The Witch's City

by M. Gregg Roe

  The agonized expression on Valwyn’s face was rewarding as she obeyed, taking Petra by the hand and leading her away.

  “That was cruel,” remarked Sabrina after the two of them had sat down. “Well done. I’ll talk to Danj when I get home. It won’t happen again. I hope.”

  Branwyn shrugged. “If it does, it does. It was going to happen eventually.”

  “True. I needed to talk to you anyway.” She lowered her voice and continued in her native language, which Branwyn knew but the girls didn’t. “She has been sneaking off with one of the maids, and … you know.”

  Branwyn couldn’t hide her surprise. She had anticipated the possibility of Petra sneaking off for casual sex, but not with a female. She had, in fact, been taking precautions, putting AP powder in the apple juice that Petra drank every morning with her breakfast.

  “I’m surprised too,” said Sabrina. “But we probably should have suspected it. Who knows what went on in that cavern.”

  “You’re right,” said Branwyn quickly, still disconcerted. “Is it causing a problem?”

  “Not so far. They’re discreet, and they’re still getting their work done. I only know because one of the other maids is spying on Petra for me.”

  Branwyn smiled at hearing that. “Then I say leave them be.”

  “I agree. Petra obviously has urges, and this should satisfy them.”

  “Yes.” Branwyn adopted a serious expression before continuing. “I have other news about Petra. Preston had one of his acolytes do some research. There are reports of people with perfect memories like hers, but it’s not good news. All of them exhibit abnormal behavior. One reportedly became a complete recluse. Another took his own life. I’ve decided not to tell Petra, but she may find out.”

  Sabrina nodded, now frowning. “You’re right about that. The best we can do is to continue keeping an eye on her.”

  “Yes.” Branwyn smiled slightly. “And now I have to write yet another letter to Ermizad.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Marryn walked up to where her father was sitting and held out the parchment certificate that she had just been awarded. “I did it,” she said proudly. “I completed the entire course.”

  “Congratulations!” said Mardan as he looked over the certificate. “I was confident you would succeed.”

  “It was hard work, but I’m glad I took it. I do feel safer now.” Also more paranoid. But that was better than being too lax.

  “That is well. Do you wish to pursue further Shorinken instruction?”

  Marryn smiled. Her father always spoke in a formal manner, as did her brother Gabriel. She, however, emulated her mother’s more conventional speech pattern, although without the Kaldir accent.

  “No. Grasapa asked, but that was enough for me.”

  “Did you thank Audrey for her help?”

  “Yes. Of course, I did. I wouldn’t have made it through without her help.” It was somewhat galling, but also true. “I thanked Aliva too.” Aliva’s healing magic had also been a big help.

  Her father frowned at the mention of Aliva’s name. He simply couldn’t get past the fact that Aliva was half demon, even if Aliva’s father was a friend. But that was part of who he was.

  “Are you going to continue working for Audrey and Aliva?” he asked.

  “Yes, but it’s not like I’m an employee. I just stop in now and then and check their financial records.”

  Mardan nodded. “Well, you certainly have a talent for that kind of thing. Would you like us to arrange for formal training as an accountant?”

  The suggestion was flattering, but also unnecessary in her opinion. “No, Father. I can continue to teach myself. But thank you.”

  “You are welcome. Your mother and I are pleased that you have finally selected an occupation.”

  Her father’s statement shocked her. She had always maintained that she would never work, that she would simply marry someone rich. She enjoyed arithmetic, and accounting was simply an applied example of that. That was really why she did it. But it was true that people could make a living doing just that. It was definitely something to think about.

  “I guess I have,” she finally replied. “How about that?”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  The pattern of knocks startled Cinda. As the pattern repeated, she put aside the lute that she had been struggling to tune. Growing up, she and her two siblings had each come up with a unique knock that they utilized on each other’s doors. It had been their secret.

  “Enter!” called out Cinda as she stood and faced the door.

  Cinda’s sister entered and closed the door behind her. Elsebeth’s recovery from the ordeal of her ill-fated marriage had been slow but seemed to be nearly complete. Cinda was cheered to see her sister looking so much like the one she remembered.

  Though sisters, the two of them could hardly have been more different in appearance. Only their blue eyes matched. Cinda had frequently been told that she resembled her mother, but not Elsebeth. Where Cinda was tall, Elsebeth was short. Instead of wavy dark hair, her sister’s straight hair was golden, and she had always worn it short. Elsebeth had been blessed with a voluptuous body featuring large breasts and a slim waist, but she had a face that was almost homely.

  “I bring news, sister,” said Elsebeth. “Our parents are divorcing. Father has moved out.”

  As much as Cinda resented her parents for trying to force her into an arranged marriage, it was still a shock. They were, after all, her parents.

  “There is more,” continued Elsebeth sadly. “The estate is to be sold. Mother and I will be moving to smaller and less expensive accommodations.”

  It was another shock. The place where she had been raised would soon be occupied by strangers. They might even tear down the main house and rebuild because it was both old and in need of repair.

