Page 85 of Magic Touch
One by one and in groups, witches begin arriving at the coven house to witness my tribunal.
My mother arrives with Samuel and Henry. When questioned, they all say they will stand with me throughout the event.
It warms my heart to know that not only my mother, who loves me, would support me, but also a friend and an employee. Worried that the coven witches are not to be trusted, Esme never leaves my side.
However, I sense no ill will, only curiosity and a touch of fear. Minerva was correct. Knowing the nature of each person's magic, along with the ability to sense emotions, is extremely helpful. While I still don't know if I will be allowed to keep my magic, I'm sure these witches mean well. They have a sense of duty to the crown that I respect. Sara Beth feels the weight of a nation and is determined to do what is right.
After they take a few minutes to chat and gossip, Sara Beth, Minerva, and Sylvia move toward the hearth, where three chairs sit in a row facing the center of the room.
The witches each take a chair and move to sit in rows facing the tribunal. They leave a wide gap, and I stand between the onlookers and my judges. My heart beats a little faster. Behind me, Esme sits front and center beside my mother. Henry and Samuel stand like sentinels near the door.
Mother looks as though she might devour anyone who dares harm me, and Esme gives me a smile that doesn't quite touch her eyes. I've shut down the link between our minds. If I'm harmed, I don't want her to feel the effects.
In the center, Sara Beth stands, and the rest of the congregation follow. "The Great Mother honors us with her presence at this tribunal."
Prudence ambles in wearing a blue dress with white lace trim.
Samuel rushes to bring her a chair before returning to the door.
Everyone sits, and chairs scrape the worn floor.
When Prudence has everyone's attention, she says, "I will witness the calling of Goddess and hear her rule. I would ask that whatever our deity decides be the ruling of this coven for ever after. Does the high priestess agree?"
Sara Beth settles into her seat. "I have noticed that Great Mother is fond of this witch." She points at me. "I do not dispute his good work so far, only that men have historically been of the dark, and this coven has long banned them from entry. I will vow to do him no harm unless binding is his wish. If Goddess asks more of me, I will comply. Will this satisfy you, Great Mother?"
Prudence inclines her head. "I am satisfied as ever, that you are a good and fair leader in this coven, Sara Beth Ware."
The hint of a blush fills Sara Beth's cheeks before she faces me. "It is our custom to discuss the situation before calling Goddess. You will then be given time to respond should you wish."
I only nod my understanding.
With her back straight and shoulders pulled back, Sara Beth locks gazes with me. "Sir William Meriwether, you are a witch unbound. Your family suppressed its magic and gave it up for their survival. For fear of darkness entering the coven, men haven't been permitted within for seven generations. We have seen your magic. You have been honest, but still our laws are clear. We must know the danger of a male witch within this city so close to the crown."
Sara Beth's stare falters, and she looks at Esme for a moment before scanning the group. "Open discussion as to whether William should be bound, banished, or accepted within or without the coven walls."
The entire room erupts into chatter. I can't make out what anyone is saying, or even if they favor me or not.
Sylvia holds up a hand and calls for silence. "We have seen his magic is great. He could destroy us."
Minerva says, "He could help us. His magic coming to light when it did, and the knowledge we now have of dark magic possessing Trina is more proof that we will be in need of strong witches."
"It could have been that dark one who awakened his magic," a witch with mousy brown hair calls from the back.
"It was not the dark one. It was Esme O'Dwyer. She may not be one of our coven, but she is fully of the light, as were her mother and father." Minerva seems to be the only witch on my side.
The chatter turns to Esme and her parents and how it was the denial of Connor O'Dwyer to the coven that drove the family away. It seems an age before the conversation returns to my magic and virtues.
Finally, Sara Beth stands and raises her hands. The room falls silent "You are all heard. What say you, William?"
My heart pounds, and I feel fear from so many in the room. I turn to the larger group before returning my attention to the tribunal. "I am new to your ways and those of magic. I feel that which is in me is natural to me, though I knew nothing of it until a few months ago. I have done as I was asked and will accept the ruling of Goddess as my fate."
"May I speak?" Mother stands and looks from me to the witches who would judge me.
If any witch makes a move to harm my mother, I don't think I can restrain myself. She has no defense against their magic.
Sara Beth nods. "Theodora Meriwether speaks for her son."
Mother's face turns pink, and she worries her hands. "William never showed any signs of magic. His father had some, but kept it hidden and restrained. It wasn't always easy for him, but he felt his ancestors were right to subdue their natures. I never agreed, but as it wasn't my gift, I could only lend support. My husband forbade me from telling William unless he showed signs of what they called an affliction. I sense from what has been discussed today, that William's magic is far stronger than that of his father and grandfather. Still, I will say that William is a good and kind man. You will say I am his mother and must say such things." She gives an embarrassed laugh. "Perhaps that is true, but I do not stand alone in my belief of his goodness. Our king takes the same stand. The people of this country also revere him and what he has done for England. William would die to keep this country and all of you safe." She points her finger around the room making eye contact with many of the witches. "You may think what you like, but if danger is near, you will want William Meriwether at your side, even if you're too narrow minded to know it."
