《Thanatos: Everything Dies》


 Birth of a Coven

    ¡°Impossible.¡±


    This was the only thing Esadora could think or say. No, it couldn''t be right. She should not be able to have a child. Not here, not now. She had taken so many steps to prevent it. It''s true recently she had given herself a little youth, but it was more so that she would be in appropriate physical form for her station. She was after all a matron of the Grand Coven. No small feat. She had made many enemies to get to her position. And her enemies would no doubt use this most recent event against her.


    ¡°I can''t possibly have a child.¡±


    She rolled bones, then again and again. Not only this, the signs were there. The subtle changes in her body that any ordinary woman might miss, she caught immediately. She had been alive long enough to learn complicated magics and swaying powerful spirits, the very instant an egg became fertilized she simply knew. At the moment she looked pale and not just because she was the matron of death. Her lips were naturally a darker color, the pigment in her hair was long gone. Her face had some signs of youth, but tired gray colored eyes could tell even a mortal that she was an ancient being. She had lived over a couple hundred years. Her figure wasn''t a voluptuous one and she would worry most by how thin she was. Her fingers were long and skin stretched across the bone. There were many unhealthy signs of about her, to the point where she wouldn''t be the first choice of many men to bed. Not that they''d have a choice if she wanted one. She could have her pick of the prisoners of the Grand Coven. Few would stop her and even fewer could. The father was sacrificed as part of a ritual to increase her power. Or rather keep it as strong as it was. The power of a matron required constant maintenance and she kept herself young. The reason she stayed young was for strength and magic was taxing on the body.


    ¡°The potion!¡±


    Esadora''s near dying white hair looked as if it might fall off with how fast she turned her head to her coffer. She observed the remnants of the potion she took. She inspected it carefully. Gave it a smell then began casting an incantation on it. Muttering silent words and dripping a piece of it onto a freshly lit candle. The candle lit blue as the small drop on her finger touched the fire. Her eyes widened and teeth grit. That potion was not the one she made. No. It was far more cleverly made. By someone with extensive knowledge of science and alchemy. Further someone with magic enough to fool her. This was beyond human merchants that might visit the outskirts of the Brushbog. No, the materials were selected when they were brought to her. She made the potion herself. This potion was not the result. Someone switched it out. An enemy? One of the other matrons?


    She gripped a set of teeth and bones with strange markings. She lost no time in tossing them into a ritual bowl that looked like it normally used for mixing. It was time to consult the spirits.


    ¡°Am I currently carrying a child?¡±


    The bones rolled very high. It was certain.


    ¡°Was my potion tampered with without my knowledge?¡±


    The bones rolled very high. There was no doubt.


    ¡°Will I survive should the matrons learn of this?¡±


    The bones rolled low. A chance, but the odds were not in her favor. She considered the rules of what questions she could ask before continuing. There were laws of magic few could comment upon when consulting spirits about current events or the future. She simply could not ask who did it. But there were other things she could ask.


    ¡°If I kill the child, will I be found out and punished?¡±


    The bones rolled very very high. Fated should she take that route. The witch paced in thought and considered her options. She did not have much room in her cluttered little home below a tree. The limit was 10 years. She could ask that.


    ¡°If I leave this place... will I survive over 10 years?¡±


    The bones rolled high. Very likely.


    ¡°Will the child survive over 10 years if I leave this place?¡±


    The bones rolled high again. Just as likely.


    ¡°Will the child live if I stay.¡±


    Bones rolled very high. Near certain.


    ¡°Will I live if I stay and offer the child to Hayketay.¡±


    The bones rolled low, but bordering the middle. It was uncertain, but unlikely.


    The situation was grim. A child, which for most women would be both natural and a good omen, was instead to her the mark of death. The other matrons would no doubt use that child against her. They could use the child''s blood in rituals to impact Esadora. They could threaten the child. Esadora was strong, but she couldn''t protect it from all of them. Which one was it? Who was it that sabotaged her potion that prevented a birth. In fact if she was looking at the potion right, it made her more fertile, not less. Perhaps she should have kept an older body like Maud? No. She needed every bit of strength she could manage. A younger body healed faster and had more stamina. She needed it. There were few witches that could sneak into her home. Even fewer that could make her drink a potion that was wrong. Even if she wasn''t paying a great deal of attention she still should have noticed. It gave all the signs of being made by her hands, but the ingredients were wrong. Who was it?!


    While unlikely, there was the Witch of Void, Malumbra could easily have done such a feat. Her body was covered in portals to another world that served as a substitute for clothes. She could create tears in reality itself and call otherworldly beings to consume all that faced her. Her magic bypassed most wards and physical barriers. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that she could kill all of the matrons easily. She was the Grand Matron for a reason and many considered her magic heresy. Even among the corrupters and dark rituals, Void magic was of particular note. It could damage reality itself if used incorrectly and bring otherworldly threats that could cost far more than the user could imagine. Even by using the magic Malumbra risked madness. But her power was enough where she could have easily have swapped out the potion. The only issue was she had nothing to gain and if she wanted to influence Esadora she need only force her to grovel. Malumbra was not to sort to involve herself in the games of other matrons. She kept the peace and served the goddess directly. Any who opposed the goddess would soon find Malumbra ready and able to crush them. Why would she have made Esadora pregnant? She simply wouldn''t. Even if she could.


    The first and most likely was the Witch of Thorns. A matron who wore a barbed mask which stabbed deep into her own face. She was a master of binding magic and sewing beasts together. She controlled many powerful monsters or mortals she had bred to use magic. There were many who were impaled by spikes that could shoot out of earth or tree, hardened and petrified to match most metal. There was no doubt she had many servants and with her skill in binding magic, she could make even Esadora''s allies possibly turn against her. The Witch of Thorns was her greatest rival. Currently below the Grand Matron with Esadora. They had constant cold wars with one another vying for information and power. But the Witch of Thorns was always watched. There were many spirits that should have warned her if the Witch of Thorns tried something like that. Even with minions or using who Esadora trusted there wasn''t many ways she could do so. But it was possible she could... and she migth be willing.


    Further the witch of Thorns had little reason. If it came down to it if Esadora had a child this would lead to a battle with the witch of thorns. Esadora would almost certainly her her mightiest death curse on the Witch of Thorns should she fall. The fight between the two would have no real winner even if the Witch of Thorns managed to fell her using cunning. Esadora knew her enemies well enough to know that they''d fear crossing her in this blatant manner. Even using her own child against her would cost them greatly and they''d know that. Still, it was possible the Witch of Thorns had some unknown method or perhaps had some other plan.


    Next there was Tabitha. A Matron who baked goods for the vast quantities of prisoners and the many thralls of the Grand Coven. She was constantly cooking in an apron overweight and with a traditional outfit one might expect a housewife in a cabin to wear. Humming and pouring baked goods into a cattle trough for the humans to eat out of. The baked goods were often laced with chemicals and magics that made them obedient and docile. She had made many allies, in fact she was the most connected of the witches who held power in allies more than combat ability. The sheer number of her servants would make her a difficult opponent and the number of allies would make it possible for someone under her service to tamper with the finesse necessary. She could have done it. But there was little reason.


    But even Tabitha would not be so foolish as to cross Esadora. No, she might have done so if she were assisting the Witch of Thorns, but it made little sense. Esadora might be manipulated by a child, she might even die because of it. But Tabitha knew well enough that Esadora would bring death to her and her allies before it came to that. What''s more Esadora would become enraged and unpredictable. Tabitha might have done it to get an alliance with someone greater, but ultimately she would be loser in any real battle and she was wise enough to know this. Tabitha would never do something so blatant. Especially fearing the death curse of Esadora. No no, it wouldn''t be her unless something greatly changed.


    Finally there was the possibility of allies. There was Maud and there was Elizabette, both members of Esadora''s triad. No other under her command could have done this. In fact Elizabette was a brute, while physically powerful and durable. Using her power would cause her to grow in size and muscle. Hunters and witchblades would not face her directly and bands of mortals would be fools to make the attempt. What Elizabette lacked in greater witchcraft she made up for in simple blunt methods. By devouring flesh she could temporarily gain strength and size until she was beyond any mortal opponent. Hunchbacked and with mishapen arms that were too large to be proportional. Her face was warped and old. She had many warts and little in the way of hair. While she may have access, Esadora felt safe to assume Elizabette would not betray her... at least not willingly.


    Maud was very much the opposite of Elizabette. Maud was an expert of hypnosis, often defeating opponents before battles even began. She looked as an old woman, and she was. Her forehead drooped down and covered a portion of her eyes if she bowed her head. Often pretending to be weak, when she was powerful enough to a matron under most other circumstances. Maud kept a single eye of glass hidden under hair which her enemies would only see by the time it was too late. Her movements and words could put many sensible sorts into a trance often while pretending to grovel. Her usefulness was undeniable, but she would not fare well against a powerful witch. Which is why Esadora was a member of her triad. They had been old friends, but even Esadora knew to always suspect all possibilities or assume the worst. Her hypnosis far exceeded the strength of all known witches save perhaps the goddess of witches. But all lived under her protection in the Grand Coven. None could expect to match a goddess in any contest of witchcraft. She could have done it, but didn''t have an obvious reason.


