Power of Three makes us the equal of any sorcerer, the Vice Chancellor said so himself. The only reason sorcerers appear so much more powerful is because they all have energy stones. I think even the first year students are given them, in fact I’m sure of it. If we’re going to be proper witches, and even be able to defend ourselves if it comes to that, we’re going to need an energy gem as well.”

“Well, that’s just the problem isn’t it?” said Louise. “We don’t have one.”

“We do now,” said Priti. She reached up to her neck and found the tiny silver chain. Pulling on it, she brought out the rose quartz amulet from where it lay hidden under her blouse. It caught the sunlight from the window as she dangled it in front of her for all the witches to see, sparkling as if lit from within.

“Is it real?” asked Jenny.

“Is it charged?” asked Karen.

“Yes, it’s real, and no, it’s not charged,” answered Priti. “But I’ve got a plan.”