C13 The exam

The next day came sooner than expected. Meanwhile we already had March and there was still snow. Winter had us firmly in its icy grip. Since the beginning of November, the white precipitation has enveloped our entire homeland. To the acceptance of the examination all gathered at the Stonecircle, in our witch village. This circle formed the centre. It consisted of thirteen large stones which served as seats for the thirteen elders among us. For thirteen witches and sorcerers we were when we came to this land. We took a seat, all the other witches had come as well, as onlookers so to say. Claus sat next to me. He enjoyed putting a spoke in my wheel, his laugh revealed. I hadn‘t had the opportunity to talk to Larissa again before the exam; she was kept away from me. Then the child came into our midst. She wore a long, black velvet cape and underneath an opal green, floor-length dress. Her dark hair was curly today. Ephraim and Lucia were there, too. Claus had probably brought them here so they could see her daughter fail. Wait and see, Claus. Nothing's been decided yet. We'll see who laughs last. Then Wilbert stepped forward and started talking.

“My brothers and sisters, my Lord and my Mistress. We have gathered here today so that the oldest circle of witches can test this girl's witchcraft skills. She's agreed to take a test. Then let us begin.“

Claus led the audit. I was supposed to back off because I was biased.

“Larissa, can you tell me what the Great Witches' Basic Textbook says on page fifty-two?“

“It's about turning objects into animals.“

“Aha, could you give us a taste of this spell in advance?"

The girl didn't hesitate long. She picked up a branch from the ground and turned it into a lizard. The green lizard crawled along the ground excitedly. But this was an ease for a good witch, so nobody applauded.

“Not bad for a start. Can you spontaneously tell me three magic herbs?"

“The mandrake, the jimson weed and the black henbane. All three are used in rituals.“

“Which brings me to my next question, what rituals do you know?"

“Calling Protective Spirits, Elemental Rituals, Small and Large Pentagram Rituals, Full Moon Rituals, and Protective Magic Rituals, to name a fraction. I'm sure everyone here knows the complete list, I don't want to bore you any longer.“

“It's all right. Demonstrate one of these rituals to us.“

“All right, I'll perform the Ritual of Visualization and lead you into another world.“

I fervently hoped she had the strength. I had practiced with her a few times, but it didn't seem to be her strength. I didn't understand why she wanted to try right now. She closed her eyes, stood up straight, and when she opened them again, all the gathered ones became eyewitnesses to a spectacular vision. The forest was no longer white. It was bright sunshine, the birds sang and flew around, the grass smelled wonderful and everything blossomed in its fullest splendour. Horses came riding the way, one white and one black. It was like touching them. Everyone was amazed and admired this almost paradisiacal scene. Then everything dissolved, was exchanged for the cold and the beginning darkness.

“I hope you enjoyed my performance, but the darkness‘s slowly coming, so let me light a fire to convince you more of my arts.“

Soon several pieces of wood flew from the forest and gathered in the middle of the circle. Larissa snapped briefly with her fingers and the logs of wood began to glow, until they were finally devoured by the blazing fire and a warm fire simmered in front of our feet. The audience could no longer hold on to themself. Everyone just stood up and applauded. She had convinced them, she had passed her exam and I couldn't be happier and prouder of my protégée at the same time. But my brother wouldn't be my brother if he didn't have another ace up his sleeve to destroy this moment.

“One moment, please. The exam isn‘t over yet. Calm down. Well, Larissa. I admit you did well, but I have one last question for you. If you can answer it correctly, you've passed the exam. If not, it was all for nothing. Finally, tell us about demons.“

He couldn't be serious. I interrupted him.

“Claus, this subject is no place for us, we have nothing to do with demons.“

“I disagree, sister. A medal always has two sides. Of course we hunt the demons and destroy them, but a good witch must also know the dark side and find her way around it. So, can you answer the question for me?"

DAMN YOU! I hadn't considered that. I had never even touched on this subject, she couldn't know anything about it. Probably Claus had us spying on, only so he could know about it. She looked at me questioningly, I couldn't help her. If she couldn't answer that question, everything would be lost. Everyone was silent, waiting for an answer.

“What's the matter now, don't you know anything? Well, then I would say you didn't take the exam …“

“Yes, I can tell you about demons.“

Claus hadn‘t expected this change and neither had I. The audience mumbled in confusion. Everyone had been sure it’d be over. But Larissa didn't give up and started talking.

“A demon is first seen as a kind of spirit or a warning appearance. They can be both good and evil, bring harm or protection. Their appearance is different, so that meanwhile there’s a large number of them. However, the fact is that the majority of them are bad and they only walk on God's earth to bring chaos, suffering and death. Good demons are more likely to be seen as guardian spirits, but are much weaker.“

Claus stared at her in horror, she had turned the tables and didn‘t let herself be intimidated by his re-drilling manner.

“All right. Last but not least, I want you to name three demons, then I'll leave you alone.“

“There‘s Amon, he‘s a prince and has knowledge about the past and the future, which he of course only passes on to those who have a pact with his Lord and Master, the devil. Incubus, a male nocturnal demon that causes nightmares and mates with women without them noticing. This is how they constantly provide for offspring; its female counterpart is called Succubus. And finally, there‘s King Baal, the first and highest king of hell, who commands sixty-six legions. I hope I was able to answer your questions and that you‘re all satisfied with me.“

Silence entered. Wilbert got up, clapped his hands, then Mathilde, she clapped too. Little by little everyone applauded. It was cheered, whistled, Ephraim raised his daughter and placed her confidently on his shoulder. The applause never stopped. Only Claus sat there motionless and couldn‘t believe it, his plan hadn‘t worked out. Everyone came and congratulated my protégée. This girl had amazed everyone, they had never expected anything like this, but once again she proved what she was made of and I was allowed to continue my education. After the hysteria around her had vanished again, I went over to her to congratulate her.

“Congratulations, I'm proud of you, my child. But how could you have known all this? We never talked about it, you can't have such knowledge from others.“

“I stole your book, the one with the strange cover. It was the only thing you never gave me, and it made me curious. At home I noticed that it was about demons and other haunted creatures. Instead of putting it away, I read it from beginning to end. I'm sorry I didn't tell you.“

“Well, after all, it did save you. And the cover is so strange because it's made of the skin of a demon.“

In the evening the girl was given a party in our village in honour of her. They celebrated into the morning hours and thus sealed her recognition as a witch and at the same time her acceptance into the Circle. And I celebrated my very personal victory over Claus.