    Esadora chose first to deal with Maud. She was close and if she managed to clear Maud''s name she would have a worthy ally in her search. The one who made her have a child would need to be found and punished. That is if it became clear who did such a ruinous thing to the Matron of Death.


    Esadora stepped through the brushbog and there were all manner of swamp creatures that skittered about. Ancient trees that bent and curved full of moss and disease. The water was polluted with a green unnatural color. Even in a swamp it could not possibly become the way it was by normal means. Witches hurried about, there must have been hundreds of them in the main clearing. Which was not surprising considering the size of the Grand Coven. They were expected to have a thousand strong in a dozen years or so. The younger witches kept their heads low and their spirits humble. Quick to move out of the way of the Matron of Death. Esadora did not need to make any threatening gesture, in fact she appeared little other than pleasant to all who she passed by. She greeted them and their pets. Making her way through the muddy ground and dirtying the black tattered robes that near served as a dress. It was her fancy to pretend to be as a grandmother looking after grandchildren.


    She came upon Maud''s tree. It was small. But not many could manage the acquisition of space that Esadora had. It was crowded with the numbers they had. What''s more there were changelings, thralls and witchspawn. It was certainly a problem. So much of one they resorted to setting up tradeways with mortals. They needed the food and supplies so badly they were willing to trade with mortals. How foolish and how unlike a Coven. But it was the will of the goddess and there was little to be done of it. And it was necessary now. With numbers of that size the bog simply could not sustain the numbers. Which Esadora might be able to assist with if her plan went well.


    Maud knew who entered, since few could pass her wards so easily. Maud was busy working on hypnotizing a particular thrall that kept snapping out of other witches control. She intended to modify his memory a bit to make him more docile. "Greeting matron. I will be done with my task in a moment."


    She cut bits of his hair and spoke the true name of the victim. Pricking his arm and drawing a drop of blood. She whispered words and the hair burned. She then looked him over with a glass eye, "Whom do you serve?"


    The man who once had gritted teeth and strugged hard against his binds quietly relented, "The Coven... I serve the Grand Coven."


    Maud had done her work. "Good. Now you will serve and obey. You will report to kitchen where you will work. Go now."


    Esadora waited for him to leave and Maud read the moment well enough to strengthen the wards. "We have privacy."


    Esadora began, "Someone has swapped out one of my potions..."


    Maud considered the situation a bit. At first she was confused, until the realization of the question who could have done such a thing. She did not know which potion, but she could very easily clear her name. "My matron. I make this vow under threat of losing my power. I did not tamper with the potion you speak of, nor have any part of in the plot. I neither willingly nor unwillingly betrayed you. Nor do I know who did."


    Esadora muttered words of magic. The vow was good. And she didn''t suspect Maud to begin with. The vow was powerful magic. In general any bargain made with a witch had magical bindings to it. Which is why witches were careful not to bargain with one another. They did not often lie, but they often deceived. In this case Maud made it ironclad. It was certain she did not do this. And now they could begin to act.


    Esadora could speak freely now, "It was a potion which prevented birth. I have tested the bones many times. I am pregnant. The potion which was to prevent birth instead increased fertility."


    Maud''s face scrunched, "Clever! Too clever for Elizabette and none in our charge would do such a thing. This could only be the witch of thorns. Having a child... here? You will die. Your enemies will use it. But I will die before you. They will remove your servants. Even if I servive the child cannot be protected. Should you kill the child? Hayketay will know. Malumbra will be upon you. The Grand Matron would not let magical blood like that go to waste, Hayketay will demand the child for her own. Without a doubt the child will born with power. She will be a target long before she can defend herself . Nor can you hide the child. Nor your pregnancy.... It will kill you.."


    Esadora considered this of course, but had some small element of a solution. "I could... leave the grand coven."


    Maud did not think they would allow it, "Only with permission. As inconvenient as it is for me, I too would go. I would die here. Even if I joined another matron they would think me a spy and end me. If you ran away you would be found and you would die."


    Esadora had a different idea, "I plan to ask to create a coven. One that serves the Grand Coven, but is elsewhere. Somewhere hidden. Somewhere far."


    Maud considered, but did not know what their response would be. "Malumbra would have to approve. But... it is possible. It would lessen the crowds somewhat. Even if only a little. If you were away... yes you could survive. As could I. I would prefer to remain in the bog, but there seems to be little alternative."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Esadora beckoned Maud walk with her. None would hear with Maud at her side. "I believe this is the goal of whoever swapped out my potion."


    Maud considered, "Simply removing you?... That is possible. But you would remain a threat wherever you go. Your enemies should want more than simply a displacement. Without you here the witch of thorns will be the most powerful matron. Yes... many would join you in your journey. They would certainly let us take changelings or thralls for less mouths to feed. The younger witches of course who volunteer. The young witches are plentiful, many would come."


    Indeed they would. Esadora still had to deal with the issue of speaking to the Grand Matron. Malumbra was powerful, but she was also unpredictable. If she suspected treachery it would be the end of Esadora. And Esadora did not intend to remain completely faithful. Just mostly. With luck the goddess would allow her to leave. But no doubt they''d expect something in return for allowing her this.


    As they walked none could hear. Maud continued to talk aloud. Although none seemed to hear them thanks to the magic.


    ¡°This is most likely a power play, something to get you to go along with another objective. Or perhaps there is a party of which we know nothing. It is best to assume the worst and imagine this is the work of the witch of thorns. She is the matron that would be the most troublesome.¡±


    Esadora considered simply ending the life of the child in some way they might not see, but it was impossible. Even unborn the witch goddess would know of any witch dying. Born or not, the goddess protected all witches and in exchange she took power when they passed. In theory Esadora was supposed to present her child before the goddess and the grand matron. Once presented the child would be ritualistically bound to the goddess and all at once protected. Should any kill her before she came of age? Esadora need only watch them die by the hand of Malumbra or other matrons. Hayketay had become a goddess using this system, controlling powerful witches and binding all witches to her coven: the Grand Coven.


    Esadora was the Matron of Death. She knew the risks of creating a new coven in time she could be a traitor. In fact she was one of the first Matrons they¡¯d send to kill a traitor. With undead and ghosts she¡¯d hunt them down. With bones and magical rot she¡¯d kill them and consume their power as their soul attempted to flee to their grimoires. Esadora could offer witches true death. Many could hide their souls in books or artifacts and in theory come back to the world of the living. But Esadora was an expert on spiritual magic and the draining of souls. She could take bites out of any soul that dared try to escape her wrath and consume vast power if not the entire soul. Their spirits would be added to her own and slowly merged until her very inward being was an amalgamation.


    But even as an amalgamation, even as leaving the Grand Coven might later become an accusation of treachery. Even if Hayketay betrayed her she looked at the bog. The grand coven was getting crowded. Something no witch would want. They were even resorting to trade with mortals in order to get supplies enough. The bog grew more and more, but it could not sustain the numbers. With all the thralls, witchspawn and witches themselves there was always demand for food and flesh. This was no place for her, no place for her coming daughter.


    Maud knew that Hayketay was a treacherous thing. As the goddess of witches would be.


    ¡°You will most likely die. Perhaps you will make it past the Grand Matron. Perhaps you will even find a place the goddess cannot see you. Perhaps you will make wards and defenses that would protect you from the many eyes of the coven. Perhaps even you will gain a following of witches. But you will eventually die for this. Hayketay will find you sooner or later no matter where you hide. That is if mortals or the witchblades do not kill you first. They are crafty and are a threat even to the mightiest.¡±


    Esadora knew of course. She was well versed in what risks there were. But she simply could not allow the goddess to have her child, to have her. She would rather rule for a few short years and die than an eternity of servitude. This place was to her something warped. It was something that went against all nature of witchcraft. Witches were meant to hide, to form small groups and to use cleverness or spellcraft to stay hidden. Witches were meant to fight mortals and the witchblades that came for them. Spread out across the world where it would be impossible to find them all. Here and now? There were so many witches that most major cities knew of the, even if they did not fully grasp their numbers.


    ¡°I will go. I will have to. I will find some place for us to hide. Some place none would think to look. Distance is a powerful defense. ¡°


    Maud agreed of course. It was the very simplest and true tactics that works in near all situations. Put enough distance between you and what hunts you and they will never attack. Maud turned the subject to the present.


