Sisters Chapters Two-Three

Chapter Two


Even though she was stronger and larger than most girls her age, it was slow going. Finally, she was able to see their small cottage in the distance.

"Gra'Ilia, Gra'Ilia, come quick!"

The old one knew it was bad as she hurried across the yard.

Jamina was sobbing as she laid her sister on the ground in front of the cottage, unable to move one step further. "It wasn't our fault. Giles, the blood. They'll come. It will be bad. I'm so sorry Gra'Ilia." It all came out in a blubbering rush. The old woman had trouble following the course of her speech, but it was clear to see that it would be terrible. She knew this day would come.

"Child look at me. What has happened?" Jamina looked into Gra'Ilia's eyes. There was no judgment, only love and understanding, as always. She took a deep breath, and began her story.

"It was Giles, and Ian, and Marcus. They came upon me in the woods while I searched for berries. I tried to do what you said. I tried to walk away and ignore their taunts, but they blocked my path. When I tried to walk around them, Giles knocked the berries from my hands. I became so angry that I hit him. Then all three boys attacked me." She paused then lowering her eyes.

"That could not have been all, please finish." As she listened she checked Maman's breathing and saw that she was sleeping the sleep of one who was completely exhausted. She began to pat her cheeks and wake her.

"Maman came to help and something awful happened. She changed. She looked frightful and I don't know...evil somehow. She hurt them all. They bled from their mouths and noses, and clutched their middles. It was as if she couldn't stop."

"Gra'Ilia, what are we going to do? You know what a trouble maker Giles is. It doesn't help that his father is town spokesman. They will make trouble, I know it." Jamina began crying again.

"We have to wake your sister, there's not much time." Gra'Ilia began shaking Maman awake. There was urgency in everything that she did now. "Jamina, bring me fruit and water for you sister. She needs to regain her strength as quickly as possible." Jamina rushed in to the cottage at once, and was out in moments with the requested items.

"Water first to revive her. Food to give her strength" Gra'Ilia cradled Maman in her arms as Jamina slowly poured water into her mouth. Finally, she began to awaken. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up to see her sister and mother looking down at her worriedly.

"Wha..what happened?" The memories came back in a rush. Her emotions played out on her small face. The look of confusion became one of shame in an instant. "Oh, no. I didn't mean to hurt them so badly. I was just so angry." The tears came then, but Gra'Ilia was having none of that.

"Eat child while I speak. We haven't much time. The townsfolk will come and they will want retribution." Jamina, sit next to you sister. Gra'Ilia sat across from the girls and took a deep breath as she began her story.

"It is too bad the townsfolk never really welcomed us as one of them. I knew this day would come and I have prepared for it. I had hoped that I would have few more years to be with you, but my time on this earth has passed. I have known it for some time now, but I have selfishly allowed you both to keep me here longer than it was meant to be."

Gra'Ilia put her hand up to stall the questions that were forthcoming. "I know this doesn't make since now, but it will soon. Please, you must allow me to tell you the whole story and all of your questions will be answered. I promise."

"I am not your mother. Although I loved you as much as I loved my own children, you are not of my body. Your mother was the king's consort and you are the result of that union. Your mother died during your birthing. I'm sorry to say that Masha, that was her name, was not a kind person. She was vain and spiteful and cruel. The only selfless thing that she ever did was to give her life in birthing you two girls, and for that I'm thankful. Please don't be sad or blame yourselves. Masha redeemed herself in that final act and though I don't pretend to know the thoughts of the Gods, I believe that she found a place in heaven."

Gra'Ilia and both girls bowed their heads in respect and touched hands to heart, as this was how all of the faith of the Three Gods showed their devotion.

"We come from a country many leagues south and west of this land called Chaud Terran. I was a house slave in the king's palace, but my place was in attending Sefu's wants and needs. Sefu was evil in a way I have gratefully never known since. He also has command of a powerful magic. The power was on a level with the Gods I believe. I think we feared Sefu more than the Gods. He could take away the ability to breathe or burn you to death on a whim. It gave him great pleasure to cause pain and suffering on those around him. Sefu had your father's ear, and it was said that while your father ruled Chaud Terran, Sefu ruled your father. Ultimately, it was Sefu's will that was followed."

