HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is excited for bi-weekly updates in 2017:-)

In the last chapter we veiwed more of the past. Now its time to get back to the present. When we last left Magnus in the current timeline, he had given Alice the news that Sarah and Judith were coming to the end of lives...

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Rachel

It had only been three weeks since Rachel had come to Magnus's estate, but she had to admit that already she was feeling far more at home. With Kathryn's help, she no longer felt like such an outsider among the other girls. Rachel trailed her friend faithfully until the others began to affectionately refer to her as Kathryn's little shadow. She quite liked the nickname. Growing up as an only child, Rachel had never really had the benefit of a sibling, but Kathryn treated her like a sister and never left her out of her friends' games or discussions.

With Kathryn's encouragement, Rachel seldom went home now after work in the kitchen was through. Instead, she would follow the others to the slave hall to relax and enjoy stories, card games, and the few books provided for them. Alice had even allowed Rachel to take the volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales from her house and Kathryn was helping her to improve her reading skills.

"You will have to try a longer book soon," she'd teased when Rachel completed her fairy tales for the fifth time.

But Rachel hadn't tired of the wonderful tales of knights and princesses and happy endings displayed in beautiful color illustrations side the elegant printed text. She didn't imagine she ever would. While she had tried looking at more books with Kathryn's aide to help parse out bigger words, she always returned to her fairytales.

That night, as she sat reading Rapunzel while Kathryn, Olivia and Bella knit beside her.  The older girls Sarah, Judith, Karen, and Cynthia were playing cards, and the others, many of whom she did not know well, all seemed happily engaged in some sort of board game. It was strange to imagine feeling comfortable among them, but Rachel realized she finally did. She looked up from her book at caught a smile from Kathryn as their eyes met.

"Rapunzel again?" she asked.

Rachel nodded.

"I can tell from the picture. All that beautiful long blond hair. It's your favorite isn't it?"

Rachel nodded again. She did love the story. She felt a bit like Rapunzel after all. Stolen from her family, locked away against her will. All she needed now was a prince to come and rescue her.

The sound of the door opening pulled Rachel's focus and she was surprised to see Alice standing there. It was rare for the older woman to join the others at night. She usually preferred to take time for herself after a hard day's work. When she did join them she always went straight to her favorite chair by the fire, making her presence as unobtrusive as possible.

But there was something strange in the old woman's expression now as she remained motionless, seemingly waiting for her presence to register while everyone looked to the open door. Rachel was even more surprised to feel the mood in the room shift almost instantly.

Kathryn's smile disappeared. The girls set down their cards and game pieces. All focused on Alice and the stoic expression she wore as she closed the door and walked slowly into the room standing straight and tall among them.

"As you may have already guessed," the woman began, "I have an announcement."

Rachel felt the anxiety of all those around her take over her body. In spite of the warm summer air drifting in through the open windows, she felt a cold chill run through her.

"Judith and Sarah will be leaving us," Alice said with a strange calm, entirely lacking in any emotion. "I suggest everyone begin to make their final goodbyes."

Rachel's stomach dropped. How could she have forgotten for even a moment the danger she was in. The danger they were all in. Panic began to fill her and her lungs seemed to not be taking in enough air. She felt a reassuring hand come to rest on her shoulder and saw Kathryn standing right behind her.

"It's ok, Rachel," she whispered. "Everyone knows this was inevitable. It has been so long since our master slaughtered any of his human stock. And at least Magnus agreed to take Sarah as well. She will be grateful."

"How long do we have?" Rachel turned at the sound of Sarah's voice as she stood up and stepped forward, Judith just behind her, their hands clasped.

"One day," Alice answered. "The two of you may use tomorrow to do whatever you wish to prepare. Any belongings you might have acquired in your time here are yours to distribute to the others as you see fit. Anything you wish to discard, leave on your beds on your final morning. "

"Thank you, Alice," Sarah said. "And thank Magnus as well on our behalf," she added, squeezing Judith's hand.

Alice nodded. "Magnus's men will come for you at six o'clock am. You are expected to meet them by the pig barn and relinquish yourselves then. I'm certain you will not take our Master's kindness for granted and will comply."

Rachel noticed the new look of concern that clouded Sarah and Judith's faces.

"But will Magnus still oversee?" Judith asked, a hint of fear now audible.

"Your Master has ensured that all will be carried out exactly as ordered," Alice answered. "You needn't worry. You will be together until the very end, as you requested. I cannot guarantee he will be there to oversee, but I can promise he will do everything in his power to ensure you are cared for and treated well."

They both nodded solemnly.

Rachel turned to Kathryn in confusion. "What does she mean?" she asked in a whispered hush.

"Magnus typically oversees all large processing operations on the estate. But perhaps since it is only two he has other things to attend?" Kathryn answered. "They are worried that if he is not there, his workers might not be as kind as Magnus himself. But I'm certain he would never hire any who might be cruel." Rachel could hear the doubt in her voice.

"We will do as commanded," Sarah answered, wrapping her arm around Judith. "We will be together. That's all that matters."

