Chapter 1

The Prophecy of Deliverance Howe

The last words of Deliverance Howe uttered January 22, 1693, as recorded by Josiah Wainwright, clerk of the court. Once finished, her execution by hanging commenced.

Oh seekers of truth, gather near.

Listen to this oracle’s voice, crystal clear.

In shadows’ dance, four fates entwined,

A cryptic path, destiny defined.

A witch with magic deep in her core,

Shall rise to fight, her heart a fervent roar.

Through temporal currents, a traveler shall traverse,

Unveiling truths, the world’s fate to reverse.

A goddess radiant, with healing touch shall mend,

The light of hope she will lend.

A villainess turned, her past she shall defy,

Embrace the light, her old ways she’ll belie.

An ancient order, veiled and sly,

Conspires in silence, their aims to try.

Fire and brimstone, creatures so vile,

Seek to destroy, bones all in a pile.

The four shall unite, a force untamed,

Against the tide of evil, they’re named.

Each sacrifice to bring the dark to heel,

Agonies untold, but their spines as steel.

Seek the signs, heed the call,

For destiny’s script shall enthrall.

Through trials endured, united they’ll be,

To save the world, and set it free.

Prologue

The funeral was beautiful.

At the front of the church, Lynn Rickerson’s picture stood on an easel by the oak coffin. Lynn’s mother sat in the front pew, silently sobbing. There were teachers, students, custodians, and many others packed into the space.

Everyone had loved Lynn.

Of those at...