Esme was someone I considered a close friend rather than an aunt. She was only 8 years older than me and an exceptional witch. I would miss her the most. I sighed and decided to wait for my only other friend Sukaya. She, like me, was another social outcast and weirdo because it was not for everyone to stomach her kind of crazy and exuberance. Sukaya has a touch of Sight and she was on the extreme end of Extrovert. She was like Luna Lovegood of harry potter world just with a different personality. That’s why we fit each other so comfortably and had been best friends since kindergarten. Sukaya is Elder Suki’s granddaughter and a crystal Magi. She and her boyfriend Rohan were the only ones who talks with me and had any semblance of hangout. I hope she reaches vládce or at least druhý though Esme was skeptical about it.
The brewing room was empty when I reached there So I decided to take advantage of my free time and make a few healers. My supply was running low as most of our healing potions were shipped off to the Alura Coven in Australia. Their warriors and witches were ambushed by some outlaws and banished Faes in the Acacia Forrest when they went to collect herbs and other things.
I collected the needed supplies from the closet and set to brewing. I decided to make painkillers and skin elixirs first. There were six cauldrons in the room of varying sizes. I lit up 3 of them and filled them with water. While the water was boiling I started mixing the different ingredients.
Esme had so kindly filled my closet with all the needed ingredients. Skin elixirs were a difficult mix and required absolute concentration.
I was so consumed in the process that I never heard Sukaya come in and suddenly I heard the high-pitched voice which she used to always irritate me “Well Hello there. You have the honor of meeting the Druhy’ witch of the third generation of the Suki Clan. Here is the great Witch Sukaya whose element is crystal. If you want an autograph please get in line. Thank you.” she burst into clapping and laughing at her own joke. “Wow Kaya Congratulations. A druhý is just so awesome. I am so happy for you and what about Rohan?” Her face fell and she answered in a morose voice “Oh he got Trini in Emotions. I think he and his parents are discussing his option to join the Warrior clan.”
“Aww kaya don’t feel sad. You know he loves you I am sure you people will figure out something” I tried to console her. “Yes I know but lately something has shifted in our relationship I do not know what but there is an invisible wall between us which I just cannot fathom why. He has retreated into himself and is keeping something from me. I tried talking to him but you know how stubborn and tight-lipped he can be.” she shrugged and still had the crushed look on her face.
“Don’t worry about it now, let’s go and celebrate your ascension. Soon you will be off to the mainland and become a hotshot Witch in no time. Maybe you will even get selected to serve the royals. Think how great that will be!!”
“yes yes, I will be the sexiest, baddest Witch Out there. Maybe I would get to beat some vampire’s ass. Yes, that would make a heroine in a film but.....You will be here. My favorite sidekick will be missing the action. How will I carry my fabulous self without you being there.” She managed to sound extremely distressed all the while imagining a Bollywood-worthy career.
“ Oh Oh In all this excitement I forgot to tell you my awesome news. I am going to council land and I will be traveling with you till there!!!”
“What but... but why ......I mean How??”
“I dunno maybe mum pulled some strings or something I don’t exactly know but Chief Crone told me that High Priestess Ahilda herself has extended an invite to me. I don’t care whether she wants to experiment on me or whatever I just.....Just so happy to go”. I watched as kaya’s face went through a series of emotions when finally she screamed so loud that the bird sitting on the peepal tree in the courtyard flew away terrified of the sudden sound.
“OMG that is like the bestest news ever. We are going to be THE baddest and sexiest and toughest and funniest and I-dont-know-what in the whole class. We will have the best of adventure and we will snag some hot shot royals out of their ass.” I shook my head at her silly and laughed along with her. Yes, everything would change once we reach there. Who knows what our fate had in store for us.
It was late evening by the time Enlightment Ritual was completed. 7 witches and 4 warlocks attained druhý. The hall was abuzz with excited chatter and whisperings of students who were going to The Council Land. To my chagrin, even Samaira attained level two in Emotions. That manipulative bitch, she could influence and manipulate the emotions of others. I knew already she would excel in it because one does not get the restive bitch face without excelling in being a manipulative Troll. Once again I lamented about all things unfair in my life. Why couldn’t Samaira be a dumb bitch like the normal bullies you read about in books. You know where queen bee is beautiful, mean but basically dumb. Only I would have the rotten luck of having a bully who was beautiful and smart.
She was pointing towards me from the front row and making rude gestures which was making others laugh. Sweet Hecate !! have some mercy on me and strike her where she stood. I continued mentally creating scenarios where Samaira and her bunch of cronies get hit by lightning or something. I was brought to reality by kaya who jumped on the seat next to me. “Are you daydreaming again my dear besties?”
