Upon a River's Crescent (Volume 3 : The Hurricane Journals)

Chapter 1

-Respecting Existence-

It had been three days since I first arrived upon this river’s crescent – on the very day that the Terrible Storm of 1722 ravished the young settlement of New Orleans, two days since a mighty battle between the lone remnants of a mythical race unfolded beside its waters, and less than twenty-four hours since an uprising amongst the victors of that battle erupted to crown Witchkind’s newest Composer of War – the Warwalker known as Marigny.

It had all been set into motion three days before, when alongside that Terrible Storm arrived a vampire, one dubbed the Vampire Storm, and it was that vampire that had shifted the fates of all that lived upon this river’s crescent. He had no name, but took the one of Reggio, it being the one word left burning in his mind since the moment of his awakening. He had experienced much, and learned much, in only the three days that he’d been here, though his journey within this swamp was only just beginning, as was mine.

A path still needed to be forged.

So as Reggio tried to rest in the same hole-filled shack he’d spent his first day after the storm recovering in, the rest of the settlement was bustling with action outside. Most of the witches worked to build temporary huts while Marigny drew up his grand scheme with Jade and the few others worthy of his trust. The mortals were across the settlement trying to do the same thing, build temporary huts as quickly as they could. They were dealt a severe blow themselves during the storm, suffering many losses.

Lives were taken as their homes were all destroyed. And most of them survived it all without any help at all from the witches. But as the following day brought more brutal heat to the area, it was clear that they would soon need it, just as Marigny had said they would.

The mortal leaders already knew what they claimed to be, from dealings with witches like Jane Saint Marie, the witch Reggio left behind in the flood, and wizards like Orleans, the former King, since overthrown by Jade and Marigny, but they all just thought they were some more crazy natives with crazy beliefs. They were kind enough to keep their distance, but were all curious of who the witches really were, and why they hadn’t retreated back into the swamp yet.

Jade and Marigny would answer that later.

But as Reggio slept in the early morning hours of the day, before the young witch Tereshka could barge into his hut and my attention could shift to his perspective, the image of a nearly transparent witch entered my vision. I was hanging onto a tree near the settlement’s eastern edge at the time, just minding my own business as I went about my typical prying into everyone else’s personal lives, keeping my attention centered in on the shack which the vampire rested within, when this ghostly witch seemed to appear from out of nowhere, just beside it.

Now this wasn’t the first time I’d seen her, no. This almost glowing witch, with her long black hair stretched across her back, unaffected by the constant breeze that had been licking the swamp for the last three days, and her silk white dress that left no flesh to be seen, transparent to the point of near invisibility, had appeared to me several times before throughout the last few days. But once again, just like every other time, her back was turned to me, and I was not allowed to see her face, if she even had one at all.

My first instinct was to believe her to be some sort of ghost, some left over fragment of a time long ago, even though my better judgment told me that such things couldn’t exist. But if she was some left over fragment, some repeating image trapped in time, why did she seem to be watching things so closely?

It was almost as if she saw the same things as I did, and was just as anxious to see how this vampire would sway the fate of all Witchkind. But that sounded almost silly. Why would a ghost care so much about a vampire, and how could they?

Nevertheless, as Tereshka swung open the sheet to Reggio’s shack, letting a stream of sunlight in behind her, I was forced to slip back into this vampire’s mind to keep myself in the loop, just as the sunlight came streaking towards him, and I watched as this so-dubbed Vampire Storm woke up startled, leaping away quickly from the oncoming light.

I can’t believe what they are saying about my frening sister, Tereshka blurted out as the drapes shut behind her.

Are you trying to frening kill me?! Reggio asked instead of answering, wiping the crusted sleep from his eyes.

Tereshka completely ignored him, though. Can you believe that everyone here believes that she actually killed the Mother? she asked him. She has said nothing about you.

Well, it wasn’t just me, the vampire admitted as he sat back down. Jade did do most of the fighting, not to mention those two freaks that follow her around. I just sat in a room most of the time.

