Page 50

Chapter 50

‘We’re making progress,’ I said confidently to the assembled Council. ‘I have rooted out yet another black witch among us – on the Council itself.’

I looked each of the members in the eye. ‘I have been appointed by the Goddess to root out this infestation and I take my duties seriously. If you are a black witch, know that I will find you.’

I let the threat hang in the air for a long minute. I didn’t know for certain whether there were more black witches on the Council. With Hilary and Tristan dead and whoever had been impersonating Felix removed, the Council was in a better – and worse – shape than it had been for some time.

‘Your days are numbered,’ I continued. ‘Hilary and Tristan are dead. You will be next.’ I noted with interest that all the councillors held my gaze except for Seren, but that could simply be because of our personal history.

I cleared my throat. ‘It’s time for a re-brand. Too often we shy away from calling people or their actions evil but they are. To gain power from torture and death – that is evil . ’

I thought of Abigay and her dark skin. I didn’t want ever to describe her with the same descriptor as them. ‘We’re not calling them “black witches” any more. We’re calling them what they really are: “evil witches”. That is what they are because that is what they are doing. If you are evil I will find you and I will see you culled from the Coven.’

The Other is a dog-eat-dog world and too often the witches are seen as the Chihuahua of the realm: yappy, but with no bite. Well, I was bringing the bite back.

‘I want all witches to carry an athame and a potion bomb at all times. If you are on the streets, you are armed. Whether we have accepted it or not, we’re at war. Let it be known that there will be no mercy. There will be no Connection trial.’ I had expected applause but instead the Council members stared at me, shellshocked.

‘No waiting for six months to fill the Council vacancies.’ I said after a beat when it became obvious no acknowledgment would be forthcoming. ‘This week you do a UK Coven-wide email notifying anyone who is interested in becoming part of the Council that they must come to Edinburgh to undergo testing. We are going to get stronger – and we are going to do it now .’

Well, that was it: I guessed rousing speeches weren’t in my wheelhouse. I thought I’d done a good job but there was no standing ovation. I gave them a sharp nod and started to move off the podium.

Kass started to clap and slowly the others joined in. It wasn’t quite the thunderous applause I’d hoped for, but it was a start. I left them to it: the Crone was supposed to guide, not micromanage. Who was going to organise the email and how they were going to co-ordinate the testing was for them to arrange.

Look at me! I was delegating! I felt a tiny bit proud of myself. Then I felt a warm tingle, like a burst of sun on my skin, and I knew that the Goddess approved wholeheartedly of what I’d started.

Bastion followed me out of the Council chamber. I closed the door behind us and paused. Benji and David were both standing to attention, guarding the entrance. I studied them. ‘I could use a hand,’ I said finally. ‘But I don’t want to separate you or take you away from your post if you’d rather stay. I need people I can trust around me, people I know aren’t evil. I know you two aren’t.’

The golems exchanged glances then David bowed. ‘I thank you for your words and consideration. If it pleases you, Crone, I will serve the Council as that was my awakened purpose.’

I nodded. ‘It is right,’ I agreed.

Benji stepped up to me. ‘I would love to serve you, Crone.’ He gave a low bow.

The title made my heart clench. ‘Not from you,’ I whispered as I pulled him upright. ‘It is Am Bam to you, always.’ According to the rules, the Crone’s family could retain and use her given name.

His smile was like the rising of the sun; his joy lit up the room as he pulled me into his arms. ‘Am Bam,’ he murmured, kissing my forehead. His cold hard arms encircled me. Cold or not, he truly gave the best hugs. He released me. ‘Where are we going?’

I sighed. ‘To clean out another black witch.’ He looked at me expectantly. ‘We’re going home,’ I explained grimly.