Chapter 1: On Patrol
Satis runs through the foliage, slowing only when neared the entrance of the largest cave. Any warmth had left, and the smell of smoke coming off the torches at the mouth was the only source of warmth she had. She ducks under a crowd of bushes, hearing more approaching from behind. She still could not see their faces, but now she can see the cornucopias they each had in hand. The last few stragglers carry an unconscious boy, bound and muzzled. She briefly considers if he is one of the many missing children across the region. One grabs the torches, and Satis watches as the light dims the further into the cave the troupe goes. She leaves her cover and follows.
Despite living here briefly as a child, the cave was more daunting now than it was then. The darkness is expected, but the silhouettes of the group she followed loom directly at the entrance. Symbols she does not recognize are carved into the stone, with animal bones littered across the floor. The air was tepid and heavy, and only the breeze from the outside could calm Satis’ lungs. Without any light of her own, she could only tiptoe her way towards the brief light she could see. She could see that this fire burned red and green by the way it reflected off the walls. She was close enough to hear them speaking, but could not decipher their words. Taking a deep breath, she hopes that it will give her the courage she needs. This is where they slept. This used to be their safe haven. Now it’s the sacred home to whatever deeds this new faith partakes in.
“Ruler of the Underworld” The words left Satis frozen in her stride. “For another moment with those who we have lost, we exchange one life for another” A chill took over her body when she sees a cloaked figure approach the slate of stone next to the flame.
Satis caught the reflection of a blade catching the light. The boy they carried was now laid on an altar, ignorant of his fate. She turns away, closing her eyes before she can see the blade come down. As she opened them, shadows fill the empty space with whispers and screams combined. In the darkness, she can see a silhouette form before her. A familiar face attached to a memory she had tried to lock away. The sight of the blue eyes invokes a smile she cannot control. She reaches her hand out to touch the figure, but a hand shoots out to pull her away. The sudden grip startles her, but her focus is still on the ghostly smile of the little boy before her.
“Now would be the perfect time for us to leave” Xenia whispers, covering her friend’s mouth with her other hand. “Before they notice us” Satis nods, allowing Xenia to guide her out of the cave. Before they can reach the exit, the shadow returns, enveloping them. Xenia, unaffected by its presence, continues to drag the Egyptian out. The face reappears, causing Satis to stumble, which awakens a cauldron of bats. Others in the cave scream. Satis unsure if it’s the bats she had awakened or the shadows that filled the cavern. Satis briefly looks over her shoulder to see the shadow of the worshipers grow larger, knowing that they are aware of their intrusion. “RUN!” Xenia picks her back up and takes off. With one last glance behind her, Satis quickly follows.
The adrenaline pumping through her veins temporarily distracts her from the path Xenia is taking them through. Satis looks around them, taking note of the familiar terrain. The path of cypress trees catches her eye, encouraging her to slow down. “Wait! Xenia!” Xenia turns, feet catching on a nearby root. Satis is running to her aid before she can hit the ground, but Xenia fall turns into tumble right into the direction of excluded house at the bottom of the hill.
Her mind briefly reminds her of the situation they are in, but she can only watch as her friend rolls into the den of a witch. Xenia stops just short of the door. She waits, hoping the noise she caused wasn’t enough to wake the home’s inhabitant. The brunette dusts herself off once she gathers the courage to stand. She turns and grins at Satis, who returns her smile with a breath of relief. She follows her down the hill until they are face to face. Satis leans her forehead against Xenia’s, closing her eyes. Xenia waits until her friend calms down and opens her eyes. The smile on her face promptly fades as she hears the door behind her open, and a hand falls on her shoulder.
As if she could sense the tension, Satis opens her eyes and finds a pair of cloudy yellow eyes meeting her own hazel ones. “You two have strayed quite a bit away from home, yes?” The elder woman steps to the side, inviting them in. Their feet seem to accept the invitation before their mouths can properly respond. “I did not expect to have company so late” Her kind smile disarms them. The smell of incense permeates the air as she walks to her table, motioning for them to sit.
“We didn’t expect to be here either” Xenia answers. The woman tilts her head in question. “We were running from the caves”
“Ah, the new spiritual movement that originates from the caves. It was only a matter of time before their ideals spread”
“You know about them?” Satis asks surprised.
“I’ve dealings with fanatics of the underworld before, but this group is different” she tsks. “Motivated by love and loss. My heart hurts for them, but it would be foolish to ignore their actions”
“Are they responsible for the missing children?” Satis’s question invokes a laugh from the older woman. Her white hair glimmers in the candlelight. It contrasts well with the purple robe she adorns.
“Of course not, dear. These woods are protected. None more safe than the children who dwell in them” Her eyes flit to the symbol hanging from Satis’s neck. “I never knew there were Egyptians in Erada.” Satis touches the eye of Horus necklace resting on her chest.
“Our inhabitants are none of your concern” Xenia steps in front of her friends, shielding her from any attack that might come her way. “We keep our distance for a reason”
“Do not work yourself up. I have no intention of harming you, your friend, or your village.” Her tone was warm and welcoming, giving Satis some comfort. “You have a dark shadow following you” She announces, staring directly at Satis, wiping any comfort the words before brought her. “Nevertheless, the dealings of gods should not vex you” They watch her closely as she crosses the room, grabbing two garments. “The night wind is harsh. Take these and head home” She escorts them to the door before they can reply. Slightly confused, the pair walk slowly down the path they tumbled earlier. Unaware of the glowing form watching their movement from the thickets behind the witch’s home. As soon as the duo are out of sight, the form blends into the foliage as if it was never there to begin with.
