Song&Spell

The cabin in the woods had been abandoned for years, but one night, a candle burned in the window.

It's flame a beacon midst the rot and wear; A frail comfort for those who dare enter unannounced and unwelcome.

Four hearts and three souls, we children entered with fear and hate within us, Our shame and calmness overtaken...

"Are you Witched?" My brother begged Forcing glass upon her throat.

"I am not of seed and spell, but born of faith and blessing." "god is within me and I beg your peace." She said In whispered breath.

The wind howled like bells in the distance And with each chime their silhouettes flickered in ivory hues..

"Let us leave here" the youngest cried, for upon her words she's swayed.

"Not until I'm certain of what she is." His palm tightened piercing the glass deeper. "Are you my sister? Or that of shadow?"

The cabin creaked and groaned with silence, her neck adorned with beads of blood.

"Why do you bring me here?" She asked gently "And why must I be in your eyes a witch? I have done nothing to deserve your wrath sweet brother, if you have love what possesses you?"

"Witness and testimony!" My brother barked, his gaze upon the youngest.

"She speaks of wilted flowers grown and levitation when eyes aren't peering, she tells of you about the wood singing spells and returning to this your home."

"she is small and easily overlooked, even from the eyes of witchcraft." His convictions assured with each writhe and gasp she takes.

"She is but a child, her tongue no more than curiosity and invention, on her words you wish me harm?" She hissed in disbelief.

"And what do I sing dear sister I pray you tell, What enchants me as I dance about the wood?"

"Your song's like magic, with each word the earth bends" The youngest muttered, teardrops welling in her eyes.

"Do you not imagine this? my little one, Don't you speak of dreams?"

"No." The youngest said in earnest.

"Of dreams I do not speak, I've heard your voice and I've seen you breathe beauty back into the withered"

"What lies you weave my little bird, enough to string the noose, do you really believe me wicked brothers? If so I demand your proof and not that of a deranged child."

"Enough!" My brother cried, his frustration bearing teeth.

"If you are innocent you have nothing to fear, for god will protect you and guide thine hand, if rubies are spilled then innocent you are, if the glass shatters before I cut, then wicked has my sister become."

Shock had found my sister, followed then by loathing, tears etched upon her face, but in the end she found acceptance.

"if I am to return to god then I do so willingly, but I do not wish for my accuser to bare witness, send her home and rid her of such terrible things."

"Take her down stairs." My brother imposed, His hand trembling and ready.

Through fear and cowardice I did so with haste, each step a betrayal to myself and my kin.

"Don't!" The little one screamed, her final interjection, no words returned her plea, only silence...

From bellow the cabin felt even more cold, Like snowflakes upon a hollow sea, their only source of warmth and light illuminated from the candle above.

"Brother." The little one whispered, her voice delicate and haunting.

"Dost thou want to see something beautiful?" She asked even quieter.

And with the snap of her fingers, the light was extinguished, their screams and scuffles followed until there was nothingness... no light or warmth remained above, only shadows and blood strewn In defense and in offering...

"Do not follow as I go to them, stay if you wish their fate, leave and I'll bid you well, but every thirteenth year I'll wait, return to me with offerings, their innocence in bloom and if you do so kindly your heart I won't consume."

"I wish that I could tell you I was brave, and that I share the same fate as my kin, But I remain a coward."