Usynlig wore a smile and snapped her fingers, causing the room to transform into a shop of all sorts. It was bright and well-lit. Different items that any witch may need were displayed around us on shelves.
This wasn't the cabin anymore.
I just stared, not understanding how this was happening right before my eyes. I had a lot of questions that needed to be answered.
"You may enter." Her tone light and airy.
The door opened, and the three men walked in, looking around the shop. They were unusually pale, with dark sunken eyes. Usynlig looked put off by their appearance. One had short sleek back black hair with a full thick beard, wearing a dark blue velvet long-sleeved shirt, long-legged pants, and a cape draped over him. He wore a grimace as he looked at a few items. His hands always remained firmly behind his back. The other two were identical from their heads to their feet. Both had long silky crimson hair and fair skin. They wore similar clothes to the short one except theirs were dark red. They were a lot taller than the guy with short hair.
I covered my nose, feeling sick by their smell. They didn't seem to have any blood on them, nor did they look like the walking dead. But something is not right with them.
"So, Usynlig, I see the shop is still doing well." The short one spoke without looking at her.
"It appears so. I can't say the same for you. You three don't look too well." She kept her eyes on them.
"Recently, an unknown illness has plagued the coven, but I assure you it is not deadly just bothersome." The short one sighed.
"I assume you know why we ventured all the way out here." One of the twins interrupted, while the other looked disgusted at what I think was a chicken's foot.
"I do."
"Must we always play charades? Our time is valuable and cannot be wasted." The short one appeared to be angry. He looked straight at us, avoiding eye contact with Usynlig.
"You could've saved us all the hassle if you would've just listened to my answer the first few times I gave it to you." She crossed her arms, still wearing that fake smile.
"Usy please, can't we all just get along?" The other twin spoke.
"The situation is dire. The High Priestess is not doing well. We beg you to at least accompany her for a meal."
Judging by their aura, I don't believe they are here to do any harm. There was something I couldn't see, but my senses were telling me that danger was near. I looked up at Usynlig to see if she could sense it too, but her eyes were firmly locked on the three men. I glanced over at the short man, and our eyes happened to meet.
"And who is the child?" He glared at me.
I glared back, refusing to be intimidated.
"She's my daughter." She stepped out in front of me.
"We didn't know you had a child." The twins hopped closer to us.
"A lot can happen in ten years."
"And the father?" The short man asked, staring at the floor.
"I've had many partners come and go. Some only care to stay the night. So there's no telling which lucky man's seed I took." Her face twitched with anger.
"What caused such injuries on her? Were you two attacked?" A hint of worry laced the short one's voice.
"Yes, but I handled it."
"What? Attacked! Usy, who in their right minds would do such a thing?" The twins looked upset.
"Just a couple of unsatisfied customers." She shrugged.
"Were you injured as well?" The one with black hair stepped closer.
"Not as much as my little one. Since then, she has been a bit wary of strangers, so I would appreciate it if you three left now."
I shifted around on my crutches.
"Hm? And how old is the child?" The red-haired twin peered at me closely, ignoring Usynlig's plea.
"That is no concern of yours."
"There's no need to be feisty. I am simply curious as to why you've kept her hidden away from the coven." He smiled at me, and I glared back at him.
"It's the same reason why I left." Her smile fell, sending a chill down my spine.
There was a moment of silence between them. The air felt thick and uncomfortable until one of the twins cleared his throat.
"Usy look, this new moon we are having the Introductory to Magic Festival. I beg you to join us. The High Priestess would love to see you again. Especially the child." The twins walked up to us.
"Thank you, but no. We are-"
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a child of magic. Usy, don't you remember the first time you attended one? How magnificent it was. It's a rite of passage for our little ones."
"I'm sorry to have wasted your time."
"Come on, what about you little one? Wouldn't you like to meet the other witches your age in our coven?" The twins bent down to my level.
"It's probably best if I don't. If she says no, then it's a no for the both of us." I gripped onto her dress as a child would.
"You have our answer, now please leave while I'm asking nicely." She placed her hand on my shoulder.
The twins stood up, whispering to each other.
The air was tense as they all stared at one another.
"Why must you be difficult. This is an opportunity most people your age could only dream of. It's an honor to be hand chosen by the High Priestess. Usynlig, the master of cloaking magic and the teacher of many, you cannot let this pass. Our coven needs a successor, and she claims it can only be you." The stern little man firmly kept his gaze with Usynlig.
"The situation has changed. I have my little one to care for now." She sighed heavily.
"She is more than welcome to join the coven. As a child of yours, she must be talented and truly wise."
