Witch Crystal (Witches of Zrotaz Book 1) Page 7

  “Many years ago, when Zrotaz was safe, the witches

  didn’t need a refuge planet, but times have taken an ugly

  turn. The High Witch became powerful.”

  “Who is the High Witch?”

  “She is the most evil of all witches, and leads the Empire

  Witches in the west. She became powerful to her position

  after the fall of our sister planet, Saturn, and is now working

  to dominate all of Zrotaz, the planet is divided into four

  quadrants – The east, south, north, and west witches.” “But what does she want?”

  “She wants Zrotaz and everything in this galaxy. She

  wants fear instilled in all witches to do her bidding. She

  wants the witches to serve her black power. At the

  beginning, she thought it would be easy, but the witches

  fought back. Many perished; those who survived the attacks

  went into hiding.

  “Discussions took place all over Zrotaz and it was

  agreed to ask the Earth Spirits to gain entry to their planet.” “Earth is guarded by Spirits?” asked Larissa.

  “Yes. They are the guardians of Earth, and have been so

  for millions of years. Earth is full of secret magic, but the humans cannot see it. The spirits, to protect the humans in times of need, release the magic. Therefore, planet Earth is the best place for witches to seek refuge. The spirits granted permission for the witches of the east, south, and north to gain entry, but in moderation, so as not to arouse suspicion

  in the humans.”

  “What do I need to do?” Larissa could feel tension in the

  room, it didn’t help that she was feeling anxious herself.

  “Can you tell me something about the prophecy?” “I can tell you what information I have. A prophecy was

  made five hundred years ago. By whom, we cannot be

  certain. Stories have been exaggerated but the fact is that it

  was about you and the Crystal and that, together, you two

  are destined to save Zrotaz from high evil.”

  The Sacred Witch waved her arms, and they all were

  back in the room once again.

  “You need to close those holes, Larissa. With the power

  of the Crystal, coupled with your own, you will succeed. The

  meeting is now adjourned.”

  “Wait! What about Chantelle? We can’t leave her to their

  mercy!”

  However, no one seemed to have heard her. The room

  was thinning, and Larissa could no longer see the Sacred

  Witch. The walls turned into the Yorkshire moorland

  landscape, stretching out far before them. Thunderous grey

  skies lay heavily over the moors, Larissa could see the sea.

  She was standing deep in long grass now, with her mother

  and Jake.

  “What just happened?” she asked.

  “It was time to end the meeting. Your questions about

  Chantelle cannot be answered in front of everyone; the

  witches must not know about her abduction,” said Marcaria. Jake sat on a large rock, putting his hands on his hand. “The witches are already anxious, and if the news of

  Chantelle’s abduction reaches them, there would be a lot of

  frightened witches. They would try to contact the council,

  thus causing a lot of activity, which may bring the attention of the humans to the centre of this mayhem. Not a good thing, considering we are trying to remain in hiding,” said Jake. “Marcaria, can I talk to the Sacred Witch about my

  mother? She must know something.”

  “Yes Jake. Come along with Larissa and me; we are to

  meet the Sacred Witch at midnight. For now, let’s get home

  and rest,” said Marcaria.

  “I will take my leave, I will see you at midnight,” said

  Jake. He left mother and daughter to head back home.

  9

  ZROTAZ

  Abyliss paced the space around the circle. His fellow comrades waited for their leader to speak, sensing apprehension.

  They stood on a tall hill, which was almost hidden by surrounding white clouds. The rays of the sun filtered through, casting long shadows along the grass, and the sound of a rushing waterfall added to the serenity of the unisus’ dwelling.

  “What have you decided, Abyliss?” Charm, a fair unisus stepped forward. Her voice was pure and rang like bells.

  “For centuries, the fight has been between the witches. Our ancestors did not intervene, why should we now?” asked Myeth, a broad, brown stallion.

  “Myeth, we are unisus’ and are born to protect. The magical powers that we possess are beyond the witches’ abilities, and it is what we use to combat against evil. The witches know that. Perhaps our ancestors were blind to the fact, but we are not.” Charm shot Myeth a look of loathing.

