Story 9/1001

• heavy
• vertical
• equinox

“Annabelle, that doesn’t go there.” Said a tall, middle aged woman in black robes.

“Yes, High Priestess.” Annabelle bowed slightly and moved the heavy bowl to the table in the center.

She already spent hours decorating the room for the celebration, but her mother never showed any gratitude. Annabelle sighed, clenching her light-blue robes. She would rather be at the farmer’s market – there will even be a bonfire at midnight.

“Stop daydreaming, Annabelle.” A short, plump woman scowled. “Your mother will be angry. You know how important today’s celebration is.”

“I know more than anyone, aunt Josephine. I’m not even allowed to say that she’s my mother tonight.” Annabelle’s eyes filled with sadness.

“I know, dear. That falls harder on her than you.” Josephine softened, and pulled Annabelle to the side, letting the other disciples finish setting up the Hall.

“This Equinox is of the utmost importance, Anna.” She continued, catching Annabelle’s gaze. “The last two years were bountiful, and we need to give proper thanks to our Gods and Goddesses.”

“Yes, I know.” Annabelle pulled her hand away from her aunt’s. “It’s the politics that I hate, not the celebration.”

“We are only humans.” Josephine sighed. “To be able to live our faith, we need to appease earthly kings, too.”

“If she doesn’t even want to say that I’m her daughter, what is the point of appeasing any king or God?”

“Annabelle!”

“You know that every year she prances around with Eve and Phillip.”

“They have the potential and talent for magic we haven’t seen in decades. Not since your mother was born.” Josephine retorted, but regretted her answer the moment it came out of her mouth.

“Yes, I know. They are the same age as me, but they already have their dark blue robes.”

“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to be harsh. I know how hard you work to overcome those shortcomings.”

Annabelle’s heart sank. She knew Josephine was right, those are shortcomings – at least in the world she was born in.

“It’s alright, aunt. I’m going to go back now. To make sure the new ones didn’t put the Athame vertical, or something.”

Annabelle walked past the tables, and exited the Hall where the celebration would take place. She felt like she has been loyal enough.

She wanted to see the bonfire.

She was passing down the candlelit hallway to the main door, when she heard two figures talking. When she recognized the rings on one man’s fingers, she decided to hide next to them. Those were the seals of the king – worn only by the king or his hand.

“It cannot be done. She is too powerful.” The one without the rings spoke.

“That’s precisely why it has to be done. She’s trying to rule, forgetting her place.”

“This is hardly a try for the throne.”

“She invited the Etonian king.”

Moments of silence. Annabelle tried to figure out who they are talking about – but the last words made her certain – it can’t be anyone else.

“This war will not end that lightly. “The other one said.

“Don’t worry. The plan is already in motion.”

Annabelle gasped. As quietly as she could, she went back to the Hall. The king’s soldiers were at the main entrance. She hid.

The doors of the Hall opened, and three figures exited.

Annabelle could smell the metallic scent coming from the Hall. The floors, the walls – they were covered with the blood of her coven.

Two soldiers in black armor stepped out.

And in their hands was a lifeless body in black robes.