Wind Witch Chapter 5

Wind Witch by Sheila Chingwa

Chapter 5- Leaving

Fall enclosed on the boarding school. Leaves had fallen from the trees. Hunter’s full moon would soon happen. Sarah sat on the ground pouting. Jade was stressed as Father Unic was ill and needed attention. His fever was high and he shook from chills as he slept. Sarah tried to help but Jade ushered her out of the room.

“Little one, you do not need to see this. I want you and Marcus to go and tend to other chores.” Jade grabbed the scruff of Sarah’s coat and escorted her out of Father Unic’s room.

Sarah stumbled out into the hallway and straightened herself up. Marcus came around the corner to see Sarah standing there stunned. Sarah had never seen Jade like that before. Usually, she is one of the kindest persons in the room. This evening, she had a look on her face that Sarah did not understand. Today, the level of Jade’s frustration was high and Sarah seemed to do nothing right.

“What are you doing?” Marcus approached Sarah cautiously.

Sarah’s puzzled face stopped Marcus in his tracks. “I do not understand what is happening today. Jade has been mean to me all day.”

“All the nuns have been extra mean. With Father Unic ill, they are all concerned he will not survive.” Said Marcus with a shrug.

“They are whispering. Talking amongst themselves. Jade is worn thin. I don’t think she has slept in a few days. If she has, must have been a few minutes at a time.” said Sarah with a shake of her head.

“I hope he does die, he’s a horrible person. A father is supposed to be a shepherd taking care of his flock. He’s is not even close to that. I have witnessed horrible things and other kids have told of horrible deeds he has done to them. I will be happy to see him go. Come on, let’s go.” Marcus pulled Sarah down the hall, “I have to show you something.”

The children trotted down the hallway to a door well known by all the children. A simple door made of wood enclosed the office of Father Unic. “I was cleaning today and I saw something I think you need to see.” Marcus slowly opened the door and peeked inside to see an empty room. With a smile, he raised a finger to his lips and gestured Sarah to enter with him. Sarah entered a room full of boxes, books, papers, and pictures of saints hung on the wall. Sarah watched Marcus walk to the desk where a letter laid. He picked it up and read it out loud.

“Dear Father Unic,

I am writing in response to your advertisement in the paper. I am interested in purchasing an Indian child to help around my farm. We have many children and could use the help with their care. I was hoping for a child about 11 years old. I believe a girl would be best.

I will be in your area the last week of October. I will stop by and pick a child of my choosing. Please have a few children to choose from ready to go. I and my wife hope to arrive on Tuesday due to our scheduled trip. I have enclosed the ten dollars for payment in advance. Thank you for attending to this task.

Sincerely, Mr. & Mrs. Pauly

“You’re 11. Aren’t you?” Marcus’ eyes were wide and inquiring.

Sarah nodded, “I just turned 11 the other day.”

“Then, you could go. Right?” Marcus looked at Sarah with an optimistic expression. A smile stretched across his crooked teeth. “I believe, if we plan it right, we can get you out of here.”

Sarah grabbed the letter, “I wonder how many children they have. It could be worse there ya know.”

Sarah’s eyes scanned the paper for any clues. The handwriting was so eloquent that Sarah thought, “This may be my only hope to get out of here.” As she reread the letter, she wondered what life was like outside the school. She had been there since she was five years of age. In some ways, the letter brought her hope but in other ways, fear crept in to her thoughts. What is it like this out there?

“Come on, we have chores to do.” said Marcus.

The two children walked to the kitchen to do the noon dishes. Two hundred and forty-six dishes and a pile of pans waited for them. The children began to fill the wash station as the nuns worked on other chores.

“About time the two of you showed up.” Sister Mary said with a snarl. “We already have enough to do with a sick father and a supper to get on the tables.” She grabbed a towel and rolled it in her hands. A sharp snap rang through the air and Sarah felt a sting on her thigh. Sarah jumped then stumbled and landed her on the ground. She felt the burn of her skinned knees. Blood began to surface on her skin and the nun chuckled and walked out the door.

“She really doesn’t like you.” said Marcus.

Sarah grabbed a rag and covered her scrape. Her forehead creased in pain. “She never has. I don’t think any of us has found her favor. She even hates Jade and Jade does so much for them.” Sarah blotted at the wound until it stopped bleeding.

In a flurry, Jade and two other nuns rushed into the kitchen. The two children stepped back against the stone wall and watched them gather the supplies they needed. Jade’s hair was all ruffled. She looked as if she was in an epic battle.

