Chapter 34: Chapter Thirteen: The Testament of Shana MacArthur

The train to the second circle was packed, nothing new to me though, I often rode between the three outermost circles, robbing trains as I went. Of course it was often after sneaking aboard in a box car or jumping the train from horseback, but yeah I’ve been in a lot of trains. This particular train had seemed especially cramp, or maybe it was more about the tense air between the partners I now rode with. 

“You think we’re missing something?” I whispered to Reli in the seat beside me, “ I mean like, the hell are all these people going to the second circle for?” I tried to make for lively conversation to ease as much of that tension as I could.

“Perhaps they’re visiting family?” Reli whispered back, “is a holy day coming up?”

“Not for another month,” Josie sighed, looking out the window.

I looked at the sullen girl, my heart aching for her. Her normal bright white clothes were now replaced by a black hooded dress. Yeah her typical accents of pink and blue were present in her ribbons and bows, but it still felt wrong seeing her dress in black. “Are you certain you should be coming along again?”

Josie tilted her head, her nose scrunched, “What do you mean? I was asked to come along,” she said, “do you not want me here Shana?”

Shana shrugged, “it’s not that, it’s just well, you know...” I couldn’t say it. Hell I wouldn’t say it. It wasn’t my place to bring that back. Maybe I was pushing the issue too much even. “You know maybe she should have sent another witch with us, no offense.” I thought that would be the better argument, though I almost instantly regretted my words.

The girl wrapped her arms around her belly, and turned her body, “I don’t have to be a witch to be useful!” she looked at me with a sideways glare, “not everyone has to rely on a familiar to do everything.”

“Huh?” Where did that come from? I couldn’t tell if that was projected at me and Gabby, or not. Though based on the way Reli casted her head down, I got the feeling that something was up between the two of them. 

“Please don’t make a scene,” Reli pleaded.

Josie sighed, “I’m sorry, I really am.” Her eyes were sunken, even the layers of makeup she used to doll herself up daily couldn’t hide that from me. She looked directly at Reli, reaching her hand out to touch hers. 

Reli pulled her hand away, “not here.” 

“Soooo, what’s the plan anyways?” I asked, trying to shift the topic.

“We won’t be getting there in time to break her from the jail cell, so we’re going to have to go the much riskier route and stop the execution,” Josie leaned forward as she whispered, “I might not be a witch, but I’ve got my tricks. Before they drop her on the gallows, I’ll release a smoke bomb. The rest is up to you.” 

Is that all? I don’t know, I still don’t feel good about you being here Josie, I thought, “couldn’t we have just taken the smoke bombs ourselves?”

“I have a contingency plan,” Josie winked, though it wasn’t as cute and charming as you’d expect from her. 

“Okay, if you say so.” I gave up and slumped in my seat. Luckily for us, the fourth person to be crammed into our four person seating arrangement seemed to be fast asleep, none the wiser to our plan. Reli seemed to eyeball him, her gaze never straying from the slumbering stranger. He was hunched over, nearly motionless, an occasional snore escaping his throat. He had a sword resting at his side, with an ornate handle. Many passengers carried guns, knives, and perhaps the occasional tomahawk, yet this sword seemed to worry Reli. 

I began to study the stranger myself, his long black hair pulled back into a ponytail, his white duster jacket half fastened at the chest. His riding boots didn't have the slightest scuff. And most importantly, the bladed pistol he wore sheathed at his hip. 

Reli, trembling slightly tugged at my chaps. 

“What is?” I began to say before Reli blocked my mouth with her hand. The girl pointed to the man’s badge, a star with a gavel, just barely hidden from sight. It took me a moment to see it, but when I did, I slowly reached for my revolver.

“Let’s have none of that now,” he said, his head still down as if he were sleeping, “don’t want to cause a scene here now do we?” He had a sulky, yet playful tone to his voice, the kind of voice that conveyed a lack of fear, as if he were teasing me, “you could pull that trigger, get a good shot in, maybe even kill me with one bullet,” he said, “but then what? You’re on a speeding train to nowhere if you go that route.”

Reluctantly, I relaxed my hold on my gun, “What’s a Templar doing here?”

“Same as you lovely ladies, and lad,” He said, raising his eyes to meet my gaze, “I’m busting out a witch.” 

***

We arrived at the platform, and I had never felt so happy to get off a train. Hell, not even a single shot was fired at me, a new record to be proud of for sure. I waved my arms in circles, and jogged in place lightly, warming my stiff muscles.

“To get old is a curse,” Michael stated.

