Hecate's Harbinger

By Sinneth Blackthorn

 

I had been buried beneath marble stones. The breath from my lungs had grown stale. The blood in my veins had been drained from my motionless body. The endless void had claimed my soul, lulling me into a dreamless sleep. I had become a fading echo of the past, forgotten just like those before me. Until the night Hecate called me to serve twisted will.

I now walk the land, uncertain of my purpose. I feast on the darkness of others. Their flesh keeps my growing hunger at bay. I am guided by the white raven that leads me down this sin-carved path of mine. I yearn to return to the crushing depths of the abyss. The tranquility of my crypt as I am plagued by foreign emotions that do not belong to me. Out of spite, Hecate will not let me die.

The cult of the God of the Rising Sun has become a plague upon the Empire. To earn my peace and freedom, I must cull their numbers. Shatter the pillars that hold them above those they deem beneath them. Their bones will break, their flesh will tear, and the streets will run red with their blood. Their charred flesh will fill the air. They will know the wrath of the gods.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sinneth Blackthorn
• Release date: Nov 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223784722

Sinneth Blackthorn

Elizabeth is a young girl that struggles in her daily life. Her father is an abusive drunk ever since her mother left. She never had any friends growing up and felt alone in the world. A small ray of hope breaks through the dark storm clouds as she is finally eighteen and is looking for a place to live on her own. The creatures that stalk the shadows at night have other plans for her. She is hit by a car crossing the street and wakes up in the afterlife. This world isn’t perfect and free from suffering. She learns that the afterlife is more complex than she ever could have imagined as she learns a war between two demi gods left this world in pieces.  To survive this nightmare that is seeking to consume her must seek out the help from others and learn the dark secrets of the soul flames.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Adark, joyous tune carried by the bitter wind filled the air. Hecate wore a flowing black toga, plaguing the land with her presence. The ground blackened beneath her leather sandals as death followed in her tender footsteps. A white silk sash swayed at her side in perfect sync with the movement of her curved hips. Her long, midnight black hair flowed behind her back. She carried a pitcher made of the skulls of those lost to the sands of time.

She stared at the long-forgotten graveyard. Crumbling tombstones marked the ancient graves, others had been shattered into pieces by the elements. Old dead vines laid claim to the twisted, broken steel fence. The gate ripped from its hinges long ago laid half-buried.

In the center of it all stood an ancient, mysterious crypt once built by a forgotten kingdom, untouched by the hatred of men. Time itself preserving the hand-carved marble wonder. Two hooded, winged figures carved from stone guarded the door, their scowls forever cast in shadows.

A lone white raven flew overhead, its rallying cry filled the star-filled night sky. The white raven served as a harbinger of death, awakening what slept in the cold abyss.

Landing on the smooth stone steps of the crypt, it pecked at the smooth, ebon-colored door. Hidden runes etched along its edges, each one enchanted and blessed by the ancients.

The white raven leapt backwards, screaming at the door as the runes burst into flames. The ground violently shook, forcing the white raven to take flight. Those buried beneath the land clawed their way to the surface. Their bodies wasting away in the fresh air, and the overpowering stench of decay dominated the night as they started to turn to dust.

The crypt doors swung inward, consumed by the unyielding darkness. The undead lined the cracked stone pathway leading down the center of the graveyard. Each one kneeling, their heads bowed. Soon their dark oracle would walk the land.

A charred blackened hand reached out of the shadows, grasping at the edge of the crypt’s walls. A gasp shattered the silence as she took her first breath. Her ash-colored eyes drank the moon’s light as she stepped out of the shadows. Her skin was as pale as the moon. Her long, dark hair hung over her face in a matted mess. The bandages wrapped around her body barely held together, threatening to unravel.

Her body trembled as she struggled to make her way down the smooth, stone steps of the crypt. In one fluid motion, the undead slammed their right fists over their chests where their decaying hearts rested.

Each step she took threatened to topple her. Her lungs burned as if she breathed in poison. The land ached beneath her feet, crying out in protest. Collapsing to her knees, she managed to catch herself with her hands.

It would only take a simple thought; the land would open for her, lulling her back into an eternal slumber.