    ¡°Whoever did the simple act of allowing you to have a child, must have deep understanding of the implications. They must have considered you leaving, not only this they must have considered that I too would leave. Effectively removing us as rivals or threats¡­ Considering the situation they may even have prepared a trap for those who try to flee. Although whoever arranged to have a trap made would reveal them. Whoever is prepared is the guilty party. Should you fall in your attempt to travel, it would cost them far more than simply letting you go. I doubt even the witch of thorns would face you directly. Your death curse would be significant. It would ruin her and she knows it. My own death curse would be no simple hex. I would cause them great suffering and misery.¡±


    Should a witch die, they could as their last works do one last spell. Every witch could do mild hexes, but death curses were so powerful they could never be removed. It was commonplace for experienced mortals to kill witches before they got a chance to speak, for if they did it could very well lead to their ruin, even if they were victorious. Witches typically could expect a death curse if they killed another witch, so it was not likely they would do so lightly. Even if you used another to kill or an agent to kill them, so long as they spoke the words and directed at the one who had a part to play in their death the death curse would be in effect. The witch of thorns had many agents, but she would be the one to receive the death curse from Maud or Esadora. Only Malumbra or Hayketay could really be expected to kill without expecting a death curse. Even so, witches still did kill one another.


    Esadora had considered it might be a witch who simply wanted to leave the coven as the one who switched out the potion, but none came to mind. The simplest solution was often the correct one. It was a power play.


    It was touching a way that Maud would come with her. Maud was already in a bad position. Maud did not want to be branded a traitor and die. Maud was the type that would do what was logical and did not mind living in the bog. She had plenty of thralls to use and she would doubtless have to start from scratch. She was taking the situation well, but the irritation was difficult to miss.


    ¡°We can find a way to leave. See what witches would form a colony. Let us see if I can obtain the blessing of the grand coven before we depart. They would likely allow us a small number of witches who are crowded in the bog, they would have use for an outpost. The grand coven would grant us safe passage should we simple pledge to never attack the goddess.¡±


    Maud was pleased with this idea. It held risk, but there was merit to it. Should they create a new coven with the blessing of the goddess, they need not fight their way out. They need only travel. Esadora was strong enough to rule a small coven, she had proven that much. But few dare approach Malumbra. Should she suspect treachery and she often did. Malumbra would simply kill all who dare to defy the goddess. Esadora intended to get permission from Malumbra.


    ¡°Remember¡­ if you make a bargain with her¡­¡±


    Esadora already knew the risks of course. But she didn¡¯t see a better option.


    ¡°Yes, I cannot break any bargain made with Malumbra. But I have power enough where it would a deal would not be impossible. If I promise never to attack the grand coven, I cannot. Even if they attack me.¡±


    Maud need not remind her who she was up against. She could only wait as Esadora continued up the hill to speak to the Grand Matron. Only matrons were allowed audience with her. Or at least a matron needed to have a reason to bring an extra. Currently there was no such reason. Esadora would have to bargain with Malumbra alone.


    Approaching Malumbra was often perilous in of itself for several reasons. First she was a witch of notable power which of course was the first of many reasons why most avoided her. The second reason was that she had full authority by the goddess to kill as she saw fit, even matrons. The third reason which mortals might have difficulty understanding was the type of magic she used was heretical. The way the mortals saw it, all witch magic was often heretical. They were right to think so, it often involved human sacrifice, corrupted nature or even summoned beings to the realm that had no place. They could call back spirits or undead like Esadora. They could hypnotize important figures or their children across vast distances like Maud. They could enslave populaces like Tabitha or they could warp beasts into one another creating chimera¡¯s of rabid beasts like the witch of thorns.


    But Malumbra was heretical even among witches. Her power extended from the realm beyond and threatened reality itself. She summoned outsiders and those were beings that simply should not be. She could create portals or tears in reality itself to call beings or teleport herself. Weapons could go through her or she could send parts of them off to the void. She could summon tendrils with mouths that devoured all, friend or foe. The creatures could not be bargained or reasoned with. Malumbra may have served the witch goddess, but it was doubtless she had other masters. Masters who sought to turn the world into a monument of nonexistence. They did not ashen fields, death or pollution. They wanted a complete emptiness. Witches were attuned enough to feel Malumbra¡¯s masters and their desire to end all things. Her rifts damaged magic itself and disrupted the flow of subtle energies throughout the world. Her magic could bypass most defenses, because most defenses applied to this world. Most wards stopped magic or trespassers from the realm, not the void.


    As Esadora approached dressed as a reaper of death''s might, tattered black cloak and head bowed hiding the pale and boney face. She already knew she was before Malumbra before even seeing her. Malumbra had jet black hair and smooth olive tanned skin. She might have been considered beautiful once as she had an attractive shape of her and signs of health. She wasn¡¯t particularly tall, nor did she seem imposing based on build. She wore no clothes though one might have trouble actually seeing most of her skin. Void patches danced around her body covering her with a second skin. A skin that was indeed a part of her and was very much a portal to another world. The void patches danced around her face moving as they pleased in a slow manner. If one attempted to touch the dark blotches of portal on her body it might very well try to pull you in. Or if one attempted to cut her, the void splotches also functioned as armor. Covering most of her body with an otherworldly portal that could send most blades into the unknown or simply pop out the other side of her harmlessly. It covered her well enough where it might as well be clothes.


    Esadora could at least somewhat relate to the void witch. As the matron of death she herself had an unpopular choice of magic. Generally taboo around most magical circles and few mortals would accept it. But it was far from the same and it was far from something Esadora could accept. Malumbra was a heretic and without the goddess the other witches would have long ago slain her. Still, she was doubtless powerful. Few could face her.


    ¡°I come seeking audience. It is time to discuss the Grand Coven and how our land is being worn and stretched thin. We must discuss food and we must discuss expansion.¡±


    Malumbra stood in the darkness seemingly speaking to nothing and no one. Her head turned revealing that half her face was lost to the void.


    ¡°These are things worth discussing, Matron of Death. You are not one who complains idly without offering solution. Speak.¡±


    Esadora began with her head tilting up now. ¡°I offer myself as volunteer for a colony of the Grand coven. I propose to move some witches to another place. One which could be expanded upon if the time is right.¡±


    Malumbra did not seem to consider, ¡°The goddess has spoken to me. She would allow such a colony. As a matron you have strength enough to protect a small coven. Who would you take?¡±


    This was going surprisingly well. Just like that? They¡¯d accept? No, something was amiss. Even so she was not going to question the providence.


    ¡°I would take Maud as an aid. As well as Elizabette from my Triad. She hungers often and there is not flesh enough here. She often complains about the space and the clearings not enough to move about.¡±


    Malumbra did not need to think on it, her answer was immediate and clear.


    ¡°This we will allow. The goddess has spoken to me. It is time for another Coven to be formed. She has said that the witch of death would be allowed to create a coven. That or the witch of thorns. You may take a small number of witches with you, the purpose is to grow. To take refuge near a location where new witches can be taught. To a place where babies can be taken or humans may breed more thralls. This I have no doubt you can do.¡±


    Esadora was glad it was going to be so simple. Of course she could. It seemed that the Grand Matron had already noticed it was overcrowded. That it was an issue that could be easily solved. The more restless witches could be moved. Even 10 or so would ease a lot of pressure. Every witch had thralls and witchspawn. There were changelings or other minions every witch had in their possession. While it might seem like the brushbog was endless, it would take time to mastering trade with the nearby smugglers and another coven was ultimately a boon upon the Grand Coven. That was of course so long as Esadora remained obedient.


    Malumbra no doubt had some conditions. Esadora was most certainly willing to make the first and most obvious requirements.


    ¡°I and the strongest of the witches can make a pledge never to oppose the grand coven, to grow and to teach our ways to the young.¡±


    Malumbra did not smile nor make any noticeable change of expression, ¡°Such a pledge will be made. So long as you agree never to oppose us and that you agree that when you die your power will eventually go to the goddess, she will allow it. Are you willing to offer it?¡±


    Of course she was. She could prevent death itself and was ageless. If she was dead she¡¯d have little care where her power went. And to never oppose the grand coven, this was fine. She intended to hide from them. Which no doubt they expected, but it mattered not. They would benefit long term and the goddess was patient after millennia of witchcraft. Even so this was something Esadora could accept. The main issue was staying hidden and finding a new place to live. Further there was little doubt the witchblades could strike.


    ¡°We would be willing to make such a pledge. I make it on my behalf.¡±


    This was better than she expected, arguing with Malumbra would be impossible. The only means would have been to somehow convince her that this was what the goddess would want. This would require convincing the goddess, which would require offering the goddess something she¡¯d want. Esadora had cleared the main obstacle, but then a thought occurred: had she?


    There was the witch of thorns and Esadora considered the situation once again. This was an easy way to remove Esadora and eventually it was the means to kill Esadora. There was no doubt other matrons might send traitors or spies along with her, she expected as much. But what if this was the goal? What if this was the surest and simple way to remove her. What did she need to be removed for? She supposed it would soon be none of her concern, but suspected it more as a means to remove a powerful matron from the chain of command by having her be elsewhere. Perhaps one of the remaining matrons agreed to it together? Had they expected her to leave? Or were they hoping for her to grovel and offer her child before the goddess? No matter. She would begin the preparations. She had her pick of the changelings. She found a smarter one that served the goddess many years to take charge of the other changelings. Jink she believed his name was. Although all changelings could take whatever form they chose.


