Chapter 5   The Test   author: Veyanne - yellow , Henos - red  
"Oh dear. Oh dear.", the sorceress had forced herself to watch. She knew what it meant to ask the Witch Queen for her help. She didn't like it. She promised herself that this time she would put a stop to the pain and the madness. No matter what it took the holy war had to end. Kendra was part of the solution. The sorceress regretted it but knew what had to be done.

"Hurry," shouts Henos as he pulls his sister along. Reluctantly she is dragged through the halls. She would like to know more about that woman, even when it scares her for some reason. Henos isn't scared. He just wants to be free............

"Kendra. Remember our deal.", she spoke into the reflecting pool.

Kendra was watching the Isaac's final spasms. She was annoyed by the interruption. She watched for a few moments longer as the flames consumed the boy preacher. Finally she replied, "I will help only the girl."

"You must help them both. Both are needed.", the sorceress spoke calmly and earnestly. She had to be convincing.

"I will not teach the male. Males are inferior.", Kendra hissed the last word. Then she turned to face the image of the sorceress. "They are weak. They cannot handle pain. They cannot control their emotions. It would be pointless."

The sorceress knew how Kendra's culture was. This was not something she could contest. "They must be kept together. They must have your protection."

The sorceress was asking a lot. Kendra knew it. She knew the sorceress was in need. "It will cost."

"You shall have what you need.", the sorceress quickly replied.

"I will give the girl the test. If she passes, I will lead her down the dark path.", said the Witch Queen.

"She will pass."

Kendra walked out of the hall and into the field outside the church. The twins were standing in the middle arguing about what to do. When they saw the dark woman walking towards them, they stopped and watched her. Henos took a step back. Thenna did not.

Thenna watched the dark woman kneel in front of her and hold out her hand. She thought for a moment, then remembered the knife she still held. She gave it back to the Witch Queen. Thenna watched the dark woman's hands move quickly and smoothly. One hand grabbed hers holding it palm upwards. The other held the knife pointing away from her. The dark woman gently thrust the knife into her palm deep enough to draw blood. Thenna cried out.

She wanted to pull her hand back but she knew the knife would cut her deeper. Instead she held it there. She looked up at the dark woman's eyes as if to say "What are you doing?". They stared back at her. She felt the knife dig deeper and twist. She gasped and cringed but she fought her instincts to pull her hand back. The pain grew hot but Thenna was strong. Finally she felt the knife pull away. She grabbed her hand and rubbed the wound. She stared at the dark woman. She was confused but not scared.

"You are worthy. I shall teach you the Black Arts."