  Abyliss turned to face them. “Both of you have a fair point, but Charm is right, Myeth. The High Witch was not a threat during the time of our ancestors. She was innocent then, but the wickedness has taken her soul. The lives of the witches of Zrotaz, as well as other creatures – including us – from other planets in the galaxy, are in dire jeopardy. We have little choice but to intervene.

  “And you are prepared to lead us into danger, to probably kill us all?” Myeth scowled.

  Charm went to Abyliss. “I will fight, Abyliss. You can count on me.”

  Myeth scoffed. “I have been to the Witches Council, Abyliss, as you asked. The boy, Zleus, made a visit.”

  “That is good. What did you ascertain from that?” asked Abyliss.

  “He is worried more for his mother than for the future of our world. Do you think we should be fighting for witches such as him?”

  “Zarina is a much respected witch, with abilities that outshine most other witches. Even if she didn’t possess such powers, she would be no less a witch, Myeth. Zleus is a young boy who loves his mother very much, as he should. A boy’s love for his mother must not be ridiculed.”

  “What about the girl?” Myeth challenged Abyliss.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “The rumours have spread. The word is that the Crystal has been found. It has matured and has accepted Larissa as its equal. Larissa and the Crystal, together, will destroy the High Witch.”

  “Where did you hear this?” Abyliss asked, curiosity engaging him.

  Myeth shrugged.

  “It is true. The word is all around Zrotaz,” said Charm.

  “Then it is important we act sooner rather than later.” Abyliss turned to the circle, “My friends, I want you all to be ready for when the witches will need our assistance. Summon your powers and sharpen your awareness. We will meet when I know of more developments, but in the meantime, keep a lookout and inform me if any of you see anything different on our planet. This meeting is adjourned.”

  * *

  Abyliss sat on the grass, soaking up the light from the moon. The stars and planets shone above, and Abyliss watched the mass of purple dust dance on the surface of Saturn, the sister planet of Zrotaz. His thoughts wandered to Myeth’s disagreement of helping Zleus and Zarina.

  It was true their ancestors did not interfere in other creatures’ affairs. They thought it was not their duty or their business to fight others’ wars. Times have changed, however, and Zrotaz and its creatures must be protected. A unisus’ duty is to protect and it must be fulfilled.

  Their ancestors were wrong to ignore such a right, and they perished. But he won’t, and he won’t let his comrades do the same, he concluded.

  “Abyliss.”

  Abyliss sighed. “Charm, you should be resting.”

  Charm folded her wings, and sat beside her friend.

  “You should be too,” she responded. “You look worried.”

  “These are dark days, Charm, and I need the support of everyone.”

&nbs
p; “I support you and always will.”

  “But not Myeth,” said Abyliss, looking troubled.

  “Myeth is very stubborn. He has never liked the witches, and only does what is required of him, when you tell him. He cannot disobey your orders. The same is true for all of us. If you order him to fight, he is bound,” Charm said. Abyliss turned his head to face her. “I don’t want to force him. It shouldn’t be like that. Myeth should be willing to fight without any orders.”

  He stood and flexed his wings. Charm stood too. “Come back to the dwelling and rest, Abyliss. It is very late. We need our rest, especially you.”

  Abyliss let Charm lead the way back. He was quite tired, and welcomed the thought of his resting place. He yawned, and Charm smiled.

  “I told you so,” she couldn’t help saying.

  Abyliss laughed heartily. Just as they reached their warm dwelling, a falcon flew in their midst. He had an envelope clutched in his talons.

  “Decro, what a nice surprise to see you,” Abyliss smiled.

  “I won’t say the same,” the falcon grumbled, and dropped the envelope. “Well, a good night to you two.” He flew away.

  “He never warmed to me, that falcon.” Abyliss shook his head in regret.

  “What does the letter say?” Charm asked.

  The letter rose to their eye level, and opened on Abyliss’ quiet command.

