6. The Amulet

-- Alena --

The bustling street unfolded like a lively tapestry, its edges adorned with stalls that stretched as far as the eye could see. On either side, vendors meticulously arranged their wares, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. The air buzzed with the animated chatter of buyers and sellers engaged in the age-old dance of commerce.

Every stall seemed to boast its own unique charm, offering an eclectic array of goods that beckoned passersby. Vibrant fabrics billowed in the wind, catching the sunlight, while the scent of spices mingled with the aroma of freshly baked goods. A symphony of sounds surrounded me — the rhythmic clinking of metalware, the lively calls of vendors promoting their products, and the laughter of patrons haggling for the best deals.

Amid the vibrant cacophony, a gentle yet persuasive voice rose above the rest like a melodic refrain. "This would look lovely on you, my dear." Intrigued, I turned to face the source, discovering an elderly woman with a presence that transcended the bustling marketplace. The stall she managed was a veritable treasure trove, adorned with a dazzling array of beautiful jewelry. Diamonds sparkled like captured starlight, and gemstones winked with a rainbow of colors. The elderly vendor, with weathered hands that spoke, held forth an exquisite piece.

Intricate links of gold, meticulously wrought, formed an elegant chain that draped seamlessly, creating a delicate framework for the centerpiece. At the heart of the necklace rested a sizable blue gemstone, capturing the essence of the deep ocean in its rich hue. The gemstone, cradled within a golden setting, emanated a mesmerizing brilliance that danced with every movement. Its facets catch and refract light, creating an ever-changing play of colors that evoke a sense of desire.

As my fingers delicately encircled the exquisite necklace, a subtle energy seemed to awaken at the touch. The moment my skin made contact with the vibrant blue pendant, an enchanting sensation rippled through my hand, carrying with it a whisper of magic. The necklace responded to the connection as if recognizing a kindred spirit. A soft glow emanated from it, casting a warm aura that mirrored the ethereal beauty of the gemstone. The magical energy coursed through my hand, a gentle yet invigorating flow that transcended the physical realm. As the enchantment traveled through my body, a sense of serenity enveloped me, as if the necklace held a reservoir of ether. Colors seemed to intensify, and the ambient sounds of the bustling marketplace momentarily faded into a distant hum.

"Witch!" A woman's scream tore through the silence, a jolt of raw emotion that shattered the walls in my mind. It echoed with an urgency that snapped me out of my haze, an arresting sound that demanded immediate action, leaving lingering ripples of disquiet in its wake. "She's a Witch!"

The moment the gem slipped from my grasp, a sudden void consumed me, the magic dissipating with my relinquished hold. Stepping back from the booth, a profound stillness cloaked me as I observed the crowd converging. Panic etched itself onto the faces of men, women, and children alike. The murmurs of discontent swelled into an angry chorus, echoing through the air. In the distance, the clamor of approaching soldiers added urgency to the unfolding scene. A ripple of anxiety coursed through me as I trembled, gazing one final time at the old woman. "You glowed," she whispered. A mirror hung on a twisted post, and my reflection revealed tendrils of cerulean sparks dancing on my irises, a manifestation of the latent magic that had just escaped from within.

"Arrest her!" his yell reverberated, a disorienting echo in my mind. Suddenly, hands seized mine, wrenching them forcefully behind my back and pressing them tightly. The shock of the unfolding situation left me standing there, frozen and paralyzed. The surrounding commotion blurred into urgent whispers and hurried footsteps. The world seemed to tilt on its axis as I struggled to comprehend the swift turn of events.

A man grasps my wrists, binding them behind me, my hands throbbed with an uncomfortable pressure. At that moment, a surge of strength radiated through me, fueled by the injustice of my situation. With a sudden burst of determination, I resisted the hands that sought to imprison me. My muscles strained as I fought against the binds, as I desperately attempted to break free from the clutches.

