The Being (hiatus)

Prologue

                She peered out from under her cloak and watched from her safe hiding place in the bushes. She was ‘The Being’. She was the one the children of this modern day monarchy only heard of. Her mind ran as it ran through the facts of what was, what is, and what she dreaded would be. She couldn’t help but smile as Lady Nyghtshade moved to look out the window of her room. She knew Lady Nyghtshade thought someone was out there, but little did she know what was really in store. The Being focused her eyes on the two tiny hands of the lady as they wrapped protectively around her swollen abdomen.  She noticed the slight twitch and immediately her mind ran away with her.

                The baby would be born soon. She knew that she had to act fast.

                Here you go. Are you ready to ruin another child’s life just like yours was ruined? Just like all the others before you.

                She pulled her cloak tighter over her face and turned to head deeper into the forest.

                Or you can be different. There must be a better way to do this. Things change, why can’t the old method?

                She stopped for a moment, allowing her mutant mind to work and find where the flower would be growing. She knew she couldn’t find it where it usually grew, as the weather was too dry and severely moist conditions were needed.

                She quickly made her way through the forest, moving as quickly as her own two feet would allow, heading to the deepest, thickest part of the forest. If the conditions were right there would be a patch, just enough for what she needed. She lifted her hand to examine the bracelet attached to her wrist. The vines were beginning to fray, and she knew soon this bracelet would be gone, as would she. The intricate pattern was still intact, though, after all these years.

                After some minor searching she found the flower with few issues. She smiled as she pulled the flower from the vine and inhaled its sweet fragrance.  After all the years that passed, the flower still brought her peace, though it was the symbol of how her life went terribly wrong. She pulled at the vine, snapping off a fairly long piece and began to weave the complex pattern that would be forever placed in her mind.

                Fashioning the cuffs for the poor child? Sickening. Another young life down the drain, just like yours was.

                She froze in the middle of the pattern, looking at the small bracelet that was almost complete.

                But of course that child is going to be dependent on that bracelet, just like you are. You are not in control of the selection part of the process. And your life isn’t over yet.

                Her mind flew with impossibilities, but she knew better than to believe them. Too much time had passed and surely anything like the impossible scenarios swarming her head would have happened already.

                She looked back at the bracelet in her hand. It was so much like her own but much smaller. This bracelet would last this child’s entire life, protecting her from her worst enemy; herself.  It would grow with her, and loosen to match the growing wrist. It would offer her wisdom in times where the bad things of life got her down, and give her guidance when she didn’t know she needed it. She wouldn’t survive without it, it would be her lifeline.

                The Being finished the design and tightened the final knot that would prevent it from ever breaking off. She turned and began to make her way back, keeping her footfalls light and her face hidden. Despite the lack of light, her feet never slipped. She knew this forest and even with her eyes basically useless, she knew where each branch would fall and each patch of unstable ground.

                Soon she was back at the castle, but the Lady was no longer at the window. Cries of pain echoed in the night, and the Being knew the child would come soon. She stepped slightly out of the shadows to scrutinize the situation much more effectively. Her eyes narrowed and scanned the building, as her mind worked on a plan to keep her hidden while she did what she knew she must do.

                Would it even be worth it? The old way is best. No risks, no uncertainties, just fact and what would happen. A new method has never been tried, and the child might end up worse off than you. And what of your own safety?  That child would have to be watched for many years, until you deem it ready to take on your curse.

                A part of her knew the risk would be great, and her life would be much more complicated, but the soft reassuring voice prevented her from changing her mind.

                That child will have a life you only dream about. It’s time to change the course of history. Your mind will tell you where danger lies, and when the child is ready. It’s your blessing to pass, and the blessing will guide you.

                The sharp cry of an aggravated child cut through the night. She couldn’t help but smile. That high pitch sound could only mean one thing; it was a girl. She used this as a distraction and made her way through the castle slowly, dodging watching eyes and remaining in the shadows. She stayed there patiently for some time, listening to the mother sooth the child to sleep and the father rejoice with the mother for the first born child. Soon enough, the hallways  darkened even more as all but the guards drifted off into the dream world where life was simple, and this child would take the throne when she was of age.

                Stepping out of the shadows for the first time since she herself had been as young as the child, she opened the door and entered the child’s chambers. The mother was fast asleep on a large comfortable looking bed, with her daughter fast asleep just beside her. The Being moved soundlessly, to where the child slept, but her presence awoke her.

                The blessing was one step ahead of her though, and the child could only stare in awe at her. She pulled her hood down and revealed herself to the baby who only watched with curiosity.

                “Forgive my harsh voice, as I speak very little. Young one, you have quite the journey in store for you, but you know that already. I have a present for you, darling,” she continued to talk as she slipped the bracelet over the child’s small wrist, “it will give you a voice to combat all the negativity you will face. It will guide you. Sleep, dear child, but know I will protect you from the shadows, and when you are ready we shall meet for the first time.”

                The child, seeming to understand what was happening closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. The Being allowed herself a few moments to just watch the child, but her eyes drifted to the engraved letters on her crib.

                Every, well I couldn’t imagine a more fitting name.