The Antagonists We Love to Hate #3

This week's antagonist is Latrice Burke

​Latrice Burke, Rogue Witch and former member of the secret society, the Willow Wood Women. Featured in The Women of the Willow Wood trilogy

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Character interview of Latrice

​Tell us a little about yourself ~
Where do I begin? I’m an old soul and have had many lives, dating way back to ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut. I was the sorceress who provided enlightenment and served as her personal advisor during her reign in 1478 BC. Many had rumored that my beauty was the result of magic.
It was there I learned how to perform dark magic and a very old one from a high priestess.
I was later incarnated several times, each time having to serve a higher-up authority. I knew I had the power to be independent and work as my own sorceress; this is where it led me to a painful death during the Salem Witch Trials where I was crushed to death by heavy rocks. It was here on my death bed that I vowed to return as I had the ability to do so.  
So, let’s just say I’ve been around the block a few times and back again. And most recently I have become a member of a most secretive society of women here in New Mexico who practice white magic. It was the only way I could reincarnate again—promise to be loyal to the other side–the good one.

Is your life now as you envisioned it? If not- then why?
Of course not, this is not what I envisioned, but it was my only chance at another life. And once I learn the ropes with this new cult, and prove to them I should be one of their high priestesses, it won’t take long for me to move up in the ranks of the Willow Wood Women.

Tell us about your family ~
Nothing much to tell—most are long gone. My original mother died while I was in service to the Pharaoh Hatshepsut. She was a gifted seamstress but did not possess the magic that I had. I never knew my father but was told he was simply a nomad passing through one day.
I’ve had a few close friends, but it always went sour due to their jealousy of my magic.

What is your greatest skill/ asset? 
Well, that’s a no-brainer, I’d say—it’s powerful ancient magic.
I’ve learned spells over the years that not many newer witches know even exist. My best spells are those that include glamour (beauty), health, weather, binding spells to freeze unwanted souls, and shapeshifting. 
Now that I’m working here in the Desert Mirage shop for the Willow Wood Women as a clerk, I’m in the thrones of white magic. I have to say it does have its rewards, having no recourse if used for good intent. 

Who is your greatest enemy?
Oh, dear—I’ve had many. Right now, I’d have to say it is Josephina DeLuna, the current high priestess of the Willow Wood. She is also my boss at the Desert Mirage shop. I just know she’s envious of me and will try to undermine my magic any way she can. She does not have the capabilities to hold such a position. This title belongs to me.

Do you want to live forever?
The rock band Queen had a huge hit in 1986 for the movie, Highlander, called, Who Wants to Live Forever? Gotta tell you here, I was at one of their concerts back when and they tore it up! I won’t get into my life in the eighties now but to answer the question—no—I’m tired and know my days are numbered. I’m not sure how it will end, but they will end. As they say, it’s “Time to Pay the Fiddler”.

If you could have three wishes, what would they be?
For one, I’d wish to always retain my youthful looks no matter what life I was reincarnated in. Two, I wish for those who possess magic to not be afraid and see it as a gift, but to use it wisely. Finally, my third wish would be to be able to go back to my first life with the Pharaoh, Hatshepsut. She was my only true friend. I felt appreciated and valued there.

What do you think of your author/creator?
To be honest with you, she did acknowledge me for my hybrid and powerful magic but chose to have me be the ‘bad guy’ so to speak. I guess it was just my destiny—or the one that she’d chosen for me. But I shouldn’t complain, I had my last hurrah and a chance to show all of them what I was capable of in that cave near the end. If it weren’t for me, none of them would have survived. And I guess I’ve done my time, I’m tired and ready to make peace with the higher council. Nothing lasts forever.

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