Faintheart

Chapter 1: Brewing War

*Unedited*

Chapter 1: Brewing War 

I have traveled to the ends of the earth in search of the monsters that tore my family from me, and yet, here I am; stuck in a deserted bar in a pitifully small town in  Oregon downing beers as if I were devouring my last meal. I sighed in irritation and  shoved my fifth empty bottle out of my way only to be greeted with a fresh bottle. 

"You're gonna come down with alcohol poisonin' at the rate you're goin' there,"  Sal, who happened to be the bartender and the only family she had left said as he wiped the counter down with a wet rag. 

"And somehow I fail to give a rat's ass," I grumble, tilting my head back for  another swig.

Sal sighed. "I care about you kiddo. You're my sister's kid, and it's my job to  look after ya. Now it's time to quit mopin' around and get serious about finding the assholes responsible."  

"I am serious, Sal; just frustrated since I was one of the best trackers in my class." 

"Well you sure as hell ain't actin' like it." 

I glared at him. "You're not helping." 

He held his hands up and said, "don't kill me for tryin'." 

"Well you ain't succeeding," I snapped, imitating his southern accent. 

Sal chuckled. "Yer still melodramatic as always. Guess you really haven't changed that much throughout the years."  

I rolled my eyes at his comment and downed another swig of beer. 

"Alright, that's gonna be your last one, 'cause I don't wanna have to drag your drunken ass home, ya hear?"  

"Yes sir," I muttered. 

"Don't forget it damn it."

I exited the bar with my purse and my sensed on high alert, despite all of the alcohol that I had. I felt a presence behind me but continued on as if nothing was wrong; I didn't want to let them know that I was aware of them. I passed the fourth street light since I became aware of their presence when a chilly voice spoke from behind me. I whipped around to find a cloaked woman with long white blonde hair and piercing violet eyes identically to my own standing there like we were two normal people having a civil conversation. "Seraphina Whitelocke. Your days are numbered, as are your uncle's, Sal Bowen. You must confront the Council of Elders before the summer solstice or a great tragedy will befall you and what is remaining of your family once again." 

"Who in the hell are you?" I demanded trying to sound strong and intimidating, but my voice sounded weak and scared. 

"Such trivial matters pertaining in which one is called are utterly irrelevant, young Seraphina. The Council of Elder awaits you to appear to their fortress before the summer solstice or you will not live to see beyond that, my child. Until then," she nodded once in respect, gracefully turned and dissolved into smoke. I was alone. Again. 

The only thought jumbling around in my brain was, what in the living hell?