“The old loon is out of control. His fever is driving him mad. Find anything to tie him down.” said Jade.

A young nun ran to a scrap bin and pulled out long strips of fabric. “Will this do?” she said.

Jade nodded, and the two ladies rushed out of the room. The whispers of the nurses began to increase and fear set into their eyes. Sarah and Marcus knew not to talk so they went back to their chores. Every time someone came in, the two children heard the tale growing of Father Unic’s death. Once dishes were done, the children exit the kitchen without notice of the nuns.

“Why is there so much fear around Father Unic’s death?” said Marcus.

“I wish I knew. I have never seen the nuns so scared. said Sarah.

“Come with me. I have an idea.” Marcus took off at a dead run and led Sarah towards Father Unic’s room. “Closet, there’s a peek hole, if we can get into that room, we might be able to see what is happening.” He said in a strained pant.

In the distance, a familiar sound of tires crunched on the gravel as the truck approached the building. The kids stopped and looked out the window to see a blue chevy truck pull up. A lady with a flower dress slowly emerged from the car. A large man strode up to stand next to her. Sarah stopped for a moment to look at the couple but Marcus kept running so she had to catch up.

The two children came to a halt at the corner and slowly peered around the corner. A nun came out of the room with a wash bin and walked away. The two children began to move toward the closet as quickly as they could. Sister Mary opened the door to find the two kids in the hallway. She rushed up to them and they stumbled backwards. Sister Mary grabbed Sarah and shoved her until she was pinned between the nun and a table. Sarah’s side screamed in pain as the nun pushed into her.

“What are you doing here?” she said

“We need to get the ladder from the closet.” said Sarah. “It is in that closet over there.”

“You need to get the ladder, do ya? Okay, let’s go and get the ladder.”

She grabbed Sarah by the arm and pulled her over to the door. With a turn of the nob, thrust of the door and Sarah’s arm, Sarah was thrown into the closet. Behind her the door slammed and a latch clicked. The light above and below the door was the only light and Sarah could see.

Sister Mary turned and fixed onto Marcus and said, “You have chores to do.”

“Yes, Sister. Right way, Sister.” Said Marcus turning and making his escape.

Sister Mary turned and went back into the room where Father Unic laid dying and Sarah was trapped in the closet. Around her she could see brooms, bed linen, and towels but no ladder. However, she was where she wanted to be, in the closet. She began to hear the sisters gathering in the next room chanting. “Hail Mary full of grace…” The father’s last rights began.

“There is a peek hole” thought Sarah. “I got to find the peek hole” Her hands searched the wall that separated her from the chanting nuns. “Marcus said it was here.” Her finger jabbed into a nob and she drew back her finger and rubbed the pain away. Carefully, she found the peek hole cover and slid it over. “I’m too short. I can’t reach it.” The light from the hole cascaded across the closet space and land a light on an old crate. “Yes, just right.” Quickly, she moved the crate and hoisted herself up. After a slight wiggle she steadied herself. She slid over cover of the peep hole and peered through. All Sarah could see were the nuns kneeling by the bedside of Father Unic. Prayers and chanting of his last rights were spoken in unison.

The feverish chanting seemed to strengthen as the father dwindled. With a last rasping breath, the father’s body arched and blackness rose from the body. The nuns ran from the room leaving the blackened being forming and rising from the father’s body. Sarah watched as a black monster formed. It sniffed the air and drool began to fall from its jaws. Sarah was frozen stiff as she watched the monster sniff its way towards her. The horrid beast narrowed in on the hole and shifted one eye to meet Sarah’s. A dark hollow feeling hit Sarah’s gut. She jumped back and closed the hole and hunkered down in fear.

The monster’s roar rang high and sharp. Sarah covered her ears. She sat in the corner of the closet and listened to the thing trying to escape. Scraping nails on the bedroom door was heard and Sarah hoped it couldn’t get through. A moment later, a loud crash alerted Sarah to its escape. The beast’s shadowy arm reached easily under the door. Long and thin appendages of dammed fingers stretch across to touch Sarah’s feet. Coldness of death creeped in to feast on her. In the sickening chill of its touch caused Sarah to recoil. Then the hand retreated suddenly.

Flashes of light protruded into the closet. Sarah covered her ears from the screams of the beast and her eyes from the flash. Glass shattered in the back ground and the sound of the beast faded as it made its escape. The latching of the lock flung back and Jade rushed in.

