Winds of change

Elder Winifred’s fingers moved gently through Flora’s long blonde hair as she spoke in a soft, deliberate tone. “We live peacefully, my dear, but that doesn’t mean we won’t do what’s necessary to protect our kind.”

Flora’s emerald eyes met her grandmother’s, confusion etched across her face. “How can we be good and do bad things?”

Winifred sighed. “It’s not always clear-cut. But as the youngest in a long line of hereditary witches, you must understand that our survival sometimes demands difficult choices.” Flora’s heart sank. Despite her lineage, her magic had yet to manifest. How could she ever take her grandmother’s place if she couldn’t even cast a simple spell?

“Prepare yourself,” Winifred continued, “we have an important visitor tonight. The king wants to end our line, and we cannot allow that.”

Flora’s stomach churned. Her grandmother’s old saying echoed in her mind: “Sacrifice a few to save the many.” She shuddered at the thought of what might be demanded of her.

As dusk fell, two hooded figures emerged from the forest’s edge, their horses’ hooves muffled by the dirt path. Villagers gathered outside their huts, whispering as the cloaked men approached the central white oak tree, where Elder Winifred and her daughter Rosa awaited.

“Good evening,” Winifred greeted, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. “Shall we proceed inside?”

In the warmth of the gathering hall, the fire’s glow provided a stark contrast to the bitter cold outside. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that flickered as the flames danced. Flora, tasked with serving wine and berry loaf, stood quietly, her eyes fixed on the visitors.

One of the men removed his hood, revealing himself as Prince Arris. Flora had heard little about him; his brothers, King Koryn and Prince Elra, dominated the limelight. Koryn was feared, while Elra was renowned for his scientific advances.

“Why should we help you, Arris?” Rosa’s voice was sharp.

Arris leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Koryn plans to eradicate your kind. He sees you as a threat. I, on the other hand, will ensure your safety and provide for your future.”

“Prince Arris is correct,” the second man, who had remained hooded until now, spoke. He revealed his greying hair and somber expression. “Koryn’s plans will force you from your home.”

Winifred’s face softened as she addressed the older man. “Merrow, it’s good to see you again. Your daughter Emma has grown well. It’s a pity about her mother.”

Merrow’s silence spoke volumes, his eyes reflecting a deep, unresolved sorrow. Flora remembered the tradition of the witches to find mates and wondered about Merrow’s personal losses.

“If you want Merrow, I can arrange for one last meeting with Emma and her mother,” Winifred offered, a note of mockery in her tone.

Merrow’s face flushed but he remained silent.

Arris interrupted. “Let’s not waste time. Have my brothers meet unfortunate ends, and I will ascend the throne. In exchange, I will secure your safety and provide suitable matches for your women.”

Winifred studied Arris for a moment before speaking. “One more condition. Flora will accompany you. She will bear your child and then return to her home. She’s twenty-two in five new moon cycles. Refuse, and you forfeit your claim to the throne.”

Flora’s heart raced as Arris agreed with a firm handshake. Winifred pricked his palm with a pin, collecting a drop of blood in a small vial.

Flora’s world spun. Why me? Her mind was a storm of confusion and fear.

“Flora, gather your things. You leave tonight,” Rosa said softly, her eyes filled with unspoken regret.

Tears blurred Flora’s vision as she packed her belongings. The weight of the night pressed heavily upon her, each step towards the main hall filled with a growing sense of dread.

Prince Arris and Merrow waited by the horses. Marrow’s face, marked by a deep sadness, caught Flora’s attention. Her ability to read emotions told her that his pain was profound. She would uncover the source of his sorrow in time.

Arris glanced at Flora with a cold satisfaction. “Winifred and Rosa have other matters to attend to,” he said dismissively. Flora felt a pang of abandonment as she mounted the horse behind Merrow.

The ride to the citadel was silent and tense. As the iron gates creaked open, the sight of the grand structure contrasted sharply with the warmth of the village she had left behind.

At the stable, Marrow helped Flora down from the horse. “You know where to take her,” Arris instructed him. “Ensure she remains hidden until we can confirm the witches’ loyalty.”

Marrow’s voice was icy as he guided Flora down dimly lit streets to a decrepit building. There, a man in metal breastplate awaited.

“This is her?” the man asked, his tone indifferent.

“Yes, guard her closely,” Marrow said coldly. “Her presence is crucial for our plans.”

The man’s warm hand on Flora’s back provided a small comfort as he led her inside. The room she was shown to was unexpectedly lavish—an ornate bed, a glowing fireplace, and a bath filled with petals.

Flora took a moment to absorb her new surroundings, her initial despair shifting to a mix of curiosity and cautious hope. As she bathed, she tried to make sense of her fate.

That night, she explored the room and found a nightdress in a drawer. The exhaustion of the day overcame her, and she soon fell into a deep sleep.

The tavern was filled with laughter and conversation. Cups were full and everyone was merry. In the corner, two love birds were all over each other. the night was young and so were they. they had not a care in the world. She took him by the hand and led him to a room she had rented for the night. they spent the night making love by candlelight. In the morning he woke alone. regret and dread filling him. The thoughts of what have I done fill his achy head. He woke and dressed. Staggering his way home smelling of stale booze made his way to a small house. Sheepishly he entered, the house was silent. He made his way upstairs, briefly stopping outside a door. Taking a deep breath he entered. There stood his sister holding a small bundle. "I'm sorry Marrow I tried everything. Celine passed in childbirth. I couldn't find you, where were you?". Marrow dropped to his knees.

Flora woke with a start, her heart pounding. The dream’s impact lingered, leaving her to grapple with the uncertainty of her future