Witchfinder

Chapter 1

Watching Abarrane’s casket descend into the dull earth, it dawned on Itzayana that she couldn’t recall how long she’d been at Camp Raztikal. In the past, as a girl, she had bothered to count the days but had ceased the practice ages ago. Itzayana decided it didn’t matter. Five years. Ten. What was the difference? Render such thoughts unto dust, remove yourself from this world, none of it will matter in the fire to come. This is what the Instructors often said.

Itzayana raised her blade in unison with the others while General Superior began to chant, “Sister Abarrane has crossed onto Death. But do not despair, Sisters. For this is our fate. To sacrifice our lives in the war against the Daemons and Witches, for we are chosen.”

Itzayana pierced the ground with her blade, knelt, and kissed the dirt. There was honor in being chosen, in being born for this, and, greater still, honor in Death. In dying in battle. Only in Death could a Witchfinder prove their devotion; it was the ultimate statement, the final demonstration of their sincerity.

“May we all find the will.”

The ritual completed, the Sisters departed for their cells. All but Itzayana. Stopped in her tracks by General Superior's withering gaze.

“Sister Itzayana.”

Itzayana had been in the core for many moons, but still struggled to look the General Superior in the eye. Being in the presence of such strict faith, power, was overwhelming. She was unworthy. “General Superior, most Honorable and Pious.”

“Have you felt the call?”

A numb hand grasped the back of Itzayana’s neck, fingers running across the burning Mark. “Yes, General Superior.”

“Villagers have reported multiple disappearances in the Iron Woods. Our intelligence confirms there is a Witch in the area.”

“Yes, General Superior.”

“You are to depart at once.”

“General Superior,” Itzayana whispered, finding herself bowing. “I am not sure that I am ready for such a mission. To battle a Witch without an Instructor.”

“Sister Itzayana.”

“Yes, General Superior?”

“You are to depart at once.”