CHAPTER 150: THE GRANDWITCH

Zen looked around the small, rustic home of the Grandwitch with quiet curiosity.

His interest, however, had less to do with the place itself and more to do with the fact that the so-called Grandwitch was nowhere to be seen.

And so he found himself studying the surroundings simply to keep his mind off the lingering comment about dark magic that the ’formless’ voice had made.

As far as he knew, he had never come into contact in with any kind of magic, until he met Emira. And even then, she had used the ancient spell... So, how could this black magic be clinging to him?

Miss Dorothy Green, the great witch of their pack, on the other hand, appeared completely unfazed by the revelation.

Her calmness was almost unsettling. Zen noticed how she didn’t even seem surprised or curious when the matter of dark magic had been brought up.

That alone told him enough that she had likely known about it all along. Known, and chosen to say nothing. Whether out of caution or indifference, he couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty only made him more uneasy.

He did not like things that were not known to him. And he wanted to question her. But, somehow, he knew that if he questioned her now, he would not find any answers. So, he could only observe her patiently. The problem was, patience had never been his strong suit.

At the moment, the older woman was kneeling in the center of the cramped room, her silver-streaked head bowed in prayer or maybe forgiveness. Who knew.

How she had even managed to find a spot to kneel was beyond him. The place was overflowing with objects-old trinkets, bundles of herbs, dusty jars, dried flowers hanging from the ceiling, and strange charms that dangled from thin strings like watchful eyes. Every corner seemed to hum with quiet, contained energy, as if each item held a story or a spell of its own. It was disconcerting to say the least.

The Grandwitch’s absence, combined with the odd stillness of the place, gave him the uneasy feeling that she was watching him somehow, even if she wasn’t physically there.

Just then, another voice echoed in the room," Dorothy. What brings you here?"

This time, Zen didn’t jump or try to find the source of the voice. He didn’t need to. His job was to protect the witch and bring her back alive. If she ended up being taken by some formless being then he would go back... Failing one mission was no big deal.

He saw the great witch bow more and wondered if she was trying to bury her head in the sand as he heard her say," Mistress. I have come to beg you for guidance."

"Really? What a day, what a day.. Good. You can continue to bow there."

Zen suppressed his smile at the witch’s awkward pose. It seemed the woman had offended the Grandwitch a great deal to have been punished to hold that pose... The woman might not be able to straighten up after this...

"Prince Zen... welcome to this grandwitch’s humble abode."

Zen raised an eyebrow at that. Well, that was a change of tone. But since the ’witch’ was being nice to him, he bowed his head and spoke," Thank you for your hospitality, Grandwitch."

The voice laughed and said," For one who’s heart is full of questions, you are quite remarkable to be able to hold them. Worthy of being the youngest triplet. So, are you curious about what the magic said about you?"

Zen smiled," Of course I am curious... But not enough to ask you, Grandwitch. I know all about having to make a sacrifice if I need my questions answered."

The Grandwitch laughed at that. " So stingy, Your Highness! I would have only taken your wolf’s pelt to keep this old woman warm in winters. It’s not like your fur will not regrow. Why not take the time to think it over?"

Zen smiled and said nothing. If only it were as easy as giving a pelt. Everyone knew that after the Great War of the past, the witches had been forbidden from answering any questions that might affect the past or the future. To prevent the others from forcing the witches, the spell had an added layer of protection. If you wanted a question answered you would have to give a sacrifice.. And in that, the witch could ask anything and you would be bound to give. Even if it were your life...

So, thanks but no thanks, he would rather keep his questions to himself for now and find answers later.

His thoughts were broken by the grand witch’s voice as she said," Your Highness. You must be tired after a long journey. Why don’t you go take a rest? I’ll be careful not to harm my apprentice...Don’t worry."

Prince Zen nodded, knowing that he was of no use for now...so, he could only walk along the path that was made for him as the random things moved out of his way... Thankfully, the room he was given was not cluttered and did not make him feel as if he were being spied upon. After a careful inspection, Zen nodded to himself. He could live here for the time being.

Outside, once Zen had returned to the room, an old woman with a bent back appeared before the Great witch, sitting on a rocking chair..." Dorothy. You have quite the guts to come here after the way you left all those years ago. Do you think because you have brought a wolf with you, I would spare your punishment?"

The witch shook her head, "I dare not think that. But I do have one thing that might interest you. May I present it to you?"

The Grand Witch scoffed," What could you have that would interest me? I have everything..."

Even as the Grand Witch said that, Dorothy Green brought out a small box from her pocked and presented it with a flourish....