Meeting Madeline

---Aaron---

The wind stopped. The howling, shrieks, and chanting stopped. It was dead silent in the inn, except for my own heavy breathing. I turned to look at Ashley and Rachel, still standing side by side. Ashley's long black hair settled around her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face. The fire and determination in her eyes was so strong it was unnerving. Some hair had escaped from Rachel's ponytail, yet it only made her look more regal and powerful. Her eyes also held fire, but beyond that—power. Their dresses stopped fluttering and settled down. I took a good look at these sorceress dresses.

They were black and ankle length, and the skirt was slightly ruffled. Ashley's dress was a V-neck, showing off her collarbones. The sleeves were wide at the bottom and had a lace covering. Her corset was also lace, overlaid with intricate purple swirls and symbols. I could tell that there was a cloak pinned to her shoulders with two silver heart-shaped clasps.

Rachel's dress was similar. Black lace formed a V under the square neckline, and the sleeves were long and flowy. Her skirt was pinched at the waist and poofed up a little, almost like a ball gown. A cloak was around her neck with a single golden clasp in the shape of a leaf. Both girls looked intimidating in their dresses, not to mention that Ashley still held a wand that was trailing purple magic in her hand.

"What is this? What is this witch craft?" someone squeaked out. It was a middle aged man, cowering in the corner. Everyone looked at Ashley and Rachel with fear. Even Indigo, Jason, and Lucian shrank away.

"It's a long story. But I promise you, we're not witches," Rachel said. Her shoulders sagged, and suddenly she looked tired and drained.

"But the magic—the spells—" someone else stuttered.

"The chosen seven," a voice said. Everyone turned to look at an old woman hunched over her cane. She took a step forward and pointed her cane at the seven of us.

"The prophecy came true. You are part of the chosen seven," she stated firmly. "I can see it in you. You are the spellmaster, and you are the healer." She pointed to Ashley and Rachel. "I knew you all would come one day. I've finally waited till your arrival."

"The chosen seven? But how?" the middle aged man peeped out.

"You guys are the chosen seven?" Edward stood up shakily.

"Yes. We are." Indigo stood up too. She turned to face the townspeople in the inn. "We are on the quest in ridding the world of Evils. We're doing all that we can."

"But they're only children!" someone protested. "How can they be expected to save the world?" Murmurs of argument erupted.

"Everyone just saw what two of these 'children' are capable of," the old woman snapped. The room fell silent again. I knew that this old woman wasn't just any old hag. She was someone with authority. Someone special.

"I've been waiting my whole life for this day," she continued. "I am Madeline Rowan of Silver Creek, healer and prophet. I do meddle in a bit of sorcery myself, and I must say that I am very impressed." Ashley and Rachel turned pink with pride. Indigo gasped.

"You're Madeline Rowan? The Madeline Rowan?" Her eyes were fixed on the old woman and her cane. "You're Princess Madeline of House Rowan! You're the famed prophet and sorceress Madeline! You're the most powerful sorceress in the past century!"

The old woman smiled and straightened. I saw a flash of her beauty and regality in the midst of her wrinkles and white hair. In her eyes, I saw the same power and fire that I saw in Ashley's and Rachel's during the battle.

"You certainly know your historical figures," Madeline said. "I'm pleased to know that youngsters like you haven't forgotten all about us."

"How can we forget? You're one of the greatest people in all of history!" Lucian blurted. "My parents were once taught by you!"

"Ah, as did many others. But enough chit-chatting. I have important business here today. Before we get to that, though, why don't you check on your friend there?" Madeline nodded in my direction. I looked down at Katherine. Her fingers twitched.

"Kath?" I whispered. Her eyes fluttered open. A pair of wide grey eyes stared back at me, panic in its midst.

"Aaron?" She struggled to sit up. "My sword—I need my sword—"

"Shh, it's okay, you're safe," I soothed. "Your sword is upstairs, right? You can hold mine for now if it makes you feel better."

Katherine shook her head. "I felt the battle," she said quietly. "I felt the magic fighting against whatever that was in me. I tried to fight, but I couldn't. I was so helpless." She collapsed against me. "I'm so useless without my sword. I'm always so useless."

"Don't say that," I said. "You're the best fighter among all of us. You're the best warrior in all of Crystallea." At that, Katherine cracked a smile.

"That's not true Aaron," she said. "Anyhow, I still need my sword."

"Child, you don't need your sword." Madeline interrupted. Katherine's head snapped up and stared at Madeline.

"She's Madeline Rowan," I said helpfully. Katherine's eyes widened.

"You—!" Katherine jumped up suddenly, surprising everyone in the room. "Madeline Rowan, prophet and sorceress of Silver Creek?!"

"Ah, you still remember." Madeline smiled. For some reason, it was a little unsettling.

"Of course I remember." Katherine had a weird expression on her face. Was it anger? Fear? Or something else? "Stop acting. Show us your true self!"

"With pleasure." Before my eyes, Madeline started to transform. Her wrinkles smoothed and her white hair grew long and pale. Her back straightened. Magic ran up and down the length of her body, changing. Soon standing before us was a beautiful middle-aged lady with long blonde hair that reached the small of her back. Her clothes had changed from an old grandma's comfy sweater and slacks to a loose-fitting silver dress much like those of Ashley and Rachel. A thin stick appeared in her right hand, where an opal ring shone on her middle finger.

"Wait, isn't she an old lady?" I heard Jason ask quietly.

"She's the most powerful sorceress in the past century; I'm pretty sure she can make herself look as young as she wants to," Lucian whispered back.

The crowd drew back. This was too much for them. Too many uncommon events had happened all in the short span of less than an hour. Madeline grinned and stepped into the center of the room, across from Katherine. She raised her stick—a wand, I realized. Only the most powerful sorcerers and sorceresses had wands. Katherine stepped into her battle stance, but she was weaponless.

How was Katherine going to fight against the most powerful sorceress of all time? She can't even defend herself with a few simple spells—she's a warrior, not a spellmaster. Not to mention, Katherine didn't even have her sword with her.

What happened between them two before? Why does Katherine recognize Madeline?

Most importantly, what are Madeline's true intentions of being here?