  The wise unisus began to read.

  “Abyliss, I need to speak to you urgently. Please meet me at my house tomorrow morning at seven. PS. Can you fly?”

  The letter floated to the ground, like a lazy feather.

  “Abyliss, what are you thinking?” Charm broke the short silence.

  “I admit I am a little disturbed. Zleus has never requested – or demanded in this case – to see him. It sounds important.”

  “Would you like me to accompany you?” Charm asked.

  “Thank you my dear, but he has requested me to see him and, it seems, me only. Well, let us get some sleep now. It’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow.”

  10

  Zleus waited on his doorstep. He hoped the letter had reached Abyliss, but he couldn’t be sure. Actually, nobody could be sure with falcons, which were mainly grumpy and unreliable creatures. It was hard to persuade Decro to take the letter to Abyliss, and so a silver coin was offered as his reward for service.

  It was a warm morning, and the sun was just peeking over the horizon. Rainbow birds stood in line on a tree branch, looking about with interest. One yawned, and nearly toppled over. Zleus laughed.

  Hearing approaching hooves he knew Abyliss was coming. He wasn’t at all surprised to see Charm

  accompanying him. Charm, the beautiful unisus, was always by Abyliss’ side. She was just fifteen years old when her family were killed in a battle between the north and west witches. Abyliss then had taken her into his protection.

  “Good morning,” Abyliss said, coming to a stop by his friend.

  “Thank you for coming, Abyliss,” said Zleus. “How are you, Charm? I should have known you would come too.” However, Zleus was smiling.

  “My dear Zleus,” Charm nuzzled her head against his face, making him chuckle.

  “I had forbidden her to come, but as you know, she is very stubborn.” Abyliss shook his head.

  “It doesn’t matter Abyliss,” said Zleus, still smiling. “It wouldn’t be right for you to travel here on your own.”

  “Well, I beg to differ, young man. I am not that old! Tell me now; what was the urgency that you had to send a letter with that dreaded falcon? Why did you want to see me?” Abyliss watched his friend’s face.

  “I went to see the Sacred Witch as I said I would,” Zleus began.

  Abyliss nodded. “Myeth informed me.”

  “We talked about my mother, and of a rescue plan. The Sacred Witch wants a meeting with the Sacred Witches of the south and north.”

  “Sounds like a good idea,” Abyliss approved.

  “But we have to fly there,” said Zleus. “I was hoping you could help me.”

  “How do you mean?” asked Charm.

  “I was hoping...if Abyliss could come with me, to fly me there.”

  Both Abyliss and Charm looked at each other.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Zleus. “Is that a wrong thing to ask?”

  “Zleus, my dear boy, I am very near to eighty years old in human years. In witches’ years that is a hundred and fifty years old.”

  “I didn’t realise...I thought...” this information took time to digest, and he understood. “So that means that you are not able to fly, at all?”

  “Oh, I can fly, but not great journeys, I’m afraid. My wings are tired, and I am not sure they would be able to do the job. Zleus, dear boy, I haven’t flown long distances in as close to a hundred years. The younger mares and stallions are the only ones strong enough to carry passengers safely,” said Abyliss.

  “Then, how do you travel any distances?” Zleus asked, clearly perplexed.

  “We use our magic,” replied Charm. “As we get older, our magic becomes strong and powerful, but with age, it has limits. Elder unisus’ can only fly short distances with their magic, but would need much rest in between. A great deal of travelling is done on foot.”

  “That’s that then, I won’t be able to attend the meeting with the Sacred Witches,” stated Zleus, glum and defeated.

  “Not quite,” smiled Abyliss.

  Both Charm and Zleus looked at him with curiosity, and surprise.

  “I may not be able to fly, but my dear Charm here, will be able to accompany you, Zleus,” said Abyliss.

  “That is out of the question!” Charm protested severely. “Who will look after you whilst I am away?”

