Chapter 5 Five

About a week had passed since she'd killed the dragon, and the blood still stained her hands. She remembered what a beautiful bright emerald green everything had been, and how it had slowly turned her green during the transformation, entrancing her. Afterward, she'd returned to her normal color, although there were still some noticeable changes that seemed permanent long after the transformation.

Her long, fair hair had become black, and the curls were more prominent. Her eyes glowed a shade of bewitching emerald green; it was as if you could see the dragon she'd slain staring back through her eyes. The power within her was visible, and it was changing her.

Slowly, day by day, she became darker and more mysterious. Her dwelling had changed as well, into a black color; it wasn't very colorful before, but now everything was black. The spell from the dragon alone had done this, and every‐ thing around her would soon be the same shade of black. She had been totally transformed.

The question was: what was left of her?

You see, the witch, Isra, was slowly and surely turning into all she had done. She was becoming the very thing she'd created. It didn't look like there would ever be a way back into the good, but Isra liked things dark and black anyway.

She had no desire to change, ever. She was a force to be reckoned with, and people were afraid of her, but they also respected her by moving out of her way when she came across the local villagers. No one dared to challenge her.

People would say, "Stay away from Isra, that vile creature who lives in the dark and hides from the light," and, "Oh my goodness, don't get on the bad side of her, for she is indeed very wicked and reeks of evil."

No one dared come near her unless they needed help from her magical powers. And those that did go to her did so out of dire need and desire that only Isra could help fulfill. But now, of course, no human being could see her, as she had completely hidden herself from human view.

Only animals could view the enchanting and mysterious blackened darkness that laid within. And that was just how she liked it. She had no time or care for the human race, but yet admired and respected the animals, and maybe at times even loved the animal kingdom. Now she could go about her day to day business without being seen by a single living soul, and that was exactly just what she was going to do.

She was walking along a straight, narrow path. As the snow began to fall, she wondered what all this would lead to, and if she would ever do anything but this.

Yes, she was a creature of great power, but she was also full of sorrow and regret for things she hadn't yet done and could not have put right in her life before this one.

Isra had once been good, kind, and loved all, but alas, that was before.

Now she was reflecting on everything she had done in her life. She had never been one to have many friends; many had betrayed her and not been there for her, so she learned to cope on her own. Being forced out on her own was what actually led to the darkness inside, although, in a sense, it was already there.

It was this self reliance that led to it coming full center, and it became clear then who and what she was and that this was the path she was going to walk on for the rest of her life. It wasn't the best path she could have embarked on in life, but it was the only one she had.

She was alone; she was, at times, bitter and resentful, and she relished the bloodshed, torture, and lust as a way to escape her pain, from all the things she had never got out of life. She continued thinking of all the things from her past, reflecting on them as she walked along the cold, snow fallen path.

Suddenly, she saw a wriggly shape forming; then there were two!

As she looked closer, she noticed that they were two snakes entwined in each other, totally connected. She admired the sight for a moment and then carried on walk‐ ing. The animal kingdom produced and created such wonderful, prominent signs at times. She thought it was an omen, a connection; a strong bond that no one could break.

Lovely, she thought to herself while continuing on her journey. She wasn't headed anywhere particular on that day; she just loved going out and about and admiring nature's wonderful sights.

She walked a little further into a clearing by the forest. Thinking she was alone, she sat down and began meditating, concentrating on projecting her energies into the earth. She took more focus, and after a few seconds, the entire forest was black. But, it was only in her vision, for when she opened her eyes, it was green and luscious and full of earthy tones again.

She heard rustling in the trees and realized she was not alone. She turned to see who or what the intruder was, and there was a magnificent green python coiled around the branches of a huge oak tree, staring at Isra. It was clear he knew what she was and could see every inch of her being.