Ok I am very sorry this took so long before I got it posted. I was editing the first half plus this second half to provide just enough information, but at the same time not reveal too much.

Just for a recap Sister Innet had asked Sister Margeret if she had the book.

If you missed the first half or even the prologue I suggest reading them. That way you won't be lost

Hope you enjoy! And CRITIQUE AWAY!

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“Do I have the book? Of course I have the book, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” declared Sister Margeret. Sister Innet glared at her fellow sister. “I’m sorry Innet, but you know how I am when I’m tired. Here.” Sister Margeret brought out an old looking book from beneath her cloak and handed it over to Sister Innet.

My curiosity for the knowledge of the book’s contents began to over power my nervousness. The book had a plain cover with no trace of a title or any sort of wording; it was made of older leather. There were roughly 300 pages although I wasn’t quite sure.

After placing it on her desk, Sister Innet, stroked the cover lightly with her fingertips. “Do you know the page?” she asked without taking her eyes off the book.

“128,” answered Sister Margeret. Turning the pages carefully and in small groups, Sister Innet searched for the page. When she stopped she did not look up. For a moment it seemed as if I was forgotten, but then Sister Innet at me.

“Riley,” she began. I didn’t like the way she had said this. “your mission is not like any your friends have been given.” This definitely didn’t sound good. “In this book is a prophecy that was written a very long time ago and…”

“And we believe it relates to you,” interrupted Sister Margeret. “Please read it Innet”

“Very well,” said Sister Innet. But before she began Sister Margeret got up and whispered something in her ear. I couldn’t hear what she said, but I could read her lips. “Paraphrase.” Why would she want her to paraphrase? Sister Innet just nodded. She cleared her throat and began to read.

“053 of the Iron Age

“The Promise

“The Iron Age has only just begun, but a powerful evil has been reborn. The cross over into this new age was due to a war. It was this very war, that caused so many to lose their lives and years of rebuilding, in which an unforgettable promise had been made. A promise of evil.

“Bathzier had said even with him gone and the war over his evil would move on to another. My father…” Sister Innet stopped. I looked around to see why and saw Sister Margeret scowling. Then I realized the last line she had said was “My father.” Before I could think any further on it Sister Innet began again.

“Many did not believe Bathzier. In 002 of the Iron age Bathzier’s words had come true. Fortunately we were able to contain the evil, but only that.

“There was only one who could have destroyed the evil. A young female warrior of sixteen years, who fought to what many believe to be a draw. She didn’t give up. Forty-eight years passed before she was able to restrain the evil and force it into a dormant stage. But at the same time it cost her, her life.

“The evil will return once again, but it is weak and needs time to recuperate. Calculations show us that in 1600 years the power will have enough strength to reveal itself again.

“A female warrior will rise and finally destroy this evil. She will need proper training and discipline. That is why funding for the Coven St. Jeanette has begun. A coven is believed to be a group of witches or a place for those of religious beliefs. But this one will not. Coven St. Jeanette will be a haven for females to train in the arts of fighting.

“This shall be the first of many, but Coven St. Jeanette will always be the first of its kind. One last significance lies within this coven. Its name. Jeanette was the one who died fighting against the evil.”

Sister Innet had finished. It was a lot to take in and very overwhelming. “Am I the female warrior who is to defeat this evil?” I asked.

“Yes,” Sister Margeret replied calmly. “Your journey ahead is to be long and hard, but I know you can do it Riley.” She said this with the same compassion she had had years ago.

“Everything has been planned out for the next month for you. You are to stay in the coven for three weeks. During which time you will be gathering supplies for a week’s journey. In the beginning of the fourth week you will leave.” I felt as if Sister Margeret was racing through these instructions even though she was going at reasonably slow pace. “You will be heading to the Withering Forest and then to Withering Castle.” My eyes went wide.

“With-Withering Castle,” I stumbled.

“Yes, Riley Withering Castle. It is home to Xavier who we believe is harnessing this evil.” History had spoken of Xavier and his family many times before. But never anything good, and I was being sent to kill this man. Sister Margeret had stopped. I took the opportunity to ask the question that had been lurking in my mind.

