Crimson River

Chapter 6

I lay on my bed, studying one of the many books Elite Hamilton gave me. She instructed me to read at least 30 pages a day before our first true lesson on the night of the full moon. The text constantly goes in and out of focus as I struggle to keep my eyes open. I search my bed for the bookmark and place it in my book quickly, laying the book on my bedside table. I swiftly fall asleep, my mind dancing off in a daze. 

I awake in the center of town but somethings off. Nobody is out selling potions or practicing their magic. There are no young children playing with sticks and pretending to be the fairy tale witches non-magics create out of their minds. It's quiet. So quiet you can see it. All of a sudden a large plume of smoke bursts from one of the houses, flames dancing in the sky. My house. I rush over as others leave their homes to see what's happening. I run over, everyone oblivious to my actions. I see my mom and dad laying dead on the ground inside the open front door, flames licking at their bodies. 

"NO!" I scream, trying to rush forward but I can't, instead, I collapse on the ground. I see a group of non-magics from the market, some my best customers, walk forward carrying torches and empty jugs of oil. They look at the crowd of blood witches, holding their torches out menacingly. 

A clatter arose from behind and we all turn around to see the King's army atop horses riding over. Elite Hamilton stands in the middle of the witches, staring at the leader of the army. I see fear flash through her eyes and then chaos ensues. Everyone tries to run, shouting out chants and throwing rocks. People try to run but end up captured, being forced into cages to hold us until slaughter. I see myself run out and try and stop the King's men but they just knock me down and tie me up, raising me so I can see the carnage. Some are killed but in the end, most are in the cages. The guard holding me looks at her and says something, her face paling in response. I notice Rikkard move through the crowd towards dream me, a look of disgust on his face. He starts laughing then shouts, "Let the witch hunting begin!" The guards raise their voices in joy and start toting us back to the castle to be hanged or burned. 

I awake in a tangle of blankets and sweat, fear coming off me in waves. Is this a vision? Visions are common but I've never had one before. Should I tell someone?

I shake my head and sigh. It's probably my imagination.

I get up and quickly get dressed, well, as quick as I can. I rush down the creaking stairs, finding an apple in a bowl on the wooden counter. I take a bit of the crisp apple and search for a piece of paper and a quill and inkwell. I finally find what I need and write a quick note to my parents informing them I have left for the market.

I leave the note on the dining room table and gather my basket. Today isn't truly about selling poultices but more of a relaxation day. I could go to the market here in town but I'm up for a walk. 

The air is still cool as the sun has barely risen enough to let out heat. I can feel the morning breeze barely lifting my hair off my shoulders, making it feel airy and light. Oh, how I love mornings like this. I look around and wave to those that are already up, preparing their shops for the rush of awakened customers. Only one place catches my eye though. 

The building is small with a thatched roof and pale birch siding. A single chimney sticks out the top, releasing smoke gently into the morning promising pastries. The sign above the door looks weathered yet bright as it shows the establishment's name proudly. I can already see the owner, a short old woman, working on setting up. 

I open the door slowly, a magic bell alerting her to my presence. She looks up and smiles at me with her bright teeth. "How are you this morning dear?" 

"I'm fine Mrs. Weston. How are you?" I saw looking at all of the puffy goodness already set up.

"I'm alright. Come for something to eat?" she asks as she sets a tray of muffins behind the glass case. She always knows why I come here. She has a close connection to Demeter, goddess of the harvest, which allows her to always have the best ingredients for her baked goods. The shop may seem small with the few tables and chairs set about but this place is very popular within the coven.