The cry of the white raven shattered her thoughts, circling above her. Her fingers curled into fists. Her legs shook as she struggled to stand. Pushing through the agonizing pain, she forced her body to straighten. Her muscles were stiff, her lungs burned with each deep breath she forced past her cracked lips.

The white raven took its place on her shoulder, calling for her strength. One painful step at a time, she made her way out of the graveyard. The wind howled at her, trying to slow her ascent. An unnatural abomination would soon cross over into the realm of the living.

The crypt doors slammed shut, the runes becoming dormant. No trace remained of the life they once held. The undead crumbled, becoming nothing more than a pile of dust, never to return to their restless slumber as she stepped over the dark threshold separating the two lands.

Hecate’s power flowed off her body in waves crashing upon my frail body. "Be still, my child," her voice demanding, bending my will as I fell to my knees. My back arched forward like a commoner bowing before their queen, my body trembling like the last frail leaf clinging to a dying tree.

She kneeled before me in the dirt, I dared to look up at her. Staring into the depths of her eyes, I saw my soul being swallowed by their endless darkness. The Triple Moon goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She had earned a ruthless reputation for being the goddess of revenge and judgment. My hand shook as I reached out, mesmerized by her beauty. Is she real? I had to know.

A cunning smile spread across her lips, my soul yearning to capture this moment for all eternity. Am I smiling? I couldn’t tell if I was smiling in return. My hand lingered near her face. Afraid... is this what fear feels like? Why can’t I remember it before this moment?

Drink. Her voice was soothing, caressing me. I accepted the pitcher made of bone, looking down at the contents. Blood? A strange red liquid too dark to mirror its surroundings. I looked up at her, my eyes pleading.

Her ageless face remained firm. Like a mother scolding her child. She had called me her child... was she my mother? Do I have a mother?

I felt my arms rising, bringing it closer to my cracked lips. I had no control over them. My will... is it shattered? Did I have it to begin with?

My thoughts were interrupted as the taste of the liquid flooded my mouth, racing down my throat, filling my stomach. I felt a pounding in my chest, I couldn’t remember the last time I felt my own heartbeat.

My eyes burned as my sense of taste returned. The taste of copper danced across my tongue. I silently screamed inside my mind, pleading with myself to stop. My body refused to listen. A part of me savored it. Deep down a part of me would long for more, like a child when their treat is taken away. Did this make me a monster?

The bone pitcher fell to the ground at my side, drained of all substance. I wanted to empty my stomach. Running to the nearest bush I stuck my fingers down the back of my throat. I could taste the bile creeping up my throat, refusing to leave my body.

The world spun as I collapsed to the ground. I tried to call out to her, unable to find my voice. Maybe I didn’t have one. What good would it do? Would a goddess even care to hear me voice my objections?

She stood over me, watching me as my body twisted in agony. I reached out for her, silently pleading for her to allow the grave to reclaim me. My children cry out too, much like you are now, she said, her voice cold and distant. Their world has become twisted by serpents claiming to speak for us! You will find them. My body was paralyzed as the pain wrapped around my body like a heavy blanket.

I forced myself to roll onto my stomach, I crawled in the dirt after her as she walked away from me. She looked back at me. Hope-filled my eyes as I saw a hint of pity in hers. P-Please... my voice was harsh and broken. The words burned my throat as were forced from my chest.

Darkness... it was so dark, like I had fallen into a raging ocean, pulling me down into its icy depths. My body was frozen, paralyzed as I struggled to breathe. I felt myself shivering in a desperate attempt to generate any warmth it could. Soon I would trade one crypt for another.

Come on girl, wake up. I heard an unfamiliar voice say to me.

I think she is coming around, a softer voice said. It sounded kind; I could hear the whispering hope in her words. I sat up desperately gasping for air, I couldn’t fill my lungs quick enough. Breathing through the pain, I fought back the liquid burning my eyes. I vaguely remember they are known as tears. I never truly understood their purpose, what I did know is they frightened me as much as the darkness had.

A woman wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close to her. I felt warmth radiate from her body. Along with something else... something I felt on a deeper level. Pushing into my core, caressing a long-forgotten part of my soul.

My fear faded as I focused on this... unknown emotion? Was it something I should feel? Should I be afraid of it?

