Beautiful.

Nature exposed her beauty, like a charming woman seducing her target. 

The leaves were full, luscious, and vibrant. 

The birds hummed, the butterflies flattering, the little noises from the nearby creatures singing in tune from time to time. 

In a little over a week, summer would take its full bloom.

But in preparation, mother nature had slowed her crying. And for the past few days, not even a drizzle could be seen across the land. 

Ah yes… 

This was the weather many loved. 

Many were indeed happy to see themselves make it through another harsh year.

The sunny weather felt like a liberation from all they went through.

It felt good to be alive.

Along the streets, many pulled their carts, drove their wagons, moved on foot, farmed, and lived their best lives, not fearing impending death from nature’s harsh seasons.

Just like bears and other creatures of the world, many were already planning to gather little by little for the winter.

This was the time to fix any problems, build more, and gather enough grain!

And for others, this was the time for love.

No rains, no snow, no cold winds… They could stroll around with their partners, enjoying the sweetness of youth or old age.

This was the most crucial season of the year for many.

Not only because of prosperity but also because of wars.

Generals led their armies, clans clashed to destroy themselves, secrets stolen, people kidnapped… With the sun came more dangers.

As they say, the more the light grew, the darker the shadow reflected. 

Likewise, just as many were happy and full of bubbly life, the same couldn’t be said for others. 

.

–The Blood Hall, Hidden Fortress, Tenola.–

.

It was still the heart of daytime. 

Yet, a massive hall that should’ve been well lit with sunlight was as dark as night itself. 

In several circular rows and columns, over 800 women sat in absolute silence. 

They were as quiet as statues, never speaking or even coughing.

Their faces were ‘invisible,’ thanks to their black veils. 

Their hands laced with black gloves, their robes black and everything else black, as inky black.

Take a closer look!

It might look like they were all from one faction. But attacked on their veils were massive symbols belonging to the specific elders they followed.

These came from the many hidden fortresses scattered around Tenola. 

The seating arrangement was akin to 13 triangles placed in a circular pattern like a flower. 

All 12 Elders sat at the forefront of each ‘triangular row. And the last, most prominent row was meant for the Leader of the witches and those belonging to the main fortress.

Everyone had a firm expression on their faces.

And why did they visit the main fortress? 

This was for the Full Moon Festival!

And as usual, they feasted on the men captured after the purification process.

This year, they had been promised a major surprise – The Traitor’s daughter!

Many of them wanted to watch the historical moment when the Traitor’s daughter would be in their hands.

Such a thing will no doubt be recorded down in Witch history! 

Who didn’t want to go down in books in that manner? 

Additionally, they had high hopes of offering such a high sacrifice to their Goddess of Witchcraft & Sorcery so they could get more and more of her blessings. 

Many of them wanted strange powers that they believed only their goddess could provide.

Others wanted to rise in power, while some wanted immortality.

There they were, minding their business in their many fortresses, when suddenly, they received word from the leader about this matter. 

Their hopes were raised too high because of all the announcements and promises their current leader had sent out over time. 

Too bad reality was such a disappointment.

Overpromising led to greater dissatisfaction.

So to say they were disappointed with their leader was an understatement.

What sort of leader can’t even capture a wee little girl in such a lowly place like Pyno?

The more they looked at their leader through their black veils, the more dissatisfied they were with her. 

Though veiled, Jamila could still feel their dissatisfaction from her high seat. 

.

Elder Yanji!

She was in the current movement that had long wanted to replace Jimila with another. 

Fluttering her fan, she crossed her legs, looking rather alluring. 

Though witch council elders are those from 46 and above, they were well maintained, looking like people in their early 30s. 

And coupled with the fact that these were medieval times, even if they grew fat, what could be considered fat might only be chubby in the eyes of modern people. 

Well, they might have been chubby if not for the fact that in their line of work, they never stopped training, lest they meet assassins that wanted to take their lives.

Fluttering her face, the 48-year-old elder narrowed her crescent-shaped eyes at Jimila. 

”Forgive me for my abruptness, Head Witch. But the festival was long done and over with a week ago. And all this time, you’ve not spoken or given us an explanation for the disappointment during the festival.”

Exactly!

Why haven’t you spoken about it?

The other elders and their followers felt their blood boiling.

Even if there was some logical explanation, why didn’t she speak on it until now? Was it guilt or a way to look for excuses for her failure?

Forgive them for being rude, but their precious dissatisfaction with her over the years was now amplified. 

(*^*)

.

Looking at Jimila, even her stature didn’t seem pleasing to the eyes anymore. 

When a person has given up on another, even the other person’s eyebrow movement becomes annoying. 

Though they couldn’t see her face, they still found other ways to get dissatisfied. 

’How ugly! Just look at her short hands? Aren’t they too short for the Blessed robe? Isn’t this evidence that the robe is rejecting her? The robe is a gift from the Goddess herself. Is she truly worthy of wearing it?’

’Why does she keep focusing on one section of the room? Is she favoring them over us seated here?’

’Just look at her deflating sacs on her chest? Even Elder Yanji, who is older than her, has a fuller sac. It’s clear that the leader isn’t receiving all the blessings and nutrients from the daily sacrifices offered. So isn’t this proof that she isn’t worthy?

One by one, many inwardly had things to say. 

And though Jimila couldn’t see their faces or read their inner thoughts, she could still feel their dissatisfaction. 

Squinting her eyes, she carefully stared at the troublemaker who sparked the flames — Elder Yanji.

The woman had been trying to replace her with the 34-year-old Edna, one of their most talented genius witches.

Her ideas were new, fresh… And most importantly, have never failed!

Many believe that she, the soon-to-be 41-year-old head witch, should pack up and give way for this innovative genius. 

They, the witches, might look out together on the surface. But in reality, they had many cracks within them, with people all wanting to be the leader. 

It was similar to a monarchy, with rulers fighting to take the throne.

They might despise men for this fact, but they were quite similar when it came to power. 

It was true that many had their hidden agendas, but when it came to outsiders, they would stand united. 

Maybe that was their only redeeming quality. 

That said, many believed the vibrant 34-year-old Edna with her brilliant mind and blessed power, ‘Toenail,’ should become the head. 

Edna’s toenails could grow as long and sharp as foot claws at her will. 

That’s why when fighting she would rely more on her feet. 

Many have wanted the two of them to have a showdown to decide who gets the throne.

But why should she?

She was already the head, so why put herself at a disadvantage, especially knowing that her opponent was crafty, smart, quick-witted, and more than what meets the eye?

Looking at Edna, seated directly behind Elder Yanji, Jimila knew that the duo, as well as the followers and several other siders, might use this matter against her. 

Luckily, she had prepared for their ‘attack.’

.

”Elder Yanji, I understand your concerns and that of others… But before jumping to conclusions, why don’t you all just listen?” Jimila tried to speak calmly, but her hot-tempered nature made her voice sound a little harsh to many. 

Edna smiled. “Indeed. Everyone, I think our leader is right. Surely, she must have some grave explanation for it all. So we shouldn’t rush into this matter.” 

Once again, Yanji’s faction had taken the lead with Edna’s heavenly voice had suddenly calmed many down. 

It was weird to say that even when using the cone-shaped metal megaphone, her voice didn’t sound like yellings. 

It was very noble. 

Edna smirked underneath her veil.

This position was hers!

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