“Who me naah. I Was just planning different ways of committing murder” I Replied
“Murder ahh yes that’s my specialty. Who are we thinking about?” I pointed towards the front row and both started discussing a series of pranks that will be played on Samaira once we leave the watchful eyes of my mother.
A few minutes later Esme strode into the room and took up the mike “ So you are the lucky 11 who will be representing our Gurukul in The Elite Academy. I expect from all of you that you will show utmost respect to the Oni'es council.
You have 3 days to get ready for your journey to The council lands. Please don’t carry frivolous things as you will be in a shared dorm with a roommate and there won’t be a lot of space for unnecessary things. The term will be for 6 months.
There are some things which you must always keep in mind once there. You are going to study and hone your skills so please concentrate on that. Please leave your species mentality here and don’t get into petty fights because It is just not worth it. In case you get debarred or suspended from the academy you will be liable to punishment on returning home which may or may not result in exile to solitary. Yes, It may seem harsh but know that we don’t take such transgressions lightly especially if you embarrass the Witch community in front of other Oni’es. You have to be on your best behavior there.
You will be there for 6 months where you will be tested and assessed by various Oni’es and according to the eligible ones will be inducted into the Royal city to serve the Royal Families or The council Itself. Please know Once you are selected you have to accept their offer of employment. It is considered very rude and unacceptable if one rejects the offer without any drastic reason. The Oni’es are an intolerant and unforgivable lot who may consider any type of refusal as slight and we do not want such problems to arrive. So think hard about what you want to do and then submit your application by tomorrow evening to the Admissions Office.
Now, Cahira will be traveling with you till the mainlands from where she will further go to the ....”
“Why is Cahira going? A kamjor has no place in the witch community. She will be the laughing stock there and make us look bad.”
“Cahira is of no importance to You Samaira. I would suggest you tame your nasty attitude here. Where you are going there will be a lot of other species whom you have only heard about and if you continue your attitude you might not become as popular as you are here.” Esme chided her in a strict voice while I sat there with my mouth Open. I have never ever heard her speak in such a manner to any student here. Even Samaira was shocked and speechless as if she couldn’t fathom someone speaking like that to her least of all Esme. I glanced at Kaya who just shrugged and grinned.
“As I was saying Cahira will travel with you till the mainland after which she will accompany me. So the girls will be traveling with me as Chaperones and the boys will be accompanied by Mr Sunil . If there is nothing else the day is adjourned. See you all on Monday.”
Esme left the room after completing her speech. As soon as She left Samaira’s screeching voice echoed in the hall “Surely mummy must have pulled some strings to send the filth away from here. Shame the stink of kamjor will stay with us throughout the journey.”
I was boiling with rage and about to retort when kaya beat me to it. “Ahh ahh Samaira don’t be so harsh. If anything we should be worried about your stink especially when you emerged from the stables last night with mud on your knees. Dont know what you were cleaning with your hands they were sticky as hell.”
“you fucking piece of shit. Don’t act too smart. You may have an advantage here but you should loose your attitude. There is no place for a fucking loony and kamjor in the Capital. Maybe she is being called To be banished as A Regular after all she is no better than them. You should enjoy your time here Cahira who knows whether you will return here or not.” Samaira’s nostril flared and she was literally seething.
“Don’t be a prick Sami. If you keep wrinkling your piglet nose like that it will become permanent. Though I must concede it suits your little piggy face. You do have a strong resemblance to the pigs in the nearby sty .”
I inwardly smiled and stopped Kaya from retorting. “leave it Kaya, she is not worth it. Let’s go.”
“Yes run away because that’s the only thing you can do. I better not catch you outside these walls you trolls. It will not be good for you.”
We kept walking and were almost out of the door when kaya turned and casually said “Oh by the way, Cahira had received a special invitation from High Priestess herself. She is not going to the mainland. My girl is going all the way to The Council Land”.
“whatttttttt........”
We left laughing all the while the indignant screech of Samaira was echoing in the courtyard.
We went to our favorite bowling place in town and spent the whole day there. By the time we returned home, I was dead tired. Mum wanted to have a chat but she agreed I was too pumped up with sugar to seriously talk so our celebratory dinner was postponed to Sunday night. I dragged myself upstairs and as soon as I hit the bed I was asleep.
“Iancum Alllae Niconoeia, sereie Hecate chaoua..............”
I was dreaming, I know I was but I just couldn’t wake up. Something was pulling me in. The air was swirling around me creating a barrier so thick that I could not see anything. There was an eerie chanting floating in the air getting higher and higher.
Iancum Alllae Niconoeia, sereie Hecate tus ntxhais................
Iancum Alllae Niconoeia, sereie Hecate tus ntxhais................
Iancum Alllae Niconoeia, sereie Hecate tus ntxhais................
Cahiraaaaaaa.............................................................................
ns 15.158.61.6da2
