Forgotten Magick

Chapter 4: Choices. Pt, 2.

Part 2: Morgana’s plan of action.

Morgana could not believe what she was seeing, the conversation they had was relatively peaceful. It seemed to get a bit heated at one point but quickly cooled down, the witch seemed to be a master negotiator of sorts. Soon the conversation seemed to turn pleasant. The werewolves were relaxed, even the Beta seemed to welcome the interaction. “You’ve got to be shitting me..” She muttered to herself quietly, they were getting along! Swimmingly! “No.. No.. No.. This can’t be.. Why isn’t there any fighting?! Dear god please don’t tell me…” Morgana continued to talk to herself as she watched on no longer taking notes.

There was no need to record the details of the conversation any longer, if her assumptions about where the interaction was going were right the next few scenes would be burned into her mind forever. Just as the thought crossed her mind the Alpha leaped over the river and closed the gap between the two, and his Beta stayed back! Morgana could not believe her eyes, suddenly a deep dread started to form in her person but her eyes could not leave the scene developing before her. To Morgana, it felt like a train wreck was just about to happen, a disastrous situation that would implicate and impact so many lives, and she couldn’t look away. 

Everything was moving in slow motion as the Alpha jumped across the river, held the witch's hand, and pleaded his case to her. Under normal circumstances Morgana would have called it very cute and wholesome, under normal circumstances, Morgana could find herself envious of such a display of affection. However, these circumstances were far from anything resembling normal. Normal people chose their partners, not had them chosen for them by deities, normal people couldn’t shift into animal shapes, normal people wouldn’t selfishly hide such power when they could do so much good. 

Then Morgana witnessed something she never had before, absolute beauty. It looked as though the northern lights had been taken out of the sky and pulled down to earth, enveloping the two souls in the most gorgeous cacophony of colors. No matter how much she wanted to bask in its majesty she could not, like the sight of a volcano erupting; no matter how beautiful the brilliant reds and yellows of the lava, the danger is far too real for comfort. 

Morgana’s blood ran like ice as she saw the ribbons tying the two souls together, she dropped her binoculars unable to watch a moment more. “This… wasn’t supposed to…” she started as she backed up until her back hit the sturdy trunk of the tree, “this wasn’t.. Supposed to happen.. This can’t be happening… oh god no, please no… I don’t want to..” Morgana was in a panic, her mind racing through everything her father had ever taught her. Every conversation about her supposed birthright rang in her ears, but the only word she could really hear was a very powerful word; g******e. Her so-called birthright was g******e. “I don’t want to… I can’t… Mom I don’t want to..” Morgana whispered to herself, bringing her knees to her chest and burying her face as she clapped her hands on her ears. Though, even with the feeling of impending doom looming over her Morgana could not find it in her to even allow tears to sting the brim of her eyes. 

All she ever wanted was to lead a normal life, her workshop was all she needed to be happy but her happiness was never important. Morgana was reminded of this fact as her phone vibrated in her pocket, a text message from her father came up asking for her to call him and report in with any findings. Morgana took a few breaths to steady her racing heart and shaking body, she knew even if she ran away from this her father would find her and bring her back. Reminding her of her place as his heir, and thus responsible for carrying out the burden that was imposed onto him by his father. There was no running from this, from him. 

Morgana composed herself before looking out to see that the two groups were parting ways, it seemed like the Alpha wasn’t following tradition and immediately bringing his Luna home with him. There was something going on with the witch, perhaps an opportunity for her to snuff this in the bud before it got out of hand. Then Morgana was alone again. With a steadying breath she dialed her father's number, it did not take long for him to answer. “Walker, report.” Was all the greeting she got, “it’s what we feared, the Alpha Guardian and Supreme Luna have been reborn. Not only that, despite the animosity between their people they’ve decided to accept the bond.” Morgana replied in a flat tone. “Did he mark her on the spot?” asked Marshal, she could not decide whether he was excited about this news or enraged.