"And then came out to kill The frening Mother, she finished his sentence. So, yes, it was a brilliant plan put forth by my sister, I must admit, but she could at least spread the credit around."

She thanked us, Reggio let her know.

The Willborn smudged her lips, Yes, but that is not enough. Those witches out there deserve the truth. They need to know what you did, and that you are not to be feared.

No, it’s fine, he tried to shrug her off, It really is. I don’t need to be appreciated. As a matter of fact, I like being feared. I think it fits me.

Again, Tereshka ignored him. You are our savior, she said with bright eyes and a big smile.

Oh, no, I wouldn’t go that far, not at all, Reggio waved his hands back and forth, laughing out loud at the thought of it. I am no savior, not in any sense of the word. You must be thinking of that Jesus guy I keep hearing about.

You are too modest… just as ‘that Jesus guy’ was said to be, the young witch told him, brushing back the yellow hair from her face.

Yeah, but my guess is he didn’t have a craving for blood to struggle with, the vampire commented.

Maybe not, she admitted, But your name will nevertheless be known, and it shall be remembered all throughout history, just as his. You just watch. I will make sure of it.

No, you really don’t have to do any of that, he tried to stop her from leaving.

She didn’t stop, though.

You know, I really hate attention, he said loudly as the sunlight forced him back into the room. Damn it! Doesn’t anyone listen around here?!

As Tereshka left Reggio’s hut, she marched right over to the shaded area where her sister was talking with Marigny and a few others.

Jade saw her younger sister approaching from the distance. She was the last witch she wished to deal with at that moment, or any moment, for that matter, so she decided to try and ignore the fact that she even saw her approaching and hope she went some other direction. But once it was clear that Tereshka was not turning away, Jade finally acknowledged her.

Now is not the time, young one! Jade snapped as she approached.

Yeah, it never is, Tereshka told her wryly, not backing down. But nonetheless, you will want to hear what I have to say.

I never do, the older witch commented with a roll of her eyes. But go ahead anyway.

It is about the night before last, Tereshka said loudly, I think we all deserve the truth!

With those words, both Jade and Marigny turned their eyes sharply towards her, and then at each other.

What is she talking about? Marigny asked under his breath.

Not a frening clue, Jade told him, already turning away from them.

She stormed over to her sister, trying to remain calm. Having to kill her sister at that moment, in front of everyone, was the last thing she wanted to do. So she grabbed Tereshka gently by the shoulder as she led her into the swamp, smiling at everyone in an attempt to show that everything was fine. Then, once within the shadows, she spun her sister violently around to face her.

What truth do you frening speak of?! she asked behind clenched teeth. What do you know of that night?!

Tereshka did not back down from the anger her sister was showing. I know you wish to take all the credit for yourself! I see what you are doing! She spoke in an aggressive voice to match her sister’s.

And what is that? Jade asked as she pulled her sister closer with her left hand, slipping her right down slowly into a satchel at her side, quietly wrapping her fingers around her dagger.

You wish to keep Reggio a secret, Tereshka replied. But I know how powerful he is. I know he killed Rita, and so should everyone else.

Jade’s hand released her dagger as she let go of her sister after hearing what she had to say. Oh, is that all? she asked, fixing Tereshka’s rumpled top.

Well, of course, the young witch replied, looking oddly at her sister. What else would it be?

Oh, nothing, nothing at all, Jade fumbled with her words at first. I, uh, suppose I can arrange a… some sort of gathering later on, maybe tonight, where I can let everyone know… the truth, as you wish to put it, even though they might not like it. But today… today we have much to do.

That… seems fair, Tereshka said with an awkward nod of her head.

Of course it does, Jade told her with a fake smile and a slap on her shoulder.

I just think it would be better for everyone if… Tereshka tried to say, but Jade ignored her.

As I said, much to do, she cut her off as she turned away and left Tereshka alone in the swamp.

