(This chapter takes place during Chapter 3385, when Claire entered the Council alone to ask when Sivie would arrive.)
As her singing faded, the Sun's Great Witch, holding a bottle of red wine said to have been produced in the Fifth Epoch, arrived at the door at the end of the ancient corridor. She had walked this path countless times already, and none of the anticipation or nervousness from her apprentice days remained. But this time, she had a new thought:
"Galina said Shade has entered this place before. Next time, I'll bring him in to have a look too."
Thinking that, she opened the door according to the proper steps, entered the White Fog, recited the incantation, "May the hidden Chaos bless me, a fellow Witch," and finally entered the familiar Council.
Before her was the back of her own chair, with the rune of "Sun" clearly visible. Thirteen chairs surrounded the round table in the center of a level circular space. Tier after tier of steps encircled the space and extended upward into the void, where a beam of light shone down, illuminating the Council's area perfectly.
Claire had not arranged to meet Sivie at this time. She had only intended to leave Sivie a letter, or see whether anyone else was present. To her surprise, the moment she entered, she saw Speaker Adele Isabella and Sivie looking toward her together.
Her arrival had clearly interrupted their private discussion, but neither Witch minded ending their conversation there.
"Claire, your timing is perfect. I was just telling the Speaker that my fleet will arrive at Fatumonst Island on wednesday to meet up with you."
Sivie Aurora, with her long brown wavy hair, said with a smile. Though the Great Witch of Light was somewhat older, the mature beauty and