Overcome

Lord Alderach opened the doors to his chambers, hearing the cry of his newborn babe. His wife lay in their bed, holding a bundle of cloth that was screaming for the realms to hear.

Stepping closer, he saw the babe’s wrinkly red face and couldn’t help but smile. He turned to his wife, who mirrored his grin. “It’s another girl.” She said, pride beaming through her words.

Lord Alderach would never tell her this, but his stomach twisted slightly in fear at the thought of another witch running around. Not that he feared his wife and daughters, no, he feared for them. The world did not look kindly on witches, feeling them to be the pawns of the Devil himself.

Lady Alderach was one of the strongest witches in her bloodline, and she was fully confident her daughters would share in her strength. She also knew her husband was worried for all of their safety, but she did not share in his fears. Her family had lived in secret for centuries, staying hidden in the powerful and influential families of their lands.

“What shall we name her?” Lord Alderach asked, stomping down his fears and trading them for excitement.

“Let us talk to the truth-seers, and we can decide then.” Lady Alderach refused to name a babe they would have to give up, she had seen her mother do it with her younger twin sisters.

A tiny knock came to the door, and a maidservant poked her head into the chambers. “Lord, Lady, forgive me. Young Breata is asking to come in, she is eager to meet her younger sibling.”

From outside the open door, Lord and Lady Alderach could hear their elder daughter demanding to be let in. Lord Alderach chuckled at her antics, Breata could be quite a handful when she had her mind set to something. She would one day be a force to be reckoned with, and he pitied whoever asked for her hand in marriage.

Lady Alderach waved for the maid to let Breata into the chamber before giving Lord Alderach a pointed look that clearly meant for him to go round up the truth-seers. He sighed but obliged her, knowing from experience that the only one with a stronger will than his daughter was his wife.

Breata ran into the room, launching herself onto the bed next to her mother. She was an energetic and stubborn child, around twelve seasons old, and had not yet come into her abilities. She pulled on her mother’s arm, desperate to see her little brother or sister.

Lady Alderach tilted her arms to show Breata the now-sleeping babe in her arms. “This is your little sister.” She said gently.

“I didn’t want a little sister.” Breata pouted immediately. “I want a brother.”

“I’m sorry, my heart. The fates decided you needed a sister.” Lady Alderach braced herself for the tantrum she knew was coming, adjusting her arms to keep as much of the noise as possible from the sleeping infant.

Breata took a deep breath before releasing a scream so loud it was a miracle the wardrobe mirror stayed intact, demanding this sister be sent away and a brother be brought in her place. She began to smack at the tiny bundle in her mother’s arms, desperately trying to hit the babe inside.

About that time, Lord Alderach returned with the truth-seers. He grabbed Breata from the bed and held her tight against him, waiting for her to ride out her tantrum. They had learned from experience that there was no stopping this until Breata was ready to be finished, no matter how they tried to discipline her.

Lady Alderach waved her hand at her screaming daughter, putting her into an instant sleep. She hated to do it, but it was the only way to stop her daughter long enough to hear what the truth-seers were trying to tell them. The wake-up tantrum was going to be horrid, but they would deal with that later.

“Lady Alderach, we have seen the fate of your daughters.” The truth-seers said, speaking as one. They only spoke as one, one voice, though no mouth moved. It was unsettling to say the least.

“Daughters?” She asked, glancing to Breata before giving the truth-seers her full attention.

“Their fates are tied together.” They spoke again. “We told you before that Breata will share your strength, she will be stronger than any before her.”

“I remember.” Lady Alderach smiled with pride.

“We did not tell you the entire truth. Breata will be stronger than any before her, but your second-born will be stronger still. They will feud, and Breata’s jealousy will get the better of her. She will have a decision to make, one that will change the outcome of your lineage for generations to come.” They did not speak again, leaving without waiting to be dismissed. Thus was the curse of the truth-seers, they gave what they deemed safe and left when they were done.

Lady Alderach looked between her two daughters, calling upon her own ability to see their fates. A witch could not die until their fate was achieved, and Lady Alderach was lucky enough to read fates. She could not read what would lead to them, and she had no idea if they could be changed.

Looking at the bundle in her arms, she saw a happy marriage to a knight. She saw children, grandchildren, a long and happy life.

When Breata was born, her fate read that she was to be the next leader of their lands. She was to marry a nobleman, having children of her own and leading their lands to prosperous times. Now, however, things were different. She saw a girl with flaming red hair and dull eyes, a man with long blonde hair, and a strange green contraption with odd wheels and windows on the sides.

She also saw four names, each bearing significance. Andreca, Melanie, Ina, and Glenn. Looking back to the bundle in her arms, Lady Alderach gave her youngest daughter the name she was destined for.

Andreca.