      "As you asked," Alice replied with a nod. "Our Master is kind and generous. We must all be grateful."

      Rachel watched incredulous as every one of the women in the room nodded in agreement.

      "Go on," Alice said. "Take advantage of the time you have left."

     "Thank you again, Alice," Sarah said. "We are both so grateful. For everything you have done for us." A small sad smile appeared on Alice's face as she nodded her head once.

"I will miss you," she said as she walked to the two women taking each of their hands. "And I will pray you both leave this world with no pain and that your spirits will remain linked into eternity."

The two women bowed their heads and Alice, in turn, place a kiss upon each before wishing them all goodnight and leaving the slave hall. Judith and Sarah left soon after, explaining that they wished for some time alone but would be back at their bunks before too long to begin the process of going through their things as allotting them to friends.

"How can they be so calm?" Rachel asked Kathryn, as they left, fighting to keep her voice at a whisper. "How could they thank our Master? Alice? They are being sentenced to death!"

"Not so loud!" Kathryn shot back under her breath. "We will all one day be given the same news. Judith and Sarah and handling it honorably and Alice has rewarded them with her blessing. Magnus gave them exactly what they wished for and they should indeed be grateful."

"But it's horrible," Rachel insisted.

"It's the way things are,"  Kathryn said sharply.

Rachel didn't answer.

"I am going to go comfort my friends," Kathryn said, the annoyance in her voice was undisguised. "They will come back to our quarters soon and they shouldn't have to be alone. "Why don't you go back to Alice's now."

Rachel put her head down as she nodded. She hadn't meant to upset Kathryn so.

"Should I say something to them?" Rachel asked. She could see Kathryn hesitate.

"I think it's best you wait for them to come to you, if they choose to," the older girl answered." In fact, it's probably for the best that you give everyone some distance for the time being."

Rachel felt horrible to imagine that she had once again been relegated to an outsider among the others, but she knew she was relieved by Kathryn's answer as well. She had no idea what she might have said to them. Both Judith and Sarah had avoided her since she first arrived like she was some horrible bad luck charm and, in reality, she knew that was exactly what she was. The others were sure to think so as well...

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Alice suggested Rachel stay close the next day, forcing her to rise earlier than usual so she could get the kitchen with the old woman herself. Rachel hadn't objected. She was afraid to face the others on her own.

Kathryn was already there when they arrived, as were Karen and Olivia. Cynthia was the only notably absent presence among the typical morning shift in the kitchen. Rachel knew she was close to both Judith and Sarah so she wasn't entirely surprised.

"Most of the other's will take their meals with our soon departing friends," Alice had explained. "And those who wish are excused from their duties for a period today to say their goodbyes properly. It is somewhat rare to have so few depart at once so allowances have been made for all who must continue their work. We will not prepare anything elaborate for meals today. I hope that perhaps you and I will be able to handle most of them on our own so the others can give Sarah and Judith a proper sendoff."

As Rachel and Alice walked into the kitchen, the others gave them only a cursory glance before turning back to their work. Even Kathryn's expression was a bit cold and unfriendly. Rachel felt her stomach sink as her fears overtook all thought.

Would they ever forgive her for the part she was playing in their friend's death? Would Kathryn forgive her for her words the night before? She hadn't meant to question, only to show her despair to know that death was so normal in her new home. She wondered now though if Kathryn saw her sympathy as distasteful since she herself was being allowed to live. But Rachel had never wanted anyone else to die because of her. Couldn't the others understand that? Just because she wanted to live didn't mean that she wished for others to die!

"Why don't you take some breakfast?" Alice said, ushering Rachel away from the others and offering her some bread and cheese. "I know it's not much, but the others are working on lunch and dinner prep so they can spend the rest of the day with their friends. You and I will assemble what they had prepared later to ensure all are fed."

Rachel nodded and tried her best to nibble at the food in spite of the rolling acid in her stomach.

The rest of the girls came in shifts throughout the day, talking the place of their friends so that more could have time to be with Sarah and Judith, and perhaps even take time alone to reflect on their own mortality. Rachel tried her best to do as she was told and stay out of the way. By late afternoon all were gone except she and Alice.

"Everyone else is preparing a final sendoff in the slave hall," Alice explained. "We will bring them food and drink later but first, I wish to serve Magnus. You will be alright on your own for a bit won't you?"

In fact, Rachel had no desire to be alone, but she knew it was selfish to ask Alice to stay. That would require her having to get another to serve their Master and Rachel couldn't ask another to give up their remaining time with their friends. She nodded.

"I shouldn't be long," Alice said, as she closed the door, shutting Rachel into the kitchen by herself.

Rachel went to the table and sat in silence, trying to untangle the multitude of thoughts and emotions running through her head. She wondered what the others were doing to help Sarah and Judith get through their last day on earth. She wondered how long it might be before she herself would have to face the announcement of her own death. Of Kathryn's death.

