The Devil's Cursed Witch

"Do you have anyone in mind who dares do such an act when everything is peaceful in this kingdom? If she dares to do this, that means she is someone powerful. You need to make a list of the people you are close with--be they your fellow sisters or brothers in the coven, or from the other races. After that, try to make another list of the powerful female beings with divine powers. Maybe we can check which amongst them have possible bad blood or animosity between them."

Cornelia sighed. "I will try to look more into it."

"Most of the people you know are important figures of the kingdom, Cornelia, and people at that level are by no means weak. If that murderer can kill someone powerful, that means she can bring another disaster to this kingdom. You need to prepare for the possibility of a battle, a riot or a massacre happening. As I said, though we cannot stop the death of the person in your vision, we can at least stop the murderer from causing more harm," Glinda suggested.

"I will do my best," Cornelia assured.

"Do you have an idea of when this is happening?" Thala asked.

Cornelia nodded head. "Since I saw a graveyard in my vision, I feel it is highly likely--"

"It's on the day of mourning," Thala completed her sentence.

"It's the most important day for this kingdom," Maria said. "Anything that happens that day will surely bring harm to a lot of people, especially since the atmosphere within the kingdom is at its worst during this time of the year."

Thala tapped her fingers on the wooden replacement of her missing leg as she pondered. "Is that all? The details are too few."

"I apologize, but that's all I can remember, senior."

"Tsk. Little girl, when will you grow up? Apology can solve nothing. Next time you see a prophetic vision, be more responsible and observe as much as you could. More lives could be saved the more clues you get. Don't just come to us for help; think of a solution yourself. It's your vision and we can only lend you small pieces of advice based on our experiences. We are not fortune tellers, and we are not your nannies either. We are too old to be solving your problems and cleaning up after you--"

"Oh, hush, you grumpy hag!" Maria scolded her.

"But Senior Thala is right. I should have thought of a solution myself first rather than coming straight here to disturb the seniors. I am fortunate to receive such advice," Cornelia responded.

Glinda spoke with a gentle smile, "Don't mind her words. We know having such a vision can make anyone panic, and it is a wise move to seek us for help. Being the Head Witch doesn't mean you need to carry all your burdens on your own. The more lives you shoulder, the more you need someone who can understand you. Remember, you are always welcome here and we are with you. Isn't that the reason why we from the Spirit Circle welcome you, the Head, as a visitor, even though we live in seclusion?"

"Thank you, Senior Glinda."

After exchanging some more words, Cornelia stood up to bid farewell. After she and her servant were gone, the three witches remained seated in the drawing room, their expressions all reflecting a somber frown.

"Glinda, what do you think?" Maria asked.

"The vision, it's not a topic of whether it will come true or not. My concern is what is the most likely reason or variable that brings about the vision. Of the two incidents that  have occurred in this kingdom recently, one of them is first in history. I think you know what I am talking about," Glinda replied.

"Though the arrival of the golden eagle is surprising, it is not as mind-blowing as the mate of the King, and as if that isn't shocking enough, that mate has to be a human being," Thala said as she sighed. "I had a terrible feeling about her the first time I heard of that absurd news..."

"She is not an ordinary human. Didn't we hear things about her? Last time, Cornelia said she has divine powers inside her."

"That makes it even more worrisome," Thala said. "A human with such powers. I am sure she is related to that little girl's vision, one way or another. She will be the one to bring disaster to our kingdom, and once again, not only will the King pay for his mistake, our people will have to suffer again."

"Thala, don't say that."

"What? It's true, isn't it? That stubborn Black Dragon doesn't learn. So what if she's special? She's still human. That person from a century ago--ugh! I don't know what his problem is with humans..."

"Oh, hush. He's still the King. Be mindful of your words. Instead of that, we need to do something on our own to deal with the aftermath of this vision. On the day of mourning, we have to prepare spells to at least protect our coven," Glinda said.

"We will do it," Maria assured and looked at her twin sister. "Thala?"

"Do I have any other option? The King brings humans and we have to clear the mess," she said with a deep frown. "Again."

"Aren't you worried about who is the powerful man destined to die?"

"I don't care." Thala snorted. "If it is that human stabbing the King, oh spirits, I will even give her an additional dagger, no, a sword. Even if he dies, I don't think his death is enough to pay for all his sins."

At that, Thala stood up, walking without issue using her one good leg and one wooden leg, as if she wasn't disabled in the first place.

Glinda and Maria simply looked at her walking ahead. For someone like Thala whose energy core had been broken, she was mostly sustaining her lost leg with the last bits of her vitality, and it was the last bit of dignity she could afford for herself after giving up her everything for the sake of their people. Once a powerful woman, living with a dignity and pride was now lost in the darkness.