Work Text:
“Is everyone ready? We must be in the proper mindset, each witch holding her own power, prepared for whatever trials The Road might bring.” Agatha looked around the circle, nodding at each of the other four witches as they waited anxiously, brimming with power. “It’s time.”
She smiled and held up the bell, tapping it gently for the note. “Seekest thou—”
“MAMA!” Agatha’s head whipped around as the voice cut through the forest. A small child rushed forward and crashed into one of the women, hugging her tightly and sobbing. “Don’t go! Don’t leave me!” His cries were interrupted by coughing as the mother wrapped her arms around him.
“I’m sorry, darling. I must.” A sob caught in her throat and she pulled away. She pushed the hair back from his eyes and wiped away his tears. “I have to find help… to save you. Go back to granny.” An older woman watched from the edge of the clearing, tears streaming down her own face.
Agatha’s eyes stung as she stood frozen, watching the scene before her. “No,” she whispered, images of a tiny grave long ago flashing through her mind.
“Go now, please,” the mother begged her child.
Agatha blinked away tears and stepped forward. “We’re done here. All of you can go now.”
Cries of protest rose from the circle. The mother stared in shock. “But you promised. Please. Help me. Help him.” She motioned toward her son, her eyes full of panic and sorrow.
Agatha glanced at the boy, inhaling deeply as she tried to remain composed. “I am, trust me. If you need help for that, go to town. Ask around for Jen, a rootworker and midwife. If anyone can help, she can.” She looked around the assembled coven. “Now go, all of you. I’m done with you.” She waved her hands dismissively, turned, and stalked out of the circle.
“But what about the Witches’ Road?” someone called after her.
Agatha glanced back over her shoulder. “Find it yourself.” She sauntered off, singing quietly to herself. “Wherever it may bend… I’ll be there at the end.”