The Mountain's best kept Secret

5. Sisters turned enemies

(Sesa’s POV)

Sesa woke up, her frail body covered in sweat. With shocked eyes, she searched the dark room for the shadow of her past. It came back to haunt her dreams. “Why now?” She murmured. To calm her panic-stricken heart, she patted her chest. She shook her head in disbelieve, yet wondering what could have unsettle the past. She slowly slipped off the bed, pulled a shawl around her shoulders, and walked out of the room with difficulty. Her old age has been more bothersome lately.

Overwhelmed by grief, she leaned on the door frame before entering the kitchen. She waddled to the smouldering fire to add more wood. As soon as the wood caught fire, she took a seat at the small round table. It’s difficult to move these days—her mind was young, yet her body failed her. She made peace with the end looming near. Most of her loved ones waited on the other side, so death was not to be feared. The thought of seeing her husband, son, and daughter in the ever after, made her smile.

Unfortunately, her smile turned to anger; “It can’t be… It’s not supposed to happen like this… Who is she?” She struck her fist on the table. ‘Anger wouldn’t help you now’ She scolded herself. All of a sudden, she knew where to go to find the answers. Tears filled her eyes, because in order to find them, she will need to open up old wounds.

It was dark outside when she left the cottage. Then she wiped away the tears sticking to her cheeks. She cannot recall when she started crying, but how could she not? Who was the drowning girl in her dream? An instant connection between them was clear. Compelled to help her, Sesa called upon the Forest’s magic to pull her from the water. So much the same as her daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, it came at a price and took its toll on her already frail body. 

Tightly grasping the shawl around her shoulders, she continued through her village. Only a half-moon hung in the sky, causing the streets to be dark. Luckily, a couple of windows gave her path light. ‘Did they see the shadow too?’ Sesa wondered, but continued on her mission to the other side of the village. She knew the vivid dream was no illusion, because it left her soul aching. She shook her head, yet failed to drive the memories away. 'Almost there.' she told herself.

Sesa only had one love during her lifetime whom she had a son with. Her only son. All these years she thought she understood WHY. Why she had to give both up, but she cannot believe her sister’s lies anymore. “It’s for the greater good, sister. You always knew your daughter-in-law doesn’t belong here. I cannot see nor predict her future.” Sesa recalled her sister’s words. She hoped that fate would treat her only grandson better, but no one can intervene or change it. Leo’s fate was sealed; history would repeat itself. All the questions she had answers to, now raging in her old heart like a stormy wind looking for a way out. Did her sister deceive her?

She came to the opposite side of the village and paused before proceeding. She reached her destination—the great majestic willow tree. It’s been long since she came to visit her sister.

She moved through the hanging branches of the willow to reach the centre. Unexpectedly, the memories of her sister rushed back all at once. She fell forward and caught herself against the tree trunk. Out of breath, she exclaimed, “Why? Why did you lie to me?”. Drained after saving the girl, she struggled to compose herself and took a few steps back. She looked up at the tree with so much sadness and regret. “Father was too kind; burring you here.” She whispered next to her sister’s grave.

With difficulty, she sat down against the tree and recalled her sister’s face. She and her twin, Ceci, have always been inseparable. The love she had for her sister caused a guilty tear escaped her eye. Before long, her eyes fell close, because she needed to rest for a bit. She fell asleep and started dreaming.

As the sun hung low, the two little girls chased each other through the yellow flowers. It’s lovely scent filled the air. Their dark hair blew in the wind as they ran around giggling, as happy as can be. Sesa and Ceci did not look identical, but their big brown eyes gave away their resemblance.

Startled by an animal nearby, she woke up from her dream. Frightened, she looked around, but found no danger. ‘I have to get back before Leo returns.’ She thought. She stood back up and asked, “O sister, how did we get here? You were my best friend and confidant.” She shook her head before continuing. “I had a dream of a girl downing… History is repeating itself.” Sesa sighed... “With eyes as blue as the ocean. For a second, I confused her with my daughter. No, she’s much younger but also strikingly beautiful.” Sesa paced around, “I think she’s on her way here. And after all these years, I forgave you, but you lied to me! You took my husband and son, now you will take my grandson...” She trailed off while tears streamed down her face.  

