Stains on the Soul

Chapter One

The flames from the torches danced around her, creating a terrifying glow on the gathered crowd. The young girl struggled against her restraints in an attempt to escape the fate that awaited her. The jeers of the spectators echoed through her mind like a demonic chorus, sending chills down her spine.

The more she struggled, the tighter the ropes that bound her felt. She knew it was a futile endeavor—even if she did get free, she was in no condition to attempt an escape. Plus, contrary to their insane notions, she had no special powers. Her only power was her knowledge of the earth and how its resources could be used to cure ills. What good would that do against a mob such as this?

Her heart pounded and her breathing came quick and ragged as the men kneeled down to light the kindle piled beneath her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to keep calm. Her fate was sealed, but she could at least deny them the pleasure of seeing her fear. She opened her eyes, and her gaze settled on one of the spectators.

***

Fiona Stevens gasped as she sat up in bed. She took a deep breath and shook her head in an attempt to rid herself of the horrifying images that had begun to haunt her sleep. For the past week, she'd been having nightmares so real it took her a minute to realize who and where she was.

"Another nightmare?"

Her sister's voice brought her back to reality. She was safe and sound in the bedroom she shared with her sister, centuries removed from the days when events like the one in her dream happened. Get a grip already. "Yeah, it's no big deal." She reached for the book on her nightstand and tossed it into a drawer. "I think I need to stop reading this stuff before bed. It's just fueling my muse."

Rebecca smiled. "Writers—you're all insane." The younger girl grew serious as she studied Fiona's face. "Are you sure you're okay? You're white as a sheet right now."

"I'm fine. Seriously; it's no big deal." Fiona pushed the comforter aside and stuffed her feet into a pair of slippers by the bed. She stood, grabbed the robe lying on the end of her bed, and then wrapped herself in the soft, warm material. "I think I'm gonna go downstairs and get something to drink. Sorry I woke you; go back to sleep."

Her sister frowned but shrugged her shoulders. "All right. See you in the morning." Rebecca rolled over and pulled the comforter tighter to her body.

***

What is wrong with me? Fiona gripped the mug of hot cocoa tightly and took a sip, allowing the hot liquid to take away the chill that had settled in her stomach ever since the first nightmare a week ago. She could still feel heat from the flames in her dream as she looked out the kitchen window. She was beginning to question her sanity, and that terrified her.

Maybe it's stress. Fiona sat back in her chair, thinking of the stack of boxes in the corner of her closet and the empty spots on some of her shelves. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, a queasy feeling settled in her stomach. She squirmed in her seat, struggling to breathe against the sudden weight on her chest.

"Or maybe not..."

As she muttered the words, the sensations went away, allowing her to relax again. Tapping her fingers against the ceramic mug, she set it down and glanced at the clock. Seeing how much time had passed since she'd come down, she yawned as she stood and carried the cup into the living room. Fiona picked up the book she'd left on the coffee table earlier and settled into her favorite chair. Might as well do something more constructive than watching the clock tick.

Fiona opened the book and flipped through the pages until she found her place. Another yawn escaped her lips as she read. She stayed like that for hours, until the words swam in front of her eyes. The realization she'd read the same paragraph five times caused her to abandon the book and trudge back upstairs to her waiting bed. As Fiona pulled the covers back over herself, she prayed for a deep, dreamless sleep.