She looked down at me. Her expression was a mix of sadness and frustration.
"Lille-en" She knelt to me, placing her temple against mine.
*"Hey, Lille-en."*
Her voice echoed in my head.
* "Are you using telepathy?" * I was stunned.
* "Yeah, Pretty cool right?" *
I nodded.
* "I want to ask you something. Would you like to meet your grandmother?" *
* "My grandmother? She's still alive?" *
* "Yes. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I thought I could put it off till later, but since they're here I figured why not now. So how about it? Would you like to go see her?" *
* "Would it be okay if I did?" *
I have always wondered if she looked like my mom or maybe had the same attitude as her. But more than anything, I want answers. I want to know how she could just abandon her daughter like that?
I never thought I'd have this chance, but this news of her now fills me with a bubbling rage. Now I have a physical form to direct my anger at.
I wanted to yell and curse at her for being the only family I had left.
* "If you want, we can go and see her. But you'll be going as my child, and you cannot tell her the truth. No one can know you are still alive. Will you be okay with that?" *
I don't like the idea of being someone else's daughter. I already had a mom, and I don't need another. But on the other hand, my curiosity was running wild. I wanted to see the festival that made my mom fall in love with the craft. There were many things I never got to do as a child learning magic. This could be my chance to experience what it would've felt like to be a normal kid born in a coven.
* "It's okay. I'll play the part as your child, and I promise to keep my true identity a secret." * I nodded.
* "Are you sure about this?" *
"Yes. I would like to see the festival." I spoke out loud, without thinking.
I quickly covered my mouth as she let out a little laugh.
"Do I dare assume good news?" The twins raised their brows.
"Yes." Usynlig stood up with her hands on her hips.
"We will have a meal with the High Priestess and attend the coven's festival as requested."
"Good then shall we-"
"But before we do, you must give me your word that you will never approach my child without my permission." Her expression hardened.
The three guys looked at each other, each one nodding to each other before turning their attention back to us.
"You have our word." The short one answered.
I tugged on her dress.
"Can we trust them?" I whispered to her.
"To an extent, yes." She didn't take her eyes off of them.
By the looks of the men, they were eager to leave as soon as possible. So I guess asking for a bath first would be out of the question.
"Shall we be on our way?" One of the twins spoke.
"Lead the way." She smiled at them.
"Won't the little one here get cold out there in such meager clothing?" The twin asked.
"She was raised in colder climates than here. This kind of weather is nothing to her."
"But you know, on the island it can get quite frigid out there." The other one came up behind us.
"She will be fine. So, are we going or not?"
"Yes, yes. Let's go."
One by one, they left the shop, and we followed. She made sure to keep a certain distance between the three men and us. Her hand firmly gripped onto my shoulders. They led us away from the shop, and I quickly turned around to examine where we were now. The whole scenery changed. Instead of being deeply hidden in the woods, we were now prominently displayed on a grassy hilltop. Below a town could be seen with hundreds of people walking around. I wanted to talk to Usynlig, but I didn't want these men to be in our business.
"Usynlig"
"Yes?"
"How'd you do that telepathy thing earlier?" I kept my voice low.
"For me, I can cast it with a thought. But that is a more advanced level of magic. For now, close your eyes and visualize the energy flowing from your head to mine. Then state aloud a spell you find fitting."
"It can be anything?"
"Yes. As long as you hold the image in your head and say the words with intention, then anything is possible. Don't put too much thought into it. Let it flow out of you naturally."
I closed my eyes, trusting Usynlig to lead me down the hill. I cleared my mind and envisioned our auras surrounding our bodies. Watching as mine slowly flowed out from me and over into her head.
"With minds alike and words entrust, let this bond be sealed, so that our thoughts may touch." The words slid right off my tongue.
I opened my eyes.
* "Did it work?" *
* "Congratulations on your first telepathy spell." * She smiled widely at me.
A sense of proudness washed over me.
* "You did a good job. Not most kids can easily cast a spell like this." * She patted my head.
An ache sliced through my chest as her hand touched my hair. For a moment, I saw my mom doing the same thing. It reminded me of all the times my mom would be proud of me for completing simple spells. And how I wish she were the one teaching me this spell right now.
I shook my head, refusing to fall into that mindset again.
* "How long does the spell last?" * I carefully moved the crutches.
My grip kept slipping from the bars, and it was getting harder to command my legs to move.
