Cahira’s POV
A hand closed on my shoulder and broke me out of my reverie. Esme was watching me with sympathy which made it all worse. I looked around to see that everyone has left the hall save my mother who was talking with elder Laxmi and us. “Come on Cay. The chief Crone wants to see you before the Enlightment starts.”
“What me!! but why??? I am a kamjor, I don’t have a shred of magic left in me. I can....”
Esme cut me off with a sush “Let’s just go and see what they want to speak to you about. It’s about your future role in the coven though I don’t know what exactly they have decided.”
I nodded and got up. Elders generally tended to ignore me so I had no fear but this feeling of uncertainty and something else which I could not identify was eating at me. I followed Esme across the hall and up the stairs to the sanctum where all elders and crone were assembled.
Esme knocked on the door and waited till we heard a rasp “Come In”.
The room was swathed in the dim light coming from floating balls of light in the center. Lamps on the side walls emitted pale yellow light which added to the mystic vibe the room was giving. In the center, there was a large wiccan mandala drawn full of runes and symbols. At the center of the protection star, a small circle was drawn. There was a large, raised podium at the end of the room stretching to make space for 9 elders and Chief Crone along with a smaller singular one just a little ways below for High Priestess. The last seat and the single podium were empty rest were occupied. We stopped just outside the circle and waited.
Elder Raima and Elder Suki smiled kindly toward me and nodded their head. These two were my favorites while growing up. While others generally tended to ignore my existence Raima and Suki always went out of their way to show me kindness. Raima was an expert potioneer while Suki was a healer. It was because of them that I was one of the most skilled potion makers and had suitable knowledge when it came to healing without magic.
The doors opened behind me and I turned to see my mother and Elder Laxmi striding into the room. Mum had a lilac and white flowy gown on which swayed behind her as walked swiftly up to the elders and Elder Laxmi was in a peach Saree following close behind.
Though Elders and Chief crone were old no one can say so just by looking at them. Chief crone was believed to be at least 150 years old and she looked like to be in her mid-40s at most. The Elders all were above 100 but one could never guess just by seeing them walk and work.
My mother glanced at me and then spoke ” Cahira Devadutt, we are here to decide your role in the coven in the future. As you very well know for some reason your powers have not manifested yet. Currently, we have no position in our coven where magic is not required other than the Enforcers. Now please answer the questions of chief Crone and then your future will be decided. Choose wisely Cahira”.
Something in my mother’s voice struck me as Odd and I looked at her questioningly. She just stared at me trying to communicate something but I was unable to understand.
" Cahira, I want to know what you want to do in the future. Please tell me, my child.” Chief Crone’s kind voice floated from above.
“I...I don’t know what to do. I have thought of assimilating with the regulars while I can live out my days here in the coven.”
“Have you already decided to forgo your will to have powers Cahira? Have you given up already?” My mother’s voice snapped like a whip and I flinched.
" I don’t know what is wrong with me. I have tried so hard but it feels like something is just out of grasp. I believe I can feel the magic core inside me but it’s just out of reach.”
“We know Child but for some reason, your core is recessive and dim. There has been no witch or warlock in known history who has faced a similar situation. We have tried all possible ways but there is just no cure for your condition. You know that we tried to stimulate your core based on your this belief. We even borrowed Sanjeevni elixir from Ahilda D’lune but even that failed to awaken your powers. It is just not possible for sanjeevni to fail as it was made by High Priestess Saella herself but even that produced no result.”
“Yes Elder Theobald, I know you have but I dont know what else to say. I really can feel it and even Elder Raima said I might have the magical affinity to elements in my core as my potions and healers are excellent and you all know that. I have learned every spell, every warecraft which is here to learn. I can....”
“No one is doubting your talent dear” said Elder Suki. “But please keep in mind that having magical affinity and having actual magical powers are two different things. Even humans have elemental affinities sometimes which makes them receptive to the energies of the earth and spirits but having magical power of blood is entirely different. Also while your potions and elixirs work the ingredients which goes into them are all charmed and spelled by witches beforehand and your potions have to be activated by a witch before use.”
I shook my head and looked toward my mom. She was watching me with unreadable eyes but her expressions were pained. I looked down and the familiar feeling of being alone in dark rose within me. “Dear Child” said Chief Crone, “do not fret. Everything happens due to a reason and no one can wrestle fate for anything more or less than their fair share. If Hecate and Freyja have not blessed you with powers they must have something else for you.
For now, I have a suggestion, a bit of advice if You may. Please do not think you have to forcefully agree to our advice. You are free to choose your path.” I gulped and nodded. What else can I do but listen? Nothing was in my hand not even my fate so I simply waited for Chief Crone to speak.
“High Priestess Ahilda D’lune had been made aware of your situation when your mother went to her for sanjeevni elixir. She was intrigued and had requested that if you agree she would like for you to apprentice for her in Ware of Potions. She has requested that you travel to council lands in High mountains and learn the art of Potion making under her tutelage.”
My mouth fell open as soon as I heard the Statement. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I had never in my life even once thought I would get the honor of meeting the high Priestess and she had invited me to Council Land!!! I mean THE COUNCIL LAND. I was so shocked that I fell silent which the others mistook as trepidation.
“Cahira You dont have to go. If you disagree You can always come work for me. I will be happy to welcome you back for potion making. After all, you are my star student, but Cahira think carefully once. Such an offer is very rare to come by and High priestess can teach you so many things. It is possible that the magical strains of other Oni’es may affect your own and awaken your powers. Your mother has already agreed to the offer if You consent.” Elder Laxmi spoke softly.
I looked toward my mother and she nodded ever so softly. It was not an opportunity to pass by. I took several deep breaths to calm my nerves which were just about to hop out along with my wildly beating heart. Excitement was coursing through me but I very calmly nodded and said ” Yes, please. I would like to go”
“Very Well. Go ahead and continue with your day, the details will be shared with you”.
I left the room feeling very happy and joyous. A new world was opening itself in front of me and calling me. I was so ready to Rock.
“Cay wait” I heard Esme call my name from behind. She tackled me into a hug and squealed “Oh my God, you are going to The council. That is so awesome I am so happy for you. Let’s celebrate today. MY treat. I will even trick your mom into joining.” ” Yes sure sure” I replied while laughing. “Go on now, go Home. We will meet you there in the evening. God, I am so happy I am almost delirious. Oh by the way Sukaya has gone in for her ascension. She asked me to tell you to wait for her near the brewing room.” she kissed me on my forehead and sauntered off.
I hopped to the brewing room to wait for my best friend all the while softly humming to myself. It was proving to be a great day.
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