#aawd

You willed your legs to run faster, the hood of your cloak finally falling from your head, giving away your identity. You frantically pounded on the wood when you reached the massive oak doors. “Please! Please help! Please let me in!” You cried out as you looked over your shoulder. Four men on horseback holding torches were getting closer. 

“Goddess, please don’t let me die,” you prayed, and as though your deity were listening, the doors swung open, and you were falling inside. You heard the horses' neighs and cries as their riders pulled them to a halt, and your hands made contact with the stone floor. You groaned as the doors began to close and thump shut. 

You push yourself up onto your knees and look around. The atrium of the cathedral was large. The ceiling high above you seemed to disappear into the darkness, the light of the candles not reaching the top. Despite the coolness of the air outside and the stone enclosure, it was actually very warm and inviting. You then looked at the figure in front of you. There were two; a man and someone you thought might be a man, but you couldn’t tell. They could have been a demon with their black attire and silver horned mask. The man, though, was dressed in a black cassock and beret with the shape of a bat wing on top. He had a prominent nose and mismatched eyes, one green and one white, surrounded by black paint. A thin mustache sat neatly trimmed above his black-painted upper lip. He wasn’t what was considered conventionally attractive by society’s standards, but you thought he was quite handsome. He was looking down at you with a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and distrust.

“Welcome to the Ministry of the Unholy Ghost,” he said with an accented voice. “Normally, we’d have some formal introductions, but you were banging on the door for help, so I have to ask, who are you?” 

You gave your name as you got to your feet and smoothed your dress out. “Thank you for letting me in. Someone told me this was a place I could take refuge.”

“I suppose it depends on why you need refuge,” the man said, his eyes roaming over you with scrutiny. 

“I’m a witch,” she said. “I was outed by a man I thought I could trust after I refused to have sex with him. The witch hunters were sent after me, and if they catch me, I will be burned at the stake.”

“And why didn’t you go to your coven for help?” The man questioned.

“I couldn’t risk exposing them as well,” you said. “One of them told me of this place and said you’d shelter me.”

The man looked over you with an assessing gaze, as though he were trying to decide if you were telling the truth or not. You shifted almost nervously.

“We will shelter you,” he said after a moment. “I am Cardinal Copia. You may call me by that or just Cardinal, and this is Aether.” He gestured to the strange masked figure next to him. “Welcome to the Ministry.”

“Thank you,” you breathed.

“Come on,” Copia said. “Let’s get you warmed up, and I’ll have the kitchens bring you something to eat while I speak with our head of the Clergy. We’ll need to ask you some questions and find you a place to sleep.” 

You nodded, your mind racing with a thousand questions as Copia beckoned you to follow him. He led you down a hall to an empty dining hall with a fire blazing in the hearth to warm it and candles hanging from a wrought iron chandelier to give it light. He gestured for you to sit. “I’ll have a ghoul bring you something, otherwise I will return in a moment.”

You nodded again, sitting down on a long bench at one of the two wooden tables as Copia turned his back to you and walked out of the dining hall. A minute later another silver masked figure was walking into the hall with a tray in their hands. They sat the tray down in front of you, and the aroma of stew wafted up to your nose. 

“Thank you,” you said before dipping a hunk of bread into the stew and savoring the hearty flavor. The figure poured you a glass of water before nodding in acknowledgment and leaving. As you ate, your eyes flicked over to Aether who was standing near the fireplace watching you. She shivered in unease, not sensing a single sliver of humanness in them. Demons, definitely demons, you thought as you continued to eat the stew. You were surprised. It was a satanic church after all. They were known for their pact with demons. You had even met a few witches who worked with demons in their craft. It wasn’t something you ever explored. You much preferred to work with your goddess, Hecate, and the spirits of the natural world around you. 

Just as you finished the stew, the cardinal returned, and this time he was with a man and an older woman. The man had black hair and the same mismatched eye color and shape as Copia. You assumed they were related somehow. His eyes were also surrounded by black paint as well as his upper lip. He wore black pants and a black button-down shirt and walked with a swagger that said he was the leader.

But you knew he wasn’t.

No, it was the woman who was the leader. Her hair was pulled back into a bun, and she had the same green eyes and nose as Copia. She wore dark-colored robes, and she held herself with grace and confidence. Her presence radiated power, and you knew this wasn’t someone to cross.

Copia said your name and gestured to the two new people. “Sister Imperator, head of the clergy, and Papa Emeritus the third, the current figurehead of the church.” 

“Please, call me Terzo,” the other man said. 

“The cardinal said you have come seeking refuge?” Sister Imperator questioned as she looked you over. 

