The Adventures of Gwendoline: The Blackwood Witch

Preface

"Moira Elizabeth Blackwell, Lady of our coven. You are hear by exiled from the Coven of the Sacred Flame." The crowd went wild as the judge made the announcement. "And furthermore, the entire Blackwell family line will be excommunicated from the coven due to your relationship with a mortal." Moira froze as these words sunk in. Not my whole family, she thought. Moira stood up as she held her newborn baby girl in her arms. She ran out of the courtroom as fast as she could and into the forest until the screaming from the coven was nothing but a distant hum through the trees. "I'm so sorry" she whispered to her baby, tears streaming down her face.

Moira walked for what seemed like days, until she found herself at Blackwood Manor. A lavish building, hidden deep in the forest belonging to her brother, Blaise Blackwell. She walked up the stone steps and knocked on the large door only to have it opened almost immediately.

Blaise Blackwell opened the door. The look on his face read disappointment and worry all mixed into one. "Moira, what have you done?" He moved aside as Moira rushed into the main entrance.

"The family has been exiled. It's all my fault. I am so sorry, Blaise." Tears fell harder and faster as she spoke. "The Dark Lord will come after me, Blaise. He will come after her too. You must look after her." Moira handed her baby over to her brother. Blaise took her awkwardly, unsure of what to do with such a small child.

"Is this the child of that mortal? What do you mean exiled?" Blaise asked even though it was clear he already knew the answer to both questions. Moira headed for the door as Blaise followed behind her closely. "Moira, you can't just leave me with her. She needs her mother."

"You need to keep her safe." Moira said, as she gave her baby one last kiss on the forehead. "Goodbye, my sweet Gwendoline."

"Moira!" Blaise called out as Moira ran out the door, into newly brewing storm. Blaise looked down at his niece. She looks so peaceful, he thought. Blaise looked out into the dark night. "I'll look after her Moira, I promise."