The story of Susannah 2
Growing up and living within the comforts and safety of the drawls for 200 years, Susannah never had the problem of not being allowed to use her powers, but now that she’d left her home for the first time, things were a lot more difficult. She’d set off the following morning, feeling anxious with a bit of excitement for this new adventure that awaited her, but it was far from what she expected as the forest separating her home from the human world was filled with darkness even during the brightest of days, no wonder it was called the dark forest, she travelled for three days through those thick bushes and it was the worst experience for her as she was left with nothing but her intellect and supernatural strength to guide her as her powers were not to be used during her journey.
She was more than glad that the gruesome journey would soon come to an end when she spotted from afar the small cottages that lined the outskirts of the kingdom of Bandaria, she was out of the thick forest now; and soon she would reach there and meet with Priya.
By evening of the third day, she’d crossed the border and stepped into the outer towns of the kingdom of Bandaria. It was a small village, and farmers, gardeners, as well as other laborers were already packing up their work tools to retire into their homes for the night after a day’s worth of work.
“Excuse me… um….” Susannah called to one of the townsmen who was heading home, carrying his harvest for the day in a basket on his head, he ignored her. She tried calling to several other people too, but everyone went along their business, not minding the strange little girl that had just entered into this small town mysteriously.
“Hello young lady, are you lost? Looking for someone maybe?” She turned to see a middle-aged woman smiling at her, the woman was holding a basket of wheat in her hands, the basket also contained a small sickle, she appeared to be heading home.
“Well, um yes… actually, I was hoping if you could help me. I’m looking for someone who lives around here.”
“I don’t know many people around here either dear, I’m a newcomer like you; I am a widow who just moved to this town not up to a month ago with my son, but my uncle… he’s originally from this village and he knows everyone better than the back of his hand, I’m sure he’ll be able to help you. What’s your name dear?”
“It’s um… Susannah.”
“Well Susannah, it’s nice to meet you. I am Gwendolyn. I’ll tell you what…. You look worn out, I’m sure you’ve been travelling for days… how about I offer you shelter and some food for the night? Then after supper you can discuss who you’re looking for with my uncle and tomorrow when the day is bright again, you can go and find the person with his directions?”
“Really??? You’d do that…. Oh, thank you so much!… But I hope it won’t be much of a bother?”
“Oh, not at all dear, my uncle is very hospitable, this town borders the main kingdom so we do receive many travelers from outside and my uncle has hosted many. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind taking in a harmless little girl for just one night.”
Susannah then followed Gwendolyn to her cottage which was just a few houses away, and when they arrived, the both of them were greeted at the entrance by Gwendolyn’s five-year-old son, Naman.
“Mama!! Mama!!!!” The little boy yelped excitedly as Gwendolyn dropped the basket and scooped her little boy into the air, mother and son exchanged giggles as they all entered inside.
“Where’s Uncle Harem?” Gwendolyn finally asked after she put Naman down.
“He says to tell mama he’s gone to the pa-wece,” Naman said, revealing the two empty gaps in his mouth where his front teeth were supposed to occupy.
“Ugh the palace! Every time. I don’t know why he won’t give up on trying to get a job there! And he keeps leaving my little boy all alone!!!” Gwendolyn then turned to her guest, “I’m sorry, I guess you won’t be able to meet him right away, but still let’s sit for supper, I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
“Ok.”
Susannah sat as Gwendolyn served her some bread and cheese from the cupboard. Not like she could tell her that this food did no good to witches, she didn’t want to blow her cover, so she managed to take a few bites of the repulsive meal. When Gwen noticed that she wasn’t interested in the food, she told her not to force herself anymore, leftovers were always served to the farm pigs and chickens so there was no waste even if she decided not to eat. Uncle Harem then stepped in soon after Gwen had cleared the plates and tucked Naman into bed.
“Welcome uncle, any luck this time?”
“No,” Uncle Harem rolled his eyes as he took off his jacket. “Turns out I have to perform a deed worthy enough so king William will sign me in his favor to be palace worker. All I want is a position in the court, even if it’s the smallest, if I had it, I’ll be paid in high wages, then we wouldn’t have to choke on bread and cheese for the rest of our lives!”
“We are not complaining Uncle, Naman and I are satisfied with every little grain of food the creator provides us, remember that some do not even have the bread and cheese to eat.”
“Whatever!!! You might be happy about your poor condition but I’m not, and I won’t stop until I get what I want…” just then, Harem’s eyes wandered in the direction of the strange little girl who was sitting at the small table in front of the fireplace, if there’s anything he’s sure of, it’s that she’s not from this town, nor any of the nearby towns.
“Who is she?” He asked Gwen, nudging his head towards where Susannah sat.