Once Upon Many Times

The Bloodline’s Prophecy, Part 1

A lone figure walks through the Forbidden Forest, carefully seeking a path only known to those trusted to keep its secret. With furtive glances, checking their surroundings, the lone walker hurriedly moves forward, searching for hidden markers towards their destination. Hidden in a russet-colored woolen cloak, a hand reaches out to gingerly touch the bark of the oak tree before them, searching for the nick that many have confused for a haphazard cut, but was in fact directional in meaning. Finding what was needed, the figure continues on its quest, dread creeping ever so quickly, making them question their decision to go further into the woods. Stopping in their track, standing straight, they take a few deep breaths, shake their head, and continue forward, in determination, forming a steel rod in their spine, not giving up on the quest for answers. Continuing on their silent trek, they are suddenly standing before an abandoned-looking hut that is hidden, camouflaged by the creeping vines that have connected between the trees and itself. A door, made of splintered wood tied together with oak fibers, twined intricately, holding the wooden pieces sturdily.

With determination, the figure walks to the door, a closed hand ready to knock on the door, when it opens on its own, a voice calls out to them.

“I’ve been expecting you. Enter.”

Shaken, the figure looks around, trying to find the source of the mysterious voice, but the inside of the hut is dark, a lone light deep in another part of the room, too light to illuminate the entrance.

“Come, come. I don’t have all day. You came here for answers and I just might have a solution for you. Enter, my Queen.”

A loud gasp escapes; the Queen covers her mouth with her hand, shaken and confused as to how her identity was discovered. She had dressed herself as a simple maid, in a white linen chemise, a grey skirt, and her hooded cloak, large and long, covered her from head to foot, leaving nothing visible. How did this person know who she was? With a sense of worry, she again wondered if this was the right decision, her fear palpable, but her resolve was stronger. She hesitantly entered the hut and removed the hood, her unbound hair, an unmistakable fiery red, cascades down her shoulders and back.

“How did you know it was me?” she asked tentatively.

“My dear Queen Amberleigh, I am a Seer. I foresaw this very moment long ago. I have even prepared myself with the answers you seek and a solution, should you wish to continue with your request. So, what would you like me to do for you, my Queen?” she queried, looking up from her seated position.

Nodding, Queen Amberleigh walked into the hut, closing the door gently behind her and stepped further inside. Suddenly, the inside became illuminated, the lone light source now becoming many, as candles of various sizes bloomed to life, lending their light to the room. Looking around, the queen watches as each candle comes to life, staring until she finally sees the woman sitting, waiting for her to speak. The Seer was not what she was expecting at all. Rather than an old, gnarly-looking woman, before her sat a woman only a few years older than herself, her light blonde hair braided down her back, her skin smooth and darkly tanned, not a single blemish to be found. Her eyes held a twinkle in them, the starkly dark blue watching, waiting for the queen to speak. Her pink lips upturned in one corner, leaving a small mischievous grin on her face. She sits, eyeing the queen, biding her time, for she is in no hurry. Time means nothing to her. When the queen finally unclasped her hands she had worriedly twisted before her, she offered a chair for her, gazing at the young queen who looked so sorrowful.

“If you have foreseen me coming here, then you have also seen why I am here. Is that correct?” she had asked hopefully.

“Yes, my Queen, I have also seen the reasoning for your visit with me today. I understand that this may be quite difficult for you, this quest you have found yourself to be on today. A difficult task you wish to seek to remove, though you truly do not wish to do, but you feel with a heavy heart you must. May I please tell you something that I feel is imperative for you to know before you receive the help you came to for, my dear?” the seer asked quietly.

Reservedly, the queen nods, unsure of what the seer may tell her, yet hopeful for help.

“There is something I feel I must tell you about THIS particular pregnancy that has been put onto you. Something the Moon Goddess Selene wishes for you to know. You have been specifically selected to bear this child, a child who will do great things for all wolves-kind, and she wishes for you to continue to bear her, my Queen,” the seer said, staring into the eyes that now held tears.