“Indeed it seems most unpleasant,” Reli agreed. 

“Shut it! I’m twenty-four!” I yapped.

“Lady Shana, your bounty information puts you at thirty-two though,” Josie said. A total lie.

“Quiet you! Not everyone can look like a twelve year old boy their whole life.”

“You think I look like a boy?” Josie’s eyes welled up. Shit I fucked up!

Reli hugged her, “You’re very pretty, don’t listen to Miz Shana, she’s just cranky.”

“Thirty-two, that’s not much different from fifty if you ask me,” the annoying Templar man said, following closely behind us girls. 

“Don’t make me shoot your toes off!” I growled as he approached.

“Hey now, chill girlie, I’m only kidding,” he flashed a wide grin holding up his hands. 

“Lady Kara should have told us about you sooner,” Reli huffed, “I nearly had a heart attack.”

“So you’re the church song bird, huh?” I scrutinized him.

“Yeah, that’s me, can’t keep my damn mouth shut for that woman,” he laughed.

“Figures you’re a pervert,” I turned and began marching off. 

“Hey, that’s not fair, a man’s got needs that faith just can’t satisfy!” He defended himself.

“I do not like the idea of Lady Kara being alone with that man,” Reli said, Josie nodding in agreement. 

“Oh come on!” he whined.

Our odd group entered the city, or at least what was considered a city out there. The shiny brass buildings, and metallic walkways I began to grow used to, were replaced by old fashioned stone masonry, the ground paved with a primitive kinda concrete. The walls of homes were painted either white or yellow, to reflect what little sunlight hit Haven. Though crowded, the streets were wider, and in place of shops there were just carts and stalls selling their wares.. 

“Gotta love that Mestael architecture,” the man marveled, “I’ll take this natural approach over that stuffy city anyday.”

“Ha, you think this is Mestael architecture? Try going out to the first circle, that’s the real stuff,” I bragged. “Shining amidst total poverty, the way of my people.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing Miz Shana,” Reli argued.

“On the contrary, it shows they are able to do more with having less,” Josie said, “the Mestael people have shown great strides of innovation out of a need to survive.”

“Girlie gets it,” I winked, “keep up the praise and you might earn more points.”

“Points?” Josie asked.

“It’s something Shana has been doing for a while now,” Gabby explained, “it’s her way of keeping track of who she likes and who she hates.” 

Josie stood there, waiting for an answer, till we remembered she couldn’t hear Gabby, “Oh, yeah just a thing I do, don’t worry about it.” I told the girl. “Besides, by now you got at least seventy.”

“How about me miz Shana?” Reli asked, tilting her head cutely.

“Oh you got a million kiddo!” I ruffled her hair and she giggled.

“Okay, let’s not get too distracted now, we need to scope out the gallows,” Josie tried to bring us back on track.

“Lucky for you boy, I know this place like the back of my hand,” He said flashing his palm, before quickly turning his hand around, “yeah, that’s right, I did a few years as a simple deputy in these parts before making it big as a Sheriff,” he said, impressing no one, “as is tradition, the old rope and drop should be situated right in the town center, best place to gather spectators.” 

“Please never call it that again,” Reli grimaced.

“As per tradition number two, the execution will take place at high noon,” he ignored her, “and yours truly will be right there when it’s supposed to happen.”

“How did you manage a sweet job like that?” I asked with a dry sarcastic tone.

“Normally there’s a list for church officials who’d like to do the honors, but I got to jump ahead because of a little blackmail,” he grinned.

“There’s a waiting list? For volunteers? To execute witches?” Josie asked, visibly sickened. 

“Naturally, witches may be in high volume, but not as many notorious ones get caught like they used to. It also eliminates the need to station an executioner in every city.”

“Why not just send the Inquisitors?” Reli asked, “Aren’t they witch hunters?”

“Inquisitors are in short order, and not every witch is too powerful to be taken down by ordinary folks, so it’s better to not waste their time.” 

“Change the topic or I rearrange your face bird boy!” I barked. 

“Hey, I have a name, Delun, it’s not hard to remember,” he said.

“Well then Delun, cut the witch murder talk or I cut your finger off!” I snapped. 

Delun adjusted his collar and fanned his face, “Geeze, touchy, we’re stopping an execution so it was bound to come up.”

I stomped several paces ahead of them, though kept myself in ear shot.

“Honestly, she should be glad they don’t use fire anymore,” he muttered, “easier to save someone from hanging than a burning.” 

