The Ascent of Dorothea Drazik by Jessica Cooper

Author:Jessica Cooper
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessica Cooper

Chapter

Sixteen

“The circle is complete. I call this meeting to order. I hereby open discussion of the scroll keeper appointment, our purpose tonight.” Lady Gwyn spoke loud enough to quiet the room. There was a large round table with twenty-four seats around it. Luciano and Meredith flanked Lady Gwyn. There was a colorful array of witches from all over the region. High priests and priestesses and other noble majick folk. “The full council of Themis is in session. There are two propositions on the table. Lady Ruth is the first to present, then Luciano is second.”

With the mention of Luciano’s name, Lady Ruth’s ears pricked up, and she shot a malicious look in his direction. Her look was intercepted by the cool and confident brown eyes of Luciano. He exactly understood the expression she let flash across her face. At this moment, they were enemies.

Lady Ruth fixed a pin in her hair and began. “As you know, the sad and sudden death of our high priestess has left us searching out a new scroll keeper. I have candidates that fit every description, and they are outstanding witches. Lilith and Charles Hepburn. They are a fine match for this job.”

All the council members were dressed ceremonially, in dark and flowing gowns. They murmured, and some nodded. The importance of this gathering gave it a stiff, formal feel. Most held a stoic expression, passively agreeing.

“They would be a powerful presence,” one member commented. He had a brown robe on, a necklace made from teeth, and a partially shaved head.

“I just don’t know that they are a good fit. They seem more interested in the power than working for a greater good,” warned an older witch with purple, gray hair. There was a good amount of talk all around.

Ruth answered, “From my perspective, this is a great deal of power, and folks that have been preparing to wield it will do so well. Charles has been of great service to most here, and he is a most consistent leader in his own circle. He has a powerful mate now, and they would move us forward with strength.”

It felt like a good place for Luciano to interject.

“My fine Lady Ruth seems to forget about the prophecy of Aradia. While the Lady Lilith and Charles fit the descriptions of ancestry and they are well respected, they do not have a new love for each other. We all remember the prophecy states that the powers of the scroll keeper to the scroll are forged strongest with new love.”

A darkly dressed woman with black hair and a simple, angular face stood in the circle. She wore a tight shirt that accented her pregnant belly. “What does that mean, new love? We have not followed the criteria that close in centuries. It is nearly obsolete. Besides, our translations could be off. It could mean noble or strong. That should be up for discussion, not taken at face value.”

Quickly, a small stooping man stood up, and somewhere between a nervous

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