    ¡°A new coven is to be formed, by permission of the goddess. Make ready for a journey. It will be long and require many days of rest. Travel with necessities, but little else. Greatly limit the artifacts the witches wish to bring. Make clear that much will be left behind should a witch choose to join a new coven. Know that there will be many dangers and we will travel by no path. We shall travel as witches, through wood and the night sky.¡±


    Jink obeyed, ordering a number of changelings to begin making ready. They were creatures used by witches often as trickery was a common theme in witchcraft. With the help of enslaved changelings it was possible to replace humans or elves that were kidnapped by witches. They would hunt populations little by little until about a fourth of a town¡¯s population was taken. Then witches often went to other towns using the same tactic. Whenever ordered the changelings could disappear in numbers enough to cause town guard to look for them. Whatever adventurer, mercenary group or town militia it was easy to set up an ambush. Changelings could even replace entire towns and the witches would force humans to breed. Those who showed magical potential were often bred with others with magical potential. The witches would take that child and make her a witch. Rituals were often done to exhaust the parents magically so they would have powerful children. Often the parents were made useless after 1 or two births, thus the need would come where they would be made to meat to feed the witches. So long as none knew the witches existed, the witches could thrive.


    But should the mortals learn of them? Well, that spelled doom to all witches. They needed to wander and grow strong. Remain secret and silent. Using changelings was only a part of the strategy. The most important part was using caution and not getting overly ambitious. A patient witch could feed on the dead after they were buried. A patient witch could slowly bargain with leaders or important figures to become pawns. A patient witch would move before vast forces attacked. Esadora was patient and she knew the threats mortals posed. Should the witchblades come, they would doubtless call skilled hunters to command large groups of humans. While unskilled soldiers were no great threat, a witchblade leading them would turn the ignorant masses into worthy threats.


    Witchblades had a great deal of knowledge of demons, spells and cultists. Witches were no exception and they often had many weapons that would give pause to even the mightiest of witches. But a matron was more than a match for any witchblade, even groups of them.


    The true strength of the witchblades was their own patience and discipline. They remained unseen until they struck and they¡¯d strike hard. Using cowardly tactics to fell much more powerful witches. They were a force to be reckoned with when they were cowards. Witches understood. Every witch and every hag was had to be cowardly. Even Esadora who was relatively powerful had to grovel and hide from other more powerful witches in her youth. She had not yet forgotten how frightened the younger witches could be. Still she had little choice but to be the voice of confidence and absolute power. She was a matron of a coven now. She could not have them doubt her strength. But at the same time she had to hide it.


    Her opponents were mortals, witchblades and most of all her own coven. There was much to attend to. But Maud would prove invaluable in the journey. As the leader of a Coven there would be no witches in her company with the strength to harm her child. Within the walls of her own Coven none would dare challenge her. However that did not mean the child was without peril. There were many things Esadora would have to teach the child. Also she feared the young one would be so powerful she would lack the usual cleverness needed to survive and become a matron. She would teach her such thing with a harsh hand. She smiled at the thought of being cruel to her child. Forcing the little one to grovel and give her opponents more difficult than she should be expected to face. The little one would be taught magic and the ways of the matron. Of course she didn¡¯t expect her child to use the very same magic as herself. All witches had a magic all their own that needed to be mastered and controlled. It couldn¡¯t be expected to use the same sort of spells in entirety.


    The journey she planned would be far, far enough where she could lose contact with the grand coven and wards would keep their location hidden even from the eyes of the coven. They would doubtless see that as treachery, but in the end Hayketay did not mind. The witch goddess cared little so long as she gained Esadora¡¯s power in the end. To that end she would simply say that she made wards strong enough that spies within the Grand Coven could not find them. The strong wards would even keep her rivals from keeping tabs on her. It would be complete isolation.


    Esadora looked over the coven carefully. Mostly younger witches who had too few artifacts of value to travel with them and not strong enough to want to stay. They were tired of groveling; many had made enemies or simply wanted out of the bog. The potter could not ask for better clay, she would mold them. They needed to fear her and they needed to obey. Many were young and likely wanted children of their own one day. Yes, it would be easy to control them. For now she needed them to suspect little. She looked to Maud and gave a sweet smile hiding malice. Maud already knew what she wanted. Maud would play the part of the devil. While Esadora would play the part of an angel.


    ¡°You have been chosen to be a part of the new coven. But do not think this changes the way of the coven. You are young and weak, you have little use to us. You are unrefined and untested, you will be thrown into the fire and made tools for the Matron of Death. It is important to understand that you are still nothing. It is also important to understand that your foolish thoughts are not your own. Yes, children I see through your minds. I see many things. I can tell by your faces, eyes and even the beat of your heart that you plan treachery. You plan on running away. Foolish, you will die should you run. Such thoughts must be punished! It is time for a demonstration!¡±


    Maud made strange movements before all before her began falling under a hypnotic trance. Too young and too foolish to know to avoid it. The older witches that stood with the matron already knew what was about to happen. Maud had them under hypnosis and they all began to cry out in pain as the old woman made a strange dance of gestures and chants.


    Maud hurt them for what must have been a dozen seconds before at last Esadora stepped out to Maud. Maud ceased causing pain. Pain so severe they shook even though it ended. ¡°My dearest friend is right about many things. But please. Such thoughts are only natural for a witch. I have grown to expect them. In my name you are pardoned of such thoughts. I will only cause you pain based on your actions and plans. I will not hurt you for thoughts. Do not do so again Maud.¡±


    ¡°As you wish my Matron.¡±


    The sigh of relief from the little ones made the situation clear. They were not to disobey and there would be no issue torturing them. Disobedience would not be tolerated.


    ¡°As you wish my matron.¡± Some repeated.


    ¡°I will be protecting you from all threats, be it the witchblades or other enemies. Should you have concerns you will speak to me. I will deal with all threats of mortals, you need only learn and obey, you will become strong with time. You will be able to create your own home and have students of your own away from the bog. There will be more opportunity for food and learning magics in privacy. I believe there is much you can gain. But you must obey or you will die.¡±


    All repeated, ¡°As you wish my matron.¡±


    Good, they were learning to respond with speed.

 The Archduke of Pacts

    This was preposterous!  The witch of death was leaving?  The motherless death scum was fleeing the bog?  The witch of thorns, Norae, had long been rivals with the witch of death.  What was this? Some plot? Some scheme for her to somehow gain power? She could not be foolish to think that she''d ever amass a coven sizeable enough to ever be a threat to the grand coven.  The foolishness of the thought.


    Norae naturally assumed the worst.  She nearly messed up the spellwork to bind a chimera together when she heard the news.  News traveled fast as one might expect in a community of witches with little else to do.  But this? This was certainly news. She paced as she had her servants nervously wait. She considered the angles.


    "The witch of death is powerful, the only one with strength enough to be any meaningful threat... Could this be the worth of that baking witch?  Could the death witch have been betrayed from within? No... it must be some sort of ambition. She must have seen some value in making her own Coven.  Perhaps some artifact in the world she intends to claim for her own? Is there some unknown thing to gain by leaving the bog?... We must find out. She must have rolled the bones and forseen something.  Make ready, sisters. It is time we found out what the matron of death plans."


    Norae seemed unhindered by the mask of thorns she wore, it stabbed into her face and skin had grown over the mask.  The mask was a permanent addition to her face and her green and yellow colored hair combined to create a sickly unnatural color.  She looked to be an aged woman, perhaps in her mid fifties. However her sisters knew well she had years far beyond a mortal''s lifetime.  Her tattered cloak and dress were riddled with wire and barb. Her wrists were adorned with briar and metal. She often went without shoes and her feet were discolored and cut looking.  It was impossible to say how she survived the swamp of all manner possible dangers without shoes.


    Her disciples after scurrying about and returning with what little information they found had nothing of actual value.  It seemed the witch of death had simply gone to Maud, had a conversation and now was in the midst of creating a new coven.  It didn''t look like there was any urgent reason for it. But Norae new better. One did not become a Matron for being impulsive, she either planned this for quite some time.  For some sort of agenda? Or a new situation came up and this was simply her best plan of action. Considering that no news had come to Norae, it seemed there was only one person left to ask.  Tabitha the baker.


    Most witches hid their name, but Tabitha did not need to.  Perhaps it was because that wasn''t her true name or the fact she simply went by her first name.  Or even more likely she was overwhelmingly confident no one would ever try to oppose her willingly.  She had many servants and she was one of the first that Malumbra would come to her defense. What''s more is she no doubt had impressive death curses ready.  Norae needed to investigate. So she made haste before the matron of death fled.