“Yes,” you answered, pushing your dishes to the side. “I was outed as a witch and am being hunted by the witch hunters.” 

“And you didn’t want to expose more of your coven by going to them for help,” Sister Imperator assumed.

“Yes.”

“What kind of witch are you?”

“Eclectic,” you answered. “I practice with what resonates with me and what I’m drawn to and worship a singular deity, Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and magic.”

“And you’re a real witch? Not one of those who travel town to town claim to predict the future and sell fake love potions?”

You knew the type of people she was talking about. You’ve seen those women come to your village calling themselves healers and tricking innocent people into giving up their hard-earned coin for fake remedies. You cupped your hands in front of you and reached down into yourself for a tiny kernel of magic, envisioning what you wanted them to see. A ball of purple flames formed in your hands. It was warm and pleasant, but if wielded with foul intentions, it would be deadly. You closed your fingers around the flames and disappeared as though they were never there. Sister Imperator looked satisfied. Over her shoulder, you caught sight of Terzo and Copia. Terzo looked impressed and Copia looked bored, like he had seen it all before. 

“Very well,” Sister Imperator said. “You may stay as long as you want, but in exchange for sheltering you, I want you to work with the Cardinal and come up with a way to bolster the protections of this place. We don’t have any actual witches within the Ministry at this time and with the locals becoming restless with our presence here, we need to make sure this place remains untouched by those who mean us harm.”

“That sounds fair,” you agreed. You didn’t expect to stay there without having to pull your own weight. 

“Excellent,” Sister Imperator smiled, clapping her hands together. “Very well. We have an empty room you may use and we’ll have a ghoul get your measurements so we can get you some clothes.” 

“Thank you,” you responded. 

“If you’re done eating, the cardinal will show you to your room.”

You nodded and without another word, Sister Imperator walked out of the dining hall with purpose in her step. You looked from the door to the two men in front of you.

“So, you’re a witch?” Terzo questioned. “Haven’t had one of you crawling to our doorstep before. I thought you all could take care of yourselves?”

“We can. I just trusted the wrong person,” you respond.

“Shame,” he said. “That person was an idiot then. Don’t worry, we’re trustworthy here…well mostly.”

You saw Copia roll his eyes and bit back a laugh. “Yes, he was an idiot,” you said as a wave of exhaustion hit you now that you were warm, fed, and no longer running for your life. “I think I’d like to go to bed now.”

“If you will follow me,” Copia said, making his way toward the entrance of the dining hall.

You got up and followed after him, trying to keep pace with him. “Thank you again,” you said as you drew up next to him. “I appreciate it.”

He said nothing as he led you down the hall and then up a set of stone stairs. He led you to a door at the very end of the corridor lit by candles. He opened the door to a dark room. “This will be yours. There is a shared bathing chamber two doors down. You will share it with the other women on this wing,” he said, stepping aside. “Meals are at eight, twelve, and six. Quiet hours are from ten at night to seven in the morning. In the morning, one of the female ghouls will come find you and fit you with clothes.”

You nod. “Thank you,” you said again despite his seemingly clipped tone. You were starting to get the feeling that he didn’t like you, and you couldn’t figure out why. “Sister Imperator said we’re to work together? When should we meet?”

“I will let you know,” he said, stepping back from her. “Until then, good night.” He turned, cassock swishing as he walked back down the corridor.

You watched him disappear around a corner before stepping into the dark room. With a speck of magic, you produced the purple ball of flames again to light your way. You saw a bed, a chest of drawers with handles atop it, and a vanity with a wash bowl with floral patterns. The large window overlooked the forest you had come from only an hour before. The room was surprisingly large, and you made a mental note to ask if you would be allowed to set up an altar in your room. You lit the candles on the dress with a spell, flooding the room with a warm glow. You were pleased to find bedding already on the bed and fresh water in the pitcher by the wash bowl. There were also clean towels in the top drawer of the dresser. 

“Cardinal Copia sent us,” the shorter one said in a feminine voice. “We’re to help you with clothing.”

The taller of the two gestured to the bundle of clothes in her arms. “May we come in?” Their voice was also feminine.

“Oh, yes,” you said, remembering what Copia told you the night before. You opened your door and stepped back, allowing them to come in.

“Thank you. I’m Cumulus and this is Cirrus,” the shorter of the two said.

You tell them your name as they position and measure you with a cloth tape measure. “I hope it’s not rude of me to ask, but why the masks?”

“Humans can’t handle our true nature,” Cirrus said as she measured your shoulders. “Much like how they can’t handle angels in their true forms. We demons chose to disguise ourselves to prevent chaos.” 

