Ealga woke to the sound of hushed conversation in the other room. Her cot was warm and fluffy. Not much seemed worth getting out of bed for. She laid there placid straining to hear the words spoken outside her walls.
"Fabian, we can't discuss this again. You know what the risk is if she doesn't do what is necessary." Her mother's voice sounded strained though quiet.
"She's our daughter Rayona. This is not something that I am going to permit without protest." There was a moment of silence before her father spoke again in a terse whisper, "You have done something to me, I know it. Otherwise, this discussion would be over." Ealga could hear her father's fury held by a bare thread of restraint. It caused her to shiver a little.
"Fabian please understand. You have become part of something more important than you'll ever realize. Recall that I was tested in this way. She has my fire in her. She'll find a way." Rayona rebutted. Though her voice changed to one of compassion and a hint of sadness.
Ealga could almost see her father's jaw clench with frustration as he didn't respond. A moment later, the door came open as he peaked his head through the gap looking to see if Ealga were there. He noticed she was watching the door then walked into her room. As he stood for a moment looking down at Ealga as she shrank further into her covers. His expression was odd. Almost strained, but it softened into a little smile when he noticed her peering at him through a lump of blankets.
He was worried. Maybe even afraid. Ealga didn't like it.
"Papa, what's wrong?" Ealga asked surprised at herself for doing so.
"My sweet girl. You are precious to me. I am worried is all." He paused a moment, "You heard us just now didn't you?"
Ealga nodded and pulled deeper into the covers feeling slightly embarrassed.
Fabian let out a sigh then reached into her cozy fortress gently touching her cheek, "You will be fine. Your mother is right about one thing. You have her fire. I believe in you. Even if I don't believe in this... ritual." Fabian's countenance turned thoughtful briefly before leaving as Rayona entered.
In her mother's hands was a luxurious bundle of red cloth made from what looked to be wool and silk. Ealga sat up looking at it. Something about it was different and made Ealga excited.
"This," Rayona unfurled the bundle of cloth to show it as a gorgeous fine red cloak, "is a gift from your grandmother to me, and now from me to you. I wore it when I was tested. It is no ordinary cloak. It's been given an enchantment. While it will not save you from wounds as though armor it will make you stronger. On this night it is the one thing that I can offer you that will help to ensure your success." Her mother extended her arms out toward Ealga, "Here, take it."
Ealga reached out taking it from her mother's hands. The weight of it was surprising. "It's heavier than it looks."
A smile began to creep across Rayona's face. "You will be kept very warm. This night is more chill than usual. Come now, get dressed. The carriage awaits to take us to the Whisper Trail." Her mother departed from the room as Ealga hopped from the cot whirling the cloak around herself.
The spark of something adventurous made Ealga move more quickly. The feeling of the cloak around her shoulders seemed to embolden her perhaps. She gathered her things from a small chest at the foot of the cot, adorned a simple dress, stockings, sturdy boots, and a satchel. The cloak felt warm indeed as it draped around her. There was a sense of safety as well. It had to be magic that she was feeling. Wondrous.
Once she had her things she rushed out to the front of the manor passing through the quiet candle lit hall with her cloak billowing behind her as she half jogged to the front door. Pulling the heavy wooden door free she saw the dark carriage and horses waiting in the gravel cul de sac. Moonlight splashed over everything in a ethereal way making it all seem dreamlike. Her father sat in the drivers bench looking like a giant high above the ground. He showed a faint smile as he caught sight of Ealga emerging from their home. Ealga smiled back.
As Ealga moved to the carriage step Rayona was beaming with pride. "You need to take this with you tonight." Reaching just inside the carriage she drew out some of the apples in the basket that Ealga had picked earlier. Rayona loaded the satchel with apples and helped Ealga inside. A strange lantern rested on the bench next to were Ealga sat down.
"Where did this come from?" Ealga asked touching the coil of metal that curled decoratively around the glass panels of the lantern. The work was stunning. It looked like a metal serpent spiraling from the bottom to the lid on top.
"Something of a family heirloom. I had the same one when I walked the Whisper Trail. It's special so don't lose it. The light within will burn all night once lit."
