The Witch's City

by M. Gregg Roe

  “Aliva!” yelled Isadora. “I need your help.”

  Aliva yanked the arrow out of her shoulder and frowned as she saw the barbed iron tip. Removing it that way had caused more injury, but she could feel the wound already beginning to heal. The arrow was crafted from a reddish-brown wood and fletched with black feathers. She tossed it away and walked over to the other two.

  “I have stopped the bleeding,” explained Isadora as Aliva squatted down by Ariel’s legs. The arrow had found a gap in the leg armor and was deep in Ariel’s thigh.

  Aliva removed Ariel’s sword belt and then began to remove the leg armor. “The tip is barbed,” she told Isadora. “I’ll break off the back of it and push it through.”

  “And I will be ready to heal her,” added Isadora, smiling at Ariel. She pulled out a small cloth and rolled it up before placing it in Ariel’s right hand. “Put that in your mouth and bite on it. That way you will not bite your tongue.”

  “Okay.” Ariel stuffed the cloth between her teeth.

  After removing all of the armor from Ariel’s left leg, Aliva used her knife to cut away most of the pants leg. “Just hold still, Ariel. This won’t take long.” Ariel nodded, but she looked worried.

  Aliva carefully took hold of the arrow with both hands and snapped off the end with the fletching. After taking hold of Ariel’s leg with her left hand, she began to push the arrow through with her right. It wasn’t long until the tip tore through the skin on the other side. Aliva could feel the tension in Ariel’s body, but the young woman kept herself still and made no noise. Blood streamed out from the new wound as Aliva grasped the tip and pulled as straight as she could manage until the arrow was completely out.

  Isadora clamped her hands over both wounds and said, “Recovery!” as her hands began to glow softly. Ariel relaxed, and the cloth fell from her mouth.

  “Thanks,” said Ariel after a few moments. “That feels lots better now.”

  Aliva stood up and surveyed their surroundings. She estimated that they were only about two or three miles north of the ferry crossing. Good weather yesterday had allowed them to make good time. Everything had been going fine today too—until the ambush.

  “These pants are ruined,” complained Ariel as she stood up and frowned down at her legs.

  “Just be happy you are alive, Ariel,” scolded Isadora with an amused look. “Did you not bring another pair?”

  “Oh yeah,” she replied with a startled look. “I did. I’ll change and then see what shot at us.”

  “Nicely done,” Aliva told Isadora as the two of them walked a few yards away from where Ariel was now excitedly stripping off clothing. “She seems fine now.”

  Isadora nodded. “The miracle of healing magic. But it cannot completely make up for losing so much blood; she needs to eat and drink. How much farther is it?”

  “Not far. Probably less than an hour. We can eat a good meal in Rohoville. Then you can either spend the night or take an overnight ship to the Witch’s City.”

  “I suspect that Ariel wants to get home as soon as possible, so I think we will take the ship.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “And you will remain in Rohoville?” asked Isadora.

  “Yes. I’m planning to stay with Adrian and Asria, and to ask them for advice about my problem.”

  “Then I pray that they can help you.”

  “Thank you.”

  After several minutes, Ariel walked up with a disappointed look. “Orcs, I think. Or at least orc-sized. They’re kind of burnt. I don’t see any more of them.”

  “Then let us go,” said Isadora. “Aliva says that it is not much farther now.”

  “Okay,” replied Ariel, and she promptly headed south.

  23

  ‡ Isadora ‡

  Audrey knew that she really wasn’t accomplishing anything by going to the docks each morning to see if an overnight ship had brought a letter from Violet. Even if there had been some delay with the caravan, a letter should have arrived days earlier. The fact that it hadn’t worried her deeply. Maybe it had gotten lost somehow. Maybe they had been so busy celebrating Violet’s baby that they had forgotten about it. Or maybe something bad had happened. It had gotten to the point where she was seriously considering asking Saxloc to escort her to Farmerton.

  That was another issue. Saxloc and Rosalind were now happily dating, and Audrey finally had to admit to herself that she was jealous. And lonely. She knew that she should start looking for someone else, but she kept finding excuses not to.

  Audrey was approaching the door of the small Novox office near the docks when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. She looked back with surprise at Ariel, outfitted for travel and rapidly striding her way. “We saw Violet’s baby!” she said excitedly. “He’s really cute!”

  An wave of relief swept over Audrey as she returned Ariel’s smile. Her prayers had been answered. She only noticed that Isadora was also there when the woman handed her a folded piece of paper. It was a note from Violet, brief and to the point: “Audrey, Quentin has arrived. Orian won’t stop smiling. Come and see us. — Violet”

  Audrey put her hands to her chest. “I am so relieved. I have been really worried about her. Thank you for bringing this.”

  “You are welcome,” said Isadora. “The baby was born on the first of the month. I examined them while we were there and they are both fine.”

  “Since Audrey is here, can I go?” asked Ariel as she put down the canvas bag she had been carrying.

  “Yes, Ariel, you can …” Isadora trailed off since Ariel had already taken off running toward the gate. She shook her head and sighed. “Dayne proposed and she thinks that she needs her parents’ permission.”