 “No sir, but I do believe there is an opportunity for us to stop this for developing further. The Alpha is not pursuing this as their traditions mandate. They have gone their separate ways, the witch instructed him to wait for her raven. I will continue to gather intel, but I need manpower and resources available at a moment's notice. This opportunity may have a small window.” Morgana explained, again in a flat tone. She could not let her father know she was trying to get out of her fate. There was a moments pause of contemplation on her father's side before the response “whatever it is you decide to do, make sure you make it look like the wolves did this. Take out the young Supreme to be and start a civil war. We have intel that the old Supreme is already starting to weaken in power. You’re right, this window is small but too good to pass up. The resources are yours, send word to Johnathan when you have a plan of action. I’ll inform him to follow your orders. Good work Walker.” 

With that the line went dead, it was the first time she had ever heard praise from that man but it was not the praise she wanted. Regardless she threw those useless thoughts and feelings from her mind and steeled her resolve, she knew she would have to abandon all the warm lessons her mother left her with in order to fulfill her role. Besides Morgana had already wasted enough time entertaining that part of her, and her father would be furious if she did nothing with the information she had just provided him. 

Morgana packed up camp and set out, she needed to know what the witches were doing that was so important that the witch could not go with her new love. There was only one problem, the witches raised powerful barriers that cut them off from the outside world. A past Priestess had once decided that the natural barrier of the sputtering volcano Mt. Meager was not enough, not after The Order had made they're come back and restarted the Annual Hunt. Still, Morgana was sure that she would be able to get close enough to the coven to be able to survey and gather the information she needed without tripping any alarms. 

Jumping from branch to branch, tree to tree, Morgana quickly came to the barrier. A large dome that stretched out over a 12-kilometer diameter, giving the whole village to fit under it. It was completely invisible but you could feel it, small waves of pulsing heat every thirty seconds or so. She was careful to stay in the shadows to stay off the radar of the Guardians patrolling the grounds, it was difficult as they were experts in harnessing the rays of light to illuminate almost every dark corner and crevasse they could. Still, there were always nooks and crannies that were forgotten about. Once she found herself a clear shot of and around the Coven House she took a seat, pulled out her binocular, and waited. 

Morgana waited but not for long, the time was quarter after twelve and the old Supreme was out waiting for the new Supreme. Beside her was a very pregnant woman, it didn’t sit well with her to use the birthing ritual but this truly was the perfect window the Order needed. It was also the perfect out Morgana needed. This young witch’s death would avoid the annihilation of these people. Yes, Morgana knew about the birthing ritual. The Order had always studied their adversaries closely, all of their habits and rituals well documented. They were hunters after all. 

Morgana watched as the 4 women interacted with one another, it seemed like the birth of the child would not come until the night. Another stroke of luck for Morgana, she was starting to believe that maybe she was not the fated one her father thought she was. Perhaps her father was mistaken. The thought was a relieving one, and all she had to do was make sure one witch died in the perfect fashion. Morgana could live with herself if she had to kill one of them, she could even live with herself if she had to kill two or three of them as long as that meant this mission could be successful. 

Morgana sighed almost in relief as the plan started to formulate in her mind, “she’s my scapegoat.. But to her people she’ll be a Martyr.. They’ll go to war.. Protocol Von Schonenberg will never see the light of day… One murder, that’s all I have to do.. I can do that…” she said to herself steeling her resolve even more. She would use everything her father ever taught her to accomplish this task.

 “Ad Fines Justificadum Significat…” Morgana whispered before getting to work.

Morgana retreated from the woods and ran through the forest to get to her vehicle, When she figured she was out of either group patrolling range she took out her phone and called Johnathan. It rang a couple of times until he picked up “Ms. Walker” he answered formally, “Johnathan, there’s going to be a birthing ritual tonight. No barrier, the Old Supreme will be busy with the mother, and the new Supreme will be virtually defenseless.” Morgana explained between labored breaths needed to get to her car as quickly as possible. “Guardians?” Johnathan asked, “Few and basically useless, you know with the whole their deities going crazy to try and possess a child?! Come on John! You should know this!” Morgana exclaimed in deep frustration. He was six years her senior, and one of the top agents. 