Ealga was intrigued. She took the lantern pulling it close to her side. The carriage lurched into motion once Rayona entered and closed the door behind her. Darkness enveloped the cabin. She could see the trails of moon light coming through the small window in the door. Outside, a silent and dreamy landscape passed at a loping pace. Ealga's mother sat silently watching her as though committing everything she saw to memory.
Though it was not a long journey to Whispering Trail it felt like forever before they arrived. Ealga had held the cloak around herself and felt warm while she rode. Despite having slept the majority of the day she felt lazy and sleepy anyway.
When they finally rolled to a stop there was a prickle of realization that snapped Ealga into a sober awareness. It seemed as though she may have nodded off for a brief time. She couldn't shake the feeling it was a mistake to be so nonchalant about the trial as she had been earlier. It was something in the air. A chill that hadn't been there before.
Rayona moved and opened the door revealing the forest beyond at the end of a narrow dirt trail. Tall trees were blacking out the horizon ahead in a solid wall of shadow. As she stepped out on the earthen road her mother followed behind.
Fabian hopped down from the driver's bench and came close to Ealga kneeling down to look her in the eye. He wasn't terribly tall but had a brawny stature that always made appear strong. Under a simple cap he would keep his tangled brown hair tucked away out of his eyes. His heavier clothes were made of simple wools and linen as opposed to more expensive materials. Lanterns that hung on either side of the carriage let Ealga see his gentle dark ocean blue eyes through the darkness more easily. Eyes that showed he was vexed about something.
"Ealga, you are strong. Though you must walk this dark trail on your own I know that you will find what you need inside to prevail. Remember that cunning is one of your strongest assets. Be observant. And if danger finds you; run." He gave her a kiss on the cheek and stood.
As he did Ealga noticed inside his sir coat he had a dagger with a dark wooden handle and silvery metal pommel. She'd never seen it before tonight. The sheath was made of the same wood and showed silver vines crawling down from the mouth to the tip of the sheath in an articulate design.
It was beautiful.
Rayona lit the lantern. The dancing amber light inside was like a small sun coiled by a snake and it was brighter than she expected. Rayona offered it to Ealga silently. When she took the lantern the light reflected off Rayona's eyes. There was a wet glassy quality to them.
"Mother," Ealga could feel her heart welling with fear and a desire to stop her mother from crying, "I will make it. I promise. You don't need to worry." A broken sob erupted from Rayona's lips as Ealga embraced her tightly letting Rayona's hand rest on her head.
"My child. You are as strong as your father says. I know that you will prevail. I am-I am..." Taking a deep breath Rayona recovered herself slightly, "I am so very proud of you. You're going to make it. Whatever you do stay to the trail as much as you can. Don't waiver from your goal. I love you my darling. We must go now. Have your grandmother send word when you arrive."
"I will mother. I will." A quiver in her voice was unmistakable. Ealga squeezed her mother tightly one more time before letting go.
Her father quietly helped Rayona inside after a moment had passed. He gave her one more look before getting back into the drivers bench. Just before urging the horses into motion Fabian turned back giving Ealga wink. Then he shook the rains making a clicking sound and the horses plotted on forward.
As the carriage moved away something caught Ealga's eye. It shined in the moonlight. Stepping closer she realized that the dagger she'd seen in her father's belt lay sheathed on the ground bathed in moonlight near the wagon tracks. As she took it from the ground it felt right in her hand. The weight of it, the wood of the handle, and the cool metal embossed on the sheath. Tears were close now. The wagon still creaked on in the far distance signifying to her that this test had begun.
Ealga waited until the carriage was out of sight completely before moving onto the trail.
Maybe she could just run back home. She could choose to ignore this test instead. She could abandon being a witch completely if she desired. All she had to do was turn on her heel and go the other way. Away from the menacing shadows of the forest. Away from... magic.
No.
She would do this. She would learn magic as a witch does. She wouldn't let her mother or her father down either. She had to overcome this. Becoming a witch was too important. Magic was too wonderful to just leave behind.
She adjusted the satchel on her shoulder and faced the darkened forest looming in the distance. With purpose, she stepped onto the road daring whatever lie ahead to do their worst.