  “Actually,” said Audrey, “I’ve got a similar issue.”

  “Saxloc proposed?”

  “No, it was the other man. Saxloc is seeing someone else.”

  “I will be happy to speak with you while I am here and provide counsel. Do you have time to serve as my guide this morning?” Isadora gestured toward the gate. “Mine has now disappeared and I have never been to the Witch’s City before.”

  “Of course,” replied Audrey. She picked up the bag that Ariel had left, finding it heavier than she expected. “What’s in this?” she asked.

  “A skeleton and Morton’s gauntlet.”

  Audrey looked at the bag with trepidation. “So that’s why you’re here.”

  “Yes. I need to go to the Temple of Arwon and speak with the High Priest.”

  “Okay. We need to register you first as a visitor. Did you eat breakfast?”

  “No. Ariel was in too much of a hurry.”

  Audrey hadn’t eaten either. “There’s a place just inside the gate where we can get something.”

  “That is fine.”

  The booth just before the gate served to register Isadora with both Novox and the City Guard. As long as Isadora didn’t stay longer than five days, she wouldn’t need to buy personal Novox insurance. Audrey tried to explain about the legalized thieves in the Witch’s City, but she wasn’t sure if Isadora really understood. She looked both tired from her trip and awestruck by her surroundings.

  Once inside, they headed north only a short distance before turning right down a narrow alley. They soon came to a small stand with five stools in front of it. It was run by an older woman named Maggi who was both fat and cheerful. The two of them dined on boiled eggs, cheese, bread, and goat’s milk, all of which Audrey insisted on paying for. Isadora briefly described her trip, including the fact that Aliva was now in Rohoville, something that was definitely of interest to Audrey.

  Isadora was much more energetic as they walked along South Street toward the Witch’s Castle—the shortest way to the temple. “I barely saw any of Rohoville,” she commented. “This is far more impressive.”

  “Yes, and much older. I’ve been here almost a year now and I still feel like an outsider sometimes.”

  Audrey pointed out things as the two
of them strolled along, including the Novox headquarters building. When they reached the central plaza where the castle was situated, Isadora asked, “What happened to the castle?”

  “Several things,” replied Audrey. “There’s damage from attacks long ago and from the earthquake a few years ago. They don’t need the space so no one bothers to repair it.”

  “And there are witches in the castle?” asked Isadora, looking very interested.

  “You sound just like me when I first came here. There are two—Ermizad and her daughter Ermiana. There’s also one that lives in Rohoville.”

  Audrey told Isadora what she knew about witches as they went around the castle and then continued on toward the North Lake on a smaller road. When they reached the Temple of Arwon, Isadora came to a stop on the very first step and frowned with a look of concentration.

  “There is strong magic here,” she stated. “A ward, I believe.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” Audrey couldn’t feel anything.

  They continued up the stairs to the temple. Audrey introduced Isadora to Carlinda and then to Preston. Then she ended up chatting with Carlinda while the other two spoke privately. Carlinda was thrilled to hear the news about Violet.

  When Isadora finally returned, she announced, “The resurrection will be the morning of the day after tomorrow. That will give them time to prepare and time for me to see at least part of the city.”

  “Did Preston say anything about the gauntlet?” asked Audrey. It had once been mentioned as something that she could use.

  “He agreed that we should definitely not permit anyone to don it, at least for now. He is going to research it.”

  “Okay,” replied Audrey, trying to hide her disappointment. “Where to next?”

  “A place to stay, and it needs to be inexpensive.”

  “How about staying at the mansion?” Audrey suggested. “I’m sure that Saxloc’s parents won’t mind.”

  “I do want to see it while I am here. But are you certain?”

  “Yes. They don’t have a big tub like the temple, but they’ve got good-sized tubs with hot water.”

  Isadora sighed happily. “I desperately need a hot bath. Let us go, and quickly.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Almera turned as Isadora swept into the kitchen with a look of determination. She had changed out of her travel clothing into a dark green dress that contrasted with her pale skin and complimented her dark red hair, now unbound and gleaming. The front of the dress had a deep and revealing V-neck and the skirt went just past her knees.

  “Now you look like a Priestess of Kyran,” commented Almera.

  “As indeed I am. May I assist you?”

  “There’s no need; lunch is nearly ready. I may need you to go get Audrey, though. She’s probably lost track of time.”

  “I can certainly do that if you provide directions to her cottage. Almera, this entire building radiates magic. It feels similar to what I sensed at the Temple of Arwon.”

  Almera quickly checked the rice and then turned to face her guest. “It is. When it was constructed, the mansion was imbued with a defensive system that keeps out demons and similar creatures. There is also a sensing system that is present throughout our property and even a bit outside it. I knew the second you had entered the grounds. And that you were a spell-caster.”

  “That is quite impressive. Our temple could use something similar. Who created it?”

  “My father. Would you like me to introduce you?”

  “Yes,” she replied. “I would like to speak with him if there is time.”

  “What are your plans while you’re here?” asked Almera.

  “After the resurrection, I will likely return to my temple. That is assuming that it proceeds as expected. I should speak with Ariel’s parents while I am here. And Audrey wishes to speak with me this afternoon.”