“Making sure you thought this through Ms. Walker, nothing more. What do you need?” Johnathan answered with a hint of amusement in his voice, she could tell he was smirking. Morgana grew irate with him but cast her frustrations aside, she needed to focus on the mission. “A small group, no more than then ten. Five to come in with me, five for back up. Quiet, quick and nimble. I need men who can tree jump. Next I need the claw gloves, we need to make a martyr out of her. This needs to be a wolf attack.” Morgana explained. The mission itself was a simple one. Not much in terms of supplies was needed. She then continued “The birth isn’t happening until the night, but I’d like to be out in the field at least two hours before nightfall. Meet up spot is Whistler, Whistler Village Inn, five o’clock. SHARP. We leave for Mount Meager by six thirty. SHARP. Understand?” 

“Understood Ms. Walker. Is there anything else?” Johnathan inquired, he was writing everything down carefully as to not miss a single detail. “Bring maps and markers. I’ll go over the details of the mission when everyone is gathered. I’ll take care of lodging. I’ll rent rooms for the night, if anyone wants to go home to their families after they’re free too but I’ll book 4 or 5 rooms just in case. That’s all.” Morgana finished. “Understood. I’ll see you in Whistler.” And with that, the conversation was over. Morgana slowed down, finally, she could catch her breath. She knew she could rely on Johnathan to get everything together, and she was well back on the path to get out and back onto the forest service road. 

It took a while, but Morgana had finally reached Whistler and the Inn. She book the rooms required and charged it all to her father's business card. When she got to her room she quickly undressed and put on the complimentary robe, then called down to the front desk to have someone pick up her dirty clothes to have them washed. Morgana was always most excited for the first shower after any mission, even with her efficient and short showers the warm water alone was always glorious. Once this mission was over and she had her freedom from her supposed fate, Morgana decided she would try and take a ten-minute long shower and try to relax a little more. 

After she was cleaned up and out she called to get some room service, and since her father was paying Morgana decided to splurge on the expensive items. Morgana thought that it would be the least he could do for forcing this murderous life onto her. Not too long later the housekeeper had returned with her clothes, fully cleaned and pressed. She was impressed with this place and understood why her father liked to visit so frequently. Morgana dressed and helped herself to the drinks in the mini-fridge, taking a moment to use the lotions provided to moisturize her face and hands. She enjoyed the time she had in these warm comforts before having to go out and finish the job. 

Though the reality of the situation started to dawn on her, she would be taking a life. Not just an animal's life to eat it, something that was capable of complex thought. Emotions. Had intricate ties and relationships. Most of all, a young life that had just barely begun. Morgana even realized even though they referred to her as the new Supreme, the witch wouldn’t even be able to officially take over her role. She was still technically a Prime. Morgana had to come to terms with this fact, she could not shake or waver in her resolve. Not now, not when she was so close to freedom. She then came back to the fact she was taking advantage of a pregnant woman in labor to kill their leader, at least Morgana planned to wait until the ritual was just about over to attack. There wasn’t a need for the baby to die or even the mother, and the young witch would be completely spent at that point as well. 

Patience was a virtue, it was a saying that rang true with Morgana. An important lesson she had learned as a hunter, blacksmith, and person. The moments right before the kill would feel like the longest, and she would need to rely on her skilled patience to pull off this mission more than anything. “Ad Fines Justificadum Significat” Morgana continued to repeat to herself, the family motto that kept the fire of The Order alive. She used it to steel her resolve and to further herself more from her mother, she prayed she would be forgiven by her mother for what she was about to do. She hoped that some way or somehow her mother understood, this was her only way out of the iron fist her father kept around her neck. Perhaps if she lived a good and happy life after all this, perhaps then, she’d be able to look her mother in the eye in the afterlife. 

Morgana spent the rest of her time eating and thinking, wrestling with her morality and thoughts. Trying to keep her mind under control. She would do this. She would be successful in her mission. She just wanted to make sure she would be able to live with herself. Luckily she had been able to compartmentalize everything in her mind and put the matter to rest just in time for everyone to show up and check-in. It was time to get things underway for it did not take more than additional ten minutes until she was stood face to face with Johnathan and nine other men, and a large map of the mountain and the territories sprawled out onto the large desk in the room. 

