THE HOLY GATHERERS

Chapter One: The Ceremony of Fate

Dear Valued Readers, I hope you will like the revised version of my book... Enjoy
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I felt a gnawing anxiety as I walked away from my home, unsure if I was truly ready for the responsibilities that awaited me. The ceremony today would define the rest of my life. Everyone had gathered, anticipating our accomplishments, eager to witness our worthiness as mothers and defenders of the clan.

With each step, my heart pounded louder in my chest. I could feel the weight of their eyes on me, but I forced my nerves down, keeping my posture steady. I was the only one attending this year’s blessing ceremony as a new mother, and though it should have filled me with pride, all I felt was uncertainty.

In the distance, I noticed sisters dressed in ceremonial gowns, their laughter carrying through the air. They walked toward the temple, their joy a sharp contrast to the apprehension that sat heavy in my stomach. I couldn’t help but wonder why I wasn’t sharing in their excitement.

“Tiya!” a familiar voice called out from behind. It was Meme, my closest friend, already beaming with joy.

I turned and managed a weak smile. “Meme.”

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” she teased, falling into step beside me. “Come on, Ti. This is what we’ve been waiting for our entire lives.”

“I know…” I murmured, but my heart wasn’t in it.

Meme’s gaze softened, and she reached out, squeezing my arm gently. “Don’t worry. You’ll be amazing. I’ve always known you were destined for greatness.”

“Thanks,” I said, though the weight of expectation made my chest tighten further. I wasn’t sure if I could live up to that.

We entered the temple, its towering crystal pillars reflecting the light of the midday sun. It was a sacred space, heavy with the history of those who had come before us, those who had earned the title of Holy Gatherer. The air was thick with the anticipation of what was to come.

As we walked past rows of mothers and sisters, all eyes were on us—the new mothers. We took our places in line, joining those who had arrived earlier. Mother Cora, the High Priestess, stood tall and regal on the stage. Her presence commanded respect, her crystal walking stick glinting as she struck it three times against the platform, silencing the crowd.

“In this day, we make history,” her voice boomed, filled with authority. “You stand here before my eyes as no longer sisters but as mothers. We brought you to this world by the order of the Goddess of Fertility, and we have protected you with the weapons bestowed by the Goddess of War. Before this day ends, you will receive the blessing of the goddesses, and then... we shall know who is ready for the outside world."

I could feel her eyes scan over each of us, pausing on me for a moment longer than I was comfortable with. My heart skipped a beat, but I held my ground.

"You are no more defenseless... you have been saved by the mothers, and it is time for you to gather those who need your help!"

The High Priestess’s expression hardened. “But remember this—your errors are your own, and your choices will define your fate. The privileges you held as sisters are gone. Motherhood comes with greater obligation, and as we all know, the goddesses do not forgive or forget if the laws of the new land are broken.”

She walked slowly among us, her piercing gaze meeting mine. She stopped in front of me, her presence overwhelming, and shouted, “Rules are rules, and they must be obeyed!”

I swallowed hard, nodding, unable to speak.

Satisfied, she returned to her place on the crystal stage, a gift from the Goddess of War herself. She turned once more to the crowd. “I feel great joy to bless our new mothers to their higher purpose. We are the nation of the goddesses, and today, your earthly purpose begins!”

The mothers and sisters gathered around us, their eyes filled with pride and tears as they congratulated us. Each one shook our hands, kissing the palm of our right hand—a sacred gesture of acknowledgment.

These were the ten girls chosen to cross the border to the land of Girar. I was one of them. The realization hit me like a wave. Soon, I would no longer be protected by the safety of our homeland. I would be tasked with defending it.

The High Priestess left the stage, and the Priestess of War, my mother, stepped forward. Her fierce presence commanded silence.

“Attention, fellow mothers,” she began, her voice strong and unwavering. “As you know, at midnight, the new mothers will be tested by the Goddess of War. She will decide if you are worthy of the gifts bestowed upon you. If chosen, the tree of the Goddess of War will provide each of you with a crystal weapon that aligns with your talent as a Holy Gatherer. If not chosen, you will be assigned as inland mothers, serving your superiors and protecting the holy grounds. But mark my words,” her eyes gleamed with pride, “I believe in you. None of you will fail me.”

Holy Gatherers. That would be our title if we passed the final test. The only members of the goddess clan capable of traveling to Girar, the land once home to the goddesses—a land now corrupted and forgotten.

I stood still, surrounded by the reverence and celebration, yet feeling a storm of doubt brewing inside me. I caught sight of the High Priestess, one of my mothers, walking away from the ritual, her ceremonial fabric floating in the air behind her. She wasn’t pleased.

Before I could follow her, my other mother, the Priestess of War, noticed my hesitation. “Let her be, Tiya... she will calm down.”

I glanced at her. “She didn’t think I’d make it this far, did she?”

A soft smile tugged at her lips. “No. But I always knew you would.” She looked me over, her gaze softening. “You, Tiya, are the best gift I’ve ever received. I knew it the moment I held you in my arms. You will be a Holy Gatherer, just like me.” She paused, glancing down at her leg—the leg she had lost in battle, saving another gatherer. “I was the best back then.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You still are, Mother.”

Her eyes gleamed with pride. “Yes, but now, it’s your turn.”

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Author Note:
Dear readers, life has taken me away from my writing, but now I am back 🥳 and ready to finish my book. I want you to know that I dearly Value Your comments, but as this is my first work
Try to be gentle... lastly
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