He committed many atrocities that I still have nightmares on the remembering. He especially enjoyed torturing young women barely out of childhood. One of those young girls was my own daughter." Gra'Ilia reached up and wiped the tears off her face as she continued her story. "My daughter lived, but she was never the same. Her will to live was gone. She lived every day to die, as if that would be a release from all of the memories that pained her. But that is not your story."

Maman had finished her fruit by this time and reached for her sister's hand. Gra'Ilia smiled as this reminded her of the very first time she saw the children. Minutes old, they held on to each other then as they did now. They held on to each other as if that simple act could send away the terrible words that they were now hearing.

"Sefu orchestrated the affair between Masha and your father. When he saw that you were not sons, but daughters he was very angry. You, Maman in particular frightened him as well. I was there to present you to Sefu, but I made the mistake of looking up. When all knew that slaves always keep their heads bowed in the presence of their betters."

Gra'Ilia took a deep breath. "He sent his witches' fire into me as I held you both pressed against my breasts. The pain was so bad. The smell of burning flesh. My own flesh. I'll never forget it. After a while I fainted. When I awoke, we all were in large baggage cart. It was part of a large caravan crossing the desert on a trading expedition to the Federation trading post in Allanstown. You girls were asleep in my arms. There was a bag of fruit and nuts and several skins of water. The cloak I wore then and still wear today belonged to my daughter. She risked everything to save us." Again she wiped more tears from her face. "We hid there for several days until the food and water ran out." When the caravan owners saw us we were put out in the middle of the dessert. I tried to keep pace with the animals but it was no use. With no food or water it seemed as if our story was over, but it wasn't. Something miraculous began to happen. Whenever I was terribly thirsty or hungry we seemed to find fruited cactus trees. There was always more than enough so that we could continue across the dessert. We always seemed to find shelter at night when it was so cold I thought we would die from it. No wild animals bothered with us, in all the months that it took to make it to this new land. But the strangest thing of all things was that I began to make mother's milk again. Me, a woman far past her prime and well past child bearing years, was able to make milk for you two girls. I knew then that you had the magic and that the Gods had something special planned for you girls."

The girls looked on in disbelief. Jamina spoke first. "Magic. Us. I don't understand." Maman, meanwhile, lowered her eyes because she knew it for true.

"The magic is strongest in Maman, but I see something in you as well Jamina. Together I think your power can be boundless."

Gra'Ilia looked knowingly into Mama's eyes. "I see you know in your heart I speak the truth." This was said as a statement of fact.

"Yes." Maman stared down at her hands, and spoke softly "I have felt I am different from everyone else. I know that I can do things if I think hard about it. I just didn't know if it was a gift or a curse." She looked up then at her mother and sister. "Sometimes I feel that it has to be right because I try so hard to help, and in those moments when I can ease a sick child's suffering or save a mother on the birthing bed, I know that what I have is good. But then today.... I was so mad. I could have killed those boys then. I was that angry." She began to cry softly into her hands. Jamina hugged her sister tighter. Gra'Ilia hugged them both.

"Children, I believe the power can be both a curse and a blessing. Just as the most innocent gesture can have more than one meaning. You are a good person, and you have a good heart. You are young. As you grow and mature I know in my heart you will do what is right."

"We haven't much time and I must tell you all before the townsfolk arrive. Stay here, I'll be back in a moment. " Gra'Ilia ran into the cottage and in moment came out carrying two traveling bags and two cloaks. She handed each girl a cloak and a bag. "Jamina get your sling and spear. Maman gather as much portable food as you can carry, and a small cooking pot. Don't forget the water skins" As the girls rushed to do as they were told Gra'Ilia spoke to them.

"As I said before Sefu was very evil and very powerful. No-one ever lived when he sent his witches fire into them. I should have died that day. I believe that I would have died were it not for you children. Maman I think you are keeping me alive even now. I have selfishly allowed you keep me alive these many years, and you suffer for it. "

Maman became angry then. "Gra'Ilia that is foolish talk. I don't believe you." And like a small child she tried to cover her ears to shut out the rest.

Gra'Ilia pulled her hands from her ears. "You will listen to me child, because I know I speak the truth. Who do you think heals the sick that we tend? You may think it's blasphemous to say this, but it is not the prayers that heal. It's you. It has always been you. I think that you take from your own body and heal those in need. I think that all those years ago when I should have died, it was you and your strength that allowed me to go on. It is your strength that I draw upon every day. Maman you must allow me to go. Please don't cry child. I love you girls as much as a mother can love her children, but my time has long since past."

