[Part 1]
Chapter 13: Courage
-Emerald City-
*~ Evanora ~*
For one who knows so many of the secrets of the City, and the fact that the guards gave the place a wide berth, it was laughably simple sneaking into this abandoned part of the palace. Theodora's absentmindedness during supper had worried her, it being so different from her recent obsession with Evanora's time, but it had also provided a wonderful opportunity.
Now the gilded door before her taunted her, the fire she had once found beyond vivid in her mind, still haunting her. She stood there, hand shaking and thoughts racing.
She schooled herself, forcing down her apprehension.
She pushed open the door, instinctively bracing herself. The moment she stepped inside, she felt a chill grip her spine, her entire body growing abruptly cold. She shivered, gingerly making her way through the rubble. Magic was thick in the air, similar to what she had first experienced after waking. That confirmed her concerns: Theodora had been here.
But what had she found?
The Captain had spoken of her being lured here by Evanora's call. Mimicry? There are witches powerful enough for it.
She pushed past the furniture, searching with eyes and magic. Her breath caught when her gaze fell upon the glitter of glass under ash. She crouched, sweeping away the soot from the object. Her chest tightened and tears came unbidden. A decorated rattle, fit for a royal. She hastily buried it deep in one of the pockets in her skirt, rising to continue her search.
She was drawn to the bed, noting that what remained of the canopy curtains had completely collapsed. She hesitated then reached out a hand, brushing it against the foot end rail. The wood was black and she feared a firmer touch would send it crumbling beneath her fingers.
A magical jolt up her arm caused her to rip her hand away in surprise. Her eyes narrowed and she focused her magic, placing her hand back on the railing. It was abrupt. A spell shattered and suddenly the air was thick with the same oppressive miasma that had consumed her five years ago.
When she moved to turn around, eyes adjusting to the vaporous black streams of mist hanging in the air, her foot collided with something. She looked down, seeing a flash of green rolling away.
Her heart stopped.
From the minimal light cast by the moon's glow from the window, she could just make out the shape of an apple. It was missing two bites.
She recoiled in realisation and fled without another glance.
Evanora sat immobile in her chair, listening to the Captain and Herald explain what they had been able to learn from observing and assisting Theodora. Apparently they had seen her sister leave for the dungeons after supper. They had been unable to follow her, but they managed to indirectly obtain information from her.
The same day that Evanora was revived, Theodora had pulled the guards from their posts in the surrounding towns and villages. They stormed the Dark Forest in pursuit of the Wizard and Glinda, ordered to take them alive. With their escape undermining that, Theodora had assigned someone to follow them.
She knows where Glinda is.
Then the Captain placed a list of names on her desk, explaining that he had copied the names from a similar list he had discovered in Theodora's possession.
When she looked it over, it didn't take her long to recognise it. It was her list. A list of Glinda's most active supporters, of people suspecting her of the king's death, of those who are convinced that she is the Wicked Witch. She had made the list in order to know who to keep an eye on, omitting some names that she could not afford others to see should they come across her list.
The Captain had marked the names that Theodora had apparently crossed out and mentioned that those were the people that had – in the last few days – been dragged from the city and sentenced to the dungeons to await treason trials.
She set the papers down, taking in a deep breath as she attempted to compose herself. She had dragged out this conflict, awaiting the fulfilment of the Prophecy. Praying to Enilrul that King Pastoria's vision would come true and mend what she had broken.
Now it seems Theodora has abandoned the ways of the Ancient Fairies to join her in the curse of their predecessors. A family, a bloodline, dominated by wickedness.
Evanora felt ill and thought of their mother. Their mother Vaneeda was most renowned for her defeat of the wicked witch Malvania, but what most people forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, is that Malvania had been her sister. Evanora cannot allow Theodora to fall to this curse, but if she opposes her, would she not be playing to the whims of time and repeating her mother's conflict?
In the end it hardly mattered. Theodora has already taken a bite of the Apple of Vitiation. Once you let the shadows in there is no way of escaping them.
Evanora clasps her hands, considering. "She has taken the city. People are being arrested and everywhere she looks, Theodora sees mal-intent. The guards are armed with weapons meant for war and bloodshed. By this estimate, she may soon call for a cull."
"But it's forbidden!" Knuck cried, wide-eyed.
She met the Herald's gaze, unflinching. "Did that stop the Wicked Witch?"
The Captain was solemn and when she turned to him, he fell to his knee in a bow. "You were correct, my lady. I did not listen, not wishing to think on the return of the ruin that became of my home before you liberated us. I have served you out of gratitude, but I know I cannot say that is the only reason we remaining Winkies joined you in the Emerald City when you asked. If Lady Theodora has come into her power, it is entirely possible the remaining guard will swear- no, have sworn allegiance to her as the inheriting Witch of the West. I cannot offer much, but instead I offer this: my eternal service, my loyalty. My lady, if you will have me than I Captain of the Winkie Guards of Emerald City wish to swear my life to you once more, not merely as a subordinate but as a protector. I ask you, great Emerald Witch of the East, to once more accept my oath."