“Why me?” I squeaked. Sister Margeret’s expression did not change, but it was not her who answered.

“Riley, think you were practically born at this coven. You know it’s secrets and your teachers have assured me you are one of their most pleasurable students. You have grown up here and are the most experienced by far,” explained Sister Innet.

She was right about one thing I had grown up at the coven, but I wasn’t the most experienced. “Why not send one of the graduated Sisters?”

“Riley,” Sister Margeret said sternly, “stop questioning yourself. For now your mission is for surveillance. The true test will not begin until after graduation.” I was a little taken aback.

“Sister Margeret please,” said Sister Innet. I didn’t want to look at either of them, so I looked out the window. It opened up into a small courtyard that was usually deserted. But it wasn’t. Carter was out their sweeping. He looked up and our eyes met. But how did he see me? I wanted to turn away, except I couldn’t so I closed my eyes.

“Riley,” I finally turned away from the window and faced Sister Innet. “Graduation is to take place in six weeks. If you follow on schedule you should be back within four giving you two weeks to do as you please.” Sister Innet paused to take pieces of parchment out of her desk. “Here I have two maps. One is of Withering Forest and how to get there. The other is of Withering Castle and it’s many tunnels. Just like other castles you have studied there are secret passageways. You are to only enter the castle through the ones listed on the map, and no others.”

I took the maps without saying a word. Sister Margeret cleared her throat and began to speak. “Riley, you must understand this is very important. Your questions will be answered in time, but for now just do as your told.” I nodded not knowing what to say. “Report back to Sister Innet after you have returned. I will not be here unfortunately.” I nodded again.

Sister Innet broke in, “Before you leave just remember you can’t tell anyone about your mission. When you return to me in a month’s time I will give you a cover story for where you have been. Until then Riley.” That was my queue to leave. I got up and walked towards the door. “Oh and Riley take the book. You won’t need it anytime soon, but it may help you on your journey.” I walked back over to retrieve the book.

I turned to Sister Margeret and said, “It was nice seeing you again.” That made her smile. When I was about to open the door she spoke.

“Beware of loose floorboards.” With that I walked out into the corridor.

***

Instead of going straight to my room I walked about the halls aimlessly. I was still holding the book Sister Innet had gave me and it was heavier then I had thought it ought to be.

“Riley! Riley!” I stopped and turned around to see who was calling my name. It was Sam. She was running up towards me.

“Hello, Sam. Your all covered in mud,” I said

“I’m always covered in mud!” she said enthusiastically. “So how did it go?”

“How did what go?” I asked. We started walking in the direction of our rooms.

“Your meeting!” said Sam.

“Oh right. Well, I guess it went well. I’m just confused. It felt like I was in there forever, and yet everything happened so fast.” Sam laughed at this.

“That’s life for you. So what is you mission?” I knew this was coming.

“I can’t talk about it.” Sam just shrugged.

“That’s not uncommon. Half the missions given out around here are confidential.” I let Sam do most of the talking while we walked back to our rooms. She asked me questions like when was I leaving and for how long, and what was the book I was carrying. I answered as best I could, but finally Sam just gave up and began to talk about her day.

She was taking a breather during her story about how she had found Bernadette hiding in a tree during training when I said, “I saw Carter.”

“Where?” Sam asked puzzled.

“During my meeting. I saw him when I looked out the window and our eyes met,” I explained.

“But the courtyard outside the missions office is usually empty,” replied Sam.

“I know.”

“Hm…that’s weird.” We had reached the dormitories. “I got to go clean off Riley, but I’ll see you at dinner right?”

“Definitely,” I hadn’t realized how hungry I was, but dinner was still a while away. I continued down the hall towards my room. I entered and closed the door behind me.

After putting the book on my desk, I flopped down onto my bed and looked up at the ceiling.

“What have I agreed to?”

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the next chapter jumps back to the present. And I was so surprised how long this chapter ended up being. Its only size twelve font and it took up almost ten pages. I find that pretty good.

Thanks for reading.