In The Beginning

"It was hunt or be hunted. A truly horrible world. It was you, or them. Never both. It didn't matter your skill or beauty. You were destined for death." The frail woman before me spoke ominously. Her grey hair in a tight bun and her eyes sharp. She took her time, rocking in her chair.

Oh how I loved this story. It was indeed my favorite. It was about my ancestors. Just knowing I was related to them thrilled me.

"A woman, all alone had changed that horrid fate. She was beautiful and wise. She helped many with her unique gift. The gift to heal." Something flickered in Granny's eyes. It always did when she wove tales for me.

"Rumors of her gift spread across the land, providing hope. However, not everyone wanted to change. Not everyone wanted hope. These people were known as Beasts. They terrorized everyone! It didn't matter who you were, they would subject you to pain." Granny continued to rock in her chair, this time beckoning me over to sit in front of her.

Scooting over I could feel her hands gently brush through my hair. It was a soothing feeling while she told the tale.

"The king of the Beasts, the absolute ruler heard wind of this and took matters into his own hands. He sent out battalions to destroy cities and the people within." Thunder clapped outside, the atmosphere more intense.

I always enjoyed the thunder. It was magnificent to listen to while watching lightening streak across the sky.

"What happened next Granny?" I questioned quietly.

"The young maiden from before had heard of this and realized the she alone would not be enough. And so she sent off in hopes of finding people to help her. This is when she met her lover, the infamous wizard Beo. He was a master in the arts of wizardry. She begged for his help, only to be given a choice. He would help her for the price of her hand in marriage. Everything comes at a price." The candle's flickered and the lightening blasted. I could feel the shivers travel up my spine.

"Are you scared little one?" Granny mused.

"Not one bit!! Tell me more!" I huffed. I was not scared!

"She agreed. If this is what she must do, then so be it. And so the two set off, in hopes of finding a compromise to the Beasts and their wretched plans. It went well for the most part. However, they could never get a direct audience with the Beast King. He neglected their pleas. And so a coup d'é tat was thrown, with allies of the Beast kingdom by their side." Granny explained to me.

"What's a coup d'é tat?" I asked her while fiddling my fingers.

"It's the overthrowing of the government by it's people." Granny spoke softly and continued to brush my hair.

"Back to he story. They had a successful coup d'é tat and were able to finally create peace in the land. The King of the Beasts had fled with a select few of his trusted knights. He vowed he would return after he put a curse on the young maiden. A curse that would last for generations. Any woman that was a descendant of her would be gifted with her powers, but at a price. Each time their powers were used, the king would know. He vowed to destroy her and her bloodline." Granny spoke solemnly.

I shivered. I could tell that the end of the tale wouldn't be here for a while.

"And that is why, dear Princess, you must never use your Great-Great Grandmother's gift. Ever." Granny stopped brushing my hair and stood up.

"Time for bed little one." Her kind smile reminded me that I had no need for any special powers. I had everything I wanted here.

At least that's what I had thought.