Pulled away from my thoughts as a soft cloth was wrapped around me. I looked up into her eyes, they rivaled the light blue sky. Her chubby, rosy cheeks brightened her face. Sunflower, she reminded me of the happiness sunflowers once brought me. I remembered as a little girl running through a meadow of them. That man, in the meadow with me... father? Sadness... why are tears falling from your eyes, Father?

Ezekiel, the woman said, pulling me away from a long-forgotten time. Help me get her to the cart. He tried his best to be gentle as his callused hands slid under me. Long, brown hair grew from his face, nearly matching his deep brown eyes. I could see the fear in his eyes. Was he scared of me or scared for me?

He carried me over to a long wooden cart, a few crates rested in the back along with their other supplies. A shaggy white and brown horse pulled their wagon, waiting patiently for its next command. You’re lucky we came along when we did, he said, his voice rough. His skin was darkened from years spent under the sun.

The woman climbed into her spot on the wooden bench, her hands helping to guide me into place as he gently set me down next to her. She tightened the blanket around me. My name is Sarah; do you know your name? she asked. For a moment I had become lost in the gentleness of her voice, tugging at the depths of my chest.

I think the girl might be mute, Ezekiel said.

She ignored his words, her eyes staring at the land. My crypt had vanished, leaving dead and rotting trees in its place. Something evil is lurking out there, Ezekiel said more so to himself. The horse let out a whine of its own, shifting on its hooves. Ezekiel snapped the reins signaling the horse it was time to leave.

The wagon jerked back and forth from the dirt road. His words repeating in my mind... evil. Am I evil? A pulse echoed throughout me. A small seed planted in the depths of my soul long ago had awoken taking root, waiting silently to be nourished. Looking up into the sky, I saw the white raven following us.

Who would leave a girl to die on the side of the road like that? Sarah asked, anger burning in her voice. I didn’t like it when she was angry; I wanted the warmth of her voice again... I needed the warmth. I could feel the coldness inside of me, reclaiming what it had forfeited.

We are going to drop her off with the city guard, he said, his voice held no room for argument. I could still sense the uncertainty within him. I didn’t blame him for wanting to be rid of me. Sarah wrapped her arms around me, pulling me closer to her. My head rested on her shoulder.

Don’t you worry, she whispered in my ear. I wondered if she had a magical power, I felt safe in her arms. Safe enough to allow the void to carry me away.

I don’t remember dreaming, what would I dream about if they did come? I didn’t have a past to dream of, I had no future to fill me with hope. I merely existed for the sake of existing, unsure of my purpose.

Name and occupation? I heard a bored-sounding voice ask. My eyes fluttered open; a tall wooden gate lay before me. Wooden stalls lined the road with people walking to and from them. A man dressed in thick armor with bright colored fabric beneath stood near the old wagon.

Ezekiel, farmer by trade, this is my wife Sarah–

The guard held up his hand, cutting him off. I could see the tip of a feather rapidly going back and forth as he wrote on a piece of sheep’s skin.

The guard looked up at me, lust filling his eyes. And the girl? he asked, showing interest for the first time. I could sense the darkness inside of him. Colder... it was colder than mine, it held a vile taint to it that nearly made me nauseous.

This is my daughter, Sarah said wrapping an arm around my shoulder. Jezebel. I soon realized she was protecting me, protecting me from his darkness.

The guard hesitated for a moment before taking down my new name. That warmth again, it seeped into my flesh. I desperately tried to hold onto it as it faded from my grasp. I almost wanted to cry; this warmth wasn’t mine... it would never belong to me.

There’s an inn just up the road, I would suggest staying there while you are in town, the guard said. I could hear the lust in his voice. I think Sarah could too as her grip tightened around me, it almost became painful.

The guard took a step backwards, already eyeing the next cart wanting entry. Ezekiel guided the horses down the cobbled stone road.  Some took notice of us, mostly of me. Some knew, they knew I was different.

Their stares started to overwhelm me, darkness. Too much darkness washing over me. Soon it would pull me under its current. My crypt waiting to lay claim to me. Jezebel? Sarah called my name, her voice distant and muffled.

Her voice grew fainter, desperate as my eyes rolled into the back of my head. Don’t let the darkness claim me, I whispered, uncertain if my words could be heard.

