The private chambers of the High Priestess, Human realm
“Something’s stirring and we’re worried, Ruth. Even the animals are scared, and poor Sally has retreated into her room, refusing to come out. We’ve been searching through the annals hoping for another explanation for the restlessness. All the signs point to one thing—serious trouble.”
The voice on the phone sounded tired and Ruth could only imagine the long hours that had been spent looking for answers before they’d notified her. As High Priestess, she knew this conversation hadn’t been an easy one for Michelle. She’d also sensed the unease churning over the past few days and had decided to send out inquiries. It had proven unnecessary, however, as phone calls began pouring in by mid-morning—this being one of many she’d already taken.
Ruth rubbed her face, trying to stay awake as she gathered her thoughts. She hadn’t slept in days. Each time she closed her eyes frightening images filled her mind. It was the one thing she disliked about the office she held.
Her nightmares were crowded with scenes of mass destruction. She saw war, death, and lifeless bodies piled high—blood drenching every surface, terrified screams, loud and deafening. Dragged from these tormenting visions, she’d sat up from a dead sleep, her heart beating furiously as she found herself twisted up in bed sheets. She dripped with chilled sweat, her mind frantically trying to make sense of the madness. But it was elusive and Ruth was soon left with nothing but a few snippets and a gut wrenching fear. She slept again with the hope of learning more, but each time she’d awakened with nothing. The nightmares came when they chose to, and she hated being this blind. It didn’t bode well.
As a seer, Ruth’s station allowed her insight through dreams and visions. Whatever was occurring around the world had found a way to block her ability and it shook her to the core. This kind of disturbance could mean only one thing.
“People are scared. They need answers, and I haven’t anything to calm their fears. I worry if we don’t tell them something they will go out looking themselves. If it’s as bad as I feel it is, they’ll only get themselves hurt, even killed,” Michelle added.
“Have you gone to the sacred grove there?” Ruth asked. She held her breath for the response she knew was coming, her stomach clenched tightly with worry.
The groves were the cornerstone of their faith, places of infinite power and all they held dear. What looked like ordinary clusters of trees and greenery were in fact magical hot spots—places where the veil between realms was thin. Visitors from other worlds used these portals, and it was the Order’s sacred duty to stand sentinel—guarding mankind from invasion.
“Yes.” The anxiety in Michelle’s voice was unmistakable. “I made the trip this morning and what I felt there broke my heart. It seems like something is oozing out from the portal, a darkness. I’ve never felt anything like it before, and I pray I never will again. It doesn’t look good. It doesn’t look good at all.”
There was a pause in the conversation, both waiting for the other to say it. Ruth knew exactly what Michelle had felt—the same disturbing feeling had come over her when she’d visited the grove this morning. The powerful sensation, which usually coursed through her body, giving her clarity in her duties, had left her nauseous and weak. Something was altering the energy balance, distorting it, and Michelle’s report simply confirmed it.
“They’re coming, aren’t they?” The voice on the other end spoke softly.
A lump rose in Ruth’s throat as if to stop her from answering the question. She desperately wanted to deny the truth, declare the occurrences as mere fluctuations that meant nothing. She choked on the words and a cold wave of dread sank deep into her heart.
“Yes.” Ruth released her own breath of resignation at the sound of Michelle’s gasp. “There is only one reason for this change in the portals, and it isn’t in our favor. The last time they came, it took everything the Order had to fight against them.”
“Is there anything else we can do?” Ruth heard the plea in Michelle’s voice—the need for a positive answer.
“All I’ve read and been taught has shown us being victorious but only after a long and bloody battle. I have the records handed down from High Priestess to High Priestess I can review.” The authority rang through her voice as she spoke with the power of her office. “Take aside those you can trust and give them the assignment to dig deeper into the archives. Tell them to talk with no one but you, and keep me informed. We have tried and tested methods; let’s look for any forgotten advantage.”
“Yes, my Lady,” Michelle formally replied, her tone lined with newly found determination. “I know who to ask, and hopefully by the end of today we’ll have learned something helpful.”
As the conversation came to a close, a feeling crashed over Ruth and she knew it couldn’t be ignored. “As gently as you can, have everyone talk with their families to warn them. If things worsen, events will move quickly, and there may not be much time later. It’s important they don’t panic, so do what you can to ease their fears. It’s only as a precaution, but when the Spirit whispers . . . it’s necessary.”
“I’ll see to it straight away,” Michelle responded. She made plans to check in later and hung up.
Ruth stood briefly with the receiver in her hand, hearing the beeping dial tone. It was official—the order given—Michelle the last of the sisters to call. They were all aware now, starting preparations, and the only thing left to do was pray they’d be ready for the threat approaching.
She sighed and braced herself for what she needed to do next. Ruth lifted the receiver back to her ear and began dialing a new number. This call was being made with great reluctance because she knew she was about to changes someone’s world—a person she loved and cherished above all else.
Please let me say the right words, she silently chanted, waiting for the other end to pick up. And please, forgive me for the promise I’m about to break.
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