Pinchy waited three days then contacted the coven again. In her cell, she pulled the rune-covered stone from under her mattress. She chanted the incantation as amber power glowed from her extended arms, hands, and the stone. The portal opened over her bed. A package fell from the opening onto her bed. A cowled face appeared in the portal. “Slave! Give this package to the one called Gilda, the one who tried to kill the goddess. We will use her to destroy the Maker's pet.”
“It will be done as you command, master,” replied Pinchy, her face flat to her mattress.
“Excellent. Report to us in three days,” commanded the cowled mage. The portal faded. Pinchy replaced the stone under her mattress then gathered up the package, hiding it under her blanket.
In the yard, Pinchy walked by Gilda and her crew. Catching Gilda’s eye, she gave a slight nod and kept walking. Gilda stepped away from her crew and followed her.
Stopping at the side of the yard, Pinchy waited for Gilda to step up beside her. When Gilda was right beside her, she reached into her shirt and pulled out the package, handing it to Gilda. “You're in. Read the instructions in the package. If you have any questions, ask me. Don’t get caught.”
Pinchy walked off. Gilda stuffed the package into her shirt and walked back to her crew.
“What was that shit all about?” asked one of the crew.
“Redemption,” said Gilda. “And another shot at the bitch that put me here.”