Corn Stalked 2: Converted (Children Of The Corn)

Chapter #3: The Ceremony

For hours, Mary and I worked to prepare all we would need for the birthday ceremony. The slightest hints of dusk were blotting at the sky when she finally stopped and smiled at me.

"Well, that's everything. The church is ready and so are you. I think Katherine's birthday will go just as planned! I'm not the type to be stunned easily, but I have to say Samantha, for your first day here, I'm impressed." Mary commended.

"Thanks...Did you doubt me?" I wondered.

"I had my doubts, as does everyone, but you proved me wrong today. Well done." Mary shrugged.

I smiled at her and went to say something else, but the sound of the church doors creaking open caused both of us to look to the front.

The evening air was a gentle breeze and the soft glow of early sundown poured into the room as Malachai entered the church. The light made his red locks look like as if they'd been set on fire, but his hard expression took the effect away from it quickly. He approached us and nodded at Mary.

"It is almost time, are you prepared?" He asked, not even looking at me.

"Yes, we are all set. Our new addition did quite impressive work today." Mary nodded.

"Is that so? Well we'll just see how she does actually performing the ritual." Malachai snarked.

I stared at him and crossed my arms, cocking my head to the side.

"Glad to hear that you have so much confidence in me." I retorted sarcastically.

Only now did Malachai allow himself to turn his head to me. His eyes bored through mine, two pools of boiling green slime. After glaring at me he glanced back at Mary.

"Excuse us. I will bring her back before the ceremony begins." Malachai told.

With that, he grabbed my arm roughly and yanked me out the doors of the church and out around the back of the building. When it was just us, Malachai gave me a long hard stare, not saying a word.

"Did I do something wrong?" I inquired.

No words, still just his icy glare.

".....I think the ceremony for Katherine will go over well.....I'm actually feeling good about performing it." I tried again.

Nothing still.

"Ok, what's with you? Why do you hate me so much now? Yesterday we were actually getting along after our daughter was born, but once your Lord showed up, you were ready to kill me again. What's your problem?" I ranted now.

Malachai's eyes narrowed even more at me.

"Yesterday you resented everything about our practices, you even went as far to get rid of He Who Walks Behind the Rows. And you did. But now the next morning you suddenly believe in him and wish to join us? How stupid do you think I am, Samantha?" He snarled.

"I don't know, how stupid are you, Craig?" I shot back, crossing my arms.

The ginger's face heated up with an immediate fury at hearing his birth given name. He unsheethed his knife and slammed me against the side of the church, holding the tip of the blade against my neck.

"Don't you ever call me that again! You are not one of us. Everyone else may be willing to give you a chance, but I know what you are. You're nothing but an outlander, you'll never have the will to follow his word!" Malachai bellowed.

I clutched his wrists, hoping to calm him.

"I'll admit, I'm not as big of a believer as you or the others. But I can tell you in all honesty, whether you choose to believe me or not, that I am more of a believer than I was when I first came here! I've seen the Lord in action, I know what his ways entail." I rambled.