Embers of Magic

A Trip Down Memory's Crossroads

She walked towards me as the flowing silk of her dress wrapped around her leg as she took a step forward, and unraveled again as as she took the next. Her eyes, slightly sunken, pressed downwards, folding two permanent creases that couldn’t be ironed out, even by her gentle smile. They were lines of worry. The kind a mother wore as she was unsure where her children were.

“My lady.” She spoke while bowing down. “Why have you summoned me in the form?” I tried reaching out to stop her. I tried questioning what had been happening and where I was, yet, my body wouldn’t move the way I wanted. Instead, it moved on its own like it were tied to the strings of a puppeteer, as I moved forward, placing my hand onto her cheek.

“My friend.” I spoke in my mother’s voice. “Please, don’t bow.” The woman in front of me arose. “I’m sorry, Hecate. But, what is happening? Is it about the baby?” She asked as I, or rather, Hecate, nodded. “I’m afraid so.” My mother continued. “I can feel my strength diminishing.”

“But, my lady. You’re no mere god. You’re a Titan respected by even the Olympians. Even Hades allows you passage in his domain. How could you be losing your strength?” She questioned as my mother sighed. “There are forces at work infinitely more powerful than my own. I have broken a vow and it is my responsibility to face whatever comes my way.” She said as she held onto her stomach. “I only hope the sisters of fate do not make the child suffer for my transgressions.”

The woman sighed. “I see. In the event of anything happening, I’d take care of the child.” My mother smiled as she said that. “Thank you, my friend.”

“My lady, if your strength is diminishing as you said, would the empousa still be loyal towards you?” My mother shook her head. “I hadn’t wanted to do it, but I’ve sealed them back into the Pithos. They will only respond to my power, now.”

“But, your power is diminishing… “

“Then so be it.” My mother said as she turned towards the fire place. “If we must lose them for good, then it has to be so. Without me there to control there, I fear what they may do.” The woman nodded as my mother walked towards her again, placing her hand onto her shoulder. “Thank you for staying by my side for all these years. I release you, Hecuba.” I whispered as the vision faded.

The talisman in my hand began glowing a bright golden light as flickers of orange and red danced in a flame-like display of light that stung my eyes – I shielded them. By the time I moved my arm away from eyes, a two meter tall wolf stood in front of me – its fur, Tartarus black. It’s nostrils flared as I stumbled backwards, tripping over the tree roots. Of course, I considered screaming. I considered running, too. Yet, my body once again refused to listen. This time, it had been fear that had possessed me, completely paralyzing me, all together.

“You smell like her.” A voice in my head rattled. My eyes widened as I looked into the eyes of the wolf. “W-was that you?” I asked, struggling to form my thoughts into a sensible string. “Of course! I don’t see anyone else here. Do you?” The voice spoke in my head again. This time it felt more familiar. It was the voice of the woman in the vision.

“Well, there is the tree.”  I commented as her laughter rattled through my head. “You really are her daughter!” She yelled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m He-“

“Hecuba! Former queen of Troy!” I finally pieced together who she was. “You were transformed by my mother after you jumped off a cliff, right?” I asked. “I leap into the sea after the fall of Troy. The jumping off a cliff thing was with Apollo.” The voice buzzed in my head and I felt like an idiot. “Oh. Yeah, right. Sorry.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” She spoke with the edges of her mouth turning upwards in a grin that with her size, looked all too sadistic. I stood up as I looked at her, moving closer and closer. “Why are you here, Hecuba?”

“You summoned me.” The talisman on my chest buzzed. I get it. Call her name and her power will be yours. “So I just call your name and you will come  forth?” I asked. “Yes. However, there may be times I am unable to be summoned.”

“What ti- “

“Ember.” Rain spoke as she walked towards me. “I’m glad  you still up. You busy with anything?” I turned back towards where Hecuba was, yet the space stood empty – only the necklace buzzed momentarily now. “I need you to come with me.” She whispered as she turned around, walking back towards the town. I followed after her.

“Where are we going?” I asked. At first, Rain didn’t respond. She walked calmly towards the edge of town where the battle arena was. “A meeting.” She finally responded as we reached it. Zarah leaned against the wall we walked towards.

“The meeting is here?” I looked around, trying to spot anyone else.

“No.” Rain responded. “Zarah, would you open the door?” Zarah nodded as she drew a dagger from her back and cupped it in her. In a quick pull, a thick crimson liquid dripped between her fingers, yet she didn’t even flinch. “Zarah… “ I whispered as she placed her had against one of the bricks against the wall as her blood soaked through the crevices, dying them a deep red.

Like in most secret doors, a panel shifted backwards, yet instead of sliding, it crumbled. Rain was the first to step in and Zarah after her. I stepped in afterwards as the wall reformed behind us, sending us into darkness.

“The others are ahead.” Zarah spoke.

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This one goes to you, ophelia_68! Go and drop a follow!