The younger witch could do nothing but shrug her shoulders after that conversation. She found it to be a strange encounter. Jade’s demeanor made her curious that there was more to that night than even she had suspected. But there was nothing she could prove at the moment.

She could only attribute her sister’s actions to the tremendous amount of stress she was under, having to slip into the roles of leadership so suddenly. It did make her wonder, though.

* * * * * * * * *

The day after Marigny regained control was much calmer than the previous three had been. There were no monster storms hanging overhead and no sneak attacks or assassinations planned. But everyone still seemed to be recovering, both mentally and physically, from what the last three days had brought them.

They had been through a massive flood and a grueling battle, all within a thirty-six hour period, and then for nearly twenty-four hours after that, for the Saint Claude Witches, at least, they were either spelled or on the run from the power hungry Wizard, Wulmuk, forced to fight and kill each other without say. All of them, both sides, had been pushed beyond their normal limits, which brought a calm and welcoming peace to this fourth day.

All the witches inside the mansion at the Landing were either resting or healing from their wounds, while across the swamp in the newly proclaimed settlement of New Orleans, the witches that were ran out of their underground chambers, those that had survived their rebellion, searched for a new place to live within the remains of what the storm left behind.

Marigny and a few other witches were discussing, formulating and constructing the details of furthering the Warwalker’s plans. Jade was just rejoining them, while off behind them, all the witches that were able enough had begun building small huts for everyone to stay in for the time being, until better conditions could be worked out.

Some of the witches were even helping out the mortals, building the same huts for them on the other side of the city. This was one of Marigny’s ideas that he hoped would help their reputation with the humans, and maybe even bring their two species a bit closer together.

They hoped to expand their dealings with them by building a row of huts, some small and some large, along the eastern edge of the swamp for themselves. And they would then do the same on the western side for the mortals. They would build the huts in that way to make sure that they stood at all times between them and the witches across the swamp to the east, the brood of Saint Bernard, whom they were still silently at war with.

They never wanted them to see any of the battles that may take place between the two clans, because that would ruin everything they were building towards. They were going to take the idea that Orleans had to live with the mortals a step further, merging it with the vision of Marigny. It was a grand scheme, yes, integrating themselves within humanity, but it was a scheme that all of them planned on implementing with the utmost care and efficiency.

Chapter 2

-Forgetting The Past-

As the day wore on, and the dying summer heat of the southern swamp grew thicker, the sun pounding down against the coming fall breeze, negating its cooling effects, Jade and Marigny went over the final details of their plan with the witches they had chosen to tell. They sat beneath the ever disappearing shade as the sun reached its peak in the sky with five other witches, sweat dripping from each of their brows. These were the five witches the both of them trusted more than anyone else – Rampart, Caffin, Alasha, Surekote’ and Chelsia. And they had discussed and combined their separate ideas and concerns for the entire day.

Some of them were worried, just as Jade was. Revealing their identities to the mortals was a chance that not all the witches would be willing to take, and that is why they did not discuss it with everyone. But they each made sure to keep all of the broods best interests in mind. Rampart and Caffin could see exactly what Marigny was saying. They understood what Marigny was trying to accomplish and wanted the same thing. They both thought that using the mortals as cover for them to control the city was brilliant. But getting Alasha and Chelsia to agree would prove to be much more difficult. In order for them to finally come to an agreement on what to do, a few stipulations had to be guaranteed.

It was agreed that only a select few mortals would be allowed to know their true abilities. These mortals would be chosen and agreed upon by all of them. They also agreed that they would never involve any of the mortals in any of their own battles, nor would the witches involve themselves in any of theirs. The settlement would be looked upon as sacred ground, where fighting was not allowed. The swamp would, from here on out, serve as the battlefield for all future involvements with the enemy to the east. And the final stipulation was one that everyone could easily agree upon… all final decisions would ultimately be made by the witches.