    Tabitha was as one might expect cooking and looking over a small number of children.  Those who were not deemed useful were given lots of sweets so they could be fattened later for food.  To her they were food or breeding stock. Tabitha seemed surprised by the sudden visit from the witch of thorns.  However she managed to keep her focus on the children around her. Paying little heed to the matron of thorns until they were close enough to speak.


    "Hello witch of thorns. Children say hello to the matron."


    The children seemed in a lost dance as they obeyed, "Hello Matron."


    Tabitha shooed them away before her smiling face turned calculating and somewhat cautious. She looked over Norae.  It seemed as if Tabitha were weighing options of how best to respond. At last when they were alone and could speak she dusted off her hands and got to the immediate point of the matter.


    "What do you want?"


    Norae considered Tabitha''s response a moment.  Not just the word but the mannerisms behind it.  Annoyed, defensive and curious. It could be Tabitha was a wonderful actress (which she very well was) or it could be that she genuinely did not know why Norae was present.


    "I have come to speak of the matron of death.  What drives this demand to lead a new coven? What have you heard?"


    Of course such information rarely came free.  But it seemed as if Tabitha had little to profit or simply did not know enough to share, "Only that this morning the witch of death met with the Grand Matron.  And approval was given to form a new coven. She requested mostly new witches and a handful of worthy ones. There is Elizabette, Maud and of course the Matron of Death.  Her triad is formed and will be instructing the young. The changelings have been gathered and told that the goddess approved of taking some number of them. It truly seems like they intend to separate from the Grand Coven."


    So it did.  But Norae wanted to know why this happened.  "Could one of her own convinced her to leave? Is there some threat we know nothing of?  Perhaps some treasure she intends to claim."


    Tabitha deflected the question easily, "The one who has the most to gain from her leaving is you... Yet you ask me why she intends to separate?"


    Naturally many would assume the witch of thorns was responsible. However Norae need make no effort to correct them.  "I simply need to know what others do. You are no stranger to gossip. I simply wished to know more, little else."


    Tabitha looked to the distance, "I doubt she found anything valuable enough to move away from the grand coven.  Such things are protected and I doubt she would draw attention to herself claiming it now. All eyes will be on her, even with warns there are no doubt spies among her ranks.  Yours and mine. She will take care to remove them should she find them."


    Norae supposed it was true that it was doubtful some treasure, but then what was it?  A threat she foresaw. What threat could it be? Enough. She simply had to meet the matron of death and see what she could learn for herself.


    "Thank you Tabitha, I shall make my way to visit her."


    Tabitha went back to her sweet smile and called out to the children to have some fresh baked cookies.  "Now dears be sure to eat them all. Bring yourselves and your appetite!"


    Norae left and looked at what changed in the area.  Already it was roomier and already there was a lot of space no longer occupied by powerful and lesser witches.  It would be a welcome break to finally have places to experiment on her new beasts. Such things required a lot of room, room now that would be easy to take with no one left to oppose her.  But it seemed best not to celebrate premature. There must be some reason the matron of death fled, she would enjoy the spoils later.


    As Norae approached many let her pass.  The matron of death seemed to be instructing her Triad on supplies needed.  The largest of them turned to see the matron approaching them.


    "My lady. A vistor of thorns."  The large metal teethed witch Elizabette said, who towered over all other figures and could barely be called a witch or for that matter a woman.  So muscular and large were her arms that it was a disfigurement. And she often hunched over staring down at those below.


    Esadora turned to greet Norae.  The witch of thorns was visiting her?  She carefully looked over her as if thirsty for every detail.  Norae was suspicious of her. What could make the matron of death flee?  The game of words began.


    "Sister Matron.  I have come to see you off.  And beg ask you what prompted this sudden move of sisters and self."


    Norae scanned the area, it was a sudden move.  It didn''t look like anyone was prepared and even the mighty matron of death looked like she hadn''t been planning for such a journey.  What did she know? Norae now believed it could be some threat some unforeseen even that Esadora selfishly kept to herself.


    "My thorned matron and rival, should it not be obvious?  It was getting crowded and I intend to spirit myself away.  I have rolled the bones and found favor on travel. But this should not frighten you, you will benefit from my absence no doubt.  Best we part paths here and leave each other to our ways."


    Norae knew that the matron of death would not be open about why she was leaving, but it seemed that she had time to leave.  While she could leave quickly, she was carefully gathering and maximizing what could be taken for a long journey. Just a quick look around told her far more than what Esadora ever would.  She began to doubt the possibility of some foreign threat and began instead to question why she was leaving.


    "Surely there is not something you seek far away.  Surely you do not need to bring so many young witches with you just so you can take claim of some unseen prize."


    Esadora seemed to calculate while keeping her face plain.


    "Even more sure, you would have much to gain from me leaving.  Would you not desire such a thing."


    She would of course.  Norae would have much to gain if this were all it was.  Unless.


    Norae asked, "You do you not want to leave, do you?... I had wondered if there were some treasure or threat to you...  If there is something that is a threat to you. Could it be a threat to me?"


    The matron of death considered.  Finally some small element of truth.  Norae seemed to genuinely want to know why the matron of death.  They read each other a moment and it began to become clear to Esadora that Norae perhaps did not swap out her potion.


    "You do not know why I am leaving, do you?"  Esadora asked.


    Norae did not, but simply gave a calculated look.  "I do not... but do not think me so foolish that the reason is as simple as being overcrowded.  You do not leave for some shallow reason..."


    Esadora made a simple gesture, "The reason I am leaving is of no threat to you nor the Grand Coven."


    Norae believed her and considered.  This only made things more, not less complicated.  Norae looked her way, "Was it Tabitha? Surely not Malumbra."


    Esadora would say no more.  Nor did she need to. The mystery remained.


    Tabitha would not, she had little to gain.  Malumbra would not, she was not motivated to act unless ordered by the goddess and her methods were not underhanded.  Norae did not. Who was it who orchestrated this? It made no sense. Norae considered the possibility that it must not have been a matron.  One of her trusted? But then why would they want to move? It made no sense. Elizabette was not clever and Maud would not betray her master.  Besides she would gain little. There seemed to be no answer in sight.


    Xx xx xX


    Lord Simon had been a witchblade for quite some time.  Hunters of all sorts generally had short life expectancy.  Within the first year, most witchblades died. Those that lived did so through cunning and guile.  It was strange that witchblades were so fiercely targeted by the witches to the point of extinction.  Their main fortress was gone long ago. Multiple hideouts compromised. As things stood they had few if any place to reside officially and yet they were as strong as they ever were.  Their numbers were lower, true. But they were few and elite.


    Simon had managed to be a witchblade for 46 years and he had been killing witches, cultists and demons ever since he was 20.  Weapons of silver, cold iron or blessed metal were not uncommon to find in his room. The pay could be considerable, but jobs were few and extremely dangerous. His agents were often experienced and unofficially he was the commander of the witchblades.  It was understood by many they had no official leader, but one to surpass him had made herself known.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Claire Vesperia was turning out to be a dazzling agent.  Using basic understand of magic and how best to counter it Claire had already lead to the downfall of no less than 2 covens.  It might well be three before her time came. The most recent operation was her idea and he agreed with her reasoning. Divide, instigate and conquer.  The understanding of witches was important when making plans. To others taking a potion that prevented birth from a witch and replacing it might seem like a strange tactic.  But there in slept the genius. Claire had effectively created the beginnings of a small coven of witches who would flee their home in the bog. Separated a particularly powerful matron from the remainder of her coven.


    Further the cleverness did not stop there.  There was the possibility of infighting. Or powerful matrons attempting to harm one another in the misunderstanding.  The witches were quick to kill one another and a child would make the matron desperate and scared. What''s more is the child could be used against the matron.  The witches were no doubt readying themselves to move, that was if they didn''t already attempt to murder one another.


    Simon observed the matron of death.  She was powerful, but even she couldn''t know where she was going.  While witches were mobile it was foolish to strike, far better to wait until they begin to settle and get overconfident in the fact no one could possibly find them.  Claire simply observed that witches were trading, they had to trade after all. The numbers of the bog were getting too great. Then as Claire pointed out they might be tempted to buy materials from a human.  Claire sabotaged particular ingredients with a time delay that would eventually lead to a witch drinking a potion and expect it to work only then to find that it was the incorrect potion. The witch of death as it turns out claimed the ingredients from one of her underlings, who claimed it from the traders.  They could not have predicted that the matron of death would get the potion, but they could predict that matrons would avoid having a child. Truly he intended to have Claire be the one to end the matron of death.


    As things stood Claire intended to get the witches to fight one another if she could arrange it.  She predicted that the grand coven would actually come for the coven if they did not remain in relative constant contact.  It might be possible to get them to fight one another, killing a coven of witches and a matron without even a single witchblade casualty.


