Chapter One

“Is it permanent?”

“The last one’s was, I don’t see why it would be any different.”

The swarm of people pressed closer, each trying to get a look at the new addition to the family, no matter how afraid they were.

“Sad it had to happen again, Sadie and John are already in over their heads with the other one. How can they handle two of them?” The Elder shook her head. “They should have thrown them in the river when they had the chance, now these cursed children will ruin the village with their sinful nature.”

“Elder Sun?” A voice called deep within the crowd. “They’re ready for the blessing.”

Sun sighed as the villagers moved away from the stone path that led to the garden. She reached into her cloak pocket, pulling out a bottle of holy water. Everything was repeating itself, almost to the exact detail. Ten years had passed and it seemed as if in only seconds it could all happen again.

She took a deep breath and waited for the air in her lungs to disperse before walking down the aisle. The villagers bowed their heads as she passed, murmuring words of praise and good fortune to her. She frowned, the villagers were like lambs, following the Elder in the village as if they were a god. They needed to learn that He was god, not the person who spoke for Him.

The garden was lined with candles, giving off a dull glow. In the center was a woman, fair skinned with black hair and eyes the color of silver. She was carrying a bundle that held the child, no more then hours old.

Sun stepped into the circle, the light of the candles dancing across her face. She tensed as the infant lifted his head, already full of black hair, from Sadie’s chest. Its eyes were bright crimson, just like its brother’s. He examined her quickly, as if looking for flaws. He smiled after a moment, letting his new full set of teeth sparkle. He grew quickly, just like his brother.

The boy held out his arms, struggling to get out of the women’s arms.

Sun held out her hands. “May I?” The women nodded, almost flinging the infant into the Elder’s arms. The baby squirmed until his face was firmly pressed into the cloth. He yawned quietly, stretching his little legs and arms.

“What’s his name?” Sun asked.

“Matt.” The women said. “It’s short for Matthew, John picked it out.”

“He’s beautiful, Sadie.”

“So was his brother.” Sadie wiped away a tear before anyone could notice. “I never liked them; John wouldn’t let me give them away.”

“I know child, but he’s yours now.”

“I don’t want him to be!” Sadie sniffed. “How can I care for something I don’t understand? His brother’s already caused so much pain. Did you hear that John’s in the hospital?”

“Yes, I did.”

“And?”

“And it might be different this time.”

“What do you mean by “different”? Like I might be the one close to death this time?”

“Now Sadie, that’s not what I said.” Sun felt a nudge as Matt lifted his head out from under the blanket and pointed to Sadie.

“Ma.” He said.

“Yes Matty, that’s your mother.”

“Ma!” He repeated.

“He wants me to hold him.” Sadie sighed.

Sun gave the bundle back to it’s mother. She felt a twinge of sympathy for the child. He would grow up with a mother that hated him, and a village that despised him. Only minutes before she herself had said he would be a burden to the village.

“Well, we might as well get the blessing over with.”

“Might as well.” Sun agreed. Sadie held the baby’s face up while Sun unscrewed the holy water. She dipped her fingers into the bottle and lightly sprinkled the droplets onto his face. He cried as the liquid slide down his cheek, rubbing the skin with his fist.

“Shh.” Sun whispered. “It will be over it a moment.”

“Ow.” He cried.

“I know baby, I know.” Sun silently put her hand on Matt’s damp head and began to recite the same prayer she had done all those years ago: