PART THIRTY-SIX:
Of power and possession:
It slammed into her, like a shove. Slightly eroding, but dominant and forceful. Then gently, with rapid spasms. It gradually spread all over her body. It was like an intruder had opened the door to your house, came in and made themselves very comfortable. A familiarity, that at some point. The host had made possible and available. As if on cue with an expected reaction, her eyes rolled backwards. Meanwhile, a sensational and somewhat cool feeling began to climb from her toes upwards.
A slowly fading yet succinct part of her, wanted to fight the sinister but subtle invasion. However, a larger, stronger and more involved part spurred it on. The fiercer resistance would win, by way of a lack of obstruction and/or hindrance. When she finally opened her eyes, with focused pupils. She knew for a fact that the visitor was now in charge. ‘Shiny-shoes’ , or whomever it was she had been. Was at the moment cowered, slumped in will and ready to follow suit. Any control of her senses, that she may have had before. Had ungrudgingly been relinquished.
The grand marshal's parade:
Xitus thought of three dramatic ways he could make an entrance, but decided against it. This current situation and state of affairs. Not only called for a new contract, but demanded a more intense involvement from the subject. A participation that would in the long run, facilitate a total mind alteration. A change so effective yet subtle, that the subject could not tell the difference. Between whom they were and who they were inhabiting. The second monitor had carefully put all the resulting scenarios into consideration, before making himself known.
He ruminated on the times he whirled in. Twisted in empty air that merely raised dormant particles and atmospheric irritants. Polluting the air for maximum attention. Or the times he floated, swiping through realms and brick barriers. The second monitor decided against that, because this time around. They would make it appear to be all about her. They were after all, seemingly doing something incredible for her. Ostentatiously meeting a desperate need that would have simply remained in the crevices of a craving heart. In return, they required her complete immersion into their mission. A total surrender and agreement to any plan or agenda that they would roll out.
The price of preeminence:
It was a small price to pay, the dark forces would argue. Considering all they had given and made possible for her. Howbeit temporal and superficial. But she would never know that. Her assessment of normalcy and control would be some acquisition and position. Possessions that lacked endurance and originality. She would see none clamoring for space in her world. And if they were, she would hope and expect her possessors to handle it. This party would revolve around her.
Of course she knew, that there were a number of other recruits. So far, apparently lesser in grades and levels. According her the unofficial leader of the pack. Whether they accepted, liked it or not. A position so evident, because all necessary executions would spin their policies around her. The very rise and relevance of any other, would partly or solely hinge on their paying homage to her. It was all a necessary and worthy bargain, as far as she was concerned. Even though she had this unrelenting feeling of having been gutted.
Thankless sacrifices:
‘No sooner had she lifted her hands, than the crowd began to chant her name. Then they bowed in worship before her. The feeling of exaltation flooded her senses and insides. Then disappeared, just as quickly as it had visited. She felt empty and lost as the voices got louder in praise. And the gestures were bolder in expression. She wished they would all go away. She hated them and what they had done to her. Yes their demands for her immortalization, made them just as guilty. It was as if they were sucking the very life out of her. And it was draining any ounce of sanity or sobriety left. The weight of their worship would kill her. It was impossible for a mortal to bear. So she tuned them out and woke up.’
No return policy:
‘Shiny-shoes', took one more look at her smooth and supple skin. Smiled contentedly to herself, then half-walked and half crawled into the coven. A piece of ashen particle, flew out from the inside of the hut. It then circled tentatively, around her face. Before it slowly landed, settling on her exposed arm. The high priestess winced instantly. Surprised that such a light-weighted and small substance, could sting her so sharply. Or was it her new and perfect skin, that overreacted?
When she tried to flick of the irritating speck. She could only watch in shock and horror, as her skin gradually absorbed the foreign object. She blanched momentarily. Before running her index finger, across the affected area. It had instantly become as good as new again. Hardly bearing any signs whatsoever of an intrusion or diffusion.