    "You''ve done well Claire."  He told her as he observed her looking over the map.


    Claire Vesperia kept herself covered mostly, she lacked any sign of makeup and her face needed to be washed.  Her hair was messy, but in truth she could be beautiful if the need called upon it. She had a purple colored hair often hidden by a hood.  She of moderate height and build. Her skin was tanned and dirty. Her eyes fierce. Her little owl trained to rip the eyes out of witches as proof of their demise and as an important ingredient in several rituals to kill their kin.  Further it was a trophy. She kept witches eyes in lead jars with a name on each one. So far she had fourty.


    She knew of course, Lord Simon motioned to the map.  "What do you see?"


    She considered.  "We can kill them when they''ve settled and her daughter has reached proper age.  We can wait until there a complaint of them. If we find where they are we can add the location to our records and simply attack whenever any sort of attention is drawn to them.  Sooner or later people will go missing and we''ll be ready."


    Simon considered her plan waiting years?  Focusing on other targets? Knowing where they were and not striking?  Waiting until humans went missing or were killed? It was ruthless and it would cost lives of men, women and children.  But once the witches killed. Locals would doubtless assist the witchblades. They would hire the witchblades or provide mercenaries.  Then they could use the information they''d gathered and what they knew of the witches to kill them. Claire was certainly patient. He agreed.


    "Then we''ll be hired and have reinforcements..."


    She added, "And we''d have time to collect information.  Also there''s the possibility of the grand coven killing them."


    Lord Simon approved.  So all they need do is wait? Excellent.


    XX xx XX


    There were many beings on the world known for making deals, but none so many as the devils.  Of the devils the greatest of dealmakers was without question, even among their ranks, the archduke of pacts. One of the devils who ascended to such power he could have potentially been a rival to demon lords or devil kings, but he had other ambitions.  Instead of being constantly targeted, constantly threatened for his throne. He thought it better to have no throne and instead sought to spread his influence. Already a Duke among the devils he sought to make deals between all devils and demons. He appeared in many places and forms, whispering sweet words or sound logic.  He became a middleman that approached many beings of power, asking nothing for his services. He would speak on behalf of other beings and sides. Able to communicate real time with both and be present before multiple beings at once. He would appear as many forms and figures, each making an offer. Each modifying details, all illusions that could not be harmed.  In this way he was never threatened and never appeared personally.


    With great magic he could bind both sides into powerful magical agreements.  Even mighty demon lords could not hope to break the pact if they made it before the Archduke.  He became known as the Archduke over centuries of deal making and clever workings. He eventually became indispensable to the devils and demons.  For if ever an agreement was to be struck between multiple factions, he was a heavenly middleman for an unheavenly world.


    But the Archduke did not stop there.  He stretched his power far beyond the realms of the hellplanes. He sought the physical plane as well as the heavenly one.  While it is true many devils enjoyed making deals, devils feared making deals with some beings. Angels for one were something a devil dare not make a deal with.  For an angel could see through all lies and deceptions, further they would not hesitate to kill even before words were finished. They had no reason to bargain and devils supposedly, ¡®had nothing to offer¡¯.  The Archduke orchestrated difficult deals between even angels. Proving that he was in fact a middleman at the end of the day. The angels even were able to make some deals when necessary with devils or demons.  Even something as simple as making threats or warnings. The archduke was willing to pass along their words to whosoever they wished.


    But of all the things the Archduke hated dealing with there was one that was notably worse.  There were beings of the Void. Beings that wanted nothing but to create some sort of paradise of nonexistence.  Demons, devils, angels and all of the mortal races wanted nothing to do with the Void. Those who worshipped it were breaking bread with the very enemy of gods.  The gods and the Void were at odds. Typically gods were creators and protectors as it suited them. The Void were the old ones who wished nothing more than to swallow all that was.  As creation grew, so too did the Void. Few mortals knew this and it was forbidden knowledge. So imagine the surprise of the Archduke when the Void of all things requested to make a deal.


    The Void making a deal?  Unthinkable.


    Even so, the call was made and he heard it.  If not careful devils of all sorts could die before the Void, not only die.  Their very existence could be forfeit. All things feared dying to the Void. For if a demon died they would merely return to the hellplanes.  Reform and reshape themselves over time. Devils too would reform. Although they would often be punished for failure. Angels would return to the realm of heaven.  And mortals had many planes they could go to. But should the void end you? None return. There would be no afterlife. There would be nothing left of you should you fall into the mouth of the old ones.  Even gods faced them with care. So should he.


    The Archduke appeared.  Taking the form of something that would be ill offensive to the Void.  He took the form of a many eyed and many mouthed creature. Robbed from head to toe in a shroud of darkness and tattered cloth.  The forms he took were simply a presentation, he was not present, nor would he be. The Archduke of pacts never appeared in person and he would certainly not start now.  Whatever could they want?


    ¡°The Archduke of Pacts has heard your summons and shall answer.  Who do you intend to make a deal with? Who shall I speak to on your behalf.¡±


    He was now in a strange room, filled with markings and ritualistic writings.  Parchments littered the floor and a great endless pit lie in the center of the room.  A man wrapped in a strange cloth and his clothes were in fact skin. Although it was difficult to tell at first he made his robes out of his own skin.  It was preserved and dried out. But it seemed that his body was covered instead with a strange portal to another world, which worked well as a shield and a means to conceal ones identity.  Even the archduke could not see his face. It was shrouded in portals to another plane. He stood tall and with hands behind his back. The figure might have once been male and might have once had a name, but no more.


    The shadowed one spoke to the Archduke, ¡°Our beCKons aRe tO you, ArchDuke of Pacts.¡±


    The voice spoke in a foreign manner as if taking pauses between speaking.  His voice distorted by his many years of Void magic. His tone shifted up and down as he spoke. He might well be under the control of old ones and given up his identity once and for all.


    ¡°To me?  While it is possible to make a deal with me.  There are many more you could make deals with, surely there is one who could grant your desires?¡±  The Archduke fished for information. Valuable information. Few spoke to cultists of the void. Even under torture most of power did not speak and nor could they.  The old ones could take their very minds if they so chose.


    ¡°OuR dEal iS tHat You muSt sPeaK To tHe deMoNs.  You mUst fOrge aN aLliAnCe BetWeen tHe witcHes and tHe deMons.  THen iN yeArs tO coMe yOu muSt fOrge aN aLliAnce with morTaLs of XiNg.  You wiLl haVe muCh tO gAin. ThErE iS muCh tHat wiLl bEneFit yOu aS wEll as uS.¡±


    The way he spoke was choppy as if speaking a language not his own.


    Benefit him?  Interesting. He supposed he could listen at least, there was no need to agree.


    ¡°What deal would you have me make and how then would I benefit?¡±


    The shrouded one spoke some sort of otherworldy prophecy, ¡°The commanders of demon and devil armies shall appear upon the mortal plane. Brought forth by promises and portals. But they will be no match for the promised messiah and the pawns of Asmos.  They shall fall and those who enter the mortal plane shall forever lose their place in the eternal war.¡±


    The shrouded one explained it to the devil although it wasn¡¯t fully necessary.  The Archduke already had figured out most of it, ¡°You will sTart an inVaSion. By maKing aN alLiaNce beTween tHe wiTches and tHe deMons.  In thEir deSperation, the mortals will be forced to make a deal with the DeviLs. OfferiNg saFe passaGe to tWo hellsPawNed arMies. The tWo armies shall kNow ComBat.  But they will be strucK. Down. Our meSsiAh wiLl be reAdy fOr them aNd the agenTs of Asmos will strike. The deMons and dEvils shaLl fall. They will bE in suCh a weaKenEd stAte that those in pOwer will be in a weaKened sTate.  This is gOod for you. As maNy will mAke deAls and oFfer many things to you in return. We offEr you this knOwledge as tribUte to yOur efforts.¡±


    The Archduke admitted, ¡°It would benefit me, this is true.  But I¡¯m afraid you must offer something unto me as payment for my services.  This information was necessary for me to accept. And I may yet accept, but what do you offer me?¡±


    The shrouded one approached and placed a book of demonic rituals.  ¡°A boOk of sUmmOning. It will proVe uSeful wHen insTruCting tHe witChes aNd morTals.  A grEat riFt cAn be maDe shouLd it be sTudied.¡±


    The Archduke took it with his intangible form.  Only if they agreed to him taking it could he even touch it, such was the nature of his magic.  ¡°I see¡­ Then you have thought of everything. Very well. I will attempt to make a deal between the witches and demons.  It would not be hard to do so. Further I agree that I will attempt to make a deal between the devils and demons. Is that all you need of the archduke of pacts?¡±


    The shrouded one agreed,  ¡°Yes. The bargAin iS stRuck.  But one moRe thing shall yOu know.  Take your worDs to tHe witCh of All witches.  You will need to spEak with their goDdeSs sHe wiLl apPear before you.  Her birTh name is knOwn to you is it noT?¡±


    The Archduke had long ago managed to acquire it.  He was patient and he would use it if needed. ¡°Of course.  I know many names. As is my station. Are we finished?¡±


    The shrouded one bowed, ¡°Our mAster will show you mercY if eVer you step into our doMain for yOur serVices.¡±


    As far as the Archduke was used to, they were quite generous.  Most tried to milk everything they could out of a deal. These Void worshippers seemed to offer more gifts than necessary, still it was to their purpose and he understood.  They would benefit from the hellplanes getting into a fight as much as he would. Even the angels would benefit in truth. But he cared little. So long as he had something to gain, he would agree.  Now all that remained was convincing the witch of witches. He would appear before her when the time was right.