In the distance they heard the angry voices of the villagers as they came towards the cottage.

"Come Gra'Ilia, there is still time, please." Though she was old and frail, there was a resolve in her voice that could not be swayed. She snatched her hands away from them. "You girls must leave. I will stall the villagers. If luck is with us, they will believe you are in the cottage long enough for you to both to get away." Both girls were crying uncontrollably by now. But Gra"Ilia would have none of it. She pushed them away from her. "Leave me now, and survive. Take care of each other. You have to live or I'll never forgive you." She smiled then, and hugged them to her one last time, then sent them on their way.

Jamina and Maman ran as far forest that bordered their property. Though composed primarily of the famous Appleton apples, it was densely populated with oak and elm trees as well. The forest had done it's best to reclaim its former glory in the generations that had passed since the land was first cleared. And luckily for the girls the villagers believed it was haunted.

"Stop, Jamina. We can't leave her." Maman turned to go back. Her sister grabbed her arm. "We can't go back, sister. Would you have Ga'Ilia's sacrifice mean nothing? Even now she risks all so that we can survive." Maman angrily jerked her arm out of her sister's hand. She made as if to go back once again. "Do you think I loved our mother any less? Can you not see that this is killing me as well? Please sister, do not go. You know where you go, I go as well."

Maman stopped, but Jamina saw that her shoulders shook as she tried to hold back the sobs. "Gra'Ilia has helped everyone of the townsfolk at one time or another. She commands respect. Maybe she can calm them down enough to listen to reason. Let us pray. We have done great things with our prayers before. Perhaps we can save our mother now."

Jamina took her sisters hand and led her the short distance to their favorite spot under a great oak tree. There was a tiny spring that ran close by. The noise from the water gurgling past and the majesty of that great oak always felt holy somehow. This was where the family would pray to the Three Gods in the past. This was where they prayed now. For hours the girls sat with their legs crossed and hands to heart as they were taught. At one point during their long vigil they heard the voices of some of the men from the village, but the men did not dare venture this far into the forest. They prayed harder. The voices faded into the distance and disappeared altogether. Day changed into dusk.

Suddenly Maman stood up. "You can cease your prayers sister. Gra'Ilia is gone." She stated resignedly. Jamina stood up as well, rubbing her aching backside. "What do you mean gone?"

"I don't know how to explain it. I felt a presence asking me to release it. I know that it was Gra'Ilia. Jamina it was so hard. I loved her so much. But do you know what's strange?" Jamina shook her no. "I'm not so sad. I feel that Gra'Ilia is happy now."

Jamina smiled a little at that point then as well. "I know this is what she wanted, and I think she was ready to leave. Think about it, sister. She stayed around all of these many years to take care of us. It was time to let her go. I hope she is at peace now."

"Tomorrow we should go back and perform the Sending ceremony. A woman as great as Gra'Ilia should not be forced to travel the spirit world for an eternity because her spirit wasn't cast off properly."

Since it was warm in the evenings during the summer season, a fire wasn't necessary. It was an emotional and tiring day. The girls spread their cloaks on the ground beneath "their" oak, and promptly fell asleep.











































Chapter Three


Jamina was up first. "Good morning sister. I thought you were never waking this morning. Come I have found fresh berries to mix with our porridge for breakfast. Eat. I want to take care of Gra'Ilia before the townsfolk come back."

Maman sat up feeling surprisingly fit and strong. "Yes, let's hurry. You really should have woken me sooner." The girls ate quickly. They then shook their cloaks out, and grabbed their traveling bags. It was a short walk back to the cottage that was the only home they knew.

As girls came upon the cottage they found freshly cut wild flowers spread around a pile of ashes. At that moment Justyna, the black smith's wife , walked out of the cottage her arms laden with their things. Gra'Ilia's things. Her eyes were freshly blackened, and her arms bore bruises as well. "Girls. Please don't think badly of me." She sputtered out nervously. "I cared for your mother."

"And this is how you show your concern?" Jamina noted dryly.

"It was the only way I could convince my husband to allow me come. I am sorry. I will leave it." She dropped the things to the ground. As she walked from the cottage Maman called out to her. "Did you leave the flowers? " Justyna turned back and nodded.

"Where is her body?"

"I think that it is there." She indicated the pile of ashes.

Maman knelt down and placed her hands above the ashes. She reached out with her senses and knew that this was indeed all that was left of their dear mother. "What happened?"

