Shining Through Shadows

Bell's Chiming

Lydia

“Look at this color, Lydia! Isn’t it beautiful?” Lady Agnes sighed as she brushed her hands down the fabric repeatedly, feeling the woven threads beneath her fingertips. “It is almost as beautiful as the night sky, don’t you think?”

I stared at the fabric she was clutching in her hands, thinking that the color indeed resembled the night sky. It was the darkest blue I had ever seen, so dark it looked almost black, but with the lights flickering, you could clearly see the thin silvery threads woven into it, almost making it look like small stars twinkling in the sky.

“It’s very beautiful, Lady Agnes.” I nodded my head before resuming my work sweeping the floor free from yarn and tiny pieces of thread.

“I bet it would suit you, Lydia. It matches your hair perfectly!” My heart stopped beating momentarily from the compliment and I gave her a nervous smile in her return.

“Only ladies such as yourself can carry a dress made from such a stunning piece of fabric.” What I meant to say was expensive, because only a handful of people in Issdal could afford to buy something designed by Lady Agnes. Still, I couldn’t help but imagine myself wearing a stunning gown in the dark blue fabric, my cheeks blushing as a mental image appeared in my head.

“Can you dust the displays in the window when you’re done, dear?” She then asked as she carefully spun the fabric back onto a giant wooden roll. I swiftly placed the broom in the corner, aiding her in lifting the heavy roll to the back of the shop where she had found a place for it.

“Of course, I’ll do it right away.” I said as we carried it together.

Once it was back in place, I dusted my palms on the front of my skirts and went to the front of the store again. Just as I was about to remove the scarves and long gloves displayed in the window, a bell began chiming.

I heard Lady Agnes gasp loudly and felt myself releasing a breath as well as I listened carefully, wondering, praying, that we had been imagining it. When it appeared again, the loud ringing echoing through the entire town of Issdal, I felt all the blood drain from my face.

No. It cannot be time. Not already.

I spun around, feeling the presence of Lady Agnes behind me with a worried look on her face. It was as white as mine as we glanced out of the window, watching how old and young scurried toward the town square.

“It’s time,” Lady Agnes whispered, and I felt myself gulping down as fear gnawed its way into my bones. Who was being chosen this time? Would I loose another friend of mine?

Hesitantly, I grabbed my shawl from the back and left the shop, Lady Agnes walking right in front of me with her head held high despite the circumstances. She was lucky, coming from a wealthy family, because that meant she was free from participating. Still, I could tell she dreaded this as much as those of us who didn’t have that kind of luxury.

The bell was still chiming, two slow chimes followed by a longer break. Lady Agnes nodded at me before turning right to stand next to the others who were exempted.

Every healthy man and woman between the ages of 15 and 40 had to participate. Sadly, I was in that category, so I took a left and joined the others already standing in a line.

My fingers found a loose thread of my shawl and I couldn’t stop pulling it as I slowly neared the table, the bell constantly reminding me of what was about to happen. I leaned to the right a bit, glancing ahead of the line to see when it was my turn. My heart was galloping in my chest, making my pulse go wild with dread and worry as we took another step forward.

“Please, don’t take me yet.” I whispered to myself as I clutched my shawl tighter to shield me better from the cold wind. What would happen to my mother? She was in no way capable of taking care of herself. She would perish without me.

“Next.” The old lady sitting at the table announced with a sad and trembling voice. She was equally distressed like the rest of us, knowing that we had to say goodbye to another person from our town. The man in front of me filled out the paper as he had probably done several times before. He was older than me and was probably immune to the fear I was clearly feeling in the depths of my gut.

“Next.” s**t. It was my turn now. I urged my feet forward, looking deep into the woman's eyes before grabbing the pen to fill the paper in front of me. I had to place a hand on it to prevent it from getting caught in the wind.

Lydia, #4921

I gently folded the paper before holding it above the pile of all the other entries.

“Next.” She called out again, making me flinch in surprise. I watched in horror as I dropped my name into the pile, the paper almost falling down in slow-motion on top of the others.

Only god can help me now.