The surrounding voices escalated, a mixture of surprise and anger. The courtyard transformed into a battleground where my struggle for freedom intensified. The accusing eyes now widened with shock as the unexpected struggle unfolded before them.

Amid the chaos, a voice, stern and commanding, shouted orders to subdue me. The struggle intensified as I pushed against the force that sought to confine me. The weight of my body was insufficient against the mountainous soldiers that confined me. They slammed me to the ground. My face met a grim blend of excrement and mud, saturating my senses. Tears streaked down my cheeks, and a sharp pain seared through my face from the force of the impact.

Amid the clamor of the crowd, a voice I recognized screamed out, "ALENA!" Looking up, I saw Caleb forcefully pushing through the chaotic mass of people. Suddenly, a pitchfork whizzed through the air, finding its mark on a soldier who was pinning me to the ground. Caleb surged through the armored men with unprecedented speed and strength, fighting his way closer to me.

The atmosphere shifted as Caleb approached, a whirlwind of fists and kicks demolishing the front line of soldiers. However, they quickly formed a defensive barrier around him, preventing him from reaching me.

Tears clouded my vision and a hum muffled my hearing as they relentlessly attacked Caleb, using their combined weight to subdue him. Simultaneously, a fresh soldier pressed his knee into my back, securing my thrashing limbs against the harsh street. A man in red garments and steel-plated armor knelt between Caleb and me. Kneeling just a short distance away, the exchange of words between Caleb and the commander was muffled until the latter rose, turning to face me. "She will hang." The Commander's voice was calm and triumphant.

A sinister shadow materialized behind him, and the two soldiers flanking Caleb were sent hurtling into the crowd of onlookers. The leader staggered aside, revealing my brother with unsettling clarity. A dark, swirling aura emanated from Caleb's figure, his eyes ignited in a fierce crimson glow at the center of intricate black lines spreading across his skin, tracing down his face and neck. Waves of raw power surged from him, palpable in the air, as he took a deliberate step closer to me. He lunged forward with clawed hands towards the commander just before falling to the ground, revealing the man that was standing behind him, a sword hilt held tightly in the soldier's grasp. "Not so strong after all," the remark came from the commander as he motioned for his men to load me into the gaol wagon.

Inside the wagon, dim light filtered through barred windows, casting uneven patterns on the worn floor. The air carried a musty scent, and the wagon's aged interior echoed with the creaking of wheels and the occasional clink of chains. The wooden bench, offering minimal comfort, was a stark contrast to the distant sounds of footsteps and voices. My whole world has just been ripped away from me, and yet, a sense of ease settled through me. The energy that entered my body when I held that pendant was still sending sparks through my muscles, the tingling sensation lingering at my fingertips. The eagerness to reach into myself and pull more of that power to the surface was unbearable.

"What did you do to my brother?" I reached up to the barred window and asked the soldier who walked alongside the carriage. He took a sideways glance in my direction but remained silent. "Please, he's all I have, I need to know." I tried reaching through the bars, desperately trying to get the soldier to respond. He glanced at me again, this time he slammed his fist into the wall, causing me to retract my arm in fear that he would cut it off.

"Shut up, Witch." he remarked, he straightened his armor and quickened his pace slightly.

"You better keep your mouth shut." another soldier spat from behind me. I could only see his legs as he straddled the horse he rode, the metal of his armor rattling as the horse shifted beneath him. "I'd really enjoy my time with you if the Commander gives me the order to get in there and shut you up myself." I could hear the snicker in his voice as he anticipated the opportunity. I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to truly speak my mind. "So, please, keep talking." the other men around us chuckled, and I was once again reminded of the fact that I was a prisoner. Accused of being a witch. On her way to be hung.

I looked up, my eyes catching sight of a small section in the wagon wall, a series of notches were scratched into the wood. Thirty-six notches, I suppose if I had something sharp, it would be fitting to notch a thirty-seventh.