"When the men came home they were acting strangely. I received this beating when I asked my husband what had happened. He blubbered something about magic and witches, and your mother disappearing in front of their eyes, leaving behind this pile of ashes. I was only able to convince him to allow me to come here when I told him of all of the treasures you might have hidden. I played upon his greed, it was even greater than his fear. It was the only way that I could think of that would give Simon reason enough to allow me to come to your cottage. I had to come one last time and show final respect for your mother, and thank her spirit self personally for all of the times she has helped all of the villagers in the past."

"You look like you are in pain. May I help you?" Justyna nodded slowly and gave her a wobbly smile. Maman reached out to Justyna. "Give me your hands." She placed her large work worn hands into Maman's smaller ones. "Just relax." She spoke in a soothing voice and it had the desired effect. Justyna no longer looked like she was ready to bolt. "Jamina I need your help." Jamina came over and she and her sister began to pray as they had done for her countless times in the past.


Maman closed her eyes and concentrated on the healing. She pictured Justyna's face as it should have been without blackened eyes. She saw her arms without bruises. She stretched her senses out some more and fixed injuries that couldn't be seen. More probing showed her a child just beginning to develop, somehow miraculously safe within its mother's womb. Always before at this point she was too tired to stand, but she felt none of that now. She opened her eyes.

"Oh my." This was from her sister. "Maman, how did you do this?" Jamina stared in awe at Justyna, only it was a Justyna they had never really seen before. Gone were the bruises, and black eyes. She stood straight and proud, no longer stooping over from the aches and pains that came from aging and a hard life. The hands that she held were softer, and less work worn.

"I don't know." Maman shook her head in disbelief.

Justyna couldn't see her face but she looked at her arms and hands in wonder. "Child I don't know what you have done to me, but I thank you."

"I have never been able to heal as easily before. Justyna, how are you going to explain this to your husband? I'm afraid you may not live through another one of his beatings."

Her face fell for a moment, but it brightened after a moments thought. "No worries child, I feel better than I have felt in years. I will make up a story that will shame the men for their treatment of your mother, and play upon their fears."

Maman was more than a little doubtful that this could be done. "I fear for you Justyna. What if he does not believe this story? You can lose the child you now carry, that even now grows within your womb."

"How did you know?" She quickly brought her hands to her still flat belly. "Child you are blessed by the Gods and no doubt. I only just realized I was with child. I was afraid I would lose this baby with today's beating. Sometimes I hate my husband, but what's a woman to do?"

.................


Unlike most of the other villagers, Justyna came from one of the larger villages south of Appleton. She had seen much, and was not as fearful of new things as the others were. She had heard that there were great wizards who served the king, and knew of magic. Her father, Jack, had been a trader, and decided to make the long trek north to see if there was money to be made. He found that the people were friendly enough, but there was no wealth to be found among the villagers. Appleton was poor indeed. Justyna was a young widow then. She had lost her husband to a wasting disease when they had been married just two short years. In all that time she had not been able to conceive a child. No other man in their village would have her believing her to be unlucky. So her father brought her along with him on his travels. His wife, Emma, Justyna's mother had died several years past, and while he was finally ready to wed again, no woman would have him while his fully grown daughter lived with him.

It was said that Simon took one look at her and decided that she would be his. Even though the blacksmith had much to offer, no other woman would have him. He was known for his short temper, and heavy fists. His first wife died from one of his many beatings leaving him with two small children for which he had no time and even less patience. For the time being he had the help of his dead wife's mother, but she was frail. She barely survived his last "lesson". He needed someone young and strong. He found that in Justyna. It didn't matter that she couldn't have children. If she was strong enough to keep house and take care of his children he would be content.

................

"I knew you couldn't be trusted, you filthy traitorous whore! Make up a story indeed." None of them heard Simon come up upon them. He was a fearful sight to behold. Bulging muscles, fists clenched, he slowly advanced upon the girls. He smiled as he came forward. It was like a game to watch them beg for mercy. He may save the wife, he thought, but he would take great pleasure in killing the young witches. The town would probably hail him as a hero.

Jamina was quick to react. She quickly grabbed her sling and scooped up several egg sized stones. She began flinging them at Simon. They landed with deadly accuracy. She aimed for his chest, and shoulder, the last stone hitting him in his temple. This brought him to his knees for a moment. "I would stay back, if I were you Simon. I am not your wife, and I will not lay down for one of your beatings." Jamina taunted as she grabbed more stones. She was quick as she ran about and flung them in rapid succession, all aimed at his head. Most landed, as he tried duck and dodge, she was just too fast for him.

