I'm on the road back to Ad Astra's main headquarters. The location of which I cannot write of here, but it is quite far indeed from the land I've just visited. Scotland. I've been to the land of moors and bagpipes and silly plaid skirts worn by men playing bagpipes. I was visiting a group of 7 women scattered all about Scotland, though their names and actual addresses I will not tell anyone as I'm fairly certain any one of those women would know as soon as I utter the words and would steal my wits from me the second the words were out. They call themselves the Witches of Da'Baalen and each says they were indeed the original inhabitants of the close-by Isle of Man. They left when the land was taken from them, though they will not say by whom, just that the island was forever "fouled by their presence" so they tell me.
Some years ago, I was referred to them for a very specific and potent charm by a friend within Ad Astra, who told me they are little known even among those in our tight-knit society. But that their baubles and charms he told me are the most potent and successful, but carry a hefty cost. Typically, a bit of one's own life force. Since I seem to have unlimited years, the Witches love when I visit as I'm quite generous with my payment for their gorgeous charms. These women have otherworldly talent for cutting gems, pouring their magics into them for various purposes. they fashion the charms so they may be worn or you can buy the gems alone and carry them in a pouch or pocket.
Though the Witches are quite secretive and select about who they do business with, they gave me permission to write this article. They said it didn't matter if I wrote it down for the whole world to read as long as I didn't publish their locations or names. They said beyond those two bits of information, no one would believe a word I wrote, other than the few who already know of them and are likewise sworn not to reveal their names or locations. I am only allowed to refer someone to them if I trust that person with my very life. It seems many trust me, but I am afraid I can't quite say the same, even though, being one of those with the "Bimini Syndrome" and seemingly immortal, I don''t really have need to trust anyone with my life. I have things far more important to me, though, that I don't trust anyone with; the names and locations of those 7 lovely ladies being one of them.
I've brought back with me, this trip, a sparkling giant 3/4" globe of crystal, cut by the loveliest of the Witches. I'll call her Red, as she's the only one of them with red hair. She said it's meant to draw only truth from anyone near the person wearing the charm. She added two smaller gems, which she said also protect the wearer from harm coming from any who might be upset about what they may unwillingly divulge to the wearer.
A wonderful charm for anyone surrounded by deceit, which frankly, would be nearly everyone.