The mortals, essentially, no matter how much power they were led to believe they had, would have no say at all in any of their future endeavors. So with that, and all they had discussed already, four of them made their way across the settlement, carrying with them a large box of fresh fruit. Alasha, Rampart and Caffin remained behind to help guide the building of the temporary shelters.

As the mortals trudged through the knee high mud, laboring in the suffocating heat, the four witches approached them from afar. The mortals were few in number, their entire settlement only consisting of a few hundred of them, so there was no time to take a break. Everyone was out working on rebuilding their homes.

The witches were not worried about startling any of them as rumors had already spread amongst the mortals months ago. Bonds had previously been made by Orleans and Jane with a specific few mortals, but with their deaths those bonds would have to be reconnected. Surekote’, however, had his own bonds with several of the mortals.

He knew their kind better than most, having spent his first two-hundred years of life beneath their rule in Japan. As it turned out, while most witches around the swamp were thousands, some even over a million years old, Surekote’ was hardly three-hundred. He was so very young compared to everyone else, extremely so. But no one in the Saint Claude Brood ever suspected it.

Upon arriving on the shores of the Lake Pontchartrain in a lone boat, he was instantly befriended by Orleans. And he had done nothing but help ever since that moment of arrival. Years before, how many he could not be sure, he had been cast away into the sea.

He was only half witch, with his mother being mortal, and his father a wizard that fell for her touch, never revealing what he truly was. This wizard had hidden away from the wars and escaped the purges, blending into the growing society of Japan. Because of this, Surekote’ was able to live alongside them with no fears. He understood many things about them, including their beliefs in God. This was because, during the late 1500’s, after finding his own mortal mate, he was introduced to Catholicism. However, in 1587, Catholicism was banned throughout Japan, and a war against the practice erupted throughout the country.

His mortal mate, however, Kokoro, rebelliously continued to spread her word, and it eventually got her killed. After that, Surekote’ fell into a deep depression, one that eventually led to a killing spree. Throughout the early 1600’s, after his father refused to aid in his action against the country, he declared war against the Japanese leader himself, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and that is what led to his banishment.

No one else, though, knew anything of his past. His previous connections were the only reason he accompanied Jade, Marigny and Chelsia to meet with them. It was enough for them to see him as a valuable asset, however, because as they grew nearer to the mortal’s temporary camp, they turned to him for advice.

So who should we speak with first, Kote’? Jade asked, her red hair darkened by sweat. I would rather not cause a ruckus.

Marigny took one last puff of his pipe before putting it away and agreeing with Jade. Yes, we only have one chance at this, and I would rather not muck it up. He laughed, not at all bothered by the heat. Somehow, he still wore his cloak, his arms engulfed in its fabric despite the suffocating air around them.

Everything will be fine, Surekote’ assured them with a smile as they walked past the first few mortals, the sun sparkling atop his clean-shaven head. The leaders here know who we are, and they know we mean them no harm. They do not believe in magic of any form, and that is how King Orleans sought to keep it.

Yes, you told us all of that already, Marigny moaned, becoming bored of it. Just tell us who we need to speak with.

Well, if you would have been paying any attention earlier, I already suggested who should first have eyes upon our true powers, he was reminded by the young half-ling. We need to find Franklin. He is very close with Bienville, and will surely be able to arrange a meeting.

So, this Bienville guy, he’s the one we really want to talk to, right? Marigny asked begrudgingly, finally throwing back his hood to reveal his face, now shaved clean and barren of scruff.

Yes, at least you paid attention to that, Surekote’ told him. He is the leader of these mortals. This is his settlement, and if we wish to live beside them, he is who we must gain permission from. But he is a busy man, always searching for new lands to claim as his own, so he could be rather hard to track down.

Alright, Marigny said, rubbing his newly naked chin, So where do we get started?

We will ask these mortals politely if they have seen who we are looking for, Surekote’ said, motioning towards the mortals they were approaching.

