Disclaimer :- As to my ownership of The Covenant… I own the plot to this fiction, the DVD and the Sound track…Sadly that is where it all ends. Woe is me…
A/N:- I would like to take a few moments of your time before I proceed with the Introductory chapter. This is a re-write of the first story I completed… I come bearing gifts. Having read and re-read it I am dissatisfied with it. It could be better and I am going to endeavour to make it so. I would be thrilled if as many people as possible review it… I am trying a new style of writing, and I would love to hear feedback to see how it is being received… I am going to change the pairing also… your input on who you would like to see would be greatly appreciated. I am thing that maybe a Garwin/OC fiction would make a nice change for me.
I haven't abandoned my other story, (Lucky Night) though I haven't update that one in quiet some time… for all those who are waiting… the update is coming really soon. I have kind of been focused on my sketching and such. Apologies.
Prologue
"As always, Mr Peter's, it has been a pleasure; I regret that I can't stay longer. I can only hope that circumstance will find cause to bring me back here again soon".
"We can only hope Miss Murphy, maybe your mother will be able to accompany you on your next visit. I know that her appreciation of our gardens has been sorely missed by our grounds keepers".
A quiet laugh precedes Natalie's response to the greying concierges subtle accusation, "Oh I dare say she will be visiting soon, her gardens in England have been ravaged by the wet weather, I predict her visit to your fine hotel will be bring a barrage of advice and suggestions for the Rose beds, you'll not be able to rid yourselves of her".
"Her presence will be most welcomed, I'm sure".
"I'll be sure to tell her that, thank you again for making my stay such a lovely one Mr. Peter's".
Taking her offered hand the concierge held it firmly, patting her knuckles affectionately before a deep frown creases his brow. In the innocent gesture of farewell Natalie had deposited an envelope in his hand, opening his mouth to refuse what was probably; as always; an overgenerous amount; he smiles bemusedly at the retreating back of the young Miss Murphy. "More like her mother every time I see her that one".
His mutter was not lost on the adolescent, who was struggling to retrieve her cell phone from her zipped pocket. The smile that was already gracing her face grew larger as the caller display finally came to view.
"Hey Mum, I'm now leaving. Despite your fruitless wishing, my bike arrived last night, so I'm going to ride up there. My stuff was forwarded yesterday, so it should already be there, I have my transfer papers in my pocket and yes everything was more than satisfactory with my stay…"
"Oh dear daughter of mine, you know your mother well" comes the chuckling voice from the other end of the line. "Have there been any problems? Have you thought of anything else you may want to know before you arrive?"
"You'd think that after almost eighteen years I would know everything to heart but you know last night, as I lay in bed pondering the very reason of my migration, I did think of something actually…"
"What? I'm sure that we have exhausted every last avenue of discussion. I thought th-"
"Mum calm down… It's nothing major… well not in the scheme of things but… It's just that… well how will I know I have found the Covenant… I mean I can't exactly ask the Provost 'Hey do you know where I can find the Ipswich Covenant… I think they go by the names Danvers, Parry, Garwin and Simms'. Not exactly discreet Mum…"
"Oh baby, you had me worried for a minute there… you take after your father for your melodramatic tendencies… he always was o-"
"Mum. Your side tracking again…"
"Sorry baby… The Unity… Once you have made contact with the coven in it's entirety, their combined Magic will trigger the response in your own, causing the… your …marking to appear".
Hearing mention of the marking; something Natalie had grown to be very unenthused about; she couldn't help but sigh at her mother "Why of all the possible titles to give it did it have to be that? I mean come on. Unity! They make it sound like some initiation rite to a damned cult…"
"I know you aren't particularly fond of the name, but that is precisely what it does. When and if you choose to bestow the Coven your marking is the only thing that will allow you to do so… Now promise your mother that you will be careful, I don't want to hear of anymore racing… legal or otherwise young lady… I swear when I bought that bike I was having a mental laps-"
Predicting another long winded rant Natalie chose to interrupt her mother before she could gather any actual momentum, "Mum… I have got to go… right now. I want to try and get to Ipswich before night fall…"
"Oh… okay baby, but I mean it, be careful… call me as soon as you arrive… let me know you got there safely…"
"I promise mum…"
"Love you Natalie…"
"You too mum. Bye"
Sliding the phone back into her pocket, Natalie swung her leg over the bike, mounting it she slid back into the seat, instantly grateful that it's arrival had spared her the trauma of public transport. Casting a glance back over her shoulder she waved a gloved hand in the direction of Mr. Peter's who was now standing guard at the front doors again smiling a warm smile at the elderly man she kept it in place until the helmet was concealing her face. It wasn't until then that with a heavy sigh she turned the ignition key.
Her sole thought as she peeled out of the parking lot was on what awaited her in Ipswich.
