2 The Prophecy of the Five Immortal Guardians 2

"A hundred years ago, there was a prophecy. The High Priest at that time never let anyone know about it and even attempted to assassinate the Oracle who was the one who is blessed to hear the voices of the Five Immortals. Yes, it was never the High Priest who has the ability to hear the voices of the Immortals. They've built the Ypirétis around the first Oracle, the High Priest original role is to facilitate all the needs of the Oracle. When she should go out to meet the people and hear what the Gods have to certain individuals or arrange ceremonies and celebrations. But over time his role started to change, up to the point that the Oracle became a tool and the High Priest became the leader of the Ypirétis." She said. The way she said these make someone feel that she has personal knowledge about everything.

"The prophecy goes like this," she said and proceed on reciting.

In captivity we bless,

A child with a mark.

Will find the keys,

Release us in chains.

Reveal the truth,

A servant no longer serving

And shall rise among the heavens.

"And what does it have to do with us?" my husband asked. It took a while before Ezabell refocused on the present and answered.

"Because the child that was told in the prophecy was your child," she said. She looks straight into my eyes and added, "This is the reason why I made sure that we met and made sure that the two of you came together, although, even if I didn't do anything you will eventually meet and fall in love, just like what it should be."

"How can you prove that what you've said is the truth?" my father-in-law asked. Ezabell closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again, her once bright blue eyes now had an iridescent set of colors. A gasp came out of my mouth, I never saw her eyes like that before. I can feel that there's power in her gaze, powers that can build or destroyed kingdoms.

"Because I am the Oracle who made that prophecy. And on the same day they've murdered me, but what they didn't know was that the Immortal Guardians gave me an extended life until the child is ready to embark the life that she needs to walk," she stopped and smiled softly. She looked at me in the eyes with that mesmerizing eyes and said, "She had so much life in her, just like you and yes, your child is a girl."

I can't breathe, a girl. I am carrying a girl, I can't contain my happiness. But that happiness crash when the next words Ezabell utter.

"You have to give her up the moment that she is born, she will not grow up here," she said.

"No, No! You can't do this to me Eza!" I scream those words, my child will never be separated to me, she will grow up by my side as I guide her to be a lady.

"And why should my child needs to be separated from her parents?" Branton asked. His hands that were on my shoulder are shaking. Just thinking that our child would be separated from us, hurts.

"Because she will die on her first birthday if she remains here. Someone will find out about her and what she's destined to do. Do you? Want that for your child?" with that Ezabell left.

It's been a week since the party, and I am still trying to understand what Ezabell revealed to us. I put my hands over my still flat womb and think what would the future my child has if she has to be separated from me, from us. Who would look after her?

A knock sounded at the door and a maid came in and said, "Madame, Lady Ezabell is here to see you" she announced. I was nervous, I am scared at what I am about to do but I have to.

"Let her in," I said.

"You've made a decision." She stated. She knew it already I guess being an Oracle and all.

"Yes, but I have a favor...".

Eight Months Later

"When I told you to push, then push. Do you understand?" the midwife said to me and I just nod my head and start to breathe from my mouth.

It was ranging outside, lighting flash across the sky that illuminated into the room. I've been in labor for about twenty hours now and I'm getting exhausted. I wanted to close my eyes but the midwife warned me against it. My contractions are becoming more and more unbearable, it feels like something is reaping me apart. But I have to stay strong for my daughter, for my family.

Someone suddenly came inside my chamber, when I looked up I saw Ezabell, and she walked straight towards the bed. When she reached me, she put her hands on my bulging womb and said, "It's almost time Idalia, she is ready to come out. Heaven is welcoming her birth." she said as she looked out from the window at the ranging storm outside.

And just as she finished uttering the last word, the most painful contraction that I've experienced during this pregnancy reaps right through me. And the midwife said that I need to push as hard as I could. Then, she was out. And the most beautiful melody that I ever heard rang in the room. My child cries for the first time makes my heart beats faster than it should be, part elation, and part fear, because, she will be taken away from me today.

"Ezabell, please. Let me hold her just for a while, please." I beg. My voice was so weak and hoarse from screaming, but I try to say this request from a friend I called sister.

"Of course. I will give you and her father enough time to bond," after that, she walks to the door and called Branton into the room. And asked the maids to leave, then she took the child from the midwife and walks towards us and give my child to me, and she too left the room.

I looked at the daughter I just gave birth to. She has this crunched up face most newborn have. Her soft skin is so addicting, that I can't help but continue to touch, as gently as I could. "My love, the moment that I found out that you are growing inside me, I already love you with all that I am, but we have to let you go. To grow up without us, but your aunt Eza said that we would see each other again. That she will bring you back home. And we'll be waiting for you my star, My Astra." I whispered her name to her and weep.

"Astra, what a beautiful name I love it, my love," Branton said and reached his hand to hold our daughter. He kissed her forehead and memorized her face. He reached inside his pocket and pulled out a necklace. It was so beautiful, it seemed like you are looking at the vast night sky.

"I asked the artisan to make it looked like the night sky of our Kingdom, and make two bright stars in it. This symbolizes me and your mother, and the night sky is our Kingdom, your home. We are always waiting for you my little star," he said and tucked the necklace in her blanket.

We spend a few more precious minutes with her until Ezabell returned and readied to take her away.

"Where are you taking her?" I asked. Thinking that maybe, even just from afar I can see her.

Ezabell looked at me as if she knows what I was thinking, and maybe she does.

"Not here. Not here at Oliasea Continent," She paused.

"There is a world parallel from us called Earth, she would be safe there. We will return on her eighth birthday, but we will not come her straight. I already told you what she will be one day. I promise she will know your love. On my word," Ezabell said, and she walks away with our child.

I want to follow them, but Eza said that Astra would be much safer if we don't.

I looked as she took my daughter away and my heart broke a thousand pieces because of it.