The Black Witch

by Jenny McKane

  I had to leave, the rabbit said. She was going to kill me. I only just made it out of that place.

  Avalon reached out and laid a hand on the rabbit’s head. She stroked it gently.

  I understand, she said. I just wanted to see that you were alive. You are the one that saved me, you know.

  The animal gazed at her. I didn’t know what to do. You were dying, choking to death. I saw the amulet in the corner. It took me a long time, but I got it and put it into your hand. I didn’t know if it would work, but it was all I could think of.

  Avalon gazed at her. It did work. You saved me. How did you escape?

  The rabbit started to tremble again. I left you, and she saw me as I passed the room she was in. She struck me down with her magic, but I managed to bound away. It was hard, but I knew that I would die if I stayed there.

  Avalon kept stroking the animal’s head. You have found your power, she said. You defeated the witch’s magic.

  The rabbit continued gazing at her. Is she really dead? We are free?

  Avalon sighed. You are free, for now. The witch is dead, but I was unable to liberate all the animals. But I will, Mair. I promise you, there will come a day very soon when all the animals will be free of the dark magic.

  The rabbit twitched its nose. I believe you. You have killed the witch. There is nothing you cannot do, Avalon. I will wait for the day when you are our ruler.

  “Avalon,” called Skyresh. “We should get going.”

  Avalon nodded, and then she turned back to the animal. We must go, Mair. We are looking for our companion, who was imprisoned by the Storyteller. I just wanted to see that you were alright.

  Thank you, my queen, said the rabbit. She turned to bound away then looked back. I am thankful that you came to our burrow, she said. You have shown us that there is another way. A better way. You have my loyalty forever, and if you ever need me again, I will be there for you.

  Tears streamed down Avalon’s face. I will not disappoint you, my friend. Farewell, for now. We shall meet again, I know it.

  The rabbit blinked rapidly then disappeared into the burrow.

  Avalon stood up slowly.

  “Let us go,” she whispered. She suddenly felt very drained.

  Skyresh walked up to her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Do not be sad,” he said. “You have a loyal friend. It shows you that the animals will switch sides, if they are shown the way.”

  Avalon nodded. “Yes. I know that. It is just always hard to say goodbye to a friend.”

  Hansa came up to her and licked her hand gently. Avalon turned to her beloved wolf, gazing into her eyes. Aberfa came and stood on her other side in solidarity.

  A warm glow entered her heart. She was surrounded by friends. These strong bonds would be the key to defeating the Jarle, she just knew it.

  They could weave all the spells that they wanted to, but they could not defeat love. They ruled the animals through fear and cruelty, but the animals could break free of it. Love was always stronger than hate.

  She heard the Goddess’s voice in her mind again.

  You are on the right path. Your animal friends hold the key, Avalon. Keep speaking to them, and they will tell you the information that you seek.

  She thought of Mair’s words to her.

  You have shown us that there is another way. A better way.

  Avalon gasped. She was getting closer to the truth. The way to liberate the animals.

  She must show all of them that there was a better way. But how?

  She pondered it, as they started walking back from where they had come. She knew that if she thought too hard about it, it would elude her. She had to concentrate on finding Everard, for now, and perhaps the truth would come to her when it was time.

  ***

  They walked for a few more hours before deciding to set up camp for the night.

  It had been difficult selecting a safe spot. They had spotted another patrol after leaving Mair, moving towards The Interior. Avalon had felt a coldness grip her. It was true. They were pouring forces into the Outlying Zone. It was going to be so hard to get back to the Safe Zone after they found Everard.

  If they found Everard, Avalon thought. There was still no guarantee they would be able to free him either. They had no idea of the creatures he had been imprisoned with. Skyresh had told her that he had been ensnared in an eagle’s nest. Where had Aysus led Everard? Were the creatures as strong as an eagle?

