An Unkown person walks up to the door and knocks before saying,

“Grand Witch Mela, are you awake? They have travelled a long distance and have come here to speak with you.”

Mela could hear the same voice speak. It sounded familiar to a man she knew from her court as the man continued saying through the door to her.

“If you do not hurry, they will assume you are rude again. So please do try not to be late for today’s meeting. I will be going downstairs now to greet our guests.”

I began to open my eyes, now turning over and falling out of bed. Finally, I fell and hit the cold hard floor. It was a rather cold morning today in the province. I could not help but think. I laid on the floor for a while before getting up and stretching before replying.

“You can go ahead of me, tell them I will be on coming downstairs shortly, and I was getting dressed Mage disciple Mortinmer. I will only be a few more moments. Thank you again for swinging by and waking me up. I would be lost without you some days.” I could see the shadow under the door of Mortinmer as he stood there. As he continued to stand there, I quickly ran to my closet to get my clothes. But then, I saw the shadow disappearing below the door when I turned back to say something, and I could barely hear his voice as I was too busy getting dressed when he said, ”I know you would be Grand Witch, and it is my duty to our late Grand Mage to keep an eye on you after all. If I let you miss the negotiations today, I would not be able to face my teacher again in the next life.”

After hearing that, I could not help but pause for a second before putting on my skirt and then thought to myself, that man can sometimes be way too overdramatic. I swear he can be a very manly woman sometimes...

Now dressed, I looked at myself in the mirror. I was now ready with my best outfit on. I wore the traditional Witch robes, but mine was of the finest quality since I was the grand Witch. The Witches' outfits were basic in physical protection but excelled in magical. The usual Witches outfit had a snow-white shawl scarf draped far over the woman's shoulder. Some had the same colour hood to cover the user's face if they chose, and under the shawl, Witches wore a blouse shirt, with either a long or mini skirt that would match. However, as I mentioned earlier, the craftsman who made my shawl and skirt I used made it out of the Forest of Lost massive Daruko spiders silk, giving it a huge magical resistance. My outfit was like theirs but was Green with brown highlights, and I never wore a hood.

An Elder Elf also enchanted my robes during my last year's graduation at the magical academy. The enchantment I received was supposed to protect against and nullify incoming tier two offensive magical spells or m-bullets. Unfortunately, I never tested this as the armour had very little physical protection, with just a few thin pieces of hiding and other thin steel plates tucked away hidden in the outfit. It was, however, the ideal armour for magical battles, but it did little in physical combat where users used swords, axes, maces and whips. My home province of Haven was magical, and we did not lean towards sword combat. Instead, our nation tended to experiment with magic and bend it to our will to serve us. That was the one thing we, the province of Haven, took pride in developing during the last Great war. Our province had a unique magical scientific branch. It was developed during the Great War, which waged for 300 years between our Light-Alliance and the Coalition. It was also known as the war that took many lives.

As I continued to stare in the mirror, Looking at myself. I looked so adorable today; my hair was a little messy but needless to say, I was ready. Now in the mirror, I began saying to myself in preparation for the meeting. ”You can do this. Just tell them you don’t want to join the new nation. It won't be hard, this is our Province after all, and it will remain an independent province. We will always be a Haven for all Humans and magical users! However, I still don't understand why they are removing all the neighbouring province's governments."

Everything has been crazy these last 4 years, and if the rumours are true. We could be in trouble if I say no. Also, I’m not too fond of their demands. The thought of succeeding power to this new Nation of Light for no reason who do they think they are? I mean, the surrounding three provinces already agreed after the example they showed if you resist.

Looking down at the pearl white desk that had my makeup and other products on it, I grabbed my wooden brush from the drawer, and then I started preparing my hair for the meeting. Once I had my bed hair fixed, I left for the door. I started to look around for my things before I left, and I gathered my stuff from the shelf I kept on for safety. Then I walked towards the door. Opening it now, I took a deep breath in and then out and started to head down the stairs towards the meeting room where Mortinmer was already waiting, patiently greeting everyone waiting for her to arrive.

Walking towards the meeting room where the new nation's representatives were. I could not help but think along the way about the other nations. Thinking now to myself as I walked. Like what happened to the eastern province of Lodinge. I still cannot believe they raised the Dwarfs capitol to the ground...Still, we must not give in to fear. The Light Spirits in the North have lost their minds. If they think this is right, surely they can still be reasoned with.

The closer I got to the meeting area, the louder everything became. It was becoming surreal. I could hear everyone the closer I got to the room, and nobody sounded happy inside. I was slowly getting nervous about what I would be walking into what awaited me on the other side, and I began feeling weak in the knees. I leaned over on the wall to use it as support, using it to pick myself back up, and I proceeded to walk up to the door and open it. I could see Mortinmer and three delegates from the 'New Nation of Lights Government' I had never seen before were inside the room. One of the three members was an Elf, the other a Dwarf, finally, the third was a Light Spirit. When I entered the room, I walked up and took a seat at the table.