  “You will need to tell us which of your possessions you wish to retain.” Elsebeth gestured at the room. “You clearly have no room for the furniture, but perhaps it could be stored.”

  “No,” replied Cinda firmly. “I wish only for my jewelry, my Sparrow tiles, and a few mementos. The rest may be sold.”

  “I understand.” Elsebeth hesitated. “I have seen the divorce agreement. Mother is to retain a thirty percent interest in the company. Each of us and our brother will receive a ten percent share.”

  “Father is ceding control?” It was hard to believe.

  “Yes. I think, in his way, that Father is apologizing.” Elsebeth smiled thinly. “It is the only apology that we are likely to receive.”

  “That is certainly true. I believe that I will accompany you home and make my selections.”

  “That is well. Will you stay for dinner? The cook and other servants will soon be departing.”

  Cinda allowed her shoulders to slump as she assumed a glum expression. She put her left hand on her hip and flipped back her hair with her right hand. “Sorry, sis,” she said informally. “I’ve got whoring to do tonight. It’s my job, you know.”

  Elsebeth’s face turned bright red as she tried to contain herself. Finally, she burst out laughing. When she finally caught her breath, she adopted a stiff posture and haughty expression. She pointed and said, “Then see that you whore to the best of your ability, my sister. The honor of our family is at stake.”

  Cinda cried tears of joy as she ran up and hugged her sister tightly.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “Here you go, guys,” said Nissa as she set down the three leather tankards on their table. She pivoted gracefully and walked away with all three of them watching her. As always, she was dressed in a way that showed off both her long legs and shapely figure. Nissa was certainly attractive, but Saxloc had always found her personality to be off-putting.

  Saxloc took a sip of his ale, noting that Hankin was still watching Nissa. The ale was decent, but that was because it wasn’t what was usually served at the Axe & Spear. That ale was undrinkable in Saxloc’s opinion. The three of them paid to have a cask of quality a
le shipped there regularly, bribing the owner to keep it quiet and only serve it to them.

  They were sitting at one of only three tables. One table was occupied by what looked to be sailors from Zardis with more at the bar. Eomera was at the other table along with four Novox sailors. The way the sailors were eyeing each other, it was only a matter of time before a fight broke out. The Zardis sailors had the numbers, but they were going to lose. Eomera would side with Novox, and she was an absolute demon when it came to bar fights.

  “I hear that you went out with one of Rosalind’s cousins,” Hankin said to him.

  “Yes,” answered Saxloc simply.

  “Well?”

  Saxloc simply frowned in reply, noting that Gabriel looked very interested. It had just been dinner and he had already decided that there wouldn’t be a second date. She not only had that same weird view of half-elves, but he also got the impression that it was his parents’ wealth that she was really interested in, not him.

  Gabriel set his tankard down, suddenly alert. Saxloc saw four of the Zardis sailors headed their way and noticed the expectant look on Eomera’s face.

  “Beat it!” said the largest one as the four surrounded the table. “This table is ours.”

  Saxloc was no good in fist fights, but he wasn’t concerned. He ignored the men and took a long drink of his ale while readying a spell just in case. He knew that Hankin and Gabriel were preparing themselves as they also pointedly ignored the ruffians. It was what the three of them always did in this situation.

  “Hey!” yelled Nissa, now close by and in a Shorinken fighting stance that Saxloc recognized. “Leave them alone or else!” Saxloc noticed the barkeep was now holding an oak cudgel and that Eomera was heading their way with an eager look.

  The large ruffian turned and yelled, “Shut up girl, or—”

  Nissa’s right foot hit him solidly in the throat and he collapsed to his knees gasping for breath. Gabriel sent his chair flying backward as he abruptly stood. The man nearest him took a step back involuntarily and was promptly set upon by two Novox sailors. Hankin grabbed the right wrist of the short man near him and quickly cast a spell. The man jerked and fell to the floor with his muscle’s spasming.

  Saxloc found that he didn’t have to do anything. He simply watched as Eomera ambushed the fourth ruffian from behind. She meant business, quickly breaking his left arm and then slamming his head into the floor until he was unconscious. She grinned maniacally as she looked around for her next victim.

  The fighting was everywhere as Saxloc picked up his tankard. Gabriel tossed away a knife that he had taken from a would-be attacker. The man’s retreat, unfortunately, brought him within reach of Nissa. Her spinning strike to his head dropped him instantly. She flashed them a smile before darting away.

  Saxloc followed Gabriel and Hankin. They went behind the bar, refilled their tankards, and then outside through the back. Nissa would come and tell them when things had settled down. The fighting had started earlier than usual, but otherwise, it was a typical night at the Axe & Spear.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Natalia felt very nervous as High Witch Ermizad poured tea for the two of them. It was partly due to being summoned to Ermizad’s private living quarters in the Witch’s Castle, but mostly it was the manner in which Ermizad was pouring their tea, simply sitting in her chair smiling as the teapot floated to each of the delicate porcelain cups and tilted to precisely fill them. The last time that Natalia had seen Ermizad, she had also been employing her witch powers, but in a very different manner.