Politely? the warlock asked, lowering his voice. And how do you propose I go about doing that?

By the gods, Surekote’ groaned, his voice showing his aggravation. What in fury did you expect to do, just march in here, show off your muscle and expect them to trust you?

Well, yeah, Marigny admitted, shrugging his shoulders.

Why did I even agree to this? the wizard asked under his breath, mostly to himself.

For just this situation, Jade said, talking to Surekote’ but looking at Marigny. Simply shaving his face can’t change him. He’s still an ass.

Fine, Kote’ grunted, pulling up his sleeves beyond his shoulders. I will show you how to speak politely. But just know that this is pathetic.

He then stepped forward to greet the mortals. Hello, friends, he spoke with a smile. We were wondering if you might know where to find Franklin, the good friend of our great governor. We are the natives of this swamp. I’m sure you’ve heard of us. So if you could just tell us which way we should go, that would be wonderful.

The mortals stared back at the witches with an odd confusion, not saying a word.

Surekote’ leaned back to address his fellow witches in a low voice as he gauged the mortal’s reaction. They surely know who we are, but I believe they are surprised that we walk atop the mud and not through it.

Marigny then leaned forward, smiling at the mortals. It’s nothing to be upset about. We are just better than you. He spoke as politely as he could, but still caused Surekote’ to step in front of him.

Pay no attention to him, he told the mortals as he shoved the warlock aside. He is new around here, but I am a good friend of Sir Franklin, and have come to aid in your rebuilding efforts.

And we bring fresh fruit, Jade added, tossing a fruit to each of them.

The mortals snatched them out the air and sniffed them. At first they seemed tentative to eat them, but their intense hunger soon became evident as they ignored their concerns and bit into their first taste of food in nearly a day. After that, they began pointing over to the large tent in the center of the settlement.

That is where you will find who you are looking for, one of them said in French, bringing a confused look to Marigny’s face.

Surekote’, though, simply bowed kindly, and then led the others towards the large tent.

Just let me do the talking from here on out, he said. I really think that would be best.

Marigny looked over at him. Nonsense, he argued. I think I’m actually catching on to this polite thing.

Surekote’ laughed. That back there was not polite, he said, pointing behind them. And it is no way to negotiate with their leaders. You still have much to learn about peace, Warwalker.

To the furies with peace, I have nothing to learn. These monkeys don’t deserve our frening respect, Marigny spat out, not doing so well at holding back the anger he felt for them. They are lucky enough to have our assistance to begin with.

I thought we were trying to play the caring neighbor, not the neighboring suppressor, the young wizard responded sarcastically, clearly aggravated by Marigny’s tone.

But before the warlock could say anything else, Jade interrupted. Is that someone we are looking for? she asked, pointing off to the side.

Surekote’ turned to see three mortals approaching them. As he looked closer, he saw one of them to be Franklin. That is exactly who we are looking for, he acknowledged as he began walking faster.

Hello, friend, Surekote called out to the mortal.

Greetings, Franklin said with a stern voice and an outstretched hand, speaking almost clear English.

Surekote’ grasped it with his own hand to be pulled in close and grabbed tightly by the human.

The other witches were right behind him, unsure of what was going on. Marigny watched how the mortal greeted Surekote’ as he extended his own hand to one of the other mortals. The mortal took it with a smile and was pulled into Marigny’s chest and squeezed tightly, probably too tightly. And after an awkward moment, the warlock finally let go as the mortal began making strange noises. He then smiled widely as the mortal backed shakily away from him.

I hope you have come to help, Franklin said to the young wizard. The good lord knows we can use all that we can get.

As a matter of fact, we have come to offer much more than just help, Surekote’ stated in excitement.

Yes, Marigny concurred, trying to remain polite while cutting in, We have brought fruit, fresh fruit. He was holding it towards them like a zoo keeper would an ape.

Franklin looked strangely at the warlock and smiled politely. Ah, yes, I see, he said, speaking as he would to a disabled child.

