[Part 1]

Chapter 14: Cowardice and bloodthirst

-Emerald City-

*~ Evanora ~*

"Isn't it wonderful, Sister?" Theodora twirled, an arch of flames following her. "After so many years spent under her hand, at last Oz will be free!"

"Yes, it is quite the achievement." Evanora internally winced at her own foolishness, praying that Theodora had not heard the weakness of the agreement, but alas it was for naught.

Theodora halted her celebrations, turning a concerned glance upon her. "What's the matter? Are you not happy?"

"Overwhelmed. I never imagined this day would come." She explains, hastily attempting to rectify her mistake.

Theodora's features softened and she approached her, taking Evanora's hands in hers. "It has. It finally has and now you can be at peace."

"I fear it will take quite some time before I can know peace."

"Then allow me to carry your fears and I shall ensure you never need fear them again."

Evanora pulled away, though kept her eyes on her sister al throughout her retreat. She angled herself so that she was turned away, but not quite so much that she cannot see from her peripheral. "How can I place such a burden upon you? Already the city seeks your guidance. Now more than ever that you have proven to be their salvation. Far better than I."

"Is that what bothers you? Oh Sister, you have done so much for these ungrateful peasants that it ought to be you this horrid city is named for. Rest assured that once the trial is over I shan't allow them to forget that."

"Your methods have grown excessive."

"Perhaps, but it is what is needed. Fret not, where my hands are stained yours will be clean."

When Theodora reached for her, Evanora instinctively flinched away and then internally reprimanded herself. She has always loathed to show weakness, but to do so in front of a possible opponent is truly atrocious. "Do you honestly think that the people will forgive me for what you intent for them? You speak of murder yet think not of the consequences. Even now you refuse to see the truth. The moment blood stains your hands, I will fall with you. For where else would you have learned such ways?"

They now faced one another fully once more, but instead of showing any sign of remorse Theodora grinned. "Our beloved father of course."

Evanora took a step back in shock, horror stilling her body from doing anything else.

Still grinning Theodora slunk forward, a gleam in her eyes unlike anything Evanora has seen before. "I found the records pertaining to him. You hid them well, but not well enough." A black fingernail trailed her cheek, Theodora's smirk becoming invisible with the way she leaned around her, breath against her ear. "And looking at them, it's no wonder you ran."

Evanora wrenched herself away, indignation melding with shame. "How dare you."

Theodora just laughed. "See? Who would think a coward like you capable of spilling blood? That is how they see you now, you know. Your unwillingness to see criminals punished is why this war has dragged out for so long and the people have had enough. Unless I take the reins, unless I show them what true fear is like, they will do far worse than see you as my accomplice." She stepped closer, making to take her hands again, but Evanora kept out of arm's reach. Theodora pouted, put off. "Can't you see that I'm doing this for you?"

"Or so you claim."

Startled, Theodora blinked up at her for a moment. "Excuse me?"

Evanora straightened her spine and stared down her younger sister with a fierceness she hoped would penetrate whatever spell blinded her. "There are other means of settling this. Instead you choose to defy the most sacred of laws, the most important rule we witches are meant to safeguard. Reflect on yourself Sister for your actions are not for my sake, rather your own bloodlust."

Theodora was silent for a lone while, staring back blank faced until at last, in a burst of flames, two guards appeared on each side of her. "Guards. It seems the Royal Advisor has had too long a day. Escort her to her chambers and see to it that she does not leave until she is well-rested."

Powerful hands enclosed around her forearms abruptly and Evanora began to struggle, her magic burning beneath her skin, yearning to be unleashed. Small arches of green lightning chased one another across her clenched hands, but there was no effect on the guards or her helplessness against their strength. "Theodora!"

"I would never hurt you, you know that yes? But I will not allow you to stop me either. I will do what must be done irrelevant of consequence or cost."

They dragged her from the throne room, Evanora struggling all the while. Part of her was relieved that none were present to view her tantrum, but it was that as she was being hauled up the stairs to the second floor that a door in the far back of the corridor caught her eye.

She only saw a glimpse, but it was more than enough to confirm what she had suspected after their conversation the previous night. She wondered if he was aware that Theodora had most likely already set her plans in motion.

-Emerald City Dungeon-

*~ Oscar ~*

Oz twitched awake with a groan of discomfort. His neck hurt as did his back and arms. Also, something seemed to be smoking. He tried to roll over to get into a more comfortable position, but found himself strangely incapable. He opened his eyes and then instantly wished he hadn't. He yelped in fright, yanking on the chains that kept his arms tied above his head and the ones that kept his legs from being drawn up.

Right under his toes was a fire merrily licking at his imitation-oxford shoes.

Snapping drew his attention momentarily away only for him to balk at the sight of an intricate cage barely containing a small armada of river fairies dangling right next to his head. He felt a tug on his hair and leaned back the other way, horrified to fin yet another cage of river fairies. Each far too close for comfort.

"What the hell is this?" The self-proclaimed wizard breathed heavily and focused all his might on not moving an inch lest he roast or maim himself on any one of the multiple threats surrounding him.

"Oh, I'm not sure what you think it may be, but I find it all quite entertaining."

The room was dark despite the fire and though he could not see her, he was still able to make out her voice. "Theodora?"

"What say you Wizard? Want to help improve my mood?"

"I do not like your idea of comedy!"

Until Next Time

– Lyrical-Light