    Xx xx xx


    From what little the Archduke of pacts knew of these Void worshippers they as an organization were often called Unbidden.  For the most part they were left alone and they were happy with their solitude. Their power tended to derive from strange and otherworldy sources.  They had little to do with angels, demons and mortals. It would seem that their summonings were due to some prophecy.


    The Archduke knew little about Void prophecies, but knew enough to say with certainty that it would not be absolutely wrong.  The old ones rarely spoke, and when they did everything had been set in motion. Unlike devils who knew the dealings of powerful forces in the world who constantly struggled with one another and played their quick games of power, the old ones played a very slow game with the gods.  These slow games often requiring hundreds if not thousands of years before a side genuinely made a move. When such a force made a move of any kind, it would be wise to watch and listen.


    The Archduke of Pacts had positioned himself well.  He made no enemy with the old ones nor claimed them as ally.  Even should the curred wrath of gods be upon the world, he would remain relatively uninvolved.


    The commanders of demon and devil armies shall appear upon the mortal plane. Brought forth by promises and portals.


    There was going to be an invasion.  The book he read contained a deep magic that could tear open a rift in between planes.  Something that could not last long, but long enough for powerful demons to exodus the hellplane en masse.


    They will be no match for the promised messiah and the pawns of Asmos.


    The promised Messiah?  Coming from the Void that was most likely a bad thing.  Anything they would consider a Messiah would be a terror or blight upon the plane.  The pawns of Asmos were just as troubling for different reasons. Asmos was the chief of gods, God of Magic.  He never made a move. In fact in all of the Archdukes many many years, he had never seen Asmos do anything, even once.  Not even reports of such a being making a move were ever confirmed. He had no champion. Few prayed to him. And he had no need of their praise.  Magic was his to command and it mattered not which plane you hailed, you would find no being his equal.


    The old ones on the other hand had made moves before.  Offering pacts to poor souls who were sensitive to the other place.  They would twist and turn young foolish mortals into agents of their will.  It was rare for anything except mortals to get in their way. For few would make an enemy of an old one.


    The archduke studied the knowledge.  It was useful doubtless, but it seemed he could only learn what the old ones wished him to learn.  Their writing was such even a devil lord could not learn what they did not wish him to know. It wasn''t a matter of intellect or code.  It was simply that the words themselves did not contain the knowledge, it was the whispers.


    It was the whispers that told him exactly how to draw their power.  In the case of the Archduke they made no attempt to corrupt or sway his mind.  Obviously they would find that difficult in any case and not without cost to them.  The Archduke of Pacts was not something even the old ones wished to make an enemy of.  They had few they could call upon. And the knowledge of the rift was limited. The Archduke understood the situation.  The ritual of making a portal to another plane, was not truly prepared by the mortals. So much as it was prepared by the old ones in the darkness.  It had been done quietly and had long ago been prepared. Making it a simple matter for mortals or witches to create a tear in an already weakened twilight between the realms.


    They shall fall and those who enter the mortal plane shall forever lose their place in the eternal war.


    The Archduke was most pleased to hear this.  The commanders of demons and devils would lose their place in the eternal war?  Yes, demons often fought one another. Devils often fought one another. Demons often fought devils.  But rarely did great commanders of the Hellwars ever change. If powerful commanders were to be weakened or fall?  It would greatly benefit the Archduke. Change was a good thing when it came to demon lords or devil kings vying for power.


    Asmo''daas the Unmaker ruled the demons with an molten iron fist.  While the devils were ruled by Mephis''thoth the Silent King who ruled unseen throughout the abyssal depths.  Both were of equal power and influence, neither side showing any true signs of change. To think that one or both of them might be weakened?  This was a very good thing for the Archduke of Pacts. Considering Mephis''thoth no doubt considered him a threat and Asmo''daas rarely saw the value in making any kind of deal.  However he had little doubt he would see interest in a portal to the mortal plane. He would certainly be willing to make some sort of bargain, even with a devil as a middleman.


    The witches on the other hand didn''t have a reason to summon a demonic invasion at the current moment.  They would want the meat of mortals. Demons would burn the land, not corrupt it into a haven for witches.  To make a deal with witches, one first had to wait. Wait until they had an enemy. The Grand Coven was at such size that most major cities could not face it, but should the Grand Coven ever decline?  The witches might then turn their attention to the Archduke''s offer. He would need to be patient, but this was fine. After all he wasn''t given a time limit and the Unbidden gave him no time limit to complete the task.


    Instead he would simply get permission from Hayketay to approach the witches at a later date.  He knew where to find the goddess of witches, he could speak to her at any time, but he needed to make sure it was an... appropriate setting.

 Lorndrum

    Esadora had some time before her belly and body began to bloat with change. To think, that she had a coven of her own? One that might last for many years to come? All it cost was a simple agreement that her power be given to the witch goddess upon her death. This of course was an eventuality in any case. No matter which of the witches inherited her power, the goddess inevitably acquired the power sooner or later.


    She rolled bones and took care as she traveled, "Be on alert for all manner of enemies. We have traveled far from the sight of the Grand Coven. We are on our own."


    The young stayed close together like scared hens. Which worked well for Esadora, they were easier to protect this way. As they were, they were not going to be useful in combat should the witchblade''s strike. Although she supposed they were far from harmless, the young witches were capable of some magic. But the bulk of them would have to rely on Esadora, Maud or Elizabette. Maud traveled in the back, appearing weak and clumsy as she traveled in an effort to bait out those who struck. She did not need to act much, she merely needed to ache and act as if the travel took a toll on her, which it did.


    Elizabette towered over the other witches and took the front. The giant of a witch could grow larger should she devour flesh and she had flesh to spare in the event it came to that. If there was an attack from the front, it would likey be raiders, highwaymen or some sort of mortal military. An attack from the rear would most likely be the witchblades, in which case they would not find Maud easy prey. Those who attacked the girls in the middle would face the wrath of the matron of death. Esadora watched over them gently offering bits of encouragement here and there as a motherly figure. Some had skill with herbs and potions. Esadora was happy to hear them brag, she needed to know what they were good at. Although she had more respect for those that hid their abilities.


    One such witch that seemed to bare a little talent, seemed to touch trees every now and again.


    Perhaps she was appraising them or simply curious? Esadora would find out.


    "Little one you touch trees often, have you skill with them?"


    The young witch nodded, perhaps a teenager. "Yes matron. I can talk to them if I need to. With time I can make trees walk."


    Esadora was interested, "Such a skill is useful, but doubtless there was little room in the bog for you to practice your craft."


    The young witch nodded, "Yes matron. I was hoping to go to a place with trees that I could corrupt. Trees that I could bend to my will that were not already taken."


    Esadora looked to another of the young, "And you, little one. You seem to take a liking to animals."


    The witch had frizzy hair with bits of twig, leaves and even some sort of dropping. She nodded, "I was hoping to find a place near a cave that I could command bats. I have a knack for giving them commands."


    Esadora was familiar, "When I was young I communed with spirits. I could help you learn to command animals, you''ll find it''s far easier than spirits."


    Esadora planned to make the young girls useful. Making certain each had a talent or ability that would be a boon to the coven. She would instruct them on the basics, but not so much where any could be a threat to her. It would take patience if any of them ever hoped to have a chance against her. But then it wasn''t much different than Esadora and her matron. As it turned out Esadora had a different talent than her matron and she used her ability to speak with the dead to give her strength. The dead could whisper forbidden knowledge and drawing power from the spirits was not something every witch could learn.


    In time one of them would find some way to kill her. But signs of talent began now. Often showing as signs before any of them could learn to be any real threat. The witch that commanded trees could one day shape them into a collossus of wood. But not before learning how to make small tree elementals that followed simple orders. Even she could one day be a threat, but it seemed she was better suited to follow. The child who spoke to bats might one day be able to fuse creatures together or give them great strength. The child might call swarms. But it was not something she could do yet. There were many like them, untapped with potential. None a threat to Esadora.