But… That… not enough, one of the mortals commented, scoffing at the gesture in broken English as he shook his head, That… hardly anything.

Well, in case you haven’t noticed, all of our crops were flooded, and this is all the fresh fruit we have left, Marigny informed him, his annoyance clear in his voice. You should be thankful we brought even it.

But that… nothing for us. How do I say…? The same mortal argued, There are more mouths… than fruit in that basket.

So cut them in half! the warlock growled behind clenched teeth. You ungrateful…!

Surekote’ and Franklin then quickly stepped in between them to dissolve the situation.

Never mind my friend here, Surekote’ tried to laugh, cutting Marigny off.

Oh, that is quite alright, Franklin said, keeping a smile on his face as he pushed his fellow mortal back. We are very grateful for your offerings. Now, what was it you were saying about helping us?

Yes, of course, Surekote’ began again, rubbing his hands together. But what I am about to tell you may be hard to believe. It may just be easier to just… show you.

Franklin laughed. If it is any more of your magic tricks, you can save your time, he said. We have no need to be entertained.

Surekote’ looked at his mortal friend with a straight face, as seriously as he could. He then held out his hand. I assure you, my friend… it is no trick. His arm then lit up with a blue glow that emanated through his skin and traveled to his hand, where it began shining out of his fingertips.

Wha….. What in God’s name is that? What are you…? Franklin held his widening eyes open as he took a step back in awe, his breath trembling.

Surekote’ then took the energy as it seeped from the same pores in his hand that sweat did, and slowly formed it into a ball that hovered above his palm, looking over at Franklin to see the shock that covered his face.

And this is not all we can do, he said happily, smiling as visions of the past began to swirl through his head…

Standing before an entire army, all by himself, the young wizard exploded a ball of energy before him, shattering it and sending it forth in a huge wave that swallowed up dozens of Japanese warriors at a time, ripping through entire crowds of them. He then began to laugh as he formed another, And that isn’t all I can do!

He then ripped his attention back to the present, where he watched the eyes of the mortal standing before him tremble in their sockets.

Why are you showing this… to me? Franklin asked, trying not to stutter.

Surekote’ let the energy absorb back into his hand as he put his arm back down. Because you are the only one with an open mind, he answered him honestly, looking around at the other two mortals as he played upon their spiritual beliefs. You know that God is able to work wonders. And you can think of us as being but one of them.

So… you really are… witches? Franklin remarked, or asked, who knows. He was still in so much shock that I’m not even sure if he knew. I thought you only existed in stories, fairytales.

Surekote’ said nothing. But Marigny had heard such things far too often. He hated being looked at as a mere fairytale, some children’s bedtime story, and had waited a very long time to respond to such nonsense. He took much pleasure in being among those first witches to reintroduce the human race to his kind, the mysterious creatures they had nearly forced into extinction millennia before.

After taking all of that in, completely engulfing himself within that historic moment, he responded in kind, Just as your bible is taken as fact when such feats of magic are performed, so should other stories that have been passed down throughout your generations. We are simply one of those stories, one that happens to be absolutely true, and all we ask is to be looked at no differently than any other of your God’s creatures.

Everyone held their breath as soon as Marigny opened his mouth, but after hearing what he had to say, they were all thoroughly impressed. He was clearly thinking about the future with every word that he spoke, playing on the same spiritual emotions that Surekote’ had. And after he had made his point, they all just waited for their response.

But… no one would believe me, Franklin let them know. They would believe me to be mad. What am I supposed to do with this information?

You do not have to do anything, Surekote’ said, taking the man by the shoulder.

But what are you trying to tell me? Franklin asked. How can you help us?

We can rebuild your settlement, the wizard put it simply, talking almost directly into his ear. We can turn it into the city that you have only been able to dream of.

Well, that is a bold statement, Franklin commented, his eyebrows rising with intrigue. But an outburst beside him forced a decision.