  “I know what that’s about,” grinned Almera. “What if I invite Ariel and her parents to dinner tonight? Then you won’t have to walk over there.”

  “That would be wonderful. I have walked quite enough recently, although I would like to explore the city while I am here.”

  “I can show you around tomorrow if you like.”

  “Thank you, Almera. I accept.”

  Almera concentrated briefly. “Audrey is on her way along with a friend of hers.”

  “You can track her?” asked Isadora.

  “Yes, but don’t tell her. Or Saxloc.”

  “I see,” replied Isadora as she slyly smiled. “We could definitely use something like this. Then I could easily find Siljan when she is loafing.”

  Almera moved the rice off of the heat before asking, “And how is Siljan doing?”

  “Surprisingly well.”

  Audrey and Cinda soon entered via the east door. “Cinda, this is Isadora,” said Audrey. “She is a Priestess of Kyran.”

  Cinda bowed formally. “I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Priestess Isadora. I am Cinda av Louisa. I am a courtesan.”

  Almera eavesdropped on the conversation between Cinda and Isadora as Audrey helped her to plate the food—slices of seasoned beef with green beans and rice. Audrey clearly disapproved, but she was obviously listening as well.

  “Prostitution is legal here?” asked Isadora, sounding surprised.

  “Yes,” replied Cinda. “For more than two centuries. Not all approve, but it is a legal profession. Income from prostitution is taxed just like any other.”

  “I have never been to a place where it was legal, although it is, of course, to be found nearly everywhere. Even in my village, there were women who would trade sexual favors for food or work they needed doing. To be honest, I have never approved of it.”

  “I did not approve either until I chose that path,” Cinda told her sadly. “My family still does not approve.”

  “Lunch is ready,” announced Almera as she and Audrey carried the plates over to the table.

  After lunch, Cinda headed to Xlee’s Martial Arts Academy carrying along Almera’s invitation to Grasapa. Then Isadora went with Audrey to her cottage to talk and Almera got back to her gardening.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Draymund arrived home to find his wife cooking a large quantity of food, certainly more than was required for just three or four people. He could also hear someone rummaging in the pantry, probably Audrey. “Are we having guests?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she replied without looking up as she continued dicing carrots. “Priestess Isadora is here and will be staying with us for at least two nights. Grasapa, Dulls, and Ariel are coming to dinner.”

  “I see.” Draymund had met Isadora once before when he traveled to her temple. She certainly hadn’t struck him as being very friendly. And Siljan complained about her constantly.

  “Found it,” announced Audrey as she walked out of the pantry smiling and holding a ceramic jar with a wax-sealed lid. “Violet had her baby,” she told him excitedly as she placed the jar on a table next to where Almera was working. “A boy. He’s fine. She’s fine. I’m so happy!” She ran up and gave him a quick hug before he could reply.

  Draymund couldn’t remember the last time he had seen Audrey so happy and filled with energy. “I am glad to hear it,” he said, returning her smile. “And happy for Violet and her husband.”

  “Isn’t it wonderful? I’m going back along with Isadora and Ariel. To Farmerton, I mean.”

  “Open up those pickles,” Almera ordered Audrey. “They’ve been in there a while. They might not be good.”

  As Audrey began to unseal the jar, Draymund heard the kitchen door open. Isadora entered and her appearance was a surprise. She certainly hadn’t been dressed in such a revealing fashion the last time he had seen her. Or smiling.

  “Draymund,” she said pleasantly. “It is nice to see you again. Your wife was kind enough to permit me to stay here.”

  “It’s nice to see you as well,” he replied.

  Isadora looked at Almera and asked, “Is there anything I may
do to assist?”

  “Yes. Why don’t the two of you put out the place settings in the dining room?” She paused to think. “Eight of them. And pick out something to drink.”

  “Yes, dear.”

  Draymund motioned, and Isadora followed him to the dining room. Once there, he opened the cabinet that housed their fine dinnerware. He began transferring items to the table as Isadora watched.

  “Should we seat everyone in the middle?” she asked.

  “No. We usually sit at the end closest to the kitchen. We rarely have enough guests to use the entire table. We normally eat at the kitchen table.”

  “I see.” She began to distribute the items as he continued to transfer them to the table.

  “Are you really the harsh and cruel taskmaster that Siljan says she hates?” he asked with his usual smirk.

  “I am,” she replied with a devilish smile. “But we have been getting along better lately.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “This is quite the place you have here. Almera gave me a tour earlier, with the exception of your trophy room. She said that you prefer to show that off personally.”

  Draymund chuckled. “I do indeed. I will be happy to show it to you either after our guests leave tonight or sometime tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow will do. What shall we serve to drink? I understand rice wine is popular here.”

  “It is, and we have a large selection.”

  “Then that is my preference. I haven’t had any in years.”

  “Is this your first visit to the Witch’s City?” asked Draymund.

  Isadora smiled. “Yes, but it will not be my last.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Saxloc hadn’t expected to find Isadora at the mansion when he arrived home. It was somewhat embarrassing given the conversation they had when he was last at her temple. But the advice she had given him had definitely been useful, both with Audrey and with Rosalind.