Simon decided to try for easier prey. He would go after his wife then, but Maman stepped in front of her, as if to protect her. That tore it, he wiped the blood from his eyes, as he raced towards Maman determined to do damage.

"Run, sister!" Jamina screamed as she grabbed her spear and brought it back for the kill.

"Stop!" Shouted Maman in a tone that they were forced to obey. Jamina found that she could not throw the spear. Simon found that he could not move at all.

"I will not have you turn my sister into a murderer. You are not worth it." She turned to Jamina. "I'm sorry sister. I just had to do something." She shrugged apologetically.

"I understand, but do you think I can put my arm down now?" She smiled.

Maman laughed then. So did Justyna. "Of course. Put your arm down, already."

"So what do we do with this one?" All three stood around Simon while they tried to decide what to do.

Jamina noted, "Well it's not as if you could force him to be a better person." Maman contemplated this suggestion. It was outlandish to even consider it. Although her magic felt stronger than it had ever felt before, she wasn't sure this was possible. Would it be right to force Simon to behave in a way that was so contrary to his being? Then again, would it be right to leave Justyna to be hurt again by this man that she had pledged herself to. And what of the child she now carried? Her head began to hurt, and still she did not know what to do.

"Why not?" This was from Justyna. "You have no idea how cruel my husband truly is. Do you know that while he beat me, I plead for the life of my unborn child. He kicked me in my stomach that much more." She turned to her husband then. "Simon, I have never loved you, but I have always been a good and faithful wife. I have taken care of all of your wants and needs, and I have raised your children these past years. Why do you despise me so?"

...........

Simon was so angry that he would be shaking if he were able to move, but it was as if a huge weight was pressed against his body. The more he struggled the harder it became to breathe. He forced himself to calm down. Breathing became easier.

He looked at his wife. She really did look beautiful. Almost as beautiful as she did the first time he saw her. Her long chestnut hair was pulled back from her face, and hung in waves down her back. Her beautiful golden brown eyes looked at him questioningly. He loved her eyes the most. He remembered then how he sought to woo her. He brought her flowers, and plead his case. He was a widower, and she a widow. It was almost as if they were meant to be, he had told Justyna then. He would have had said anything to make her stay. Perhaps this time would be different, and he would not be forced to punish this one as much. She was young, and beautiful. All of the men would envy him. Luck was with him. Her father seemed happy with the match as well. Though Justyna was hesitant, her father decided for his daughter. They married the next Sabbath day.

The wedding celebration took place in the Appleton Inn. Father Timothy was not due until the next week, so Jack spoke words of blessing, and offered his daughter in marriage to Simon Blacksmith. Simon and Justyna held hands and pledged themselves to each other. When Father Timothy came in next Sabbath he would offer his blessings as well. Freshly cut flowers were placed in bowls and adorned each table. More flowers were braided into Justyna's hair. Her father supplied the spirits and a boar was roasted. Each of the families brought a special dish to welcome Justyna to the town. The villagers celebrated with songs and dance. It was a joyous time. "Maybe I can be happy here. The people are certainly friendly enough." Justyna thought to herself, as she looked around for her husband. The celebration had been going on for several hours, and she was tired. She didn't have far to go to find Simon, as he was drinking at one of the tables with some friends. She came forward and tried to catch his eye, but he didn't seem to notice her. She unexpectedly found herself pulled into the lap of Samuel, Simon's father. He reeked of spirits and sweat. "You got yerself a foine one 'ere Simon my boy." He began to caress her backside, as she struggled to get away. Simon jumped up knocking over his chair as he went to where she was. She thought he came to help, but found she was mistaken. He grabbed her arm, and threw her to the floor. When she tried to get up, he slapped her hard across the mouth. She realized then that she was to stay on the ground. Her face burned with humiliation. She looked around for help, but found none. The men would not meet her eyes. The women looked as if they wanted to help but could not. "Where was her father?"

"That's the way ta teach 'er. Serves 'er right comin' over an flauntin 'erself in front of me. I couldn' help meself." He slurred his speech as he spoke. He got up then straightening his soiled clothing. He looked and smelled as if he hadn't bathed in many days. "Better keep tight hold on this one, or she'll get away like yur own whore of a mother. Made fool of ole Sam she did." He stumbled out of the Inn and down the road and into the hovel that was his home.

