Chapter 11 - Chloe

We landed in a park, I looked around. “This is where they handle this kind of event?” I asked. “No, there is a portal through the oak tree.” She said as we all were walking towards the tree. “But you have to put that robe on before we enter.” I slid the robe over my head. The young man from the cottage walked to over to Celeste and whispered something into her ear. She nodded, “I see.” She said before walking to me.
She started waving her hands in front of me, as she did, I watched as my long blond hair moved around like it was braiding itself. “Daniel has just informed me that Wardwell witches will be making the determination today.” I looked at her questioningly. She rolled her eyes, “Wardwell witches are Salem witches, due to their blood lines they hold a lot of authority. They prefer old magic over modern magic. They respect strong witches who uphold the same values as them. Lady Wardwell loves everything Vikings, so you now look like a Viking witch. It tells them you are a warrior and uphold traditional values. Trust me they will respect it.” She held up a mirror so I could see my face.
Just as I thought, my hair was covered in braids and I had black war paint on my face and around my eyes. Celeste looked me dead in the eyes, “what you do tonight it very important. Besides death, once a permanent high priestess it chosen, another one will never be able to take their place. If you lose to an evil witch, the era we enter will be an evil one, a lot of humans could lose their lives.” Her voice was full of tension. I gulped big, “No pressure.”
I looked towards the oak tree, “It wont matter, because when this is over, I will be the next High Priestess and I will bring us into a new era.” At least I hopped that is what will happen. Celeste put her hand on the tree and a light purple portal opened from the tree. We all started walking into the portal, as we walked it started feeling like we were walking on clouds that was floating. The portal quickly closed behind us; they were still walking so I continued forward. I held my held up high, my birth mother once made this walk and I will follow the same steps. Whatever happens tonight, there is no going back.
Before I knew it, we were standing before a very old coliseum, it was cracked and breaking from years of sun exposure. The plants that used to be there was long since dead all that remained was the dirt that they used to be in. you would think they would do something about this. It almost looked like it would fall with the next gust of wind that blew by.
“This is where the viewers go in, but we go into the back they have a spot for us to get ready, the other contenders are also there.” Celeste said as she took us to a side entrance.
When we walked into the contender’s part of the building, it felt creepy. Smelt old and musky. It was dark, only visible light was from the entrance and the cracks through the walls. It was gross. We continued through another entrance way, there was nine other women in there. Each looking the same, each lady had a red rode like mine on and each had short natural brown hair that came above their shoulders.
Great. I do not look like any of these girls. Clearly different.
Thankfully, this room had some oil lanterns burning in it, so it was not too dark. I can not say it smelt any better, but it did not smell worse so that was a plus, right?
Celeste led us to a small corner on the side, she looked at me “We will be going last, I want you to watch what these girls do and copy it. they will perform the ritual that everyone performs, its been done since the first high priestess.” I looked at her, “why? Shouldn’t I be different? That’s what this is about right, what makes me stand out apart from the rest of the witches” I’ve seen enough talent shows in to know that being the same, is not what gets you first place. “No, tradition is very important at this moment. These ladies have been training their whole lives to look the part and accept the role. They take this very seriously. Your long blonde hair already makes you stand out too much.” She seemed nervous.
“Why don’t you do It then? You know what to do.” I looked at her.
She replied, “this is true, I do know what to do. But I don’t have the amount of power you have. You have so much power and you can do good with it. This is why we chose you to represent our Coven- your new coven.” She said smiling.
“why did that guy ask me what talent I was going to do if I have to do the traditional one?” I asked her looking confused.
“that is because he didn’t know, this is his first time ever attending one.”
When I looked at the other women, I noticed that a few had already done their performance, I started watching by the entrance way at them. They looked so majestic and graceful when they performed their magic. I gulped. I sure hope I can do this.