I remembered Light spirits, also known as angels, had a majestic way of speaking, usually a soft-spoken group of individuals. This one, I could tell, fell far from that divine path his sisters and brothers followed. I could hear when this one talked he had a mouth of a sailor. He then started shouting off; before I could even begin speaking, he stared at me and said, “Some call me The Angel of death, but you can call me Lucifer sweet cheeks. I heard the Grand Witch was a babe, but the people who told me did not even come close to doing you justice now that I am in person. Damn girl, you’re fine.”

I was left speechless as he started making weird faces and followed up with weird kissy lips while making squeezing gestures with his hands towards me. I felt disgusted with this light spirit, and by the way, he was talking towards me, but before I could address him, I noticed Mortinmer sat there watching, upset he did not stick up for me. I quickly made everyone in the room aware of my feelings when I said out loud,

”Ew, You're a pig. Don't ever look at me while you are doing that. We are here to discuss your violation against us crossing into our lands. Within the Alliances agreements, these actions are not allowed. Also, these so-called demands that we hand over the keys to our city will not work. What gives you the right to come here and lay claim to our homes? We were born and raised in this province. It has always has been ruled by and governed by humans; this land was passed down to me by the grand mage; I will not accept your terms. However.”

'Lucifer, once hearing that part instantly cut her off, going from one to ten and as for the other two representatives, they just watched in despair as to what came next as he screamed, “Excuse me bitch, what did you say? It almost sounds like you don’t want to join our new nation peacefully. And to think here I was a gentleman towards you earlier. I would have allowed you to live a happy life by my side. Why can't you people see this is the future of our land. Together united, Humans on the front-line, you can either be a part of the new times like the others did, or I will take pleasure in burning your capital down myself like Anulgold.”

I saw Mortinmer, upon hearing how Lucifer was addressing me stand up and finally step in, having enough of him just as I was, I assumed. Mortinmer then said in a calm and strong voice towards the dick-headed angel, “I don't appreciate how you are speaking to our Grand Witch, and you better watch it, buddy. You are a guest here and for you other two. How can you stand there and be a part of this nonsense? It has become crystal clear you guys only came here to threaten us and not have a discussion. We have heard what you have to say now, and I think Mela will be asking you all to get the hell off our land now as she thinks it over.”

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Mortinmer, after finishing speaking towards our guests, started to turn towards me, as I just sat in my chair in disbelief, shocked at how fast things escalated. Trying one last time to be reasonable, I pleaded, asking Lucifer, ”Can you at least give us some time to consider your offer?”

The man named Lucifer responded; with a cold and numb tone in her voice, I saw the hate in his eyes as he replied with,” No.”

Next, I watched as he and the other two representatives sighed and turned away, but before Lucifer left the meeting room, he began saying out loud while turning back and pointing at me, ”You guys have made it clear. Giving you any more time to consider would be laughable. You would take the time to prepare some defence, and I will be letting my father know what you guys have said. I hope your ready for the hell I am going to bring in fifteen days.”

I could not ignore what they just said, and once hearing that, I got up out of my chair and began to chase after them pleading with them not to leave the meeting area. But, ignoring my pleads, they continued to walk away until they were almost at the front door. But I was not giving up, though, and as I began screaming and pleading, "Maybe they could come to some agreement that would not result in lots of deaths."

Even in the main hall, I continued as all the other witches, mages and civilians looked at me confused. But it was too late, and once Lucifer and the two representatives left the room, I dropped to my knees, crying in the middle of the floor, saying out loud to Mortinmer, who was behind me, “What have I done Mortinmer? I was not thinking clear today, obviously. Now so many people are going to die, and it is all my fault. I should have just given them control of our city. I don’t know what to do now.” On my knees, crying into my hands, I did not know if Mortinmer was still behind me. I finally got up to see a large crowd form around me asking in worried voices, " Are you okay Grand witch Mela?"

Feeling bad, I startled everyone. I started walking towards Mortinmer, trying my best not to let on for the others. If they realized what had just happened...

I could see Mortinmer was trying his best to comfort me. I even heard him saying in his kind and gentle voice, ”It will be alright. The men and women of our city trust you and your decisions. Look at all the happiness you have brought. You are were only looking out for the people when you declined to join the new alliance. Who knows what would have asked of the people? I did not like that whole quote ‘Humans on the front-line,’ Plus, they have been seizing our land slowly over the last few weeks. What they have been doing is an act of war. If this were any Demon faction, we would have already retaliated. You made the right choice when you offered to consider. But at the end of the day, they only wanted our army and city because it borders with Algia, and at the first chance for a fight, they took it. It seems rather suspicious they are bringing that large of a force to fight us. I believe they must be getting ready for a war with the Coalition Of Demon Nations or something big, and just needed an excuse when asked by the Coalition why they are bringing an army towards the border.”

After hearing his response, I could not help but agree as I replied to him with tears in my eyes, “I know. I did not want to believe it. I hoped we could all get along like all of our provinces use to. Let's now inform our council of what just happened. Let us try to come up with some countermeasures and ideas. We won't be able to defend our city against all three of their forces united without a solid plan.”