"What's going on here!?" It was her father, he'd finally gotten back from his trip to the privy. The music had stopped and everyone milled about nervously. It was then that he saw his daughter on the floor, with a large red mark on her cheek. Tears filled her eyes, as she plead with him soundlessly.

"Just teachin' the new wife her proper place." Simon cruelly grabbed her arm and brought her to her feet. "Looks like the party's over, folks." His eyes scanned the room, but he found no resistance. "Time to take this wench home, and show her how to behave in front of a man."

As he dragged her out of the building her father finally found his voice. "You won't be hurting my daughter none, will you?" Though he was clearly afraid, for Simon was an intimidating figure when he was angry, Jack stood his ground. He owed his daughter that much.

"I don' see how that's any of yur business, now. You were all quick to hand 'er off to me. Now she's mine to do with as I see fit. Right now, I see fit to teach 'er some manners." With that he strode off to where his wagon was tied. He threw Justyna in the back, and rode off. Her last sight was of her father, as he stood in the doorway of the inn, with his head held low. He made no further moves to help her.
.......................

Justyna now stood in front of her husband, for the first time in a very long time, completely unafraid. "Can you please answer me husband? Why do you despise me so?"

Simon had never really thought about it. He looked her in the eyes to see if she mocked him, but only found sincerity. "I don't." He mumbled.

At that Justyna's eyes filled with tears. "Then why?"

"You women do nothin' but lie when it suits you. Me own muther promised she'd be back, an she never came. Do you know the old man beat me ever'day cuz of her. Blamed me, 'e did. All of you women are the same. Yer all whores and witches. Tryin' to put yur charms on any man foolish enough ta be lettin' ya. You'll be takin' away my manhood if I let ya."

"I wish I had known. You have so much anger inside you. Not all women are like that. When I think about how you must have suffered as a child, I feel badly for you." Justyna reached out her hand to touch his cheek.

"Don't touch me! Don't cha go feelin' sorry for ole Simon. I made it just fine without 'er. I don't need 'er. I don't need you. I don't need anybody."

Justyna tried one more time. "Wouldn't you like for it to be different? Wouldn't you like to be happy for a change?"

His eyes softened when he looked at her. Maybe he'd been wrong. He had thought they could be happy once. He seemed to be considering her words.

Maman stepped forward and spoke. "Simon, I know you do not trust me, but I think that I can help. Would you allow me to help you?"

The eyes that he turned upon her were filled with a hatred, which he couldn't quite mask. She now became the focus of his anger. "What makes you think I need help from the likes of you? What'd you plan on doin'? Puttin a niceness spell on me?" He couldn't help smirking.

"Something like that, if you will allow it." She could see that Simon, didn't believe her. But he surprised them all by answering in the affirmative.

"You'll be letting me go now?" He asked a little too hopefully. He tried to give her a friendly smile, but it ended up coming out as grimace.

"I'll be letting you go after." Maman closed her eyes to concentrate. She tried to block out the image of his leering face as she thought of the words to say.

"Simon Blacksmith, do you give your word upon pain of death that you will not cause harm by word or action to anyone from this moment forward?" She opened her eyes and saw him consider the question.

"Yes, yes, now release me." Already he was thinking ahead to how quickly he could snap Maman's neck, as she was just a few feet from him now.

"No Simon. Please listen to what I say." She was firm in this request. "Give your word upon pain of death that you will not cause harm by word or action to anyone from this moment forward."

"I give my word upon pain of death that I will not cause harm by word or action to anyone from this moment forward." He spat out.

"Then I command you Simon Blacksmith, not to cause harm to anyone upon pain of death, by your own word."

Simon felt something inside him change, and he didn't like it. He was fairly aching to kill the little witch and show her who was in charge. "Will you allow me to move now?"

Jamina did not trust him. "Sister are you sure?" It would be just like him say the words, but do as he wished. Jamina readied her spear.

Maman nodded to Jamina a little uncertain, though she tried not to let it show. "You were free as soon as you recited the pledge, by my word. Try to move."

The little witch seemed so smug. It was going to be a pleasure to kill her. He pretended as if he was still unable to move. He then struck out lightening quick. When his hands were just inches from her throat it seemed as if he came upon an invisible wall, and his insides pained him. Worse yet, the harder he tried, the more he hurt. Still he refused to give up. Blood streamed from his mouth, and nose. His body began to convulse. He finally fell to the ground, and stopped moving.

