Witch Hunt #Wattys2018

Chapter 14

I awoke far too soon with Seraphina shaking me, "Wake up!" She groaned, "You're going to miss breakfast."

I attempted to rub the sleep from my eyes to no avail. As I removed my nightgown, and put on my dress all I could think about was how comfortable my bed appeared.

Seraphina and I walked to the dining hall where Eliana and Aliza had already started eating. Next to Eliana Michael sat, not looking very well rested. He clutched his cup of coffee like his lifeline.

Along with my breakfast I got myself some coffee, and quickly drank the bitter drink.

"Didn't sleep well I presume?" Aliza asked across from me as she took a bite of toast.

"I had some trouble sleeping." I told her avoiding Michael's eye.

"Don't worry, I had trouble sleeping the night before my ceremony too." She said patting my hand

I hastily ate my food, and the five of us walked to the church where Reverend Alden was waiting for us.

I entered the church second to last, in front of Michael, and the old man gave us a knowing look. He said nothing of the matter with Mira, instead telling the others they could sit down if they wanted.

"Mr. Pawel," He announced looking at Michael, "I was not aware you shared a cabin with Ms. Winslow."

"Sorry sir." Michael said, "I was the one that found Rose. I wanted to see her ceremony." 

Reverend Alden nodded his head, "This is rather unusual," He mused, "but I suppose I will allow it this time."

Michael smiled at the man and sat down in a pew next to Eliana.

The reverend turned to me and smiled, "Ms. Winslow." He greeted opening a thick book, "A year ago today you joined our ranks. As you know we require a year of training before you are to be given the title of Witch Hunter. You have completed your training. You know how to defend yourself and others against the witches, and you know all there is to be known about them. You understand what we are doing here is for the lord. For in Leviticus he said: A man or woman who is a medium or a spirit among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their heads. If you truly believe in our cause, place your right hand on this book."

I raised my hand and placed it on the book, the page was soft.

"Please repeat after me," He requested, "I Rose Winslow,"

"I Rose Winslow," I repeated

"Promise to fight against witchcraft,"

"Promise to fight against witchcraft," My voice sounded shaky

"If I may fail my duties as a Witch Hunter," he continued

"If I may fail my duties as a Witch Hunter,"

"I will pay the rightful punishment."

It took me a moment to register what he had said, perhaps it was because I was so tired, but I didn't remember Seraphina saying that, "I will pay the rightful punishment."

"Rose Winslow," Reverend Alden smiled, "I am proud to give you the title of Witch Hunter."

The four people witching clapped, and congratulated me. I stood for a moment and waited for my first assignment, but he gave me none. Instead he told me how great it was that I had finished my training.

He walked us to the door, I looked at Seraphina for an answer, but she looked as confused as I was. When the door closed Aliza turned to the rest of us, "What was that about?" She asked

"What do you mean?" Michael asked

"You're joking with us right?" Eliana looked up at him, "He didn't give Rose her assignment!"

Michael shrugged, "Maybe they changed things."

"I doubt that." Eliana muttered, "I have to get to the nurse house." She said, walking away.

"I have to go as well." Aliza announced, "I'm on guard duty today." She walked off to the weapon hall, a small building behind the dining hall.

Seraphina, Michael and I stood in front of the church in a moment of silence before Seraphina said, "We have garden duty this week Rose. We better get over there."

The garden being a small patch of land where we grew our vegetables.

"I'll meet you there." I told her, "I need to fix my hair, I put it up rather quickly this morning and it's rather uncomfortable." I lied

She nodded and walked off. I turned to Michael, "What did you do?" I demanded

"What do you mean?" He asked

"You told Reverend Alden not to give me an assignment!" I snapped

"What makes you think it was me?" He asked defensively

"Who else would it be?"

"Okay, Okay." He relented, "I may have told him not to," He admitted, "But," He added seeing my angry expression, "trust me, I did it for your own good!"

"My own good?" I hissed

He, smartly, took a couple of steps away from me, "It's just with Mira being so close last night, it's not safe for anyone to leave the town."

Though this made perfect sense, I was still mad, "Why couldn't I have guard duty? Like Aliza?" I demanded throwing my hands up

He searched for a response but found none.

"I have to meet Seraphina at the gardens," I told him, "When you come up with an answer you know where to find me." I turned and walked away.

_____________

"So why do you think he didn't give you an assignment?" Seraphina asked as we planted carrot seeds.

I considered telling her, but decided against it. One thing Michael was right about was that it was best not to let the news about Mira get out.

"I'm not sure." I lied, "It was odd though."
"That's true." She agreed, "I'm sorry it happened though. I know you were looking forwards to your first assignment."

"It wasn't your fault." I assured her. Just her brothers.

We continued our work in quiet, by the time we finished we just had enough time to wash the dirt off our hands before lunch.

As usual Aliza stood waiting for us at the bottom of the steps. Rien stood next to her, the two deep in conversation.

Rien was a tall, skinny man. His long blonde hair was always pulled back, allowing his green eyes to been seen by all.

"It's fine if he eats with us today right?" Aliza asked hopefully as we walked up the steps.

"Ovcourse!" Seraphina and I smiled.

"Though I must ask," I added, "why aren't you eating with your own cabin?"

Rien smiled at my question, "My cabin mates are all on guard duty at the moment."

We nodded in understanding. I thought about my argument with Michael and wondered why he hadn't allowed my to do even that.