Free A Witch's Curse by Paul Martin Page B

medicine. My name is Adele, by the way.”
    Reaching into a pocket, Adele pulled out a small vial. “Drink this, Sarah.” While Sarah drank from the vial, Adele asked, “Why don’t I start the meeting for you?”
    As they talked, robed figures continued to file out of the tunnel behind Adele. Each carried a tall, white, lighted candle. Carolyn counted eleven women in all; at least, she assumed they were women. Under those robes, one wasn’t able to tell what sex the person might be, or even if a person hid underneath.
    Adele took her and Sarah by the arm and led them to the altar, placing Sarah to her right and Carolyn on her left. Adele raised her arms over her head, “Sisters of Wexford Coven,” she said in a loud voice. “Tonight we are assembled for two purposes. The first is to elect a new High Priestess to succeed our beloved Ester. High Priestess Ester made her choice of successor known to me before she died. She wanted Sarah to succeed her and I’m sure you will all agree. How do you vote, my sisters?”
    Silently, every sister encircled the altar and raised their candles. Carolyn assumed this meant they voted yes and raised her candle as well. Adele gave her a reassuring smile.
    “ Thank you, my sisters. Ester would be glad you approved of her choice.” Adele turned to a robed figure, standing slightly to her side, to open the small, ornate, wooden box the woman held and lifted a pentagram shaped medallion with a thick silver chain attached. Adele asked, “Sarah Burns, daughter of the Goddess of Fire, do you accept our highest honor to become the next High Priestess of Wexford Coven?” As Adele placed the medallion over Sarah’s bowed head, every member bowed in supplication to Sarah.
    “ Sisters, we are also here tonight to bring a new member into our fold. Our newest initiate, I am pleased to say, is none other than Ester’s granddaughter, Carolyn Waters. Carolyn, is it your wish to join the Wexford House Coven?”
    Carolyn duplicated Sarah's response with a low bow, then feared she did something wrong when Adele removed a small vial from the still open box, not another medallion. Adele handed Carolyn the vial and told her to drink.
    Turning to face the coven, Adele said. “My sisters, how say you? Do you accept Carolyn to be your new sister?”
    Again, each sister raised her candle high. Carolyn let out an audible breath of relief, surprised at how much she really wanted to be a member of her Grandmother’s coven, carry on in the family tradition even if this wasn't exactly banking. From Sarah’s subtle hints, Carolyn knew there would be more to this ceremony. Silently, she bowed to the others and waited anxiously, not exactly sure what would come next.
    Adele handed her candle to Sarah and helped Carolyn remove her cloak, leaving her to stand in front of the coven in nothing but her birthday suit, shivering in the cool, damp air. What the hell did I get myself into? I’m standing naked in front of a bunch of hooded strangers, and yet, for some odd reason, I’m not the least bit scared or embarrassed. So why does this feel so perfectly normal? What’s happening to me?
    Adele retrieved her candle and stepped back, allowing Sarah to assume control of the ritual. Sarah stepped to the altar, her eyes clearer, and fastened a blue sapphire pendant around Carolyn's neck; exactly like the one Sarah wore every day.
    Sarah chanted, “Goddesses of Air and Water, Goddesses of Fire and Earth, Goddesses of the Moon and Sun, hear me. I present for your approval, your newest daughter, Carolyn Waters.” Sarah then indicated for Carolyn to lie down on the altar.
    Carolyn climbed onto the stone slab, surprised how warm the altar felt on her flesh , and laid flat on her back. Hands grabbed her ankles and pulled her legs wide apart, tying them to the corners at the end of the altar. Other hands tied down her right arm. Her left arm remained free until Sarah took her wrist in one hand and held an athame high in