THE WITCH

THE WITCH

I

Rivia

Clarice von Dyke was the daughter of a noble lord known as Maestro. Their family lived lavishly in the plateau land of Rivia. They were recognized by the King as a royal Duke family in the Kingdom’s eyes. They had a castle which was passed down to them from generation to generation.

The first royal duke of the great land of Rivia was the Dyke family, it is said that the Ancient King or the old King had a son, a fierce warrior called Cleavetes who married the first daughter of the duke, her name was Lysa von Dyke. And in that marriage, they gave birth to a daughter named Misa also known as the Dragon Queen.

The Dragon Queen was known for harboring pet dragons as her name would suggest. Small vile creatures that spat fire from their nozzles. It is said that the Dragon Queen went into exile due to her heretic notions concerning the Kings’ council.

“You couldn’t kill me yourself but you banish me to the Dessert for eternity. My father was right you are all fools! I should’ve killed you all when I had the chance!” said Misa the Dragon Queen, at her tribunal.

And with that she was banished together with her dragons to forage the Khalisi dessert.

Cleavetes and Lysa von Dyke gave birth to another child, a female, who would be the great grandmother of Clarice von Dyke. Clarice and her family were one of the most affluent in all of Middle Earth. Their acres of land spread as far as the eye could see. Stables were filled with: horses, pigs, cows and chickens to mention but a few.

On this day the sun hung low as it retreated into night. The castle was filled with the most important dignitaries of the Kingdom. The lamps burned low and slow casting huge shadows that mimicked their bodies movement. To the side of the room was the sound of music Clarice’s younger cousin Bravos played the piano effortlessly.

The scent of roses-arranged in porcelain vases around every table rented the air with sweetness and gravity. The dying sunlight cast a golden glow upon the velvet drapes and polished mahogany furniture.

The ladies wore beautiful gowns that stretched to their legs like elegant butterflies. Some were seen fanning themselves from the immense humid atmosphere. There skin filled with pale and pallor as others adorned beauty creams that made their cheeks look red and ruddy. The gentlemen were dressed in tailored tuxedos atop their heads, were top hats and a cane on their left hands, a show of royalty and opulence.

The guests seemed to be laughing in ribald coquetry as some talked in whispers and murmurs a sign of etiquette. They all drank wine in tall glasses as they conversed with each other, excited for the proposal.

Clarice von Dyke was soon to be weeded to Bran the Knight of the Rivia Kingdom. He was a tall and handsome man with a square jaw, straight backed and a charming smile. He wore a blue velvet jacket embroided with flowers and precious stones. He took his wine glass and a butter knife and beat them against each other to capture the audience’s attention.

But Clarice did not love him she only wore a façade of love on her face. She wanted something different for her life, she had a burning sense of adventure and wanted to explore the Kingdom but not sign her life away into marriage.

“Miss Clarice,” he began his voice steady and true. The audience paying attention intently as silence lingered in the air.

“From the first time I saw you. I knew my life would not be content without your presence by my side. With the blessing of your family” he glanced at her father, seated stern and proud. “I humbly ask for the honor of your hand in marriage.”

Clarice’s heart dropped and what seemed to be a happy occasion became dull to her. She smiled faintly and nodded her head slightly in approval. Her eyes a mixture of shyness and hollow joy. She rose slowly from her seat and approached her husband to be and extended her arm.

He knelt steadily and drawing from his inside pocket a small corduroy box and revealed a shinning diamond ring, blinding Clarice for a few seconds as its brilliant reflection caught her eyes.

When he slipped it onto her finger the room exhaled in a warm hum of approval as some began to applaud the young couple. Glasses clinked and trays of sherry and spiced cakes circulated. Bravos his cousin played his piano once again elegantly. Cheers were heard from the back of the ball room as they drank to their health.

Elaine her mother was filled with joy in her heart as tears of amusement and gratitude ran down her cheeks. Her father stern and filled with solemn satisfaction. The newly betrothed couple dance under the chandelier, eyes watching them carefully as the night died out.