Lamps lined the street, though they were dormant now in the full light of day. At night they would blaze with soft white light, making the boulevard as bright as noon.
The city felt alive, prosperous, and orderly.
This was the heart of the city.
The world rarely saw the witches as they acted in shadows. Each country has its own witch council.
The Council held absolute authority over all matters of state, from laws to taxation to foreign policy. Below the Council were various administrative bodies, all staffed by women who had proven their competence and loyalty.
Men could hold certain positions—teachers, craftsmen, artists, local administrators—but they were barred from the highest levels of power by law and tradition.
Martha had once asked a historian why this was so, why men were excluded from governance even if they showed talent and ambition.
The answer had been simple: origin energy responded best to female channelers.