* "For about ten to fifteen minutes, depending." *
* "Usynlig, tell me you sensed it too. There is something not right with these guys." *
* "I noticed that earlier. They didn't use to look like that. Over the years, they would visit and try to convince me to come back home. Each time their appearances worsened." *
* "Do you think they are some kind of skinwalker, or maybe they are possessed by some darker force?" * I looked at one of the twins.
* "I don't believe so. If they were, they would've tried to attack us already." * Sh folded her arms, watching the boys.
* "Perhaps they're waiting for our guard to be down." *
* "Who knows. Just stay alert and stay by my side at all times." * She warned.
* "What is this place?" *
* "This is the Faroe Islands. It's where the coven your mother and I used to be a part of resides." *
* "I 'm confused." * I looked up at her.
* "When I left the coven, I went into hiding. I built this shop as a cover. They believe this is where I live and work. I set up a system of crystals that tell me whenever someone is near my shop, and with a quick snap of my fingers, I appear here." *
* "But how'd you do that without a sigil?" *
* "There's a large one underneath the floorboards in the shop and at the cabin. To be honest, I have a lot of them scattered around the place because it's just easier to do it that way." *
* "Hm." *
She keeps her location hidden away, even from her coven. Though they may seem decent, there must be a reason why she left and why she doesn't trust these men, including the coven. I'm worried but also kind of excited. These are all new experiences for me. I just wish that I could've shared this moment with my parents.
"Please someone, anyone, just talk to me. I feel like I'm losing my mind." The twin on the right dramatically burst out.
"Brother, stop. You're causing a scene." His twin playfully teased him.
"Enough, you two." The short one scowled at them.
"Come on, Usy. Talk with us. It's been so long since we've last seen you."
"No, thank you, I'm good." She formally denied them.
The path we followed was outlined with shrubs. Rabbits and other small creatures poked their heads out to see the hill's visitors.
"What about you Lille-en, won't you talk with us? Look who we've been stuck with, grumpy the dwarf."
"I swear if you don't!" The short man swung his fist at the boys.
They quickly dodged his attack, running around us as they taunted him. They looked like kids playing around with each other.
* "Is it okay to talk with them?" * I looked to Usynlig.
* "Until we find out more information, just treat them as you would a normal person. You can talk with them if you'd like. Just be mindful of what you say. Less is always better." * She patted my back.
* "Got it." *
I wanted to know about these guys. Casual talk always brings out more hidden tales than anything else.
"What are your names?"
The boys stopped running and approached my right side. They looked at Usynlig, then back at me.
"I'm glad you asked. I'm Gotfred." One bowed to me like a gentleman.
"And I'm Bertram." The other twin did the same.
"And together, we are the Andersen twins." They both jump out in front of me, causing us to stop.
I let out a small laugh.
"Keep it moving." The short man growled.
"Oh shush. We're going." They rolled their eyes, stepping to my side to walk with us.
"Those don't sound like warlock names." I watched the brothers make faces at the short man.
"That's because they're not."
"Isn't it dangerous for you to be giving out your birth names like that?"
"For normal warlocks and witches, yes. But that rule doesn't really apply to us because we are under the protection of the High Priestess. All three of us are." The twin with smaller eyes spoke, showing me the tattoo on their wrists.
"But what about when the High Priestess is replaced? Won't that end?"
"Not exactly. Getting blessed by the High Priestess is like a lifetime commitment. It's a spell that will stay with you even after their passing. So being chosen by the High Priestess to receive this gift is a tremendous honor." They smiled to themselves.
"Hey Usynlig, you sure that one there is able to walk? With her broken legs, she's slowing us down." The short man scoffed at me.
I have never felt so unwanted than in this moment, right here. This tiny man was angry at me or hated me for some reason.
"If you'd like, we can head back home." Usynlig sassed back while still wearing a smile.
"Shall we mother?" I played along, slowly losing my temper towards this man.
"What? No! He didn't mean it. Please pay him no mind. He often tends to speak out of ass." The louder twin approached us.
"Hey, if you have such a problem with my daughter, then I don't see the point of going any further this." She stopped and crossed her arms.
"He doesn't. Otherwise, that would mean leaving here without you when we were literally so close to having you come with us, right?!" One twin spoke loudly towards the short man.
He sighed heavily, scratching the back of his neck, turning around to face us.
"No. There's no problem." He glanced at Usynlig before he continued walking.
"Are you okay to keep going?" She touched my shoulder.
"Yes, I'm good." I readjusted my crutches, wiping the sweat out of my eyes.
I stepped forward, and my legs gave out. My knees scraped against the dirt. Just adding on to the pain I was already feeling.
"Lille-en!" Usynlig knelt to me.