    One of Esadora''s mightiest and secret techniques was simply preventing death. When one should die, they simply did not so long as she spoke the words. It might not last forever, but it might be enough for them to find some sort of healing or new body to possess. She had many spirits on patrol who invisibly kept watch over the coven. If she needed she could call up corpses to fight. Although there were not many she could feel beneath the earth. It was spiritual attacks that most mortals could not counter. If she so desired she could hex a victim to have a heart attack a short moment later. It''s the main reason why Elizabette still served Esadora. While she was strong and physically powerful, Esadora could certainly end her.


    x x x


    Travel lasted for days which extended into weeks. Until at last they found a place where they might take refuge. There was a small town of woodsman, which they did not aim to bother. They would instead target a city or place with many lives that could go missing and none would say a thing. They would need to act carefully and slowly. Not only this, there were spirits of the wood. Esadora observed the spirits and noted them.


    "We are close to elves... But they do not stray this far. We will unlikely find a place better. Go now, set up for yourselves a place to stay. Until you are older and wiser you will need to stay near your matron. This shall be your new home."


    It was uncorrupted land near trees and a river. The river was clean running water, which witches often hated since it messed with their magics. But on the other hand it would also serve as a shield against others. Running water weakened most forms of scrying magic. But perhaps it would keep them from being noticed. The town nearby was a logging town of little note. Lorndrum it was called. But the great city of Xing lay to the southwest. Esadora rolled the bones repeatedly. Following unknown rules in order to roll the bones. Few understood what she could or could not ask the bones.


    After her findings she announced.


    "We will survive in this place at least 10 years. But a greater number than even that. The coven will grow and become stronger. It is decided."This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    There was not cheers, but relief among the girls. Their long journey had come to an end. Only now to be replaced with lots of work. Making a domain for themselves was difficult. The land was resistant to curses and it was clear to Esadora from the start what the problem was. She motioned to Maud to follow.


    Maud had already guessed the issue, "A family of druids?"


    This place had a family of druids nearby, or at least near enough where it woudl be a problem. Two miles away she supposed. Druids could live out in the woods on their own and their power varied greatly depending on their pacts with spirits or nature. Even so Esadora would easily crush druids. They were not ready to face a true Matron.


    Esadora smiled with darkened teeth, "Yes, sister. Shall we greet them?"


    Maud considered the situation, "The experienced druids will not be corrupted, it is best to kill them before they warn elves or Xing."


    Esadora agreed, "But their young might prove useful.


    Esadora observed that there was likely a child with them. Her spirits telling her such things.


    Maud looked back to the little witches. "We are not going to protect the young?"


    Esadora had to act quickly and she would have to keep her distance. "There is little time and it is not far. Elizabette is with them."


    It was a risk, but risks like these needed to be taken for better of the Coven. It was unlikely that anyone would react quickly to the witches. Her ghosts would warn her relatively soon after they saw anything. It was best to act now.


    The druid family from the signs they could see as they got closer was a family of four. It seemed they enjoyed the company of woodland creatures. Many of them served as scouts and alarms. They posed little threat to Esadora and even less to Maud. Maud simply used her hypnotic eye and gestures on the beasts to have them believe everything was fine. Animals were often easier to give mental suggestions than people.


    They came across a cave which did not seem to go deep in any particular direction, but it seemed to be some type of home. It smelled of animals and plants. A few dreamcatcher charms littered the ceiling and relatively few wards were needed. The thick walls did in fact offer some small protection from magic and the running river nearby would offer some additional minor protection assuming a threat came from that direction. It did not seem like anyone was there, but the witches did not stay close to the cave. They observed at a distance using spirits.


    Maud looked to Esadora who simply agreed mentally, We wait.


    It took hours before the first druid returned. Then some time later came a woman with two children. Teens by the look of them. The girl sang happily and prepared plants. It was a beautiful white haired girl. One that Esadora considered a moment, there was magic within her. It seemed she had a little brother. All four of them had returned home. Which was enough for Maud and Esadora to act. Waiting only a moment after the druids entered their cave to step out into the open. ¡°They will smell us.¡±


    Esadora smiled, ¡°That is fine.¡±


    Maud cast magic upon them, ¡°I will use a stronger spell to reduce the smell. But they may still smell us. Expect an attack, sister matron.¡±


    Esadora stepped into the cave. The little boy stepped out to greet them. Only then to have a lost and confused face on him. He looked like he wore skins and plants. There were fish being cooked and the smell of herbs being mixed into a stew.


    Before he cried out Maud looked the child over. ¡°Boy. What is your name.¡±


    He seemed to be in a strange hypnotized state. ¡°I am called Yursic. I do not have a last name.¡±


    Maud muttered his name and added power to the hypnosis, ¡°What is the name of your parents and sister?¡±


    The little boy resisted, but could not stand long. He sweat and grunted. Knowing full well that his instincts were telling him not to tell her. But knowing your name only made witch magic stronger. ¡°My sister is Eflanna. My dad and mother are called.¡±


    He stuttered a moment and babbled until what appeared a sabertooth tiger came thrashing out of the mouth of a cave. Beside it an enraged root covered elemental. Esadora was ready for them. Her eyes flashed with power as she spoke words in ancient tongues and spirits of the dead bent to her will. She cast magic that forced back the tiger with a pulse. And then she muttered magics that caused the root elemental to begin to wither and dry out. More spirits rose taking the form of phantom warriors.


    ¡°My sister, do it.¡±


    Maud grabbed the child and handed it to Esadora. ¡°Blood of your blood. Be bound!¡± She completed a ritual using the child''s blood. Causing a strange light to go over the tiger and another light to come out of a dark part of the cave.


    The tiger turned into a man who squirmed until at last he stopped moving. It was the boy''s father. The woman in the back fell to the ground unable to command her elemental. Maud quickly took a knife and slit her throat. They kept the children.


    Esadora noted the teenage girl quivering in fear, but also bound.¡°They will make useful breeding stock.¡±


    Maud looked to the child, ¡°You shall be renamed Kai. You will live under this new name. Hear and obey.¡±


    The child nodded.


    The girl looked as if she wanted to say something. Esadora made a threat, ¡°If you speak child I will take your voice from you.¡±


    She grit her teeth and then spoke in anger the words to summon up moon fire. Only then to fall silent. A skeletal hand came out of the wall and gripped her neck. Esadora came before her and reached to her throat choking her silent. At last she slept.


    ¡°These two will make fine prizes.¡± Maud said. ¡°They have magic within them. They can be taught.¡±


    Esadora smirked at the teenaged girl. ¡°She will be useful. Perhaps I will use her when I must restore my youth. Until that time you are right. Ah and I nearly forgot.¡±


    Esadora reached into the girl''s very being and ripped something out. ¡°Your voice is no longer yours, girl. You''d best do without it.¡±


    The deed was done. No one would be in their way now. Maud knew what they had to do now, ¡°We must return to the Coven. They may be in danger.¡±


    x X x


    Much to the surprise of Claire the matrons had stepped away from the remainder of the Coven. She had to agree this was a good place for a settlement. The witchblade had to follow them at a distance so great that the spectral spirits of Esadora could not sense them. And supposing they did get sensed, they had enough distance to escape. But much would be lost of the witches learned of their location now.


    Claire observed the tracks, they took more steps in preventing themselves from being sense magically than by traditional means. ¡°It seems that the matron has separated from the main group.¡±


    Her partner was covered from head to toe in cloth. ¡°So it would seem.¡±


    She could only make guesses as to why. ¡°They found a threat or a prize. Who can say. It''s not often the matron separates from the group.¡±


    The clothed man went by Nathan although you''d never get a name out of him considering there was always a chance a witch could use it. ¡°Should I strike at the witches?¡±


    Claire considered. ¡°I personally would wait, but this is a good chance... I''ll leave that decision up to you. We''d be sacrificing the fact we know they''re here.¡±


    Nathan didn''t care. We wouldn''t strike again for many years in either case. And if they move we can still follow.¡±


    That was true. And she supposed there wouldn''t be a better time to do it. ¡°Strike at range and get out of there. I''ll remain here to report to the remainder of the witchblade order where to find the coven after I''ve confirmed their settlement. One of us needs to report to others where they''ve hidden themselves.¡±


    Nathan understood and drew a bow. ¡°If I don''t return. Assume the worst. Keep watch.¡±


    Claire nodded, ¡°Die well if you must die.¡±


    He smirked then took his bow and moved in. Using his spiritual energy to sense for unseen spirits as he ran forward. Claire waited until he was out of sight before frowning and looking behind her. ¡°Why are you following me?¡±


    A shadowed figure took the shape of a red skinned man, who was certainly no demon, but making a mixture of demon and human appearance. ¡°Tidings huntress. I have come seeking permission. Permission to speak.¡±


    A smile and yellow eyes faced her. The figure was an illusion nothing more. Something so subtle few could have noticed it and yet meaningful in making its presence known.


    Annoyed she began. "Speak."


    The figure smiled and made its introductions, "I have come to bargain and pact, as is my station."


    X x X


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