Chapter 1 of The Witch of Salem!

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Chapter 1 of The Witch of Salem!

Evangelina Christine sat in her tiny apartment overlooking the mighty river. She had been here for the past two hours unmoving. Her life had taken a path that she didn’t see coming.

As a child her grandmother told her that she would one day find herself at a crossroads. Evangelina wondered if this was indeed that crossroads. She was confused and wanted to talk to someone who could help guide her through it.

Shaking herself out of her daze Evangelina picked up the taro cards and started shuffling them. Cutting the cards in half Evangelina was blinded by a bright light. She glared into the light mesmerized by its beauty.

Once entranced by the light Evangelina started to see a vision. Her grandmother was there with a full smile on her face. Evangelina squinted against light recognizing her grandmother.

As confused as Evangelina was her grandmother walked up to her and took a seat. The light faded away and Evangelina was facing her dead grandmother in her kitchen. She reached across the table and took her hand.

“How can this be?” Evangelina asked.

“Ask and you shall receive my child. Now, tell Nan what’s ailing you.” Her grandmother replied.

“I’m at a crossroads, is this what you were warning me about as a child?” Evangelina asked.

“It could be, what are you confused about.” Her grandmother asked.

“I’ve always wanted to live in the city, and now I don’t find it to be my home.” Evangelina replied.

“That’s because it’s not your home. This is just a place to keep you warm at night. Your home is back where you came from.” Her Grandmother explained.

“I worked really hard to get out of that place, and build this life. How can I not be happy in it?” Evangelina asked.

“Darling girl, this place is just that a place. You wanted to see it and experience it, and now that you have you yearn for home. Why don’t you take a trip back to the place you’re from and see if that settles your curiosity.” Her Grandmother suggested.

“Do you really think the dark forest is the best place to be during this time?” Evangelina asked.

“Are you referring to the upset and rising of the coven?” Her Grandmother asked.

“I am very worried about it.” Evangelina replied.

“Why?” Her Grandmother asked.

“Our family isn’t in charge of the coven anymore. I’ve heard of harsh punishments and wrongful spells being handed down.” Evangelina replied.

“Then wouldn’t you be the best one to challenge those wrongs?” Her Grandmother asked.

“I left the coven, and our home. Do you think they’ll see me as a traitor and banish me, or do some kind of shifting spell?” Evangelina asked.

“Shifting spell?” Her Grandmother asked raising an eyebrow.

“I’ve heard they’ve cast spells turning members into shapeshifters, like frogs, rats, and roaches.” Evangelina replied.

“You know how to protect yourself Evangelina, so why be scared of someone who can’t touch your spirit?” Her Grandmother asked.

“The grand coven mother doesn’t ask for permission before she reigns down her punishment. How can one protect themselves from that?” Evangelina asked.

“Have you forgotten who you are?” Her Grandmother asked.

“No, but I also know who I’m not. She’s now the mother of us all, and none of us can use the magic without her permission.” Evangelina replied.

“You have magic within, and that’s the kind that can’t be learned from a book. Here take my left hand and I’ll take you deep into the past; I believe it’s time for you to see the truth.” Her Grandmother said, extending her hand.

Evangelina took her Grandmother’s hand and the bright light flashed before her again. They were only in the light for a few minutes before a new scene flashed before them again. Her Grandmother stood straight as the view changed from the bright light to a full coven circle.

“Mother Christine.” Each of the women said, as the elder walked through the two straight lines of women.

Evangelina walked through the lines behind her grandmother as each of the women bowed to her grandmother. When they got to the middle of the two lines Mother Christine stopped and turned slowly to the right. A woman stood there with her eyes cast downward, and she looked almost afraid to look at the older woman.

“Look up at me child.” Mother Christine commanded.

The girl looked up into her eyes with a defiance that was noted in the elder woman’s expression. Mother Christine was facing the girl, and the girl was holding her chin up waiting for her to say something. Mother Christine shook her head at the girl and turned to face her original direction.

Evangelina watched as the girl scowled at her grandmother. She got closer to her and recognized the woman, but couldn’t quite remember where she’d seen her. She looked young standing there challenging the head of the coven, and as if she were ready to pounce.

Mother Christine stepped up on the podium and turned to the rest of the coven. Evangelina stood at the bottom of the podium and gazed upon her grandmother. Mother Christine spread her arms open wide to address everyone in attendance.

“This is a special night for all of us. We’ve got the future meeting the past in the most peculiar way. Although this won’t change the events that are to become us, we’ve all got a chance to learn from it.” Mother Christine announced.

“Is this why you’ve brought a stranger amongst us?” The previous woman who glared at Mother Christine asked.

“Natalia Grace O’Mally, you my dear will one day be a great asset to this coven. However, you have to get your ego in check, or you’ll fall harder than you’ve fallen. Don’t challenge the hand that teaches you.” Mother Christine replied, giving her a side eye.

“I believe you Mother Christine, but I also feel as if I’m meant to lead not follow.” Natalia said.

“You’ll lead when you’ve gone through the basics, as of right now it’s all fundamentals.” Mother Christine replied.

“I know the fundamentals; I’ve been taught since I was a child.” Natalia said.

“Basics my child, basics. Slow down and remember that your haste could injure us all.” Mother Christine replied.

“More like save us all.” Natalia replied under her breath.

Evangelina realized that she was talking to and looking at the same woman who had taken over the coven her family started. She could see that the woman was making hasty decisions, and they weren’t the good kind. Now she needed to figure out how to bring the woman down, instead of helping her gain the access.

“One day in the future one of our own will betray us all. When that day comes evil will prevail and we’ll all be taken down. You’ll know these days as the Salem Witch trials, while the rest of the world will watch as we hang, and burned at the stake. One of us will be the cause of it as she names us one by one. Some of us will be able to escape to the dark forest, and others will watch with a painful ache. At that time those of us who are able to escape will rebuild, and others will challenge us. Keep your wits about you ladies, and your homes safe.” Mother Christine announced.

The ladies of the coven started to whisper amongst themselves. The speculation of it all caused an upset in amongst the covens. They all knew at that moment that they couldn’t trust each other, but they also wanted to know who it was that would betray them.

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