Chapter 123: Do You Still Think About Her?
"Your powers have diminished, Bjarna, far too feeble for a witch of your rank," Ahspid remarked, his gaze fixed upon her as she gingerly readjusted her black canvas bag on the side of the horse’s saddle. Every movement of hers was scrutinized by his keen eyes, filled with insatiable curiosity.
Bjarna, still avoiding direct eye contact with the mage, responded with a hint of awkwardness in her voice,
"And what, pray tell, does that imply? Are you now questioning my abilities, after witnessing what I have achieved here?"
"Your condition was dire when the fire witch was summoned," Ahspid began, his tone laden with concern and slight suspicion. "You were barely able to sit upright, lost your ability to speak, and had to send Ylva right back once the curse was lifted. Even now, you appear as though it will take another day or two for you to fully recover. Normally, a witch’s powers should amplify with age, but in your case, I observe quite the contrary."
Finally, Bjarna turned around to meet Ahspid’s gaze, her expression a blend of resignation and defiance. She raised her shoulders in a nonchalant shrug and offered a faint, uneasy smile as she prepared to counter,
"It is quite audacious of you to make such offensive remarks. You are ignorant of the intricacies of necromancy, Ahspid. This branch of witchcraft is vastly more complex than others, so perhaps reserve your judgmental comments for your proteges instead."
While she did manage to sound somewhat convincing, the mage could not shake his suspicion. He knew all too well the cause of her weakened power—it was the influence of the Holy Church.
’The witches once held sway over us mages, but with the widespread use of magic and the growing prominence of alchemy, their influence has waned. They’re out of favor with the paladins, and likely under the watchful eye of the Holy Church as well. Aideen must have noticed something too... It is a relief she agreed to sign the magic contract. The last thing I need is attention from the paladins.’
Observing her old friend lost in contemplation, Bjarna decided to steer the conversation in a different direction, diverting his attention elsewhere.