| Caitlin: Priestess of the Goddess Chapter I |
Chapter I Full moon rose behind the ancient granite cliff. Owl, silhouetted against its bright silver, screamed a warning, and my heart leapt in fear. I wanted to leave my place in the line of maidens poised at the top of the path. I did not want to descend into the cave with its sacred pool. I did not want to participate in this ritual. The line began to move, and I stepped forward. We moved in blue-robed silence down the spiral path. This was my first ritual since becoming apprenticed to the Goddess and I was terrified that I would misstep or misspeak. I followed the flowing robe before me as my bare feet found familiar footholds in the stony path. Slowly, silently, rhythmically we moved, heads bowed, hands folded in respect. At the bottom we circled the sacred pool. I found my place at the western edge and waited. Yellow candles flickered on the altar stone. I tried not to look at you as you stood before the altar, feet and hands bound, but I could see the folds of your white robe hanging loose. I felt your eyes burning into me and I fought to remember my commitment to the Goddess and this ritual. Allianna raised her voice in prayer, and I joined my own to the circle’s chanted response, even as terror rose within me—terror for you, for my part in what was to happen. My hands slimy, my heart feeling as if it would burst from my chest, I suddenly doubted my commitment to the Goddess and wondered if She truly demanded this ritual. Serena sensed my wavering resolve and sent a sharp elbow into my ribs. Worried that my lapse had been discovered by Allianna, and fearing banishment from the circle, I resumed the chant, louder and clearer than anyone else. The singing ended, and power flashed around the circle, illuminating your face for a moment. The Goddess was pleased, and I could not believe we were doing anything but Her will. I had assumed I would be a watcher, and I stared in horror when Allianna pointed to me, designating me one of the bearers. No, I could not! Serena pushed me sharply forward, and I stumbled towards the altar, hands still folded in submissive blessing. I bowed my head so no one would see the tears streaming down my face. We knelt around you. You stood in our midst and accepted the prayers and blessings of Allianna. We rose, unbound your hands and feet, and stripped you of your robe. We tied stones to your feet. Each priestess lifted two stones from the pile. One priestess walked before you, one behind you, one to your right, and I walked to your left. My body felt icy, but I could feel your heat. We walked into the pool, until the water reached your waist. We tied the stones to your arms, your neck. We laid you back and placed the heaviest stone upon your chest. We held you for a moment, and then…I betrayed the Goddess…and Allianna…and my commitment to the sacred circle. I leaned close to you and whispered, “I love you. We will meet again, and I will give it back to you.” You nodded almost imperceptibly and disappeared beneath the blue-black water. |