Author's note: Hello all! I hope you are enjoying the main storyline. I am popping in to explain that this story is broken into three parts; a prequel or origin story, a main story, and an ending. so, without further adieu, the origin story of Evalina Barker.
1026
I knelt on the stone floor of what would have normally been the castle's chapel but instead of a crucifix there was an inverted cross made of black wood perfectly polished to gleam like ebony. My long hair was plaited into two braids which cascaded from my shoulders in loops to brush the floor. My head was bowed in respect, eyes never daring to raise to that cross or the stained glass behind it which stained the floor and myself blood red. The thin wool of my tunic and skirts did nothing to protect me from the chill in the chapel, the pins that had long held my veil in place were pricking my scalp. My throat burned with thirst as I willed my stomach to be silent, how long ago had it been since I had sipped water? How long since Bea had given me a piece of bread and cheese to sustain me? How long had I been kneeling here quietly beseeching Him? My spine ached from holding me erect and I had long since lost the feeling in my knees. What was father waiting for? What sign or miracle was he searching so desperately for? Just sixteen years old and I was unbaptized as of yet, why? Bea had been baptized when she came of age. Why not me? I heard the heavy door behind me shut and the soft swoosh of skirt "Eve" Bea was whispering less father hear her "Evalina" she spoke from behind me now and I knew better than acknowledge her. It would be just like father to send her for such a task to see my devotion and obedience fail. She was my half-sister, a witchling born of a mortal maiden who was similarly turned. Father's second wife, Christina, was a shy woman who always caught the ire of mother. I was expected to jeer at her, to disdain her, yet I could not. She was my milk mother, my nurse, the woman who truly showed a scrap of affection for us. Bea shared her mother's warmth and kindness. One day this would get her killed, I felt it in my bones. Kindness among our kind was seen as weakness, and something that was so undesirable they would act like Spartans of old leaving their weak on a mountain to die. I heard her sit down near me "Eve, father is asleep, I brought you water and a bit of food. It truly is alright to move, trust me, mother brought me food when I went through this test" I did not glance at her, did not move a single muscle "Eve, sister, please- it truly is alright, so long as he is not here to see then you may move about or speak. Such devotion is a façade, dear sister, please, you will faint if you keep on like this" with her worried tones I heard a raven cry from above and inwardly flinched. I could not protect Bea if I was bound to kneel like this. Who was I kidding, I could not protect Bea, my sister and milk sister, I could barely protect myself from the pain and suffering. She was a witchling and thus to most she was a servant, she half expected to be placed within my household as she would be unable to wed a worthy Warlock. She would follow me through my life, always silent, always obedient. My sister- it would be far more merciful to remove her suffering. Would that our lives did not revolve around this castle, would that we were free to leave this terrible prison. I heard the raven again and fear filled my heart. Father's Familiar, Arius, was a raven. I held fast to my resolve not to move, not to speak or breathe more than required. "Eve, please look at me" I kept my gaze firmly on the stone before me, kept my mind upon the prayers I had been instructed to say. I would not show fear, I would not cry out no matter what. No matter what. Those words were agony to me. I could not help her, would not help her. I would not rise from my kneeling position to aid her when he came to punish. That damned raven landed nearby, I could hear its wings beating softly "hello, Arius" Bea said softly and I heard the terror in her voice. She realized, like I had, that father was nearer than she had thought. He must have sent Arius to watch over me much like he had done to her when she went through this very test. All we waited for now was the coming blow. The silence was tense and deafening as I fought to focus my mind upon prayers. I refused to look about as I knew Bea would be doing right now. It was futile to look for him as he would appear when he desired and not a moment before. I felt the iciness of the room become warmer. Oh no, this was worse than I thought. If I became used to the heat then the chill really would cause me to shiver. I held my muscles down, forcing them to obey me as I stared at the stone. "Beatrice" his voice cracked like stone "I would say I am surprised, but I am not. Seeing as your mother did the same for you when you went through this test" I heard Bea squeak slightly in fear. No, Bea, do not show fear, please do not fear. I am here with you. I willed her to hear me as I locked myself in the same position I had held for days. "This is exactly why you have remained a witchling, Beatrice, do you see the perfect example Evalina is setting?" "yes, Father" "did I give you permission to speak?" I heard the crack but kept my head bowed respectfully knowing Arius could see my features from his perch. A trap, this was a trap. "tell me, Beatrice, what example is Evalina setting? You may speak now" I heard her sob before she sucked in a breath "she is showing her utmost devotion and obedience" "yes she is. See how she remains in a devoted kneeling position, beseeching our Lord to hear her? She has not so much as lifted her eyes in the week she has knelt here. Tell me, Beatrice, why is she kneeling as such? Speak" "she is proving her worthiness to Him, Father, by kneeling for days without moving she is showing her devotion and love to Him without entreating Him to give her anything in return" "exactly" I felt his cane poke my hip "see how she does not react? This is where you went wrong, Beatrice. Now, why are you in here?" "I came to pray, Father" "how devoted of you, but is it not strange that you are sitting so close to Evalina? Do you desire your habits to rub off on her? Do you want her to become tainted at this most auspicious hour?" he chuckled "do you think she wants to be like you? My daughter is obedient and devoted to church and Him. She is nothing like you, Beatrice, why is this? Tell me" "I am a failure and an embarrassment" I flinched in my mind hearing her say that. No, Bea, you are not a failure, I love you. Be strong for us both, you must be crafty now dear one. I heard the sound of his cane crack on her cheek "you are a pitiful disgrace! I do not know why I keep you around" I had to listen to him berate her, strike her without moving a muscle. I finally heard the tap of his cane twice "get out of here, girl, return to your room and stay there. If I see you here again without dispensation so long as the test goes on I will see you turned out" a rogue, no. I would not stand for it. I heard her leave as father came incredibly close to me "you have done well, Evalina, far greater than I expected" his deep voice rumbled through me "prove to me that you can continue your devoted ways and you will go far" he was turning me away from Bea, he was trying to pit us against each other so I would push her down. It would be expected, that much I knew. I would be expected to continue the abuse of her and that made me sad. His hand landed upon my shoulder "I am pleased, daughter" the first touch of praise I had heard, how long I had desired this. His steps alerted me to his leaving. I remained there quietly for the rest of the night holding fast. When night fell again I heard the swish of a skirt and his cane tapping "how well have you done daughter" my mother's voice cut through the silence "you may rise, daughter, do it" I knew that if I collapsed at this point all I had worked for would be ruined. I rose slowly, gracefully even, keeping my eyes locked firmly upon the stone in devotion. "raise your eyes and see His mercy, daughter" I looked up at the inverted cross and felt thankful for my ordeal being over. "tonight, daughter you shall be baptized, Charlotte, see to her" "yes Gregory. Come, daughter" I bowed low before the cross before turning "there, that is what we wanted" I floated forward and father gripped my shoulders "do not disappoint me tonight, my girl" he kissed the top of my head and handed me to my mother "that is all I require of you girl. So few hours left in this day to prepare" that was correct. But that was our way, haste and suddenness was our way. I followed my mother into the castle praying that my knees would not fail.