“We call upon Arianrhod, the Chartweaver.” Liora’s voice was dreamy, distant. “She who read the patterns of fate. She who guided us through the crossroads of destiny.”
Everyone turned to me.
I looked at the book, at the final name written on the page in that shimmering script.
“We call upon Màiri,” I said, and my voice didn’t waver. “The Bookkeeper. She who witnessed oaths and kept records. The keeper of connections.”
At my words, the rowan tree shuddered. Its branches swayed without wind, its leaves rustling with whispers that might have been voices.
The air shifted, becoming translucent, and figures stepped into the clearing beneath the tree. Nine women, dressed in ancient robes, their forms translucent, and their eyes bright with recognition.
“Daughters. You honor us. Through you, our blood runs, our magick, and we are proud of what you have accomplished. Be well, for you are the bright light of generations to come.”
My throat tightened, and I swallowed, as they faded away in the soft morning light. Only a memory once more, but their impact forever lasting.
“The founders have heard us,” Hilda said. “They have blessed this gathering. Now we speak the oaths.”
She turned to Sophie first.
“Sophie, do you swear to protect the Stone of Truth? To command the Kelpies in its defense? To stand against any who would threaten what we guard?”
Sophie’s voice rang clear. “I swear it. By my blood and my blade, I swear it.”
Hilda moved to Lia.
“Lia, our Kitchen Witch of the Order. Do you swear to nourish those who serve the truth? To use your gifts forhealing, not harm? To feed the body so the spirit may be strong?”
“I swear it. By my hearth and my heart, I swear it.”
To Shona.
“Shona. Do you swear to tend the green places? To nurture life in all its forms? To remember that growth is sacred?”
“I swear it. By root and branch, I swear it.”
To Willow.
“Willow. Seer of the Order. Do you swear to share your visions? To warn of dangers seen and unseen? To bear the burden of sight so others may act?”
“I swear it. By stitch and needle, I swear it.”
To Orla.
“Orla. Do you swear to speak for the dead? To guide lost spirits to peace? To remember that the boundary between worlds is thin?”
“I swear it. By shadow and spirit, I swear it.”
To Kaia.
“Kaia. Do you swear to craft in service of truth? To arm the Order against its enemies? To temper metal with magick and purpose?”
Kaia’s voice was steel. “I swear it. By fire and iron, I swear it.”
To Faelan.
“Faelan. Do you swear to take pain so others may be whole? To sacrifice your own comfort for healing? To remember that compassion is strength?”
“I swear it. By blood and breath, I swear it.”