  “You worry about me too much. I don’t need looking after. Now, it is settled. You will go with Zleus, and send me information every day. I will meet with the Sacred Witch to discuss what needs to be prepared. I believe they will be travelling by broomstick?”

  Zleus nodded.

  “Very well, we shall leave now. We have much to organize and, as I believe, you and the Council do too.”

  “Thank you Abyliss,” said Zleus.

  “We shall speak soon,” said Abyliss.

  * *

  The Sacred Witch met with Zleus privately, a day after he met with Abyliss. She arrived at his home unexpectedly. He was engrossed in his reading, and received a shock when she knocked on his door.

  Zleus lived in a ragged stone and mud cottage that was set in woodland clearing, many miles away from the city.

  His mother, Zarina preferred the life in this natural habitat. She always said that magic was resourced more effectively from the stem trees.

  Zleus didn’t show the surprise he felt, and let the small party of two other witch councillors he had met – Verna and Beskine, as well as the Sacred Witch – into his small abode.

  “Are you prepared for this long and dangerous journey, Zleus?” the High Witch looked strange standing in his very simple cottage. However, she didn’t falter in the small space. She took off her scarf, and made herself comfortable on a chair. Verna took a seat too but Beskine remained standing; he did not look too happy.

  “I think so,” replied Zleus, where in fact he wasn’t at all.

  “Very good, now, we shall be travelling over waters that possess evil, so we need to be prepared. I am pleased to tell you that the Witches Council is trained to defend themselves and others, if something disturbing occurs. I don’t expect you to know powerful spells at a young age. Can you tell me, have you had duel or defence spell training?”

  “My mother has taught me some spells, but I have never used a defence spell,” said Zeus.

  The Sacred Witch pondered this information. “I will arrange a defence and attack training schedule for you. Beskine will be the best trainer. During the time you are with us, you will be our responsibility, and we will keep you as safe as possible. If the unforeseen happens, Zleus, we would need you to fight.”<
br />
  The Sacred Witch blew on the small table that stood in front of her, and a hefty book appeared.

  “This book will prepare you for the training ahead. It contains information on powerful spells, attack and defence strategies. I suggest you pay attention to these closely. The meeting with the North and South Witches has been scheduled for a month’s time. Travelling to Eve’s Drop will be eventful, and not at all easy. I will ask you again, are you prepared for such a journey?”

  “My mother means more to me than my own life,” said Zleus.

  The Sacred Witch smiled. “I am pleased to hear it. Beskine will train you every day for two hours, and in the free time you have, I expect you to learn the spells. Training will commence in two days.”

  Beskine looked even more unhappy; Zleus wondered if the training would be fun at all! The Sacred Witch left Zleus in a haze of excitement and dread.

  * *

  Zleus sighed, and looked up at the sky. He missed his mother very much, and especially this day. He needed to know she was safe. Whatever happened, he would rescue her. If only he could get a hold of Xyth, and inform him of what had happened to their mother. Why wasn’t he responding?

  Frustrated, Zleus went back into the house. He saw the book, and decided to take the Sacred Witch’s advice. Approaching it, he opened it to a page. A mass of grey, angry waves took up the centre fold inside the book. The night sky in the picture darkened its depths. Zleus shuddered; he was worried about crossing the Dead Sea, which lay between the west side of Zrotaz and Eve’s Drop, a place in the geography of the Evelyn Mountains. Terrible stories circled between the witch clans, whether they were myth or reality, he wasn’t sure but he had a feeling he would find out soon enough!

  Zleus took a closer look at the picture, and was sure he saw something sinister lurking beneath the waves – a sea monster? Zleus shook his head. No, he was over thinking things, and anyway, like the Sacred Witch said, he will be looked after...if...

  * *

  Zarina tried to find her son. She knew he would be worried about her, and would do anything to find her. But she didn’t want him to endanger his life. Zarina had no idea what part of the castle she had been imprisoned in. The Empire Witches had tortured her relentlessly, and the effects were almost unbearable. Zarina’s magic was weakening. However, she must be strong and concentrate to find a way to escape!