“Not sure I want to know what you look like under the masks,” you said with a slight shiver at the thought. 

Cumulus giggled. “Probably not, but you’re a witch, so you’d be okay. Now try this dress. It might be a little loose, but we can take it in if needed.” 

You did as you were told, finding the dress fit you perfectly.

“Wonderful,” Cumulus said, clapping her hands in excitement. “We’ll have more of this size for you later today, then. And we’ll get you some undergarments and sleepwear.” 

“I appreciate it,” you said.

“Can I do your hair?” Cirrus asked, playing with a lock of hair that hung off your shoulder.

“Uh, I suppose,” you shrug before feeling her fingers in your hair to untangle it. “So, you two are demons?”

“Yes,” Cirrus said. “All the ghouls here are.”

“Are you summoned?”

“Yes, but we all willingly come to this realm to serve the Papas, even though Papa didn’t summon us,” Cumulus answered.

“Who summoned you?” You asked curiously as Cirrus braided your hair down your back.

“Cardinal Copia,” Cumulus said. “It’s very rare that anyone other than Papa gets to summon us. The Cardinal is special.”

You thought about Copia and you could see what Cumulus meant about how he was special. You could sense power from him, but not in the same way Sister Imperator radiated power. No, it was different.

“He’ll be Papa one day,” Cirrus said. “Just like his brothers.”

“You mean like Terzo?” You ask, remembering the other man you met the night before.

“Yes,” Cirrus said. “Terzo is a good Papa, but he can’t be Papa forever.” 

The ghoulettes continued to make small talk with you. Once they finished their measurements and went over what they thought you’d look best in, they left, leaving a couple of dresses that fit. You changed into a dark green one, pulling it over your chemise and tying the laces up the front to fit your form before slipping into your boots. 

You stepped out into the hall to see women in black habits ranging from modest to very revealing, leaving their rooms and catching up with their friends before making their way out of the wing. You followed them, not wanting to get lost on your way to breakfast. 

As you walked, you heard your name being called from behind. You turned to see two men in long vestments and black and white paint covering their faces. One of them even had his entire head covered in black paint. 

“Terzo?” You questioned, recognizing the Papa after a second.

“ Si . How was your first night in our humble abode?” He asked, coming to stand in front of you.

“Fine,” you said. “Thank you again for letting me stay here.”

“It’s nothing. Allow me to introduce you to Papa Emeritus II and my brother Secondo.”

The taller man with the painted head bowed his head to you. He had the same mismatched eyes as Terzo and Copia.

“It’s nice to meet you,” you said.

“It’s not often we get to host a witch,” Secondo said. “I’m interested in seeing what you can do.” 

“I hope I can help wherever I can,” you admitted. 

“I’m sure you and the Cardinal will make great things happen,” Secondo said.

You frowned, thinking about Copia, and how it seemed he didn’t like you. “I get the feeling he doesn’t like me very much.”

“Copia likes everyone,” Terzo said. “Maybe he’s just being shy because you’re so good-looking.”

You flushed. “Uh..thanks? But I don’t think he’s shy. He just seems disinterested in having anything to do with me.” 

Terzo and Secondo shared a look. Both of them frowning. “That doesn’t sound like our dear younger brother,” Secondo said. “Perhaps he was just having an off day?”

“Maybe,” you considered, not feeling surprised to hear the news of Copia’s relation to the Papas. They all shared the same mysterious white eye and other small features here and there. “I suppose we shall see.” 

“Allow us to walk you to breakfast,” Terzo said, holding out his arm for you to take.

You smiled and looped your arm through his, allowing yourself to be guided the rest of the way to the dining hall. While you walked through the corridors, you tried to take in your surroundings. Everything fascinated you; from the strained glass to the cobbled stone floor to the sconces of fire lighting the passageways. Soon they were entering the chamber you were in the night before. People and ghouls filled the chamber, sitting on long, benched tables and eating. At the end of the room, there was a high table where two older men, both wearing black and white skull paints, sat on either side of Sister Imperator. A little way down the table Copia sat. You noticed he looked stiff, like he didn’t want to be there as he clutched a mug in his gloved hands. 

“Here we are,” Terzo said. “Have a seat anywhere and a ghoul will bring you a plate.”

“Thanks,” you said. “Oh, by the way, I wanted to ask…am I allowed to set up an altar in my quarters?”

“Of course,” Terzo said. “We’d never tell you what to believe and how to believe it here. Believe and worship however you’d like, cara . Do you need supplies?”

