A Cold Heart
A cold chill entered the room, as the tavern's heavy oaken door opened to reveal a stranger. Silence swept swiftly over the the room as the woman cloaked in a rough woolen cloak entered,pulling the hood further over her face. Seating herself at one of the empty tables, the woman relaxed, placing her old worn hands in her lap. Soon after the a owner of the tavern stepped forward, her long,wavey, blond hair held back in a modest net. Leading the cloaked woman into the kitchen, the owner began to speak. "Why are you here?"spoke the owner,whispering hoarsely into the womans ear. The woman's eyes twinkled, as she pulled the rough cloak over her head. "Why am I here!" the woman exclaimed, her weather worn skin sagging around her face.
The old woman had long white hair that had once been black as the night, her soft worn hands had held so many infants that to her it was a miracle, her tan skin was once smooth and flawless, now rough with age was no longer pleasing to look at, but her eyes,brown,warm,and sorrowful, had seen so many battles it was hard to look at her without sorrow filling your own.
"Yes, why are you here!"asked the tavern owner again, annoyance cutting through her strong voice. The older woman placed her hands on the younger woman's head, sensing her aniexty and nervousness. "Don' t worry I have not come to take away your hope ."the older woman stated placing her hands at her sides. The younger woman sighed, relief rushing to her rebellious mind. " Worrying will only get you bed rest."scolded the older woman, though a smile cracked her solnme face.
"Then
you mustn't scare me like that though,Chiyo." the younger woman nearly
yelled, throwing the old woman off gaurd. The older woman laughed, her
brown eyes twinkling. " I have something to tell you, Kyoko." Chiyo
whispered, her voice dropping. Kyoko ushered Chiyo into the other room,
bolting the door behind her. "What is it Chiyo?" asked Kyoko, her voice
laced with worry.Chiyo sighed, placing her wrinkled hand on Kyoko's
abdomen. "You will give birth to a child, and it will be of the Kado."
whispered Chiyo, saddness welling up in her stomach. Kyoko
stared at the the older woman, perplexed."Um..Chiyo...isn't that a good
thing?"asked the confused mother-to-be. The old woman shook her head,
mumbling something under her breath.
"It's power will be too great Kyoko, you must destory the it."
explained Chiyo, as she stared into the face of the horrified woman.
Kyoko slowly sank to the floor, tears falling down her cheeks.
"No." Kyoko whispered,holding the her face in her hands.