  It made no sense to her why Aysus had imprisoned her with the rabbits. Even though it had been hard to navigate the burrow to safety, the animals that she had been placed with had not been predators. Mair and her friend could not have stopped her leaving if she wanted to, and she could have easily killed them.

  It suddenly dawned on her that Aysus had meant her to escape. The Black Witch had wanted her to get to The Tower. It had all been a part of her game. She had been testing her, to see if she was strong enough to overcome the obstacles and seeing what was the limit of her powers.

  The Black Witch had then decided that she was powerful enough to be a threat and tried to stop her by offering to instruct her in the dark magic. She had obviously decided that if she could not defeat Avalon, she could turn her and use her powers to her own advantage.

  “What are you thinking?” Skyresh said, gazing at her as they lay under the ledge. It was almost completely dark, but they had not dared to light a fire for fear of being seen. They huddled together for warmth. She was still surprised at how cold it became in the desert once the sun had set.

  “I am thinking that the witch intended that I escape the burrow,” she said, turning to him. “You were placed with a great eagle, but I was placed with rabbits. I am worried about the creatures that Everard has been imprisoned with.”

  Skyresh pondered this. “Yes, I think you are right,” he said. “The witch wanted you to escape. Do not worry about Everard, Avalon. He is a strong, trained warrior. He will be able to endure whatever has befallen him.”

  Avalon sighed. “Perhaps he has already escaped,” she said. “We have no way of knowing, really.”

  “The animals will lead us to him,” Skyresh said gently.

  She gazed at him. “Thank you, Skyresh,” she said. “I know that you don’t want to do this, but I appreciate you accompanying me.”

  “I have told you,” he whispered. “Wherever you go, I go.”

  He stared at her. She could feel the intensity of his gaze. Then, he slowly reached out a hand and started to stroke her face.

  Her breath stilled, and she could feel her heart start to somersault in her chest. It would be so easy to turn to his hand and kiss it. To acknowledge whatever was between them. To name it and put it out into the open.

  Then, she thought of Everard. About how he had given up everything, for her. He loved her; he had told her many times. How would he feel if they were to rescue him, and he saw that there was something between she and Skyresh? It would break his heart. How could she do it to him?

  And besides, she still wasn’t sure. The connection was deep between she and Everard, as well. It was all so confusing.

  Perhaps she was meant to rule alone if the time came. Perhaps she had to fulfil her own power before anything could happen in that way.

  She had to come into her own, and she had to be alone to do that. She had doubted herself this whole journey, and now she saw that if she believed in herself, anything was possible.

  Skyresh knew, and she also knew that he respected her for it. He slowly lowered his hand and smiled at her.

  “You are going to be a great queen,” he whispered and turned on his side to sleep for the night.

  She almost reached out to him. It was a lonely place, discovering herself, but then she turned on her side and settled down for the night.

  When the time was right, everything would be revealed. Just as Mother Oda had said.

  ***

  They set out at first light. The animals were strong on the trail.


  The sands of the desert gave way to brush. The trails narrowed, and it was all that she and Skyresh could do to keep up with Hansa and Aberfa.

  Eventually, they came to a clearing. The animals started to whimper, staring at a cave ahead.

  They all ducked down, staring at it through a shrub.

  This is the place, said Hansa, turning to Avalon and licking her hand. He is inside there. I am sure of it.

  Avalon nodded. Suddenly, they saw movement at the cave entrance.

  A huge creature slowly emerged, pacing the entrance. It looked like a lion but was much larger. Avalon noticed that it had enormous fangs.

  It suddenly let out a mighty roar. Avalon’s heart leapt into her throat.

  She turned to Skyresh. “What are we going to do? It’s enormous! And there might be more inside.”

  Skyresh closed his eyes for a moment, thinking. Then, he opened them.

  “It will be dangerous,” he whispered. “Perhaps Aberfa could attack this creature, and while they are battling, we could go into the cave with Hansa as defense.”

  Avalon blinked. “But Aberfa could be killed.”