"Are you okay?" The twins gathered around me.
The short man stopped to see what was going on.
"I-I'm good. Just feeling a bit weak." I took deep breaths as exhaustion plagued me.
"We've been traveling around a lot today. She hasn't had a chance to rest yet."
"Here, let me." One twin roped his long arm underneath my legs.
"Wait! What are you-"
He hoisted me up into his arms.
"Just think of me as a cart. I'll assist you on our journey. No fee required." Gotfred winked.
"That's okay. I can carry her myself." Usynlig reached for me.
"No, Usy it's fine. It's the least I could do since we are dragging you all the way out here."
"You sure?" She looked at me, worried.
"A thousand percent." He smiled widely.
"Thank you." I whispered to him, letting myself relax against his chest.
He felt cold to the touch. I couldn't sense any warmth coming from him, which added to my suspicion. I pressed my ear to his chest, trying to find a heartbeat. But it was silent.
My stomach churned with mixed emotions. These guys were starting to gain my favor, but I knew we couldn't trust them. Something inside me felt sorry for them.
The short one turned around and continued walking.
"Though he may seem like a grumpy old man, he has a big heart." One twin spoke loudly in the direction of the moody man, carrying my crutches.
"I'm not grumpy! I just like sticking to our schedule." He looked back.
I noticed how his eyes lingered on Usynlig for a bit. He quickly cleared his throat, turning around. But Usynlig was busy admiring the skyline of the town to notice.
"Anyways, the name is Egon Karlsen. One of the High Priestess's right hand. Which is where I should have been instead of joining these two idiots on a mission they should've been able to handle on their own."
"Don't even try and act all tough. Admit it you wanted to come on this trip just as much as us." The twin I believed to be Gotfred spoke.
"Whatever." Egon scoffed.
"Then why did the High Priestess send you? Was she afraid I'd do something?" Usynlig focused her attention on him.
"No, she just thought it would be a good idea if I did." His voice softened up.
"It really is nice to see you again. I was quite shocked to see you with a child." He kept his gaze forward, never turning around.
His voice was laced with a hint of sorrow.
"She came as a surprise to me too. Life can often throw unseen things into your path." Her voice was soft and airy.
"That is certainly true." He looked out towards the sky
"Psst!" I called the twins.
"Are they ex-lovers?" I whispered.
"Nothing of the sort. They are merely old classmates. My brother and I were their underclassmen. We all studied together at the coven's school." One spoke low.
It seems that wasn't the case for Egon. His body language towards Usynlig is different. He appears to be on guard, but the moment Usynlig speaks his whole being changes. I think his feelings for Usynlig go further than old friends.
"I don't mean to be rude, but how do others tell you two apart?" I looked at the twins.
"Not many do, honestly." One shrugged.
"But one way to know who's who is by our eyes. I have light blue eyes, while my brother Bertram has more aqua-colored eyes."
I stared a bit, now being able to see their subtle differences. The more I observed them, I noticed how Bertram was more modest and reserved, while Gotfred was the more flashy twin. Who spoke loudly and was more extroverted than his twin.
"You are an interesting child."
I nodded in agreement.
"Do you know why they our coven name is Rings Of The New Moon?" Gotfred looked at me.
I shook my head.
"Well the founder first started the coven with her three sister. They were inseparbly and loyal to one another. They believed that we are most powerful on the new moon and that each member of the coven is lika golden ring. Valuable and beautiful."
"So, then we are the rings?" I peered up at him.
"Yes."
I noticed Egon stopped in the middle of the pathway.
"You can put me down now."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm fine now."
He placed me down gently, handing me my crutches.
"Please step into the circle." The Egon signaled us to a sigil burned onto the ground.
"Let us return home." He spat on the ground.
Ew.
A burst of emerald light swirled around us. It felt like we were falling into a vortex that was ready to consume us whole. I gripped onto Usynlig tightly, closing my eyes.
"You can open your eyes now. We're here." She gently tapped my arm.
I slowly opened my eyes, happy to see the ground beneath my feet.
"Little one not used to entering through portals?" Gotfred smiled at us.
"Not yet." Usynlig nervously looked around.
The sigil used to enter this place was drawn into the stone below our feet. I peered up as the wild winds whipped around us. My eyes widened as I saw that we were now standing on top of a mountain. The sight was unlike anything I've seen before. It was as though we were levitating above the sea. The clouds taunted me, just begging me to reach out and grasp them. I breathed in the crisp ocean air, and the wolf in me wanted to howl over the edge in joy.
"Incredible, isn't it?" Bertram stood beside me.
