Prophecy Trilogy by Liz Bullard

Author:Liz Bullard [Liz Bullard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Liz Bullard
Published: 2024-03-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter twenty-eight

28

The beating drums fill the air, and woodwind instruments ignite the background, signaling the beginning of the celebration. The sizzle of char fills the air, causing an intoxicating aroma. Ellie and Jane pull and tug in their mother’s grasp as they beg to be released. However, Talia holds tightly to their little hands, not allowing them to get into mischief.

“But Mom!” cries Jane, twisting in her mother’s grip.

“No buts! You will stay here. Everyone is watching, and you will not make a mockery out of us,” she scolds.

Tabatha’s attention shifts from the family chatter to the watchful eyes of the gathering crowd. Her cheeks warm, prompting her teeth to nibble on the corner of her lip. Looking beyond the crowd, she sees the vastness of the villagers, a much larger number than she expected. The crowd of ceremony attendees rivals a small city, with much more coming through the entrance.

“You have arrived! How beautiful you are!” shouts Onmai, walking through the crowd. “No need to stare. Tonight is a celebration! We shall eat, drink, and be merry, for the Chosen One has come, and tonight we feast!”

Cheering and chanting rise from the crowd as sage Onmai draws Tabatha away from Eli’s family and the crowd. They climb onto a raised platform, giving them a better view of the ceremony grounds. The music rises, and dancing begins.

Bringing her atop a platform, Onmai draws Tabatha closer and whispers, “Fret not. You will not give any big speeches or be asked to perform some marvelous act. Tonight is a night to celebrate our impending freedom.”

Tabatha exhales, squeezing the sage tightly. Around them, men and women hold each other close as they move their hips to the drums. Eli and Talia chase behind wide-eyed children, pointing to a magician-like man who mixes potions and turns them into beautiful puffs of color. Men laugh loudly and drink until their footing becomes shaky. The glow of fire dances across the faces of huddling women, smiling and grinning, no doubt sharing the latest gossip. A group of children run to the base of the stage and perform a low bow.

“Sage Onmai!” they yell and wave for her attention.

“Yes?” she replies

“May we come to say hi?”

“Hi? Didn’t you just say hi?” she teases.

“We wish to come up to say hi to the Chosen One and show her what we have made.” The children attempt to hide their excitement, but the slight rise in their voices and difficulty standing still cannot hide their true intentions.

“I suppose,” the wise sage joyfully calls as the children leap up to meet Tabatha. In moments, questions about her home overtake her. The children question her about the creatures and powers her people possess. They present her with gifts and tokens of affection. When they are done, her lap is full of gifts and children’s crafts made from flowers, twigs, and jewelry of twine and shells. Her cheeks hurt with joy and laughter. For once, she feels unafraid of what will come.

“Sage Onmai?” says one child.

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