Chapter Two
The morning came all too soon. As I arose, the moss covered blanket vanished back into the ground and the child continued to slumber on. I rubbed my brownish green eyes and stood up. Nearby a small stream trickled. With the thirst of a wolf, I ran to the stream and slowly drank from it. This water was of the purest blue and so refreshing, not at all like any water I had ever tasted before. Mesmerized by the pureness of the water, my heart froze when I saw my reflection. My hair was no longer brown and short, now it was the color of searing fire rippling down my back. My face no longer looked like my face either. Something cold and smooth on my neck made me freeze. I looked down and just about had a heart attack. Resting upon my neck was the same symbol the child bore, the star of a Witch.
I took a deep breath, inhale….exhale. I tried to calm my mind. Moments later I heard Sarah stirring and calling out my name. I moved quickly and picked her up off of the ground. Then I carried her over to the nearby stream. To my astonishment, awaiting there were two plates heaped with food. Sarah looked at me and smiled, "We are being provided before."
I helped Sarah wash up and get clean. Within moments she was beyond ready to eat. I stopped her for a moment, "Is this food safe to eat?"
She laughed, "Of course. The others mean us no harm. They are guiding us to safety."
I looked at her bewildered, "Who are the others?"
"The other witches. The ones like us."
With a curt little smile she dug into her food. There was everything from fried potatoes to collard greens.
"Remind me to thank your friends," I murmured as I took a bite of food.
"They already know." said Sarah.
I smiled and we continued to eat in silence, listening to the calls of birds overhead, and other creatures just as foreign to us as this land. When we were through I washed the plates and put them in the brown satchel Sarah had been carrying. Funny how I did not notice that before; but it had been nightfall after all.
Sarah looked at me; taking in my appearance she smiled, "The change has begun."
"What change?" I murmured.
"You have Wiccan blood in you. They are just helping you to realize who you are, and this is how you will look like, forever." said Sarah.
"How can it be forever?"
"You will never die. We will live forever. It will be explained more once we reach the haven." whispered Sarah.
I nodded and took Sarah into my arms. She cuddled close and close is where she would forever remain, my little Sarah; my beautiful redheaded daughter.