Now the two of us began to leave the room and walk away from the crowd walking side by side back up the staircase I had taken to get down when I first woke up. We continued walking up the stairs until we were now in the main hall, and together we walked through a door to the right that led to the councilmen/woman. We walked past groups of people, and then this was where a strange male began to follow us, staying close as we entered the Council room. I was too worried and distracted with what was going on to really tell anyone apart as I walked up to the center podium to address all the men and women seated in the courtroom. I only began to speak once the banter stopped, and when it did, I began to address them.

“So I have talked to the 'New Alliance,' and we have some bad news. What we expect to be true is, and they are gathering some big army now as we speak and preparing to...” Just then, I started noticing the strange man, and I could not help but tilt my head a little as I watched the mysterious man in robes as I said to everyone, “Um...Who is this man? Does anyone know him?”

The court now themselves just noticing the cloaked man standing by the door who was giving off a mysterious aura, then they began to chat before saying,’ No.’ I watched the man now began pointing to himself as to say me?. Before he suddenly made a mad dash for it, running through the door with Mortinmer quickly chasing after him, yelling, ”Soldiers after him, do not let that man escape!”

The cloaked man barely escaped Mortinmer, and I watched as the cloaked man got away from him. I could not help but cover my face and begin to mutter, ”Can this day get any worse.” Putting my hands back down onto the stand, I now turned my attention back to the Council. After remembering where I was, I then started over again from the beginning.

“Where was I? Yes...So we have a problem, Council members, how many men and women do we have ready for combat. The new Alliance has, as we guessed it made their move against us, and we must now act fast without a moment's haste. Their representative said they would be here in fifteen days.” I watched as one of the Council members stood up and began to speak angrily towards me. It was strange to have been met with such a tone of disapproval as he said, ”Grand Witch Mela, we maybe have seven thousand combat-ready soldiers, which includes are magical casters. I do not think we would withstand an assault from their forces.” Another member, after hearing that I saw, stands up quickly before they then began to shout at me, “Why is it we are even going to war with them. They are our allies, and this is ridiculous. What were their demands even...?” Responding to the Council member who was shouting at me, I told him,

”They wanted our army, resources and cities. To hand them over, no questions asked, then for us to all resign. I was not a fan of this and asked them to consider the offer, which triggered their representative. He then shouted profanity and after that said while leaving, ‘I swear to burn your capital to the ground personally.’ I do not think there was any reasoning with this man, and I could only imagine how the other Provinces Governments reacted.”

The Council member who asked the question was shocked by the response I had given him. He did not say a word back, and then he retook his seat. The first Council member who was still standing continued to speak now,” Do we have any information on what will be sent to attack us?”

I responded with an unsure tone in my voice, ”If I had to guess, Elven Archers and some Dwarven might foot soldiers. However, I highly doubt they would use their own forces in this assault, The man calling himself Lucifer the angel of death seemed like a little boy playing a man's game.”

The council continued to discuss strategies until one of them said, “If we only had another army perhaps of melee users, or more soldiers, or even an ally. But, unfortunately, we will need some miracle if we are to repel their first assault.” Upon hearing this, I then remembered my dream earlier of how I was saving a drowning Demon forces Vampire in a dark and vast lake and remembering this dream, and I decided to ask the council,

”Maybe we could go South and ask Algia, we could inform them of what is going on, and maybe they could...”

Half the council members immediately rejected the thought shouting at the very idea, and everyone began arguing as I watched the madness unfold. While everyone argued, one man could be clearly heard above the rest and was trying to calm everyone down, telling them all, “It's okay, relax, ladies and gentlemen.” It was Mortinmer, and I listened as he continued to say to them all, ”It is was their only way out of this mess.”

The Council argued for half an hour with Mela standing there, unable to act. Finally, something snapped inside of me. After all, I was an astute leader remembering everything I had done for them. I said, ”Enough, I have decided we will take a small force as not to draw attention to ourselves. My word is final, and we will be at once leaving the capital and will head South. The fewer men we take will arouse less suspicion of where we are heading within our capital if there are spies. We will head through the walls hidden entrance into their province and navigate through the Forest of Lost and find their Lord.”

After I finished talking, I heard a few council members say, “Grand Witch, we must oppose.” Before I could respond, the other side yelled out.”Enough.” The opposing half of the Council members who were unable to accept this argued with the idea's supporters. I watched while the supporting side of the council encouraged them to be mindful and that the decision was made and always remain respectful. It was not their call. After all, they only got to give their opinions in matters and not decide them. They would not be able to make much better of a plan than this one, given the problem they faced might work. Mela was the Grand Witch, and her word was final after all.

The loyalists to tradition were always quick to side with the grand mage as the new opposing factions always thought they should have had more say in matters. Regardless I now began gathering a few elite soldiers the council offered to provide and some of my personal magical casters I went to school with. So I Grand Witch Mela, With Mortinmer accompanying me, began our journey and set off to the Coalition of Demons Province, the Province of Algia.