“You were wrong about my bloodline! History might repeat itself, but I’ll save them. I’ll order all the forces of the Forest, even if it kills me. But King Sagum will not find her. You died for nothing, sister!” she exclaimed. She stood there, panting before slowly uttering; “She’ll conquer the stone curse, you’ll see…” Then turned around and left. ‘Maya came here by accident, but not the drowning girl. A force brought her to us, so things will turn out differently.’ She thought as the willow disappeared in the distance.

She quickly returned to the cottage, because her feet remembered their way back. It’s late and all the villagers must have gone to sleep. Deep in thought, she arrived at the edge of the village in front of her small house. She visited her sister’s grave for answers, but in the end only vented her anger. Out of revenge, Cesi lied and lead her loved ones to their demise. Although she never should have, she trusted her. Prince Cronos chose her over Ceci, but was this enough to incite such a terrible act? Busy contemplating her sister’s actions, Sesa didn’t notice the first step of the cottage by her feet. Suddenly, she lost her foothold.

A low moan escaped her as she fell, dreading her body’s response to the hard floor. But to her surprise, powerful arms caught and draw her to him. “Nana, watch your step! What are you doing out in the middle of the night?” Leo asked her. She stood up straight, then composed herself. “You could’ve gotten hurt, if I weren’t here.” He said while putting his hand on her shoulder. Sesa stared up at her grandson’s concerned face and sighed relief. “Well then, I need to thank the heavens you were here to catch me.” She laughed. Leo pulled up an eyebrow at her mockery.

“My son, I can ask you the same; why are you up this late?” “Needed some fresh air.” He quickly replied. “Aren’t you going hunting tomorrow? You need your rest.” She spoke. “Yes, I am. I also need to go clear my head…” He trailed off while walking her up the steps. Before they entered the cottage, he turned to ask; “Does one’s dreams sometimes have meaning?”

Before Leo could continue, Sesa pulled out from under his arm. She stared up at him; “Leo, why do you ask? Did you dream something peculiar?”. She studied his every emotion. His interest wasn’t a coincidence, because he must have dreamt about the drowning girl as well. “It’s nothing, forget I asked.” He said and pushed opened the door. Puzzled, Sesa glared at her grandson to decipher his thoughts. “Why wouldn’t you tell me? I am a wise old fart that might have the answers.” She gave him a reassuring smile. 

“You are an old fart, but I don’t know about wise.” He laughed before continuing; “How about—I’ll tell you my dream after you explain why you were out so late at night.” “What’s this world coming to? Youngsters think they can haggle with their elders?” She slowly waddled to the kitchen, with Leo close behind. “Come, sit down, I’ll prepare us tea. Dream or no dream, you need to learn more about your past…” She said.

Leo sat down at the small round table. The flames burned low from when he started it earlier. Silence filled the room while Sesa made a pot of tea. ‘It’s time he learned about his past and accept the responsibility his future carries.’ She decided. “What do you know of our family’s curse?”. She broke the silence. Waiting for his answer, she placed his tea in front of him and sat down. “Little.” He replied and took a sip of it. “I had a twin sister, Ceci, and we were the best of friends growing up. She had a powerful spirit and will of her own. Our father thought these traits held great potential to become the future queen of the Stone Arrow Tribe.”

“How did I not know you have a twin sister?” Leo asked, astounded. “All in good time.” she said, then after a brief pause, she continued her story; “As we grew older, my mother saw a darkness in Ceci’s soul that none of us noticed. Your great grandmother tried her best to help Cesi suppress it, but in the end, she chose her dark side. Some women in our bloodline are born with great magic; each gifted with a different power. We are destined to protect the Delliingham Forest. Unfortunately, using magic comes at a price.” She coughed, then sipped her tea for relief. 

“Are you alright, Nana? Rest first, later you can tell me more.” Leo lightly patted her back. “No, you need to learn the truth. Then only you’ll understand the importance of what’s to come.” She replied. “What’s coming?” Leo struggled to follow her riddles. “Patience. When Cesi was little, my mother learned she received the gift of ‘perception’. She could ‘see’ the different futures one’s decision could bring forth. My mother tried to teach her how to use it for good, but to no avail… Ceci learned to bend the future for her benefit alone.” She shook her head at the bitter memories. “Little by little, the darkness took over her heart… Being the master manipulator she was, my father and I only saw the face she wanted us to. When your grandmother urged your grandfather not to make her queen, he accused her of denying Ceci her birth right, because she loved me more.” 

