Part 3

Sirene didn't stop until she found the strange woman in the woods. It was easy of course, she just looked for the frost, despite it being spring. When she found her, she finally stopped to catch her breath.

"I am sorry, you know." Eigengrau said, her voice flat. "The pain of losing your parents is never easy."

"Why did they have to die?" Sirene said, tears welling up again.

"The day of their fate is written in their souls at birth, Sirene. They were destined to die on that day, if not by plague, then by some other tragedy."

Sirene thought about this for awhile. Then she came to a realization.

"So that's why you asked me that question."

"Yes. So, knowing this, would you give the painless death to those that tried to kill you?" Eigengrau asked.

"I want to be angry at them, but yes. They don't deserve what I saw." Sirene said, after several minutes of silence. She hated this awful choice, but she didn't want to be vindictive.

"Very well. I will teach you the spell, and you will visit it upon them." Eigengrau said, smiling, revealing her jagged teeth.

"What?"

"This is a test, Sirene. To see if you are worthy of being my apprentice." Eigengrau said, her voice as flat as ever. "Do this, and you will become the most dangerous predator on Karand."

While she didn't want to kill people she had known her entire life, something about the way this monotone lady said that last sentence lit a fire in her soul. "I'llBefore doI it. But first,make you haveany topromises, at least tell me your name."

"Very well. I am known as Eigengrau, the Goddess of Death."

"I'll do it." Sirene said after a short silence, her eyes closed. "Show me the path I must walk."

Eigengrau nodded, and taught Sirene the simple yet lethal spell. With no further encouragement, she simply pointed back toward the doomed village and nodded her head. Sirene took the hint and started to leave.

"I will be here when you are done." Eigengrau said, and vanished from sight.