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Following Lilith’s example, I did the same. We continued to sip the tea, tired from the ordeals that we tried to leave back at the castle, but that was impossible. The pain Lilith carried in her heart would follow her wherever she went. There was no escaping it.
“How did you start learning about potions and magic?” Lilith suddenly asked, obviously intrigued by the array of magical herbs and potions that were on display in the cottage.
Evangeline’s eyes softened, and a faint smile graced her lips. “It feels like centuries ago,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of countless memories. “I was just a young girl when I first discovered my affinity for the mystical arts. You know, you humans think that all witches can do powerful magic, but that isn’t so.”
“It’s not?” Lilith echoed, intrigued. I had to admit that I was curious about this as well.
“No,” Evangeline shook her head. “We all have that capability in us, but in different amounts. And it also depends on how talented we are, how willing to work at this and get better. Just like you humans. You are also born destined for numerous talents and skills, but sometimes, you don’t work at it hardenough and raw talent isn’t enough. Work has to follow. Lots of it.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” Lilith agreed.
Evangeline smiled. “I’m glad you feel that way. As for me, I grew up in a small village, surrounded by the beauty of nature. My grandmother, a wise witch in her own right, taught me the secrets of herbs and the healing properties they possessed.”
I watched Lilith as she listened intently, captivated by the story. I had to admit that I was drawn in as well. I’d never heard the story of a witch’s life, especially from a witch like Evangeline.
“As I grew older, I yearned for knowledge beyond what I had learned from my grandmother,” she continued. “So, I searched for ancient books and listened to other wise beings who were willing to share their wisdom with me.”
“That sounds so amazing,” Lilith gushed.
Evangeline was amused. “It was,” she agreed. “And the best part is that I am still on that journey of discovery as well as self-discovery. I keep delving into ancient texts.” She stopped, gesturing around her at the shelves which were filled with books. “I keep learning new things and intricacies of each herb and how it changes its effect when combined with another. It is all about cautious exploration of the delicate balance of nature’s magic.”
Her gaze seemed to wander beyond the confines of her cottage, as if she was truly reliving those early moments of exploration and awakening.
“It was the same with potions,” Evangeline continued. “As time passed, my knowledge grew, and I was naturally directed into the study of potions. Each of them holds its own unique magic, with the power to heal, protect, harm or even change the course of someone’s fate.”
Lilith gasped loudly. “Are they really that powerful?”
“Indeed,” Evangeline nodded. “That is why this knowledge can be very dangerous in the wrong hands.”
“It must be so wonderful to devote your life to something you love so passionately,” Lilith commented.
“Most certainly,” Evangeline confirmed.
She continued with more stories and anecdotes about her past, about her childhood, and her trials and tribulations with magic, concluding with the fact that through every challenge, she emerged wiser for the experience. At that point, Lilith started to yawn.
“It has been a long journey for you two,” Evangeline pointed out. “There is a bed in the backroom. You are free to rest.”
“Thank you,” Lilith said, standing up. “I didn’t even know I was this tired. Thank you again.”
“Don’t mention it,” Evangeline said.
We both followed Lilith with our gaze, until she disappeared through a small door, closing it behind her. As I found myself alone with Evangeline, I knew she would want clarifications on why we were knocking on her door in the middle of the night.
“Have you discovered anything new?” I asked, hopeful that she would have more information regarding Constantine and his plot.
“I’ve spoken with the Spirits of Nature,” she revealed. “All they have told me is that you need to be wary of what you seek and who you seek it from, for it may reveal more than you bargained for.”
She said a lot without really saying anything. I was probably expected to read between the lines, but I couldn’t do that right now. I needed clear instructions, tangible information I could rely on and plan our next move.
“What about the death of Lilith’s sister?” I asked.
“I’ve seen a death at the castle,” she confirmed. “I just wasn’t certain who it was. Accidents can be more than what theyseem. There may be unseen forces at play, weaving a tapestry of fate that even I cannot fully comprehend.”
Again, her words left me with more questions than answers, but I knew that the answers I was looking for were intertwined with time as well as destiny. I could feel the weight of the responsibilities I now carried, and I knew that I had to unearth more. From the looks of it, Evangeline spoke too cryptically, and I doubted that her Spirits of Nature could reveal how exactly Constantine was plotting against the king.
There were still so many questions left unanswered. How was Luke poisoned? And did Cassandra really fall down, or did someone push her? This one would be difficult to prove without a confession.
As we continued our conversation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, Evangeline was being not only cryptic but evasive as well. Maybe she knew more than she was willing to divulge, but she didn’t want to frighten either me or Lilith with this knowledge.