Once again, no dreams had come, some might say that it was a blessing to not dream. To not have a past. A blank stone, I was a blank marble slab waiting to be carved. A trapped image hidden beneath, silently begging to be freed from its confines.

Wet... I feel water on my arm? Something soft is patting my skin, leaving behind the warm liquid. Is Sarah humming? I think I like humming. It’s soothing, like the steady rhythm of a hummingbird’s wings as it drinks from nature’s nectar.

My eyes flickered open, yet I could only see darkness. My breathing hinged as I started to panic. I’m her Jezebel. Sarah coaxed as she wrapped her arms around me. I desperately clung to her like a frightened child.

She rocked me back and forth, humming her lullaby that would engrain itself into my mind. It would become my mind’s music box that would soothe the demons that would soon find me.

Slowly, my vision returned. Hazy at first but it slowly became clear again. The first thing I saw was her smile. I felt safe in her presence, even as I sat naked in a wooden tub before her. In her hand a soft cloth she used to gently wipe away the dirt from my flesh. For the first time, I could see my reflection in the water. My skin held a little more color to it, I think most people thought me to be shy of the sun. The burnt flesh on my hand had vanished, I don’t know if it had faded before they found me.

She continued her humming. My soul had become a small ship caught in the caressing waves of an ocean, powerless to stop it. Did I want this to end?

After she had finished bathing me, we spent the rest of the night in the room. Sarah had dressed me in a soft nightgown, she brushed my hair. She even braided a small piece in the front.

Ezekiel sat at a small wooden table, pushed up against the wall on the other side of the room. A glass lantern sat on the center of the table, its flame calm. I wondered how something so destructive could be so peaceful.

A gentle rap came from the door, drawing our attention. Ezekiel let out an annoyed sigh as he pushed his chair across the wooden floors, emitting a penetrating sound that made me flinch. My eyes followed him as he stormed his way to the door, my heart pounding as I felt the anger flowing from him. I knew he didn’t like having me here. I didn’t blame him; I was a burden with no way of giving anything back.

A frail girl entered the room, she looked so young to me. She wore a simple brown dress with a white apron over it. Her brown hair curled into natural locks, I enjoyed watching them bounce with each step she took. She carried two plates filled with meat and vegetables. As she walked past me, I could see her freckles mixing with the dirt smudges across her face, exhaustion filled her eyes. She gave me a slight smile that brought out her dimples. I couldn’t help but smile back at her.

She gently placed the plates on the table. I’ll return with your drinks, she spoke so softly; I almost missed her words. I love your hair.

She surprised me; I didn’t expect her to speak to me as she walked past me. I reached up running my fingers through it. I didn’t sense any darkness in her towards me, I knew she genially meant it. What I did see in her caused my heart to skip a beat. Hidden beneath that exhaustion, lay a sadness that I could almost touch. I wanted to take it from her. I wanted her to feel the warmth I did when Sarah wrapped me in her arms.

Almost compelled by an unseen force, I stood up and wrapped my arms around her. She let out a gasp at first, her body frozen, the edge of trembling as memories flooded her mind. Jezebel! Sarah raised her voice to me. I released the girl, only seeing fear in her eyes. Was I broken? Why didn’t she feel better like I always did?

I’m really sorry about that, Jezebel... Sarah began to say, unable to find the words to finish.

The girl gave a faint smile, saying, It is ok really. I’ll be back shortly. She rushed out of the room. I stood there, watching her leave.

Jezebel, Sarah said, demanding my attention. You can’t just do that to strangers.

Ezekiel slammed his fist on the table. Damn it, Sarah! She isn’t our daughter! he shouted, my heart pounded against my chest, I could feel his anger filling the room. I could barely breathe from the tightness consuming my chest.

Ezekiel... Sarah’s words were full of pain; tears filled her eyes.

We were to drop her off with the guards and be done with her, he snapped with the fierceness of a raging fire. We cannot afford to bed, feed, nor cloth her.

Sarah choked on her words, her tears flooding her face as she collapsed onto the bed. He turned his anger towards me. Get out of here! he shouted at me, taking an aggressive step towards me. I stumbled backwards nearly tripping on my own feet before turning around and racing out of the room.

The girl who brought the food stood frozen near the door. Her eyes were wide as she watched me rush past her.