“Some candles, herbs, crystals, oh, and a table or desk or something to put it on.”

“I’ll have Copia source the furniture for you. As for your other supplies, I’m sure between Secondo and Primo they can come up with all you need.”

“Primo can get you the herbs and I can get you candles and crystals,” Secondo confirmed. “Primo is our eldest brother,” he said when you looked confused. “Papa Emeritus I. I am Papa Emeritus II, and Terzo is Papa Emeritus III, our current leader. It gets confusing, I know.”

Which would make Copia Papa Emeritus IV one day , you thought, remembering how Cirrus said he’d be Papa someday. You tucked that information away for later before smiling up at the two men before you.

“Thank you so much,” you said, feeling a weight lift from you. That was one less thing you’d have to worry about. Once you could get back into the groove of things, you’d feel much better. You sat down at the end of a table as Terzo and Secondo made their way to the high table. You watched as Terzo sat next to Copia and leaned over to whisper something to him. As a ghoul placed a plate full of eggs, toast, and sausages down in front of you, you saw Copia’s eyes flick to you as Terzo spoke. Copia narrowed his eyes at you and looked away. You deflated slightly, wondering what you did wrong. 

Nothing, you concluded. If the Cardinal had a problem with you, he could be a man and just say so. You weren’t going to sit there and yearn for the approval of a man who didn’t care about you. You turned to your breakfast and ate, keeping your eyes on your food and away from the high table.

After breakfast, unsure of what to do, you wandered and explored the ministry. You visited the library, the sanctuary, the confessional, a meditation room, the residential wings, and the wing that held offices for the current Papa and the other clergy members. You then found yourself outside in the walled gardens and greenhouse. Feeling at home amongst the plants, you eventually sat in a clearing of flowers and shrubs to meditate. 

You found yourself in one of the greenhouses, gently touching the vines and the flowers that sat in pots and hung from planters. The magic was strong in them and you immediately felt at ease being amongst the plants. You smiled, silently thanking the plants one by one as you walked through the greenhouse.

“Can I help you?”

You spun around to face the direction the unknown voice came from. You saw an older man in white and black skull paints and the same green and white eyes as the other two Papas and Copia. He wore khakis and a red knit sweater. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, and he wore a gray apron over the top of his outfit that he wiped his hands on. You knew this must be Primo, the first Papa, and eldest brother. 

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” you said. “It was unlocked, and I just wanted to look.”

Primo looked you over and then nodded. “You’re our new charge,” he said. “The witch?”

You nodded and gave your name. “I wanted to connect with nature and since I can’t go beyond the garden walls, this was the next best thing.

Primo smiled gently at you. “I understand,” he said. “Plants have a way of grounding us. Their beauty draws us to them and if we take care of them, they’ll take care of us.” He touched the tip of a growing rosemary bush. “My brothers said you need some herbs?”

“Oh, yes,” you said. “For my craft.”

“I’ve gathered you some. I don’t practice witchcraft, but I know herbalism, so I’ve selected the ones you’ll most likely need in your workings. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask. And if it’s something I don’t have, I’ll get some seeds and saplings for you.” 

“Really?” You asked, feeling incredibly touched. You couldn’t remember when the last time someone went out of their way for you. “Thank you so much. It means a lot.” The three Papas had shown her more kindness than most had.

“Think nothing of it. You are sharing your gifts with us, so the least I can do is share with you.” 

“You’ve all been so kind,” you said.

“It’s one of our tenants. We’re kind to those who deserve our kindness.” Primo said. He turned and reached for a small wicker basket sitting on a work table behind him. “Here is your starter kit.” 

You took the basket from his hand and looked inside to see bundles of sage, lavender, rosemary, and thyme, as well as a couple of small jars of dried flowers. You smiled and looked up at him. “This is perfect, thank you.”

“Of course. Take as much time as you need here. I’m just going to pop next door to finish some repotting.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

“Please, call me Primo. My days as Papa are long over.” The older man gave her a gentle pat on her arm before making his way out a back door. 

You took your time looking over at the plants in the greenhouse before doing some meditation and grounding. About thirty minutes later, you walked back to your room, carrying your basket of herbs and flowers. She unlocked her door and went inside to find a simple wooden altar sitting in the middle of the room and a few differently shaped cloth bags. You opened one bag to find many crystals inside. In another bag were different colored taper candles and tea lights. You smiled, glad to see that Terzo and Secondo kept their promises. Your eyes then landed on a handwritten note sitting on the altar.

Meet me in my office on Thursday at 1 pm. Do not be late. -C.C.