It is the trickery of the devil! One of the mortals suddenly blurted out, yelling in clear French, It is blasphemy!

Franklin quickly spun around and grabbed the mortal by the collar of his uniform, resorting to his native language to make his point. You will keep your mouth shut or I will have it shut for you, he growled at his underling, showing another side of himself. No one is to learn of this, no one! This knowledge is to go no farther than these eyes here. Is that understood?!

The mortal lowered his head. Of course, sir, he said reluctantly. Not a word will be spoken.

I hope not, Franklin said as he let the other mortal go and turned back to Surekote’, his demeanor shifting as his language changed back to English. Now, to begin, let me just say that… this is quite unexpected. We believed you to be no more than a group of lost Brits, separated from your homeland and simply making due to survive in this unforgiving swamp. Or maybe just another band of natives, taught your language by the English. But now… now I don’t know what to believe of you. However, if I am to take you seriously, which I am, then I can only assume that you wish something in return from us.

We wish only two simple things, your silence and your asylum, Marigny stepped up to say, quite politely by the way.

Franklin turned back and then forth between the two of them. That sounds almost too good to be true, he had to say. So what’s the catch?

There is no catch, as you call it, Marigny assured, shaking his head from side to side.

Franklin took a few moments before asking, And why should we trust you?

Marigny stepped closer to him. Because we have nothing left to hide, he spoke honestly. We have already revealed ourselves to you. All of our homes have been destroyed by the storm. We have each been left vulnerable to the deadly elements of nature. And now we have the opportunity to either help each other… or not.

And if not? Franklin asked, obviously concerned about starting a conflict.

If not, Marigny replied honestly, Then we will be on our way. We will leave this place and find asylum elsewhere, though we would wish not to do that. He smiled, We like it here.

Franklin nodded, seeming to ponder the possibilities in his head. Okay, he said at last. Let me get this straight. If we grant you asylum and allow your tribe to live in our settlement, and we do not speak a word of your… supernatural…abilities, then you will help us to build our great city?

Marigny smiled and nodded his head, repeating him exactly, "Yes, we will help you build our city… the city of New Orleans… a new world for both of us, and one where we will stand as allies."

Franklin nodded his head as he smiled. A follower of our great Duke, I see… yes, well, after hearing that, he said, referring to the Duke of Orleans – Philippe II, Regent of France – as he offered his hand to Marigny, I am sure we will be able to help each other immensely.

Marigny smiled and grabbed Franklin’s hand, pulling him in close and squeezing him tight.

Wow! Franklin shouted as he pulled himself free of the warlock’s grasp and laughed. We might have to work on that, my friend, he told the warlock, trying to joke. But if we ever have any more trouble with those Brit’s, I’ll just get you over there to give them all a fucking hug!

Marigny just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

No, I kid, I do… but in all seriousness, my word really isn’t much around here without Bienville’s approval, Franklin admitted. So let me go and talk to him. I’ll see what I can do. And I’ll meet up with you all later tonight with a sure decision.

Of course, Surekote’ said with a slight bow. It was a pleasure speaking with you.

As with you, Franklin said as he turned to leave, Until tonight, friends.

They all smiled and waved politely as Surekote’ then led the witches back to the temporary shelter.

It seems that went well, Chelsia said as they walked, the first words she’d spoken the entire time.

As good as it could have, I believe, Surekote’ agreed.

So… now what? Marigny asked.

Now… we wait, Surekote’ told him.

Marigny snorted. Sounds like fun, he said sarcastically, Like we haven’t waited long enough already.

* * * * * * * * *

Located some seven miles downriver from the rebuilding settlement stood the Elder Mansion, where the brood of Saint Bernard resided. It was built upon the mighty river’s crescent, just miles away from where they first landed upon the swamp’s soil. It had been the first truly dry ground the witches had seen since being cast away from their homeland, and was where they began their life anew four years before, adopting the name of the ‘Landing’.

Since that time of landing, however, the