I ran out of the inn and into the dark streets. Sinister-looking clouds lingered above me, light flashing across the sky followed by a rage that terrified me. I ran into a dark alleyway as the rain started to fall, puddles soon mixed with the mud. My foot slipped causing me to hit the ground with a painful thud. The breath forced from my lungs temporally stunned me.

Once my senses returned, I didn’t move. The rain continued to fall around me the earth becoming soft, a part of me hoping it would swallow me whole. Return me to my crypt, the only place I could truly call home.

I lost my sense of time as my will to live had all but vanished. The familiar cry of the white raven called out to me. Looking up I see it had landed before me, mud covering its feathers.

You’ll ruin your pretty feathers, I said, managing to find my words. Slowly I reached out, hoping he wouldn’t flee as I had. He jumped into my hand, greeting me with his cawing.

Leaping from my hand he took flight. I started chasing him, begging him to come back. I couldn’t be alone again...

I chased the white raven through the maze of alleyways, he led me to the girl from the inn. Her clothes were drenched; her hair had lost its bounce from the rain.

I saw two men stalking her, I could sense their evil intent that churned my stomach. One of them called out to her, looking over her shoulder she ran as fast as she could. They quickly chased after her. The white raven followed after them with me quickly chasing behind them.

The girl ran down an alleyway, crying out for help. A third man stepped out of the shadows, cutting off her escape. She instantly turned around only to see the other two behind her. Please, leave me alone! she pleaded; this only enticed a dark chuckle from the three men.

The third man lunged at her, slamming her against the wall. The other two quickly closed in around her, tearing at her clothes.

She did her best to fight them off, managing to kick one of them before they slammed her to the ground. Her eyes found me, pleading for help. One of the men shifted his attention towards me. I could see the same darkness in him as the guard at the gate, only his was stronger.

The second man stood up turning his attention towards me. The third one kept the girl pinned up against the wall, telling her all the things they would do to her before they slit her throat. They were getting off on her fear... I would feast on theirs.

I let the first one rush towards me. I didn’t resist as he grabbed my arm, navigating behind me. I felt his arm around my neck forcing me to arch my back as he twisted my arm. The second one drew a knife, waving it before my eyes to entice fear. The pleasure darkening his eyes shifted to anger as I didn’t react.

What’s wrong with her? the second one asked, unsure what to do. Reaching up, I grabbed the man’s arm that was wrapped around my neck. Not expecting my sudden reaction, he put up no resistance.

My teeth sank into his flesh. He let out an agonizing howl as he struggled to pull away from me as I refused to let go. The second man quickly came to his senses, punching me in the face. The first man stumbled backwards, a chuck oh his arms still in my mouth. The taste of his blood on my tongue.

He stared at his arm, dropping to his knees in pain. This drew the attention of the third man. He stood up, forgetting about the half-naked girl he had pressed against the wall.

That bitch bit took a bite out of me! he shouted, cradling his arm. The third man stopped in his tracks as he watched me swallow, a grin parting my lips exposing the blood covering my sharpened teeth.

The girl scrambled to her feet running off into the darkness. I heard the cry of the white raven as a surge of energy rushed into my body. Closing my eyes, I extended my arms. Lightning danced in the air above me. Their fear filled the air, I drank it in allowing it to flow through my veins.

Soon rats filled the dark alley, feasting on the flesh of two of the men. The raging thunder drowned out their cries. The one who I had taken a bite out of remained frozen in place as I slowly approached him. W-What are you? he said, his lips trembling as the words passed them.

Kneeling before him, I stared into his eyes. My hand caressed the side of his face. Pulling him closer, my tongue forced its way into his mouth. He let out a painful scream as I pulled his tongue into my mouth, biting it off.

The screams of the other two men had ceased, their bodies still twitching as they barely clung to life. The rats raced from their bodies to his. Blood and fur covered his body as he struggled. I looked at the remains of the last two men. Their bones stained red, sinking into the mud. Their graves would forever remain hidden from the world.

I heard the gargle cry of the last one as all the rats consumed him. His bones would be picked clean before they too, would sink into an unmarked grave.

Chapter 2

Alone... the darkness of the Empire wrapped around me like a thick blanket. Leaning up against a stone wall, l I pulled my legs to my chest, wrapping my arms around