We shoved our way through the crowd, coming up at the town square. Just as Delun had explained, a gallow was set up, ready to be used when needed. My stomach churned, and my head felt as if it had been split in two. I tried getting a better look around, but my mind became clouded. 

“Best not to get too close,” Delun warned, “the stonework here is a witch-suppressant.” 

“Bastards think of everything don’t they,” I gritted my teeth, “Malecite everywhere....guess Kara was right in sending you after all.” I forced a smile at Josie. 

“I’ll admit, I was surprised too,” Reli said, “after last night I... I didn’t think you’d be in working order is all.”

“One must perform in a way pleasing to the guest,” Josie winked.

Reli blushed and looked away, I was unable to suppress a cheeky grin despite the immense migrain, “I see how it is, didn’t think you the type Kiddo.”

“It is not what you think Miz Shana, we just talk is all,” Reli blushed a deeper red.

“Sure thing kid, sure thing,” I attempted a wink, but instead found my eyes twitching in pain. “Let’s hurry this up so we can leave,” I said, backing up slightly. 

“Yeah for your sake, I’ll make it quick,” the man said, “look there, that building.” He pointed east at a small stone house to the east, “the sun will be behind you Shana, so just wait up on top of that roof. Once I pull the platform release, you take your shot at the rope before it has the chance to snap her neck.” 

“There’s no way I can make a shot from that far,” I argued, “I’m a quick draw, not a sniper.” 

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“What? Come on, you gotta be kidding me,” Delun said, frazzled, “you’re the notorious Bullet Witch and you can’t make a shot like that?”

“Hey keep it down with the bullet witch thing so close to an execution site maybe,” I snapped still wincing in pain, “and yeah, like I said my specialty is getting in close and dirty and killing bitches before they can react.”

“Damn, then you’ll have to do it from the crowd. Is four paces back from where you’re standing doable?”

I took a few steps back, my brain feeling better almost immediately, I raised my hand, my finger extended and made a “bang” sound, “Yeah, I think that should be good,” I answered with a grin.

“Well now the problem will be keeping you unnoticed,” he sighed. 

“Doesn’t Josie have some sort of smoke bomb?” Reli asked.

“That’s for after the rope is cut, so I can get her out without being seen,” he explained. 

“Oh, I guess that would make sense,” Reli said, “and what about me? What am I doing exactly?”

“The smoke bomb only has a radius of maybe eight paces,” Josie answered, “once we’re past the Malecite Stonework, we’ll be more likely spotted, you’ll have to use your magic to cover our escape.”

“So I’m going to have to fight?” Reli sighed.

“We’ve got this my love, together we’re unstoppable!” Michael cheered her witch bride on.

“If that’s the plan, then I have no choice,” she resigned herself, “and I’ll have Miz Shana to help me as well, right?”

“Of course Kiddo, I’ve got your back. We’ll be there for you,” I ruffled Reli’s hair. 

“That helps, thank you Miss Shana,” she hugged me around my waist. 

“Actually I was thinking that you can create a barricade, Reli. Your familiar can handle that can’t she?” Josie tilted her head.

“Oh, yea, that does make more sense. I suppose so?” Reli blushed.

“I can, I am very good at keeping things away from my Reli that I don’t want near her,” Miki said with a growl. Not sure why, but it felt directed at someone in the group. Did I get on Miki’s bad side?

“Yea, we got this!” I pumped my fist and ruffled Reli’s hair again.

“You’re an adorable team, but let’s not celebrate early,” Delun interrupted, “there’s always a chance for something unexpected. Josie lad, make sure to keep your eyes open for us please,” he said smiling at the girl.

She glared at him, her face puffy, and sighed, “I’ll do my best.” 

“Good then, we know the plan, so now let’s eat!” He slapped Josie on the back and walked past the rest of us. 

“Hey we still haven’t solved the issue of me not getting spotted,” I ‘whisper shouted’, “if I’m recognised then we’ll have a problem.”

“What, you rob a bank in town?” Delun laughed. 

I ripped a poster from a nearby wall, and slapped it in his face, “This ring a bell?”

He whistled, “Twenty-thousand could set someone up real good in the second circle,” he said, eying up the wanted poster, “lady you gotta keep a lower profile. How have you not been caught?”

“Kill em all, let the goddess sort em later,” I said, “you gotta ask yourself, is twenty-thousand really worth risking your life?”

“Fair point, though not even the inquisitors can get you?”

“Dealt with them like it’s no problem!” I winked, then I looked down, “ Actually I’ve only really encountered this one inquisitor before, a woman with a beak like mask,” I clenched my fist, “I didn’t get the chance to kill her, but when she had the chance to kill me, I blacked out and woke up in the wastes.” 

