The Devils Favored Child

Sacred Waters

    It feels like I've been walking forever and it doesn't seem like it will end any time soon. All I can do is slowly feel around the walls to find out when I will need to turn before I run into a wall...again.

    Finally I saw a dim light. I started to run toward it, hoping that it would be the end of this journey. I came flying out of the opening into the most amazing cavern. A crystal clear pond sat at the center of the place, a beautiful waterfall cascading down into it.

    I tried to look around more to see if there was anything or anyone else here. All I could see were more entry ways into this cavern. Then something pat me on the shoulder causing me to jump up screaming.

    "Heavens child! There is no need to shout at your grandmother." An older woman said. I examined he from head to toe. She had a full head of white hair that reached down to her shoulders, a small heart shaped face with eyes so bright and ice blue that some might consider her blind at first glance.

    "I don't have a grandmother" I stated matter of factually. She laughed at my remark which made me look at her questioningly. With a sigh and a small smile she pulled me to sit down by the edge of the pond.

    "You were so small when I last saw you, and your mother and I had such a falling out right after your birth." she began to explain to me. "I wanted for you to be raised traditionally as a white witch should. Learning your elemental gift, and how to borrow that power for the good of our coven. Sadly when your mother informed me of who your 'father' was" she paused and the clear signs of disdain from just mentioning Zander's name.

    "Your mother informed me that you were going to be brought up as human, as you would not be able to unlock your powers until you turn 18. Then you would be brought here, to perform your coming of age ceremony as a full white witch. However if when you awaken and the Sacred Waters reject you,you will be banished from the coven." she finished.

    "What are the Sacred Waters? Gabriel said that too before he pushed me into that opening in the tree trunk." I asked her with utmost curiosity. She motioned toward the pond with her delicate hands.

    "These are the Sacred Waters. These are the purest natural waters that have been apart of our coven for hundreds of years. To us the Waters are a link to the Gods who bless us with the abilities we have harnessed over the years." She turned back to me and then asked me something that concerned me even more.

    "If you are here early does this mean that your mother is in trouble?" as if she could hear us talking about her mom showed up at one of the entries into the cavern. She was hunched over holding on to her bloodied arm, panting like she didn't understand the concept of air. "I am fine mother. Just greatly lacking in practice."

    I tried to run to my mother to help her, but the old woman who was sounding more and more like she really was my grandmother held me back. Who knew old people still had so much strength in them? She gave me a stern look and pulled me to sit back down.

    "You may have broken rules of the coven but the Waters still welcome you, come and clean yourself before we discuss the situation further." she said in a monotone voice to mom, who did just as she was told. Ripping a clean part of her shirt she dipped it into the waters and began to pat down on her injured arm.

    The more she cleaned the wound the more her breathing evened out. Thankfully she was looking stronger by the minute until she completely removed the torn fabric to reveal no injury. "Woah" escaped my lips as grandmother laughed.

    Mom gave me her signature look and I settled down, ready to listen. Mom looked at grandmother and began to speak. "Mother, it's been too long. Perhaps we should move on to the more pressing matters before we catch up with each others personal lives."

    The sour look on her face left no room for arguments. "How much does she know of her future Susan?" she asked my mom getting straight to the point I see. "All of it, and it's Peter who decided to retaliate." she gave a short answer.

    Why do I get the feeling that their feud isn't going to be over any time soon? Neither of them seem to want to take the high road. Is this where I get my stubborn persistence from? They do seem like they will never break.

    "Well it seems he did not take the news very well at all. Which is to be understood as he is the Lord of Pride. Your eldest brother is very full of himself." she said  the last part to me before turning back to mom "and where is HE?" the disdain clear as day on her face again.

    "Zander is here in the dark hallway since the Waters do not welcome him here. Although you already know that as the head witch of the coven you can grant him access." she stared her down with her lips pursed.

    "Fine!" with a flick of the wrist a small drop of water rose from the pond and landed somewhere down in the shadows of the hallway. With a small grunt Zander appeared in the entry way rubbing his forhead where a small red dot had appeared. "You never did have a delicate hand with me did you Grand White Witch Adira?" he stated.

    Well my life couldn't possibly get any more complicated now could it? I really hope that we can settle things quickly so we can move on to the more pressing matters at hand. Like not getting me killed?!