"Your devotion is appreciated, but I must ask you to reconsider what it is you desire." To serve a wicked witch is an obligation none should be trapped in. "Once you make this oath, there is no going back. My enemies will become yours, my actions your damnation." Knuck's gaze was surprised yet knowing. Evanora resigned herself. There was no point in concealing it anymore. "As our Herald has already deduced, it is unwise to trust me, for you see, I am the Wicked Witch." She kept her face blank, not daring to give away her anxiety.
The Captain became still as a statue, then, slowly, he lifted his gaze to Knuck and then to her upon receiving the Herald's startled nod of affirmation. "You're… But you do not possess the Silver Whistle."
"I do not," she conceded then sighs. "I did however commit regicide, among other felonies." She turned to Knuck, smiling wryly. "I'm certain the Herald can entertain you with Glinda's thoughts on the matter."
"You-" Knuck stutters, "you know?"
"Oh, I have known for some time." She dismisses. "There are greater concerns than that." She hesitates, rubbing her eyes. "I have found the reason behind Theodora's change. One quite similar to my own transformation in fact as it shares a source." She looks past them. Years' worth of fatigue seeming to hit all at once. "A Fairy Artefact. The Apple of Vitiation. It enhances one's powers, grants one the ability to fulfil one desire before overtaking you. The price, your heart and mind. Once your purpose has been fulfilled, or you have outlived your use, the curse claims your life." She pauses, feeling the chill in her bones. "Theodora's desire was to save me. In all reality, I should be dead, but her wish to see me well allowed her the power to rescind the curse. Now though, it's claiming its payment."
"That's why she's been so obsessed with you." Knuck responds, huffing at the ridiculous notion.
"Our family has a history of producing wicked witches," she reveals in a whisper. "Generations of witches and wizards cursed to fall. My mother was fortunate therein that she died before it could claim her, but she had to bear the scars of defeating her wicked sister. To kill and murder is in our blood. My father enjoyed it. I sank to it. Theodora now has a first for it." She shakes her head, part of her wondering why she would reveal all of this. "The point is that a cull of those my sister deems treasonous is the most likely outcome. She appears to have retained the belief of Glinda's guilt, making it likely that she will march against her."
"If you are as wicked as you say, why intervene?" The Captain asked, an odd expression on his face.
She feels wry as she responds, "I've wondered that myself." Shifting in her seat, she adds, "I have a theory regarding the transformation brought on by taking a bite from the Apple. Conditions that need fulfilling. So far, Theodora hasn't drawn blood. As long as that remains the case, she may yet be saved."
"Being the Wicked Witch, one would think you would be delighted by the prospect of an ally. Or is it that you fear she'll take all your power?" Knuck taunts, baiting most likely.
Power was lovely while it had a purpose, and once she may have aspired for it, but Evanora's goals had changed with her role and now the only power she sought was that of an Artefact currently hidden somewhere in the Fairylands.
"I'm not asking for your trust, just your help."
The Captain and Herald shared a long look until at last the later signed and the former nodded. Confirming their support.
"We shouldn't act with haste, but we must be vigilant all the same. Theodora has become unpredictable. To move too soon or defy her outright will only summon her wrath. In this, caution is the better part of valour."
This seemed to amuse the Captain as he smiled, eyes glittering. "You would know, Milady. Your strength is after all that of courage."
She blinked, caught off guard to hear someone mention that facet after so many years since the Coven's fall. "Yes, I suppose it is."
The next morning came all too quickly. Theodora had a predatory air about her throughout breakfast and Evanora's anxieties were not helped by the sudden declaration that she would be making a city-wide announcement at noon.
She stood off to the side some distance behind her sister on the great platform in the courtyard, the Captain next to her and the Herald beside Theodora, blowing his trumpet to gather the attention of the people. Theodora was beaming.
"Good Citizens of Emerald City!" She called out clearly, arms spread wide in invitation. It reminded Evanora of Glinda's rallies. "For the last five years we have suffered under the labours of the Wicked Witch and for the last few days you have witnessed your friends and family pulled from their homes, arrested without quarter. Today, I am here to tell you that your suffering is at last nearing an end!"
The people whispered amongst themselves, wondering what Theodora could mean. Evanora felt ill at ease with the announcement and yet if asked, she would not be able to explain why.
"In the wake of nearly losing our venerable protector, I have taken it upon myself to find and bring the Wicked Witch to justice. With help from all of you, we were able to locate the deceivers amongst out ranks and from them we learned her location. People of Emerald City, fear your future no more! We have at last captured the one who has wronged you so terribly! And in four days' time, a trial will be held where you decide the fates of these traitors and the fugitive who started it all. Rejoice! The Wicked Witch Glinda has been restrained!"
Horror overtook all other emotions and Evanora realised with a sinking dread that the battle against the darkness attempting to claim her sister has only just begun.
And the angst somewhat increases.
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Until Next Time
– Lyrical-Light