  Aberfa whined gently to get her attention. She looked down at the creature.

  I will do it, my queen, she said. I am not afraid.

  But it so much larger than you, said Avalon, frowning.

  Aberfa licked her hand gently. There is no other way. The creature cannot be negotiated with. It will kill us all if it discovers us.

  Avalon thought deeply. She was putting all of them at risk. Could she sacrifice Aberfa to save Everard? And then, what would happen once they were in the cave? Hansa would have to battle on their behalf if there were more creatures inside. She and Skyresh could use their swords against them, of course, but it would be hard against such might.

  A decision had to be made. She understood, now, how hard it was to be a leader. Nothing was cut and dry. You could only make the best decision in the circumstances that you were given, which were rarely perfect.

  She could see no other way. Aberfa was right. The dark power was strong within the creature; she could almost feel it, emanating from it. She could try to speak to it and reason with it, but it wouldn’t work—not yet anyway.

  She nodded slowly. “We will do it.” She turned to Aberfa, stroking the fur on the creature’s head. I am sorry, my friend. If there was another way, I would take it.

  Aberfa blinked rapidly. Whatever happens, my queen, it has been worth it. You have shown me another way of living, and I am happy to die in your service if I must.

  Skyresh shook his head. Aberfa, you are strong. I believe that you can defeat it. Have courage and remember that our side is stronger than theirs. Good luck, my friend.

  Avalon wanted to bury her face into the creature’s fur, but there was no time. The creature at the cave entrance was beginning to look alert, peering their way. It was only a matter of time before they were discovered.

  I am with you, she said, staring deeply into Aberfa’s black eyes.

  Aberfa crouched down low, ready to pounce.

  Chapter Eighteen

  It all happened so quickly that Avalon barely had time to react.

  Aberfa leapt onto the creature. They seemed to tumble in the air, clawing into each other.

  “Now!” said Skyresh, drawing his sword.

  They ran into the cave, making their way into the darkness. Hansa led the way. Avalon could barely see. She raised her sword ahead of her, trying not to touch the wolf.

  The cave seemed to go on forever. Then, they heard a low growl.

  Avalon blinked rapidly. Yes, there was another creature within. Before she had time to think, Hansa was upon it. The wolf snarled. Avalon’s eyes slowly accustomed to the dark. She could see Hansa bury her jaws into the creature’s neck. At the same time, Skyresh raised his sword and plunged it into the creature’s side.

  There was blood everywhere. Avalon almost slipped on it, as she turned around wildly.

  “Everard!” she screamed. “Where are you?”

  There was no answering call. Her heart thumping, Avalon desperately searched the cave. Had they made a mistake? There didn’t appear to be anyone in here.

  She could hear blood gurgling in the dying creature’s throat. Hansa gave a last tug then loosened her jaw. Skyresh withdrew his sword, shaking from exertion.

  “Everard!” she cried again.

  There was a low moan from a far-off corner. Avalon ran to it.

  A figure was crouched in the corner. Avalon could barely see. She crouched down, reaching out a hand to touch it.

  She gasped.

  It wasn’t Everard. It was an old man, dressed in ragged clothing. He had long, white hair and a scraggly grey beard. Wrinkles webbed across his face. He looked up at her, dazed.

  And that was when she looked into his eyes.

  They were Everard’s dark eyes. She would recognize them anywhere. Her hand drew back in confusion. What was going on? Her mind started to spin in confusion.

  “Everard?” she whispered.

  The old man gazed at her. “I think that is my name,” he croaked. “But it has been so long since I have seen another person.” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “Who are you?”

  Avalon stared at him, in horror. Skyresh had walked up to them. He stared at Avalon, shaking his head in disbelief.

  “How is this possible?” he whispered.

  Avalon could not answer. She took the hand of the old man, stroking it gently. Then, she looked up at Skyresh.

  “We need to get him out of here,” she whispered.