“Maybe another witch saved you? Or just some well meaning gunslinger,” the templar shrugged, “Either way count your blessings girl, your life is far more valuable than the reward.”

Delun walked away, and after a moment we followed. He brought us to a small hole in the wall kind of diner, much like the city it was decorated in the traditional Mestael patterns. Blue and purple alternating triangles hemmed the wall, not unlike the pattern on my poncho which Josie had returned when we met that morning. Green stripes in groups of three also alternated on the support beams of the roof. To some small degree, it felt like home, though the presentation was just a bit cleaner. Actually I’d be lying if I called it home, the manor was my home now, not that old shack in the middle of the first circle. 

A Mestael woman served us our food, tough meat ground up and salted, with just a hint of zest from a sour fruit, all wrapped up in a chalky wheatweed  wrap. The flavors brought me back to my early childhood days. Back when mother would prepare food for my father and I after we’d come back from my uncle’s ranch. When the waitress asked about what we wished to drink, I asked for my pah’s favorite, whiskey with sour berry juice, but when they didn’t have that I had to settle for another bitter drink. Tangey, though not as harsh as my favorite cocktail, still I enjoyed the beverage and pretended it was what I wanted.

While we ate, Delun had managed to find a place to purchase some clothes for the group, and after that we went to the local tailor. 

“Wait here, Josie and I will find you something to blend in,” Delun explained. 

“Yeah, no arguments here,” I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall.

The two non witches went in, leaving Reli with me, “Miz Shana, do you think they’re just as harsh on witches here?” she naively asked.

Without even speaking, I merely cocked a brow and pursed my lips.

“Oh, right, the execution,” Reli turned red, “I always knew there were people who hated witches, but I never realized how much until I became one.”

“Ha, yeah, it’s easy to ignore the trouble of others until they become your problem too,” I laughed. “Scum bags treat us like dirt, yet what do you think they're gonna do when a Malefic shows up? Die that’s what!” I kicked up some dirt, the dust caking into the fringe of my boots.    

“That’s why the church has nuns right?” Reli asked, “are they also able to fight the Malice?”

“They sure as hell can try,” I spat, “but a nun has nothing on a Witch bride.”

“Are we really that strong?” Reli sounded unsure.

“Of course we are sweetie,” Michael answered, “because of our bond we are like one, all the magic I have is yours to command.” 

“Must be nice having all that power,” Shana sighed.

“I don’t think so,” Reli shook her head, “I feel so weak sometimes. I just, I haven’t been able to do anything. Maybe last night wouldn’t have happened if I was stronger.”

“Hey, kiddo no,” I turned to her and placed my hand on her shoulder, “what happened last night isn’t your fault. No way, no how. It’s got nothing to do with how strong you are in the slightest.”

“But, Lady Kara may have sent me too, maybe, if I were stronger.”

“You’re plenty strong kid. Kara made a judgment call. Said she thought we’d be less likely to get caught with less of us there. I agreed at the time.” I sighed, “But what happened to Josie, it’s not your burden to bear kiddo. Bad things happen to good people, that’s just life.”

“Yeah but,”

“But nothing girl, you’re perfect the way you are. Like Miki said, you two are a powerful team. Hell, I wish I had that kind of power.” I was kneeling slightly, bringing myself to her eye level.

“Are you not able to be a Witch Bride too miz Shana?”

“It isn’t a matter of can, it’s a matter of, well shit I don’t know,” I tried to answer, “I love Gabby and all, I’m just not ready for that kind of commitment.”

“It sounds to me like you are holding yourself back, if you don’t mind me saying,” Michael said, “if you wait till you’re absolutely ready, then you will miss your opportunity.” 

“And who asked you?” I snapped back, “It’s my life, no one knows me better than me,  so I don’t need someone thinking they can tell me how I should live it.”

“Oh don’t be mad, Miz Shana, Miki didn’t mean nothing by it,” Reli tried to diffuse the tension.

“I merely meant that if you love Gabby, then you should allow that love to manifest,” Michael stated, “and as a result your magic will increase exponentially.” 

”And I said that’s my business,” I kicked a rock down the street.

“We’re back,” Delun announced, stepping out of the shop, “just got to dress you ladies up and we’ll be ready to roll,” he handed us each a couple garments, and a wide brimmed straw hat for me. 

“These are men’s ponchos,” I said holding the article in question out, “no split at the belly.”

“Precisely the point my lady,” he grinned, “no one will suspect you're a witch if they can’t see your belly.”