  The Zardis Thieves’ Guild had made an effort to take over the Witch’s City Thieves’ Guild, which Celebern already secretly controlled at that time. Incensed, Ermizad showed up in person, ignoring the advice of her councilors. Natalia watched in horror as the leader of the invading force was pinned to the wall by Ermizad’s power. Then, from a distance of over five yards, Ermizad held out her right hand and slowly made a fist. Natalia would never forget the expression on the man’s face before blood erupted from his mouth and he collapsed lifelessly to the floor. Ermizad had squeezed his chest, breaking his ribs and crushing his heart and other organs. And the woman’s expression showed nothing other than satisfaction. Natalia still had nightmares about it.

  Ermizad’s cup floated over to her left hand as the teapot settled back down gently onto the table. Natalia leaned forward and picked up her own cup, struggling to remain calm. She sipped the tea and found it to be both delicious and at the perfect temperature. The two of them continued sipping tea as Natalia worried about why she had been summoned.

  “First of all,” said Ermizad. “I can solve a problem that you have been having. We are in need of a file clerk here and can offer housing within the castle. Please convey my offer to Sasha.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell her.”

  Celebern wouldn’t be happy about it, but Natalia would finally be rid of her unwanted roommate because Sasha still hadn’t moved out. Living in the Witch’s Castle should certainly make the woman feel safe.

  Natalia flinched as a pile of papers lifted off a nearby bookshelf and deposited themselves next to her on the sofa she was occupying. She set her teacup down and began to look through them. Two were maps, while others were lists of people and work schedules. It was soon obvious just what she had been given.

  “Do you want us to extract him from where he’s being held and bring him here?” She knew better than to ask how Ermizad had obtained the information.

  “If I wanted Novox to undertake it, I would have summoned Celebern. This information is for you, Natalia. Do with it what you like.”

  Even with the provided information, getting to him would be difficult. Natalia smiled as she read a note added to one of the papers that suggested someone she might ask to assist her. Now it just might be possible, which was good because she had a score to settle.

  “Thank you, Lady Ermizad. I’ll give Buris your regards.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Aliva adjusted the position of the glow-cube to illuminate her face. Kora’s guest room had a dressing table with a large mirror, perfect for what she was about to attempt. Her father had made several suggestions during his stay, seeking to help her to gain control of her succubus half. He had also challenged her belief that she could only employ certain succubus abilities, and that was now what she was about to test.

  Her mother Wiva had been a full succubus, and one of her innate abilities allowed her to change her appearance at will to any humanoid form. That was one reason that succubi were so deadly. To gain entrance into someone’s residence, they could take the form of a friend or relative of their intended victim, even imitating their voice and mannerisms. Aliva’s goals weren’t nearly so lofty. She merely wanted to be able to make some changes to her appearance.

  Aliva stared intently into her own eyes. Her irises were violet-colored, and that alone marked her as someone unusual. She willed them to be brown, the most common color among humans. After several minutes, they remained stubbornly violet, so she tried a different tack. She relaxed and visualized herself with brown eyes, trying to form a clear image in her mind. She closed her eyes to aid her concentration and when she opened them, she gasped in surprise. Her eyes were brown! But they were distinctly different shades and began to revert to her natural color as she watched. That was disappointing, but she had proved it was possible. That was the important thing.

  The eyes were just a start. Making them a normal color would help, but she wanted more. And she needed the changes to hold without requiring concentration. Ideally, her altered appearance would persist until she actively willed it to cease. She was certain that her mother had been able to do that. It had certainly seemed effortless. She smiled as she remembered how her mother had changed her appearance to illustrate the people in the stories her father had told her as she was growing up. She had known exactly what people like Danj and Sabrina looked like long before she met them in person.

  After she had mastered color changes, sh
e would work on her face. She merely wanted to make herself somewhat plainer in appearance. She knew how to do that using makeup, but it was both time-consuming and expensive. Using her own ability would be far preferable.

  Next would be what was literally her biggest problem: her huge breasts. Wrapping them tightly was uncomfortable and she was thoroughly tired of having to do it. All she wanted to do was shrink them to a more normal size.

  She spent the rest of the evening working on her eyes, exploring different color variations. It was gradually getting easier, but was clearly going to take some time to master.

  When Aliva awoke the following morning, she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled devilishly. Her eyes were green, just as she had imagined them before she fell asleep. Kora was so surprised that she dropped her bowl of rice porridge.

  41

  ‡ Recruiting ‡

  The recruiting trip kept getting delayed. And delayed. And delayed. Siljan was not happy. She had really been looking forward to it, and had even come up with a plan. She would quickly locate two or more prime candidates for Kyran cleric-hood and then spend the remainder of the month visiting people and goofing off. It would be just like a vacation, except that she would actually be doing her job. Well, sort of doing it anyway.

  The first crisis involved the winery, and given its importance as far as making money for the temple, that was huge. Siljan got drafted, along with everyone else who could be spared. Everything needed to be disassembled, inspected, possibly repaired, cleaned, polished, sterilized, and finally reassembled—hopefully correctly. It took nearly ten days. Siljan now felt certain that she could build her own winery from scratch should there ever be a need.