9

The Witch of the Fortune waited in silence in the guestroom. She was a slim, pale, old crone. She had long braided, gray hair. Her face and hands were covered in wrinkles and her eyes were blind and empty. She didn't need them to see, quite the opposite. Ellaise never heard of a Witch of the Fortune that wasn't blind, they say that sight is only a distraction for them and they do not need eyes to truly see.

People say that Witches of the Fortune are Godless, well it is partly true. They do not serve any one of the Trinity, yet they serve them all at once. Witches of the Fortune are feared and respected only because of one reason. They know the past, present, and future. And some of them see and control humans' fate.

When the Duke and his children entered the room Witch put down her tea and tilted her head. Her blind eyes looked straight at the Duke. She smiled. It was when Ellaise noticed black runes on Witch's cheek. Crone's smile grew wider.

"I in the name of the House sincerely apologize for the wait, we did not expect such an esteemed guest." The Duke said stepping a bit forward. Right behind him was Elias, Ellaise still pale stood a bit behind the rest.

"I know. Our visits rarely are expected." Witch's voice was rusty and dry, weird sounded like it was not one but three voices mixed and smashed together. It was a bit disturbing.

"I came to see The Lion." And saying that she 'looked' straight at Ellaise.

"I again have to apologize, madam, but there is no Lion in our House. There is a silver fox in our coat of arms, not a lion. So it had to be a mistake since no one in House Kroudel was and would be called the Lion." The Duke was a bit nervous but remained calm. Crone smiled.

"It is true that there is no Lion in your House. Yet." She said.

"I apologize for my potential rudeness but as my father said someone of our House can't hold that title. So it is impossible for any us to be the Lion madam is talking about." Elias spoke his mind before Duke was able to stop him. The crone turned her head to him and made a face like she was talking to some kind of a bug.

"I came to see the Lion, and I will see the Lion, boy. I do not like it when men get into women's businesses. Your father is the head of the House, you are just a boy."

Elias's face became red as he stepped back.

"That's right, boy. Know your place. And now." Witch clapped her hands. "I wanna talk to the Lady."

Ellaise took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"As you called, madam. I am the young Lady of the House."

"I know. And I waited this long talking with these men only because Rhaelia favors order of things."

"Stil even if this is part of hierarchy i would like to apologize." Ellaise's voice almost trembled. Crone started laughing.

"I have a message for you. Lion of the Kroudel. Or Lioness rather." The smile disappeared and her voice was sharp and hollow at the same time.

"I prefer the term Lion," Ellaise said coldly, she didn't look at others and their faces, she will handle it later. Right now she was focused on the Witch of Fortune.

"And what is that message if I could ask?"

Crone's voice and eyes became even more hollow than before. Ellaise felt chills running down her spine.

"Go and claim your Sword and Shield. You will need them earlier than you plan."

As she stopped talking the Witch began to turn herself into a dark, almost black smoke. Her empty eyes were last to turn, and she disappeared leaving Ellaise deep in her memories.

She smelled smoke, ash, and fire. Veran was right behind her growling in his beast form. His black fur brushed her cheek as she looked down. Right before her eyes kneeled two people. A man and a woman. Both of them had ashy-brown hair. Their hair was dirty, long, and unkempt. Their armor also wasn't the best, even thou two of them were the biggest obstacle in that battle.

"What it is now? Do you think if you kneel before I will spare you?" She looked down on them. Veran howled. All survived Kroudels men and women stood behind her.

"Do I look like the type?" She asked looking at the battlefield and burned remains of the enemy's camp. "I do not think so."

They didn't even move an inch.

"Are you mute? If you won't say a word I will kill you right here right now."

Finally, man and woman lifted their heads. Their faces were dirty but somehow still beautiful. Man's eyes were blue, and the woman's green. They face features were very similar, look on their faces identical. The same could be told about the flame burning in their eyes.

"You could take our lives if you want, my Lady. They are already yours." The spoke at the same time. The woman's voice was deep and the man's voice was like honey.

"Huh, really? They are mine? Veran!" Beast teeth almost closed on man's neck, he didn't even flinch, still kneeling. She waved her hand, jaws didn't close, Veran took one step back.

"Interesting. Usually, people tremble just looking at him. Really interesting."

"As my brother said, my Lady. Our lives are already yours and we would not mind if, my Lady were the one to took it." The look in her eyes was stern, she was talking the truth. Funny. Very funny.

"Oh really? My brother would kill you on the spot, but I may have a use in you. What is your name."

"We are Miranda and Tyson Grifnest and we will gladly serve you, my Lady. As our predecessors served the House Kroudel. We will be your sword and shield."