900+ Years

Surrender

"Sister Celestinia!" Sister Amelia called for me.

Recently, Sister Amelia had become a Cloistered Nun. We rejoiced by drinking and singing old hymns. It was truly a great day.

"Coming Sister Amelia!" I yelled after her.

I followed her into a large dining room where maids lined the walls with their heads bowed and the nuns sat, waiting for the food to arrive. At the end of the table stood Father. We all waited for him to pray so we could eat.

"Before I pray I just want to say that the world changes everyday. Sometimes in ways we don't understand nor care for, nevertheless, it changes. Today the world will change and tomorrow the world will be better. And we can all thank Sister Celestinia for that." He spoke.

A personal compliment? By Father? Sure I was sacrificing my very being for their lives but I never expected him to make such a giant deal out of it. Matter of fact, it should be made a big deal out of now that I think of it. I'm doing all of this for them, they should at least know why they're getting to live another day.

"Sister Celestinia thank you for your undying faith. I'm afraid that faith just wasn't strong enough." He proceeded, eyeing the maids who began to come near towards me.

"What? I don't understand -" I tried but they ignored me.

"It's been found that you've been conspiring with the Golden beast. We know the true you now. That's why you'll make today a better day, once you're gone he'll never be able to harm us." He finished.

My eyes widened in shock. My chest felt tight and my eyes burned with promises of tears. I didn't know how to react. How would one react to this? I dedicated my life and am now sacrificing it for them all. This is what I get in return?

The maids rushed over to me and dragged me away. I was so out of it that I barely thought to fight back and defend myself. It was over. They all thought I caused their suffering. They thought I was the reason their children were murdered. As I was dragged out I heard whispers among the sisters.

"Do you think she killed the Madam?" One sister questioned.

"Oh my! Certainly not! But then, it seems we never truly knew her, did we? It's a possibility." Another sister replied.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Sister Amelia watching me. She looked betrayed and heartbroken. I didn't know what to do anymore. I gave up. I couldn't defend myself now. The Father had said this. All I could do was come to terms with it and accept that I'm the reason they lost their loved ones.

I was taken into the open abruptly. A loud horn sounded and the men began to bang their drums. They tied my hands behind my back and forced me to kneel before them.

"Father please, I don't understand. Why make me look like I'm on the Golden beast's side?" I queried.

He leaned down and lifted up chin with a warm expression.

"Because Sister Celestinia, you did."

I didn't say anything. He was convinced, they all were. There was no use. They were using me to save themselves like the cowards they are.

There was a loud roar in the distance and the flapping of wings could be heard. Before long a horrendous beast was standing before me, its eyes glowing an evil red. It growled and bared its fangs at Father, attempting to attack him.

"Wait! I propose a trade!" He quickly interjected.

The dragon stopped its malicious intent and snorted in response, like the mere idea was outrageous and frankly, quite delirious.