"I didn't mean for him to die." Justyna shook her head sadly. "I had hoped that it would be different. I thought we could finally be happy with a child of our own. He wasn't terrible all of the time. Sometimes it would be good, and he was tender and kind. Of course it never lasted." She looked up at the girls with the beginnings of tears forming in her eyes. "Do you think me silly?"

Jamina chose not to answer. She walked over to where Simon lay on the ground. "Save your tears, he lives still." She called out.

Maman and Justyna rushed over. They could see that he was breathing, with some difficulty. Justyna looked at Maman. The question was in her eyes. "Yes, I will help him. He very nearly killed himself." She bent down over his still form. "Sister will you help me?" Reluctantly Jamina began to pray.

Again she closed her eyes, and tried to heal him. She found her will blocked. It was extremely hard to stop the bleeding from several major organs. She found that she had to work hard indeed to save this person, who she was not sure was worth saving. Finally it was over. She opened her eyes, and found that she was dizzy, and tired.

"Justyna he will live. I am not sure that we should be here when he awakens. I do not have the strength to heal him again if he chooses to test the strength of his oath."

They went to the spot where Gra'Ilia's ashes lie. They held hands and prayed for the Three Gods acceptance of their grandmother's spirit. They each spoke of Gra'Ilia's sacrifices in the living world, and all of the lives she touched. When it was done they were confident that they had spoken well enough on her behalf that the Gods would be pleased, and would accept her into their loving arms.

"Justyna, we must leave now. Simon will be waking soon. Have you thought about what you will do, now? Where will you go? I have never forced a person's will. I do not know if it is permanent, or if it will stop, when I leave. Simon is very stubborn as you have just seen. I still fear for you."

Justyna wrung her hands in indecision. "I have no place else to go. Father Timothy took Simon's son into the church, and he seems to be doing well. His daughter is also doing well with her new husband. I have no-one. It has been many years since I last saw my father, I am not sure if he still lives. I am afraid to go home with Simon. I fear that he will kill me or himself the next time he grows angry."

Jamina came forward. "You know you can stay here. At least until your child is born. The garden is planted and needs little tending. The chickens can be slaughtered for food, or bartered for other goods. We have plenty of stores in our cellar. If you are careful, there is enough to last thru the winter season. There is space for Alaina as well. There is no need for you to live here alone, and the old woman has no-one to tend to since her daughter's children have grown and left."

Justyna's face brightened. "That is a wonderful idea! If I hurry I can make it to town and back before nightfall. I will tell Father Timothy when he comes in next Sabbath day. He has always supported me in prayer when things were worst. Perhaps I can receive his support to stay here for my unborn child's sake. Then the men will have to listen." She hugged the girls to her.

"Take care to follow the stream south to the Rhodane River. The river flows past many villages. Be wary of the smaller villages as they are often the most fearful of strangers. Most of them have never seen folk such as you girls. I have seen others like yourselves in my travels with my father. I believe you are of Nubian blood." She smiled at their startled looks, and nodded her head.

"Continue along that path until you reach the Kings Road. It was built by King Gilbert III many years ago, when he sought to unite his entire kingdom. It is as wide across as two horse drawn carriages, and made of a smooth stone. Follow that further south until you reach the main trading post in Allanstown. It is there that you will find the people more accepting of your differences. I think there you can find your own people and find happiness." Her face was filled with excitement as she spoke. It was anticipation about her future, and finally a possibility of happiness, and excitement for the girls' future as well.

"Just be careful. People in the cities are not always trustworthy. Try to keep your magic hidden. There are those who would use your talents to further their own desires, and I would not have anything bad happen to two wonderful children like yourselves."

The girls went into the cottage one last time and were able to grab themselves a change of clothing, and things not considered in their first mad rush to leave. Justyna helped them pack a warm blanket, and food stuffs that would travel well. Their travel bags were heavier, but not unbearably so. "I am not sure how long this trip will take by foot. The journey usually took several ten days by horse and carriage, but then again we stopped at every village. The weather will become warmer as you travel south, but winter is not so far away that you will not require shelter." They hugged one last time. "May the Gods grant you safe journey."

As they walked away from their home for good this time, they noticed Simon beginning to stir. They quickened their steps, as they really did not want another confrontation with Simon. He really was trying.