The next few days consisted of thunderstorms, which made practice limited. Gaia said we all deserved a break. Isis and Bastet weren’t usually afraid of storms, but these weren’t natural storms… these were pre war storms.
“Ever since the dawn of time, whenever there was to be a battle among great forces, magical forces, there would be supernatural storms. I remember the first battle I was in, it stormed for two weeks beforehand.” Lilith sat on the couch, cleaning her blade, and glanced up at me when I turned toward her.
“You were in a battle before this, Lilith? I can’t say I’m surprised, but I never figured that the weather would be connected to war.”
Gaia smiled, “Of course it is, dear. Weather is connected to any magical event or occurrence. We are one with nature, remember? Nature is always changing, as are times and people. It’s nothing to fear, it is actually a good thing. It means they’re listening.”
“They?” Mikey whispered, “Who are you talking about?” he walked over from his usual place in the kitchen and sat on the floor next to me.
Lilith snickered, “The other Gods and Goddesses, sillies. It’s sad how little you know, but the craft is made to teach, not condemn or criticize.” She glanced at Gaia, “I guess this is their first battle after all.”
“When is the battle? Where is it going to be? What happens if we lose?” I asked frantically.
“Shhhh, my child, the battle will be soon, but not for a long while. And we won’t lose, we never lose.”
I stared at the floor and pulled strings out of the ebony rug, I didn’t want to fight to tell the truth, I was terrified to fight. I had never been a violent soul, but what if something… what if the fate of someone or something was in my hands, and I refused to fight. What if I was the reason innocent people died…
No. I wouldn’t let them win. I wouldn’t stand down if the lives of innocent people were at stake. I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to anyone. I would be the worst goddess in history if I stood down. I shook my head.
“Child, go upstairs into the circle and meditate. You need to have a clear mind for these next few days, and I can tell your mind is troubled. Go ahead dear, it’s okay.” Gaia pulled me to my feet effortlessly and nudged me in the direction of the attic.
I turned and walked up the stairs, almost tripping over Isis and Bastet as they tried to weave their way into my path. I stopped and looked down at them. They both stared up at me with almost human-like emotion. I bent down and patted them on the head, “It’s okay girls, I promise everything is going to be fine.” I whispered, tears streaming out of my eyes
They seemed to nod at me with reassurance and hope, and I sat down and held them in my arms. Both purred loudly and affectionately, rubbing against my face, drying my tears. If they knew it was going to be okay, then I had to believe it too. “I can’t stand down, I have to fight… if not for me, for you… for them. I’ll take care of my people like I need to, and if they stand in my way… Heads will roll.
YOU ARE READING
The Goddess Within
Short StoryAriane didn't expect this. Didn't expect that her father would come back after all these years. Or that she, a simple wiccan girl, would be a Goddess herself. But this blessing comes with a price. A price she might have to risk her life for.