The fire’s flames burned low while the cold creeped through cracks in the wooden cottage. Leo stood up and shoved additional wood on the fire. “Can I brew us more tea?” he asked. Sesa just nodded her head. While awaiting the water to boil, he left the room for a moment. Upon his return, he carried a blanket and placed it over his grandmother’s shoulders. “Thank u, my son.” She spoke. After he refilled their teacups, he touched her shoulder as a sign to continue the story.

“At birth, Ceci come first and I arrived merely a few moments later. Being the eldest, she was first in line to take up the crown’s heavy responsibilities. As per tradition, the mother of the future king or queen has to find a suitor to strengthen the Tribe through marriage. My parents arranged prince Cronos to marry Ceci on our eighteenth birthday.” Sesa told the tale. “Did I hear right? Grandfather was your sister’s intended husband first?” Leo asked with a baffled look. Sesa gave him a guilty look; “However, when prince Cronos came to meet his betrothed, he met me instead. I was young and not planning to fall in love with my sister’s prospective husband. It all happend by chance.” “Go on…” Leo asked, still confused by what he learned.

“Everyone gathered outside the castle awaiting the prince’s arrival, but Ceci sent me to my room. I’m sure she was scared her clumsy sister would ruin her chances, and she was right! But, I also had a strong will of my own. So, to get a better view of the prince as he arrived, I climbed out my bedroom window onto the wall. I had no cousins or brothers, and wanted to see what a prince looked like. Such a silly notion from a young girl… As if a prince looked any different.” They both chuckled.

“I could have delayed my curiosity until dinner, but I knew Ceci would find an excuse for me to not attend.” “Why not turn to your father if Ceci treated you so?” Leo asked. “My father was so proud to pass down his crown to her, complaining would’ve fallen onto deaf ears.” She answered. “I’m so sorry.” He said to what Sesa gave a smile.

“Anyway, after only a few steps, I lost my balance and fell to the ground. I didn’t even get a glimpse of the prince, but fortunately for me, I landed on the dense undergrowth and sustained no injuries. Unfortunately, all the commotion disturbed the welcoming party. As predicted, I got uninvited to the prince’s celebration dinner that night. According to Cesi, I disgraced the family with my childish actions…” She blankly stared into her teacup. Leo saw her pain brought up by the memories. “She sounds bitter.” Leo murmured. “She wasn’t always like that. I’ve tried to remember the good parts about her, but after I learned she lied all those years ago…" She abruptly stopped, as she realised he’s not yet ready to hear this part of her story.

“Never mind.” She cleared her throat and continued; “After waking up early the next morning, I went outside to the large willow tree at the far end of our village. I made my way there when feeling sad and alone. I got dismissed by my family, because they only cared for Ceci’s happiness. I couldn’t figure out why she felt threatened by me. It was only later that I learned she could see the future, so she had to stop the prince and I from meeting for as long as possible.” “But, what about your mother? I thought she didn’t want Ceci to become the queen?” Leo asked. “My mother could never go against him, so she just kept her head down.”

Saddened, Leo looked at his grandmother and asked; “Why did you desperately want to meet the prince?” After a few moments of silence, she replied; “My son, I didn’t want to meet ‘him’. Only to meet ‘a’ prince, so I could dream about the day I will get my happily ever after. Curiosity got the better of me and Ceci’s cruelty only fuelled my rebellion.”

Slowly, the sun came up and stretched its rays through the window. The birds chirped - announcing the new day. “It’s already morning, and we haven’t slept a wink.” She noted. “Please tell me what happened next? How did you become queen instead of your sister?” He hinted. “I’m so tired. I will tell you the rest after I rested. Please help me to my bed..” Carefully, Leo helped her room, lied her down on the bed, and covered her with the blanket. “Good night.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead, then left the room. Exhausted, Sesa immediately fell into a dreamless slumber.