Page 60 of Destiny of the Witch

‘Excellent. That’s a good starting point, especially as the Symposium will be sitting from next week and Kass will need to be in Liverpool for that.’ I cleared my throat. ‘I also need to hand over my position of Coven Mother of the Hula Coven.’ I spoke the nickname with affection.

‘Who do you propose?’ Rosalind asked.

‘Ethan Hawksbane,’ I offered.

‘He’s a man!’ Seren objected, scandalised.

I offered her a flat look. ‘Clearly. He is also the most qualified witch to take over running the Coven. It has come to my attention that some of the men feel somewhat hard done by. Save for a position on the Coven Council, there is not much opportunity for them to progress – and for some, the only option to attain further power is to join the evil Coven. I wish to remove that as a motivation. Whatwe should be striving for is equality. So I suggest that we make Ethan our first Coven Father.’

Jasper pounded on the table. ‘Hear, hear!’ he said pompously.

Arthur’s fist slammed on the table. ‘Aye.’ Satisfaction glimmered in his eyes.

Carl nodded and tapped two fingers on the surface of the table. ‘Aye.’

All three men looked at the women.

Isadora let out a huff. ‘Well obviously I’m all for equality.’ She tapped the table twice. ‘Aye.’

Seren folded her arms. ‘Absolutely not. Nay.’ The others ignored her like she hadn’t spoken.

‘Aye,’ said Kass firmly, rapping the table with her knuckles.

Octavia and Rosalind both hit the table at the same time. ‘Aye.’

I relaxed. ‘The Ayes have it. With the Coven Council’s permission, I will travel to my former Coven to deliver the news in person – and pack my things up, of course.’

‘You’ll be moving to the Witchery?’ Octavia asked.

‘No. I have another home, on Ann Street.’

‘On Ann Street?’ Jaspar let out a low whistle. ‘Well now, you’re doing well for yourself, lass.’

I smiled but said nothing more on the subject. ‘One final piece of business. The golem known as Benjamin has unfortunately been compromised. Due to a deactivation, his crystal heart is no longer guiding his actions and he can no longer be compelled by the council. I propose that we remove him from Coven Council duties.’

Octavia frowned. ‘We can’t just let a golem loose on the streets of Edinburgh,’ she groused.

‘I will take full responsibility for his actions,’ I soothed. ‘He will reside with me on Ann Street.’

Kass shrugged. ‘If you’re happy to take responsibility for him, that’s one less issue for the Council. Personally, I don’t condone the process of permanent deactivation for the golems once their use is done, so that’s a handy solution. We have David, and another golem is being created as we speak, ready for awakening should the need arise. Any objections?’ She looked around the depleted circle and moved on rapidly. ‘None heard,’ she said briskly. ‘The golem known as Benjamin passes to the Crone.’ She rapped her knuckles down.

I grimaced internally; I hated that Benji was being passed to me like chattel – but one thing at a time. ‘Thank you. I leave you to make the announcements of the dead and to begin the application process so that the Council can once againenjoy full strength. I strongly suggest that all applicants are questioned upon truth runes.’

‘There will be outrage!’ Octavia gasped.

‘Better there be outrage than more evil witches on this damned Council,’ Carl growled.

‘Aye,’ Jaspar agreed fervently.

‘Aye,’ said Isadora.

‘Oh fine, aye,’ huffed Seren.

‘Excellent.’ Business concluded, I stood to leave. I gave Kass’s shoulder a quick squeeze and mouthed at her “Drinks soon?” She grinned and nodded. I turned to the assembled Coven Council, such as it was, and offered a small bow. ‘Goddess guide you all.’

Then I swept out with Bastion on my heels.

Chapter 54

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