I had no words to say. I was simply in awe.
Usynlig stared out towards the ocean with a woeful expression. Tiny glints danced in the corner of her eyes, refusing to touch the skin of her cheeks. I held her hand tightly, not knowing how to comfort her. She wore a smile to cover the wounds that her past had left on her. In more ways than one, we were alike. She squeezed my hand back, letting me know that she will be alright.
"Usynlig?" Egon reached out for her, then quickly retracted his hand as she let out a deep breath.
She used her free hand to clean her eyes.
"Are you okay?" The short man contemplated on whether to approach her.
"Yes. I just prefer not being here. So let's get this over with as quickly as possible." She cleared her throat, sniffling a bit as she walked away from the sigil, tugging me along with her.
The three men followed closely behind us. She led us to a large boulder that had a keyhole in the center of it. Egon walked over to the massive boulder.
"Let me." His voice was now gentler than before.
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of rock. One similar to the mountain we were standing on. It was rather rigid and looked nothing like a key. To my surprise, he slowly pushed in the rock, turning it four times before pushing it in completely. Egon used both hands to move the boulder back. It moved like a door with its hinges connected on the left to something we could not see. Once that boulder moved from in front of us, voices and people flooded the area. I glanced around as we walked in. The coven carved out homes and shops on the walls of the mountain. Pathways were sculpted and connected to the living spaces. It was like a whole village lived inside this massive rock.
Egon closed the door and pushed the stone back into place. As he did, the key popped back out.
"For now, we will escort you to chambers and retrieve you in a bit for dinner." Bertram waved at us to follow him.
"Oo! The High Priestess is going to freak when she sees your little one." Gotfred chuckled with his brother.
"I will do that!" We all jumped, hearing Egon raise his voice.
"I mean, I will escort them to their chambers while you two report back to the High Priestess." He composed himself.
"What, why? Isn't that your job? I wanna stay with Usy!" Gotfred held onto Usynlig's arm.
"Because as the High Priestess's right hand, I have the authority to do so. Now go on." He pried the boy away from her.
"Come on brother, let's go do 'our' job." Bertram smiled at the short man, tugging his brother away.
"Shall we." Egon smiled.
As we walked to wherever this man was leading us to, people passing by stared at us, continuously whispering Usynlig's name. But she paid them no mind. They walked around barely conscious of anything around them. They looked like the walking dead, each one pale with dark sunken eyes.
I didn't feel safe. What kind of illness did this to these people?
"You're determined to keep an eye on us, aren't you?" She spoke calmly.
"No. I'm merely here to ensure your safety."
"And why would you need to do that?"
"It's just a precaution." He slowed down a bit. Taking smaller, more leisurely steps.
"And what makes you think we need your protection?"
"I know you don't, but just humor me for a while." He turned back, and a small smile stretched across his lips.
Usynlig's eyes widened for a second.
"If I must." She looked down, smiling to herself as her cheeks dusted with pink.
We walked down steps and under handmade bridges. People continued to stare, and I was starting to get used to the feeling of being watched. He stopped in front of two large metal doors that were guarded by several well-dressed men like Egon. They seemed to tense up as we approached.
"Stand down, they are with me as a request from the High Priestess." He put his hand up in front of Usynlig.
"Apologies." They opened the doors, allowing us in. Quickly closing them soon after.
"You will be staying here for the time being." He pointed us to a room that looked almost identical to a room of a cabin house.
Please tell me there is somewhere I can wash up in this place. I have yet to see their bathing quarters.
"And the baths?"
Yes! Usynlig, thank you.
"I'll have a fellow sister come by and take you to freshen up." He placed his arms behind his back.
"Thank you. I think it's safe to say you are good to go now. Your mission is complete, and we are tired." She brushed past him, walking to the room.
I stepped forward, and my head began to pound. I froze in place, holding my temples.
"Uh, um, I guess I will see you later." He turned around, watching Usynlig as he walked away.
"Do what you must." I could hear her chuckle.
My vision began to blur. I shook my head, trying to shoo away the nauseating feeling that washed over me in tidal waves. I could no longer hold onto my crutches. I dropped them, letting their crash echo throughout the area.
Their laughing stopped.
"Lille-en? Are you okay?" I could hear her ask.
Everything swirled together, fusing into one blurred mess I couldn't make out. I could feel a warm liquid drip down my chin. I wiped my nose, seeing red smeared across my palm.
"I-I don't think so." I strained to speak.
Then everything went black. There were no sounds, no light, just black.
I swear, if it's not one thing, it's another.