“Are you okay?” Jade said as she gathered her into her arms.

“My side is hurt and my knees scuffed, but I’m okay. What was that? What did he become?” said Sarah in a shaky voice.

“That was a Wendigo. The Father became a Wendigo. He’s gone now and you are safe.” Said Jade inspecting Sarah. “Sarah, the people are here to take you away. They are people you know and will be happy to see but you must not show you know them. There are others to choose from but you are the one they will choose. Just look at your feet the whole time. Just look at your feet. Don’t mess this up, its your only hope for a long time.”

******

The church parlor wasn’t much to look at but the chairs were inviting and comfortable. Mr. and Mrs. Pauly sat in wait for the girls to be brought down for the choosing. After an hour, Jacque and Lyra began asking question to the passing Nuns “What was taking so long?” Nuns ignored them and strolled on by with no answer. In the wash room two other young ladies were bathing when Sarah arrived. Quickly she undressed and began washing herself to get ready to go. Fresh clothing was given to her and she quickly dressed. All three girls got dressed and they walked to the parlor to be chosen with Sister Jane.

Sarah’s heart was pounding with excitement. She knew she had to escape this place. Her feet moved quickly to keep up with Sister Jane but she was determined to remain calm. Her mind raced with the thoughts of people she might know. Who would she know outside the boarding school? Delivery truck men or local gardeners perhaps. “Keep your eyes lowered.” She thought. “Keep your eyes lowered and don’t act out.” Sister Jane stopped quickly and Sarah ran into her.

“Pay attention girl.” said the nun as they entered the room.

Sister Mary was in the room when the girls arrived. “Ah, there they are. These three are of age and are hard working and WHAT is Sarah doing here?”, Sister Mary Hissed.

Sister Jane stepped up and said, “Now that Father Unic has passed, I thought you might like to get rid of her.”

Sister Mary walked over to Sarah and lifted her sleeve, “No mark, she can go. If they will take her.”

Jacque and Lyra inspected all the girls one by one. When they came to Sarah, the couple stopped and stood in front of her. Jacque’s big feet came into Sarah’s view. Larger shoes blended in with long legs and a thick body that was half covered by a beard. She dared not to look to see who it was, so she lowered her eyes again. A strong hand grabbed her hand and checked it for callus.

“This one is a hard worker. Look at these hands love.” said Jacque.

“That voice. I know that voice.” Sarah thought. “Don’t look up, Sarah. Don’t you dare look up.”

“A hardworking one? Let me see.” Lrya’s voice made Sarah jump in recognition.

Sarah thought, “I know that voice too!” She pulled her hand back. “Don’t mess this up Sarah. Don’t mess this up.”

The couple walked away chatting about the girls. One is too ugly. One was too short. One doesn’t look at you. After a brief negotiation, the couple chose Sarah. The girls were escorted from the room so the adults could complete the paper work. For a moment, Sarah could barely breathe. She thought things like:

“I have been at this school for most of my life and now, I get to leave.” She picked up a little bag with her work clothes in it and hugged it close as she waited.

Sarah thought, “This is scary and exciting all at the same time.” BUT, “What if this couple was mean too? What if life is worse? Then, what?” “Wait, that is silly,” she thought “Jade said they are my friends and I swear that was Lyra’s voice.” She nervously shifted from side to side one foot then the other until she heard the clicking turn of the door knob. She quickly stopped to a dead halt. “Just look at your feet.”

Sarah heard the couple come out of the parlor and bid the sister goodbye. They turned to Sarah and beckoned her to come with them. Step by step Sarah exited the building with a new chance at life and climbed in the truck. Without looking back.

“Be still little one. We are not clear of the school yet. Sit still a little longer.” Said the sweet sound of Lyra. Sarah slid her hand over to Lyra’s hand and slipped her fingers in between hers. With a sideways glance, Sarah peered to her left to chance a glance at the driver. “Be still,” Lyra said with a slight hiss. Sarah just closed her eyes, “Don’t mess this up.”

******

The wendigo crouched in the thickets across the road from the school. Its black form rose above the withered brown field grass. The kids all say that it watched Sarah’s cars as it drove away. It rose up in anger and yowled. The whole school shivered as the screeching wendigo yelled out its deafening yell. The little faces peered out the window. Many of the nuns and children saw the back figure as it disappeared into the fields. The nuns all cried for their father as the children stopped and pointed at the retreating beast. Terrified, the nuns gained control of themselves and quickly scurried the children away from the windows to live their own nightmare inside those walls.