Page 20 of The Witch and His Crow

The frozen air beyond the veil bit at my cheeks. The second I exited the portal, harsh winds ripped around me. I wrapped my arms around myself, not that it did any good.

What mattered right away was taking in my surroundings. It was the first step to survival—knowing where I was and what I was facing. Heavy grey clouds hung ominously in the sky, darkening what little autumn sunlight there was to offer. I turned back, searching for a way out of this death trap, but what I found was a mundane archway of stone—it was covered in similar runes, except these didn’t glow with power, nor was there shadow swirling inside it.

In front of me was an endless forest—there were trees practically everywhere. Jewel toned leaves layered the frosty ground beneath my feet, making every step sound like I was stepping on old bones.

‘Where have you brought us to this time?’ I asked the entity responsible for the trials. Of course, she didn’t reply. Hekate, the three faced Goddess, never interfered with her creations; it was almost pointless engaging with her. She was like the wizard from the Wizard of Oz, lurking behind a velveteen curtain whilstpulling the strings. We were her toys, to be used when and how she desired.

And in every story we had of her, the Witch Trials was her favourite game of all.

‘Caym?’ I called out next, searching the forest for a crow. But before my familiar had a chance to reply, there was movement behind me.

A sea of witches exited the portal. They were reacting to the cold atmosphere like I had, some wide-eyed with wonder, others sharing sceptical looks similar to mine. It was well documented in history that the location of the Witch Trials changed every time it was hosted, and that there was no pattern to where Hekate chooses to host the trials. So even though we were all wondering where the hell we were, no one would be able to tell.

My mother had won the Trials, lasting through the contest until the end. It was well documented that she, among all the past victors, had taken the fewest lives of her fellow contestants to secure her win.

I hardly imagined I’d have such a luxury. How long would it take for the first drop of blood to be spilled here?

But my very human needs were more important right now than me wondering about ethics. I shivered again, more violently this time. Unless there was shelter beyond the dense forest around me, this next month was going to be long andcold.

I stepped into the line of trees, my hands raised and my gift poised, ready for anything. All around me the sea of witches passed, moving with urgency, likely trying to locate bases to hide out in or search for food and supplies. I should’ve gone with them, but I found myself drinking in every face, searching for the traitor I knew was in our midst.

‘Considering you were given a head start, I’m surprised you’re hanging around here, creeping on the competition.’

I snapped around, my gift readying, only to come face to face with chestnut eyes flashing with a ring of gold.

‘Romy,’ I hissed, ‘you should be more careful!’

‘No, you should.’ Her hands found her hips as she came to step beside me.

‘Whatare you doing here, Hector?’ Romy snapped, clearly part-surprised and part-pissed off I hadn’t taken the chance to escape when she’d offered it.

‘Had a change of heart,’ I replied, eyeing the witch with an air of suspicion. She was the adoptive daughter of the man who’d just become my second-greatest enemy, and who I knew was in league with my enemy number one. Even if I shared a beer and some conversation, I knew deep down I shouldn’t trust her.

How much did she know of her father’s deceit? Was Romy part of the plan? I knew she wasn’t the champion he spoke of, not when he was begging for her life to be spared. But she was his family—she had love for the traitor. Just the knowledge of that made my power rise up, and I knew my eyes would be glowing with a silver ring.

‘Calm down, would you?’ Romy reached for me, nails pinching as she anchored herself to my arm. Her touch alone was a reminder of what she could do with her Gift. ‘I’m not your enemy yet, Hector. Reserve your energy for them.’ She eyed the enormous crowd of witches.

I couldn’t open my mouth to tell her just how right she was. Not with so many others near us. If I wanted to succeed, I needed the element of surprise. Staying one step ahead was how I’d survived those eighteen years alone with Caym.

Caym. Where was Caym? I spread out my awareness again, suddenly panicking. I couldn’t sense him. My mind had never been so quiet. It distracted me enough that Romy had to repeat herself.

‘Let’s get out of here. The first trial could start at any moment, and fending off these witches in the cold isn’t exactly going to be beneficial. We’d better work together if we want to find someplace warm.’ Romy’s nails retracted from my arm enough that I pulled free.

I was about to tell her that there was no ‘together’ when I remembered the old saying— keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

I just hadn’t worked out which one Romy was yet.

‘Lead the way.’

‘I intend to.’

As we walked, it turned out that the Witch Trials weren’t being held in some barren forest at all. Once we followed the crowd, we quickly came to the actual location just beyond the dense trees.

A fuckingcastle.

I first caught a glance of the imposing gothic structure as it peeked over the tree-line. The weather-worn dark bricks stood out against the rich jewel tones of the trees. Unlike the rest of the witches, Romy and I didn’t start running towards the castle. We kept steady, Romy practically glued to my side. If she was anything like me, her gift would be close to the surface, prepared for anything.

‘Surely this is a trick,’ I said, mist blowing beyond my cold lips.

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