“We don’t have to decide today,” said Gwenneth. “Let us stay here for now, build homes for all who choose to stay, and tomorrow, anyone who is interested can start thinking about how we can strike back at the crown and keep our sisters safe. Anyone can stay here while others fight for peace, or gowherever. We won’t turn anyone away, nor will we compel any to stay.”
“We can be a rescue society,” said Hessa.
“And a rebellious society,” said October.
“We are used to the shadows. We can live here in the light, and when we need to, we can strike from the shadows and change our world,” said Miriam.
“The king feared us. Let us give him a reason and pay him back for what he stole from us, and what he continues to steal from the people of Innsbrook,” declared October.
They fell silent and listened to the fire crackle. They still wore their tattered rags, but the smoke cleansed the odor of the dungeon from their skin. In the distance, Maive let out a shriek of laughter as Vaylor watched her dash around the field.
For now, they were safe. Tomorrow, the Witches of Innsbrook would birth a rebellion.