Introductions commenced, Johnathan started “Ms. Walker, myself and these nine men have been assigned to this mission. We have Liam, Noah, Oliver, Elijah, William, James, Benjamin, Lucas, and Brian. All fit the specifications for the mission in terms of speed, agility, and stealth. All have a seniority of at least five years with The Order.” Morgana looked over the men Johnathan had found, all of them were average height and lean in build. They were perfect. “Alright men!” Morgana started and turned to the map “Liam, William, James, and Johnathan you’re with me. The rest you’re back up. Now listen up, this is a high stakes mission and this needs to be handled with delicacy and precision.” 

Morgana grabbed the markers and started to draw down the battle plan “we will leave here at 6:30, we will arrive at this path by 7:30. We will then move down this path until we reach the Coven House, at our top speeds we should be able to reach our target by 8. Now sundown will happen at exactly 9:58 but theres no telling when the birth itself will happen so strap in for a long night. It could happen as soon as the moon rises or during the wee hours of the morning, but allow me to make something clear. NO ONE is to move, engage, or attack ANY ONE until the whole ritual is over. As a brief reminder as to why, we are waiting until the young supreme is at her most vulnerable. Since she will be the only conduit for their deities it will take all her strength to channel and qualm them to allow for a smooth birth. While every one is distracted by the adorable cries of the baby that will be our opening.” 

Morgana then took a breath and looked around her at the men who gathered, none were getting lost that was good. She continued on “team A! Liam you will be posted here, William you go here, James you here, Johnathan you’re here and I will be here. It’ll be the clearest line to our target. Team B! You five will be posted in the same positions but a couple of meters back. Remember this needs to look like a werewolf attack, go for eyes, jugulars and bellies. My job is to kill the witch, your job to kill any one who sees me doing to make sure this can’t be tied back to us. That is all, be ready, at the cars by 6:30 sharp. Dismissed.” The men saluted Morgana before walking out and to their rooms to prepare, Johnathan stayed back.

Morgana didn’t pay any mind to Johnathan lingering about, she simply laid down on the bed in the room and closed her eyes. Taking the moment to relax before the big mission started. Then Morgana felt the bed slump at the bottom right-hand corner “What is it, Johnathan? Don’t you have to go get ready?” Morgana asked slightly annoyed. “In a moment Ms. Walker. I want to make sure you are ready, this will be your first kill. It’s never an easy one.. Believe it or not, I threw up after my first kill..” Johnathan spoke in an unfamiliar tone. It was soft and kind, caring and compassionate. 

“Johnathan, I’ve already gone through this.. Regardless of if I throw up after or not is irrelevant. I’ll hold my lunch until we’ve cleared the forest. I’ll be fine. I’ve got too much riding on this going well to chicken out at the last moment.. Freedom is within my grasp Johnathan, a good life.. A normal life.. Who wouldn’t kill for that?” Morgana explained in a low voice. Johnathan grew tight-lipped as he looked down onto the ground, with a deep sigh he said “I’m sorry.. I know none of this is my fault but.. You and I both grew up in The Order, I’ve seen what you’ve been through.. I just wish things had turned out differently for you..” 

Morgana snorted and scoffed before opening her eyes and looking over at Johnathan with an expression of disbelief “what is this Johnathan? Seriously? This isn’t like you, at all!” she exclaimed, Johnathan then stood and gave the young woman a quick head pat as he said, “don’t worry about it, I just wanted to let you know I’ve always seen you like a little sister and I am extremely proud of you and the woman you’ve become.” Morgana was left stunned and could only watch Johnathan leave the room without another word. She was left completely speechless at the sudden confession, she couldn’t piece together why he would say such a thing. Was it supposed to be comforting? Was Johnathan trying to give her the praise and validation she sought from her father? 

Morgana sighed deeply in frustration before laying back down and closing her eyes again, now was not the time to get wrapped up in such emotions. Morgana grounded herself once more and listened to the methodical ticking of the clock on the wall, waiting for time to pass until it was time for her to take hold of her fate.