The young sorceress marveled, while inspecting her skin one more time. She had not only gotten a brand new skin, it appeared. But one that could never be tainted or harmed. What a bargain, she thought gladly. The dark lords must think her to be very special indeed. Thereby favoring her so. With a smile on her face, she pulled out a dangling wood splinter from her hair. And then proceeded into the coven’s main room.
Porous perfection:
The witch was burning wood for an intended sacrifice. In a brick enclave, situated at the far end of the large coven room.
“Well, well, well,” ‘Shiny-shoes’ announced her entrance gleefully. All the while, feeling as excited as she sounded.
“How are you my friend? Long time no see.” She finished with a grin. Looking at the witch. Who still had her back turned to the doorway, as she tended to her flames. When there was still no response, ‘Shiny-shoes’ spoke up again.
“Is there no welcome plan for the guests these days?” She ventured with mock ruefulness.
“There is always a plan and program, for the people I invite into my territory.” Came the witch’s curt reply.
“A little miffed we are today it appears. Not so my friend?” The high priestess was determined not to allow her happy groove to be quenched.
“I am not your friend.” The older woman corrected in a cold tone. “And my mood is fine and perfectly normal.” She finished, while straightening herself from a stooping position.
“Okay then,” continued the younger woman with a shrug. “If that is the way you want it, then that’s the way it will be. I just stopped by to let you know, that I am back in business and feeling great.”
“Good for you then, I would suppose.” Stated the witch flatly. She then walked over to the circled area, from where she did her consultations and controlled her operations. Before continuing with her speech.
“I had no idea, that your business had stopped.” She stated again, as she busied herself with shells and dried sticks on the floor.
“My business never stopped actually,” the high priestess began. “But I did have a little mishap recently. Though everything is sorted out now. I dare say, that things are even better now. Than they were before.” She grinned with a convincing nod.
“A little mishap?” The witch queried, without showing any form of alarm or concern.
“Well, it was not quite little. To tell you the truth.” Explained ‘Shiny-shoes’. "I was actually in a bush fire, believe it or not. And even worse and tragic, was that my friend died in the inferno.” She paused to search the older woman’s face, for an expression of shock or astonishment. When she got none, the high priestess continued anyhow. “You do remember the friend that I brought here the other day. You had actually trained us in the beginning. Along with the other four recruits, that were requested by the queen mother.” Still no response from the witch.
“Surely, you remember the lady I was preparing for her role as the queen’s personal assistant.” The witch simply gave her a blank look and then re-arranged two sticks on the floor. “You do remember, don’t you?” ‘Shiny-shoes’ coaxed, feeling annoyed.
“Was it the same fire I told you, would keep your friend and recruit from the palace?” The older sorceress asked suddenly.
“What?! Is that what all this is about? Your negative predictions. Can’t you ever say anything positive to me? Yes I was in the fire you saw alright. But take a look at me now. Better than before, better than ever." She stopped momentarily, to observe the witch in disdain. Shaking uncontrollably in indignation, she proceeded with her speech.
“I actually stopped by to let you know, that I am now in charge of the whole territory." She hissed. "Every move, transaction and/or activity, happens only with my permission. Nothing goes, that does not go through me.” She paused again, to gauge the older woman’s reaction. When she got none, she asked further, for good measure.
“Have I made myself clear?” Still no response from the witch, who appeared at this time. To be engrossed with arranging the sticks on the ground. And then almost as if she had just woken from a trance, she spoke.
“You have made yourself clear indeed. In fact, so clear. That we can see right through you.”
‘Shiny-shoes’ who had been pacing back and forth in the room. Stopped dead in her tracks, to look at the older sorceress. Then she systematically followed the witch’s eyes, to see what it was she was looking at. She was staring at her arm, the high priestess deduced. And what she now saw also, made her gasp in horror. Her skin had indeed become transparent. And there she stood, bones bared like a skeleton.
.