Part II

Marianne walked slowly back home, considering the woman's words. Who was she, and how did she know so much about her? Lost in thought, she didn't realize she was back in her home village untill she was on her front porch. She smiled and opened the door. Her mother always said it was a sin to enter one's home sadly. She anticipated a big party with all her friends and a big cake waiting for her. She closed her eyes and...found her parents sitting down. No one else was there, nor was there anything one would expect at a birthday party. Her parents didn't even look happy.

"Hello, mom and dad!"

Her father spoke. "Marianne, sit down." She did. "You went down to the river, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Did you see anyone there?"

"Yes, I saw an old woman i'd never seen before. She said her name was Nai..kra..ra, I think." Her father came closer and grabbed her shoulders gently but with obvious urgency.

"Did she say anything to you?" Marianne nodded. "What was it?!"

"She said I should continue learning, but never to use my skill unless things are dire."

"Your skill?"

Marianne gasped to herself. Not even her parents knew about her training to become a necromancer.

"What skill is that?"

"I...well, I...." She sighed. "I'm in an apprenticeship to become..a necromancer." Her father slapped her.

"WHY!? WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING THAT FOOLISH!!!?"

Marianne sat back up, holding her cheek and crying. "Be-because I don't want my friends or family to die. I just want to help everyone!" Her father grabbed her shoulders hard. She winced.

"Listen to me, Marianne! You can NEVER use a magic as evil as that! Necromancy is only fit for villains and demons! Is that what you want to be!? A demon!?!?"

"No!"

"Then you must never use it!! Swear you won't!!"

"Father, please! I can use it to save lives! It's not the art that's evil, it's the ones who use--*" He slapped her again, harder.

"WHO!? Who's been teaching you this accursed withcraft!?!?"

"It's not.."

"WHO!?!?"

"M-master Sheunsi."

"IF I HEAR YOU CALL THAT HERETIC MASTER AGAIN, I'LL....!!!" Marianne covered herself, but she heard the door open and slam shut.

"Mama, where is he going?!"

Her mother was crying. "Why? Why did you have to turn to the dark arts? Where did we fail?"

"Mama? You didn't fail! I only...Where is papa going?"

She didn't answer, so Marianne ran outside. If she'd looked, she would've noticed her father's sword missing from in front of the door, where it usually was.