“Even Josie would get arrested wearing these,” I threw the poncho back at him.

“What? Why would he, nevermind,” he said, catching the clothes, “I’m not asking you to ride through the nine circles of Haven disguised as a man,” he handed the poncho back. “We need you to not be noticed, no ones going to question your gender if you just keep your head down, and stay quiet.”

“But covering our brand is illegal,” Reli argued.

“Yeah, and so is breaking a witch out of jail, and yet here we are,” Delun moaned. “How have you not been caught yet,” he repeated.

“The church will leave you alone so long as you don’t stir the pot,” Josie explained, “Little Reli must have kept a very low profile since becoming a witch.” 

“Well, it doesn’t matter, get dressed because the execution starts in an hour,” he began to walk away. 

“Where are you going?” I called after him.

“I’m the executioner, remember?” 

Oh yeah, that’s right, I blushed, and threw on the offending poncho. It was baggy, and a bit bland, just big enough to hide my bust and curves. Reli however, looked like a child wearing their fathers clothes. I laughed, and placed my hat on Reli’s head, only further adding to her adorably young appearance. 

Donning the Mestael-style straw hat, I walked out into the crowded street, Reli and Josie close behind. People had already begun to gather, as a crier shouted the news throughout the city. Hangin a witch! He yelled, and the masses came in like a flood. What a rousing and captivating event, I thought with every bit of sarcasm and disgust that was possible. Among the hundreds of bodies, I lost the other girls, but couldn’t turn back for them as the herd egged me forward. My heart began racing as soon as I realized I was being forced closer and closer to the Malecite stones, were I to be pushed within their field of effect the plan would be a failure. The mob pressed on, with me caught nearly at the front, while I finally caught a glimpse of the others. Reli and Josie barely managed to hold onto each other, the two girls' hands interlocked but almost torn apart. 

The closer I got the more I began to question the plan. Shoot the rope? Like seriously, would that even work? What kinda plan is this? I get that Imma quick shot, so I could possibly get the shot intime to stop her neck from snapping, but like… wow… Did Kara come up with this? No, she’s smarter than that right? It had to be Vox, he’s just all cute and no brains. Or no, it was Delun for sure. Delun seems like a moron, he can’t even get Josie's gender right.

My worries had to wait though, cause we were almost there. Steps away from what I knew was the stones’ area of effectiveness, I stopped, and held my ground firm, others pushing past me to get a better view. It did not take long for the town square to fill up, If I had to guess I’d say every resident was there. Minutes went by, though they felt like hours, as the indistinguishable roar of voices filled my aching ears. I tapped my toe to the ground, and held my head down low allowing the ridiculously sized hat to hide me. Suddenly the crowd grew silent, as a man dressed in ornate church garbs stepped onto the podium. 

“My fellow children of Sakolael, the Goddess most high, today I come before you to absolve this city of its sin,” he announced, “for here a witch has been harbored, a witch guilty of great sin, sin that is on all our hands so long as she is allowed within our walls.” Many voices called out in agreement with the sick old man, “We shall wash our hands clean of the sins she has brought upon us, and feel the mercy of the goddess upon us!” Even more cheered, the sound became a deafening wave crashing down on my ears. My head began to ache, despite not being too close to the Macleite. “Come forth oh holy adjudicator, and bring the accused,” at the priest’s call, Delun emerged from the jail, tugging the chains of a woman behind him. 

She was brought before the priest, and stood there, an angry sneer on her dark blood stained lips. Her ebony skin was marked by fresh wounds flayed about her arms and legs. Her brown curly hair, covered in filth. Her body was laid nearly naked and bare, as if to shame her before the people. Though tall, she slouched, bringing her down closer to the diminutive priest's face. 

He took the chain that was shackled to her neck, and brought her down even lower, forcing her to her knees, “Do you know of what you have been accused of witch?”      

When she did not answer, the priest kicked her emaciated stomach, causing her to retch. “Speak witch, and tell the people how you’ve caused them to sin, confess your wickedness” he demanded a second time.

She lifted her head, and looked at him with bruised eyes, “By providing the people what the church refuses,” she said through strained breaths.

The priest struck her face with the back of his hand, “You have poisoned them with water from the devil herself.” He turned to the crowd, “Have you heard? This witch has served to you the most foul poison, water brought forth by the vile Witch Queen, the most hated enemy of our beloved Goddess.” The crowd jeered, their voices pounding against my mind.

“By the power and authority invested into me, and in the name of Saint Lucile, high priestess elect of Haven, I sentence you to death!” 

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