  Skyresh bent down, and in one movement, he picked up the old man. Avalon could see that it barely cost Skyresh any strength to hold him. The old man was so frail.

  They walked slowly back through the cave. Hansa followed them, panting heavily.

  Avalon’s mind was spinning, as they walked back into the bright sunlight.

  There was blood everywhere. The great lion creature was dead, lying on its side near the cave entrance, and then, she saw Aberfa lying down on the other side.

  She was alive.

  Avalon ran to her. The creature lifted her head, staring at Avalon. I did it, my queen, she said. I killed the creature, but I fear that I will not be able to accompany you any further.

  Avalon stared down. One of Aberfa’s legs was badly mangled. Avalon quickly ripped a strip off her tunic, binding the wound. Aberfa whimpered in pain.

  You will get better, said Avalon fiercely. I will not leave you behind.

  The creature didn’t answer. She lowered her head back to the ground and closed her eyes. Hansa came and stood over them, whining softly in her throat.

  Avalon’s eyes filled with tears. She stroked the creature’s fur gently. What were they going to do?

  “Avalon.” Skyresh’s voice was soft.

  She turned her head. Skyresh had put the old man down on the ground, against a rock. In the harsh daylight, Avalon could clearly see how frail he was. His legs were so thin and emaciated, he would barely be able to walk on them.

  Tears ran down her face, staring at him. It was Everard. She was sure of it. How had this happened to him? And how would they get him back to what he once was?

  She petted Aberfa gently, and then she stood up, taking a deep breath. She walked to the old man, kneeling close to him.

  “Everard,” she whispered. “It’s me, Avalon. Do you recognize me?”

  His gaze was dull, as he focused on her. He slowly shook his head.

  Avalon buried her face in her hands, crying softly. She felt Skyresh put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently.

  She stared up at him, tears streaming down her face. “Skyresh, what are we going to do? How are we going to fix this?”

  Skyresh shook his head, sighing. “I don’t know, Avalon. Aysus must have done this, of course. The spell he wove over Everard must have caused him to age in the cave. It is so cruel.”

  Avalon sighed. “There must be a way, Skyresh! A way to reve
rse the spell, or… or…something.” She closed her eyes, trying desperately to think.

  Skyresh didn’t answer at first. He squeezed her shoulder again. “I don’t think it’s possible, Avalon, but besides that, he is so frail. He cannot journey with us on foot. We have no way of getting him to the Safe Zone to ask Mother Oda.”

  The old man gazed at them both. It was a woman and a man. It had been so long since he had seen people. They looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t be sure…the years had addled his mind.

  But he did remember one thing. He had been waiting…

  ***

  Everard had been determined at first that he would find a way out of the lion’s lair. He would find Avalon.

  But the creatures that guarded him never gave him a chance. If one left the cave, the other would stay with him. They never stopped glaring at him, and then they had started to torment him.

  You are growing weaker, they would snigger at him. Have you noticed how your skin is changing?

  He had ignored them at first. He knew that they were only trying to break him, but then, one day, he had stared down at his hand, squinting in the darkness.

  It looked different, as if the skin was puckering slightly. Spots that he had never seen before had suddenly appeared on it.

  Every day, he could feel himself growing weaker.

  And then, his mind had started to slip. He lost track of time. He felt like weeks had gone by. The sun rose and set like normal, but it appeared to have sped up. He would barely open his eyes on one day before it had gone.

  And then, it felt like months. This turned into years. Every day the same. The cave became his whole world, and he could barely remember life before it.

  He had been heading on a mission, he knew that. A journey with Avalon and Skyresh, but then the Storyteller had appeared. He had thought at first that the old man was harmless, but he had led him here and abandoned him.

  The image of Avalon had stayed vivid in his mind for a long time. He would picture her, seeing clearly her long, brown hair. The way that she nimbly moved through whatever landscape she inhabited. She always had such grace. His heart would yearn for her. Wait for me, he would cry in his mind. But always, the image would slip and slide away…