Maria Spotlight - The night is ours

One afternoon, Larissa was hunting the squirrels in my garden, Mathilde and Wilbert came to my house. They were the most powerful in our circle after me and Claus. I chose them as other members of the Council at the time. Mathilde was probably more what one understood by a witch. She was skinny, with yellow teeth and black lips. One of her eyes was blind, her death eye I called it. Because with it she could entice the ignorant into her spell and kill them. Foolishly, she had used her gift in the eyes of the people. She had been persecuted, but had been able to save herself; I picked her up at a dirty little market where she sold stinking fish. Wilbert didn't get any better. This plump, bald man had been expelled from his homeland because he had helped a pregnant woman to give birth to her child, who was lying ahead with the coccyx, healthy and without further complications. They wouldn't tolerate anything like that. It was more acceptable to let the mother die with her unborn child. After his exile, he was restlessly wandering around until I found him and brought him here. Their uninvited stepping in brought me back to reality.

“My dear ones, your visit honors me. What can I do for you?"

“We‘re coming in the name of all of us," Mathilde began, “to tell you that your plan can no longer be tolerated.“

“What do you mean by that?"

“Look“, Wilbert continued, “none of us know what you're doing with the girl and whether you're training her analogous. Therefore, the Circle has decided that your student must take an exam. To prove that she’s worthy to be accepted as a witch.“

“This is ridiculous. Did Claus put you up to this?"

“My Mistress, be assured this decision has been made by all of us.“

“I'm not afraid.“

Larissa must have heard the conversation. She stood in the doorway, unmoved.

“If you want to put me to the test, go ahead. I'll be ready.“

“Then I guess that's settled. So I'll see you tomorrow at the Stonecircle.“

Wilbert patted Larissa on the shoulder, Mathilde passed her untouched. I hadn't consented, but I still couldn't hold the girl back. The fact that Claus stabbed me in the back like that looked very similar to him. He was and remained a false snake.

“Listen, Larissa. This isn't gonna be a walk in the park. They'll put you through your paces.“

“Please don't worry, Emily. I've got my powers under control, you've taught me so much. I'm convinced I can change their mind. Let them see what I'm capable of first.“

“It's not just the practice, kid. There will also be a theoretical part. They'll ask you questions about anything.“

“Do you trust me?"

She looked at me with her bright blue eyes. I knew there was no way out. We couldn't reschedule. I had been teaching her for too long and now the Circle wanted to see a sample. And this sparkle in her eyes had something magical, as if there was written “I can do it, let me prove it, let me go of your hand now.“

“I trust you.“

She put her hand in mine, and I knew it would work.

“Emily, just in case I don't make it. What happens then?"

“Then they'll keep you away from me until further notice. And I will be forced to leave, for then I would have failed.“

The next day came sooner than expected. Meanwhile we already had March and there was still snow. Winter had us firmly in its icy grip. Since the beginning of November, the white precipitation has enveloped our entire homeland. To the acceptance of the examination all gathered at the Stonecircle, in our witch village. This circle formed the centre. It consisted of thirteen large stones which served as seats for the thirteen elders among us. For thirteen witches and sorcerers we were when we came to this land. We took a seat, all the other witches had come as well, as onlookers so to say. Claus sat next to me. He enjoyed putting a spoke in my wheel, his laugh revealed. I hadn‘t had the opportunity to talk to Larissa again before the exam; she was kept away from me. Then the child came into our midst. She wore a long, black velvet cape and underneath an opal green, floor-length dress. Her dark hair was curly today. Ephraim and Lucia were there, too. Claus had probably brought them here so they could see her daughter fail. Wait and see, Claus. Nothing's been decided yet. We'll see who laughs last. Then Wilbert stepped forward and started talking.

“My brothers and sisters, my Lord and my Mistress. We have gathered here today so that the oldest circle of witches can test this girl's witchcraft skills. She's agreed to take a test. Then let us begin.“

Claus led the audit. I was supposed to back off because I was biased.

“Larissa, can you tell me what the Great Witches' Basic Textbook says on page fifty-two?“

“It's about turning objects into animals.“

“Aha, could you give us a taste of this spell in advance?"

The girl didn't hesitate long. She picked up a branch from the ground and turned it into a lizard. The green lizard crawled along the ground excitedly. But this was an ease for a good witch, so nobody applauded.

“Not bad for a start. Can you spontaneously tell me three magic herbs?"

“The mandrake, the jimson weed and the black henbane. All three are used in rituals.“

“Which brings me to my next question, what rituals do you know?"

“Calling Protective Spirits, Elemental Rituals, Small and Large Pentagram Rituals, Full Moon Rituals, and Protective Magic Rituals, to name a fraction. I'm sure everyone here knows the complete list, I don't want to bore you any longer.“

“It's all right. Demonstrate one of these rituals to us.“

“All right, I'll perform the Ritual of Visualization and lead you into another world.“

I fervently hoped she had the strength. I had practiced with her a few times, but it didn't seem to be her strength. I didn't understand why she wanted to try right now. She closed her eyes, stood up straight, and when she opened them again, all the gathered ones became eyewitnesses to a spectacular vision. The forest was no longer white. It was bright sunshine, the birds sang and flew around, the grass smelled wonderful and everything blossomed in its fullest splendour. Horses came riding the way, one white and one black. It was like touching them. Everyone was amazed and admired this almost paradisiacal scene. Then everything dissolved, was exchanged for the cold and the beginning darkness.

“I hope you enjoyed my performance, but the darkness‘s slowly coming, so let me light a fire to convince you more of my arts.“

Soon several pieces of wood flew from the forest and gathered in the middle of the circle. Larissa snapped briefly with her fingers and the logs of wood began to glow, until they were finally devoured by the blazing fire and a warm fire simmered in front of our feet. The audience could no longer hold on to themself. Everyone just stood up and applauded. She had convinced them, she had passed her exam and I couldn't be happier and prouder of my protégée at the same time. But my brother wouldn't be my brother if he didn't have another ace up his sleeve to destroy this moment.

“One moment, please. The exam isn‘t over yet. Calm down. Well, Larissa. I admit you did well, but I have one last question for you. If you can answer it correctly, you've passed the exam. If not, it was all for nothing. Finally, tell us about demons.“

He couldn't be serious. I interrupted him.

“Claus, this subject is no place for us, we have nothing to do with demons.“

“I disagree, sister. A medal always has two sides. Of course we hunt the demons and destroy them, but a good witch must also know the dark side and find her way around it. So, can you answer the question for me?"

DAMN YOU! I hadn't considered that. I had never even touched on this subject, she couldn't know anything about it. Probably Claus had us spying on, only so he could know about it. She looked at me questioningly, I couldn't help her. If she couldn't answer that question, everything would be lost. Everyone was silent, waiting for an answer.