The Great Latke War

Chapter 1

It was that time of year again.  Everyone was busy preparing for the ceremony.  It was my job to make the applesauce.  Several others were helping as well.  Some people were preparing the sour cream, and some were preparing the room.  Everyone was doing something.  I was peeling the apples when I heard my name being called.  "Matilda!  Report to the masters office now!"  "Oh no." I thought.  I barely see the master.  The only time I ever really see him is for the ceremony.  Other than that, it's usually just his assistant reporting things the master says for him.  "I hope I'm not in trouble." I said as I put my peeler down and headed to the main office.  I walked through the halls, gradually getting more and more empty.  Soon, there was no one but me.  The singular white light in the hall gave the hall an eerie look to it, sending a shiver down my spine.  I took a deep breath before knocking on the door.  After a couple of seconds, his assistant came up to the door and he let me in without saying anything.  His office was small and had cold, metal walls.  There was little light making everything look grey and cold.  There was a picture of the latke god on his door and some other things like sticky notes and papers.  The assistant opened the door for me and I stepped inside.  I walked up to his desk standing there, unsure of what to do.  "Please, sit down."  I nervously took a seat and looked up.  "You may remove your hood."  Surprised, I took off my hood.  You weren't allowed to be seen without a hood in the presence of others unless your master demanded it.  "Matilda, do you know why you are here?"  I shook my head, still unaware of the reason.  "We have decided to have you go out and gather the materials for the sacred latke."  My eyes widened with shock.  "Why me, sir.  Why not the usual gatherer?"  "The head gatherer is getting old and will die soon.  We need to start training our younger people to become adults and take on the responsibility of their elders."  I nodded and he continued.   "We have chosen you because we see that you are taking great responsibility and fully committing to your role in this community.  No hesitation or resistance like most other children.  You are just what we need.  The gatherer wanted you to continue his legacy.  Will you accept."  I nodded yes, still shocked.  "Good." He reached into his drawer and pulled out an ancient looking piece of paper.  "Here."  "Sir, what is this?"  "This is The Sacred Latke Recipe.  The only one of it's kind.  Chefs and gatherers have been using it for centuries, and now we are passing it down to you."  "Sir, I'm honored!"  I said as I gently took the paper out of his hand. "You should be.  Now, tomorrow will be your first day.  You must gather the materials needed on this list so the chef can prepare the feast."  He paused for a moment.  "You must never lose this."  I nodded.  "No one else can find out about the latkes.  If they find out about them, they may abuse this great resource we have been blessed with.  Never lose it, you got that?"  "Yes sir." I said nervously.  "Good.  Meet me and the gatherer here tomorrow morning so we can prepare you for your first harvest."  I smiled and stood up.  "Thank you sir . This is a great honor."  "Yes, now get back to work.  You can leave now."  I nodded, put my hood on, and left.