It was strange to imagine how much death had become a part of her life now. She'd seen dead animals before of course, but she'd never had to face the slaughter directly. Papa kept such unpleasant things far away from her and Mamma. And though she knew there was death in their village from accidents, and illness, and childbirth, no one she knew well had ever died. Now her whole family was gone. The members of her new family could be taken away at any time and she herself had no idea how long she might live.

We will all one day be given the same news

That was what Kathryn had said, and Rachel's conversation with Alice had seemed to confirm that fact weeks ago. There was no way of escaping their inevitable fate... yet Rachel still had a hard time accepting it. There had to be something she could do to survive.

Lost in her thoughts, Rachel was surprised to hear the sound of the door opening. Could Alice be back already? she wondered. She'd barley been gone a few moments. But as she looked to the door, her heart nearly stopped. There stood Sarah and Judith, hands clasped, walking into the kitchen, their synchronous footsteps breaking the unnatural silence.

Rachel felt her body tense, her stomach squirming as it filled with dread. She had no idea why they might be here and no idea what to say to them. Had they come to confront her? To lay their blame? To make her pay for what was to happen to them? It was her fault after all. They were going to die because of her...

"I..." Rachel tried, voice shakey. "I'm sorry but dinner isn't ready yet. I thought you were with your friends."

No response.

"I'm sure if you want something now I could find it for you," she said quickly.

Sarah shook her head. "That's not why we came," she said.

Rachel felt her heartbeat quicken. She couldn't quite read the expression on their faces.

"Well Alice isn't here," Rachel said, her mouth dry, "and I think the others are..."

"We came to talk to you," Judith said. "We..."

"We came to apologize," Sarah finished. "At least I did. I should have done so before."

Rachel stared at the two women in shock.

"Neither of us wants you to feel any guilt," Judith added. "We've made certain all the others know that we leave you with our blessing and the hope you have a happy life here and that it lasts as long as possible."

"Tha...Thank you," Rachel said quietly, not sure how else she might respond.

"We have a small gift," Sarah said. She took something out of her pocket and held it out for Rachel to take. Rachel looked down at her palm to see a small black stone with a hole through the top, strung on a piece of ribbon. She recognized it as the simple necklace she had seen Judith wear, highlighting her long slender neck. She never took it off.

"I found the stone when I first came here," Sarah explained,"by the lake. Kathryn told me how much you like it there. I remember the day I saw it on the ground, its surface shining in the sun as the water passed over it. It was completely round, the hole perfectly centered. A true treasure made by nature. Alice gifted me some ribbon to make it into a necklace and I gave it to my best friend."

"Now we want you to have it," Judith said. "It has provided me good luck I think. A true companion willing to face anything by my side." She smiled at Sarah and reached out to squeeze her hand before turning back to Rachel.

"The others will know what it means," Sarah said. "That we harbor no ill will towards you and see you as a friend."

"I..." Rachel tried, astounded by their kindness. "It's beautiful."

Sarah and Judith both smiled with true warmth.

"I'm so glad you like it," Judith said. "Let me put it on you."

Rachel stood still as the older girl took the necklace back and then clasped in around Rachel's neck carefully.

"It suits you," Sarah said, staring at her approvingly. "Wear it in good health. That's what my mother used to say when we were given any present." She stopped and Rachel could see the emotion filling her as the woman's eyes welled with tears. "I wonder if I will see her again tomorrow."

Judith place a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "We will see all those we have lost very soon," she said.

Sarah nodded and brushed away her tears quickly before they could fall.

"Goodbye, Rachel," Judith said.

Rachel fought to keep her own tears at bay as she rubbed the smooth stone pendant.

"Are you sure there is nothing I can get you?" she asked.

Judith shook her head. "You really are a sweet child," she said, reaching out and giving Rachel's arm small pat. "We have other friends to visit, the dinner to prepare for. There isn't time to stay long but we thank you for your kindness."

"I'm sorry," Rachel blurted out as they turned to leave. "I know it's not my fault, but I'm so sorry. It shouldn't be. You shouldn't have to die."

"But we will,"  Sarah said, her tone entirely resolved. "And there's nothing anyone can do about it. We will die, and Magnus will profit from our flesh and that is the world we live in." Rachel could hear the mounting anger in her tone.

"We are grateful for your sympathy," Judith added, giving her friend a warning glance.

Sarah sighed and nodded.

"Maybe we will meet again someday," Judith said with a small smile. "That's what Alice always says. No one we love is truly lost. Until then, take care of yourself Rachel and enjoy every day you are given here."

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So...what do you think of the announcement and how it was received? Surprised by Sarah and Judith's change of heart? And what do you think of Rachel's reaction and thoughts throughout? The reality of life for the human's in Magnus's possession might feel a bit more real now. Thoughts on that?

This story is not a standard "horror" novel though that's the genre I have put it in. Maybe that is a bit clearer now? As it continues I would love readers' response to that. Does this feel like horror? Somthing else? The situation is def kinda "horrific"...

Friday's chapter will take us into the past again. Something important happened after the night you saw in the last chapter. Something that kinda changed everything... As always, thanks for reading!