manda . r a i

[[EXTRAORDINARY]] PAGE ELEVEN

Zanderia led Sandra into the dimly lit kitchen. A peculiar smell of candles mixed with incense filled the air. Sandra made out a magnificent cupboard in one corner of the kitchen, and a sink next to it. Candles were placed around the room at strategic places, giving light. In another corner, a fireplace glowed with dying embers. A door led outside, and Sandra could see plenty of plants and herbs. A high table stood right in the middle of the kitchen, littered with plenty of bowls, cups, and mixing spoons. A couple of wine glasses stood atop of the table, filled with a strange red liquid. Sandra stood where she was, not moving. She felt Kevin come in, standing behind her.

Zanderia was at the sink, humming to herself. Bowls clinked and clanked, and Sandra realized she was washing them. Zanderia turned around, carrying the bowls, now dry, to the table. She gestured for Sandra to come closer, "Come my child, do not be afraid," Zanderia smiled warmly. Sandra inched toward the humongous table, wary of what was going to happen. Zanderia turned her back to Sandra, and went to the cupboard. She took out an old rusty key, and stuck it into the lock of the cupboard. The cupboard squeaked open, protesting.
A huge array of bottles and herbs stared back at Sandra. They were arranged on three shelves; there were all shapes and sizes, tall bottles, short bottles, thin bottles, fat bottles, anything and everything. A hundred wide-eyed Sandras reflected off their shiny glass surfaces. Herbs were scattered around the bottles accordingly. An aged, wrinkled book stood propped up on the bottom shelf, with two pure white candles guarding it. Its pages were torn at the edges, symbolizing frequent use. Enigmatic writings ran across the pages, with an occasional picture or two.

Zanderia ran her fingers around the bottles and flasks. "Now, where is it?" she mumbled to herself. Her long pointed fingernails danced around the cupboard as she searched for something. Sandra stood nervously next the table, twiddling her fingers. Kevin stood next to her and took her hand, squeezing it tightly. Sandra smiled up at him, glad that he was there. "Aha! Eureka, I have found it," Zanderia cheered. She held up a tall slender green tinted bottle, with gold writings on it. Sandra could tell that the liquid inside was almost gone. Zanderia turned around and approached Sandra with the bottle.

"Here Sandra, this is for you," Zanderia set the bottle carefully down in front of Sandra. Sandra looked up at Zanderia in disbelief. What the hell does she want me to do? Drink the thing? I don't think so, there's no telling how many viruses and bacteria are in there, and plus, how long has it been in that cupboard anyways? Drink it Sandra, drink it. When you drink it, the door will be open to you, and you will know. You will know the truth of who you are.

Zanderia grinned, "Drink it my child, drink it. Do not be afraid, you trust me do you not?"

"Go on Sandra, drink it. It will help you with the Craft," Kevin whispered in her ear. He let go of her hand and backed away, as if telling her she was on her own.
Drink it Sandra, drink it. Only then will you know who you are. Sandra glanced up at Kevin and Zanderia. They were looking at her eagerly. Sandra peered at the bottle. It's outside was covered in a thin layer of dust, except for the parts where Zanderia had touched; an invisible hand holding the bottle, known only by the prints of nothingness. A wooden cork sealed the top, making sure none of the liquid spilled out. Sandra grasped the bottle firmly, and popped the cork. She held the bottle up to her nose and sniffed. It had a cranberry smell, but she doubted it was cranberry juice. "Do I drink it straight from the bottle?"

"Oh yes, of course," Zanderia explained, "What you are drinking is the first magic potion that all Craftmasters drink before starting the Craft. It prepares their mind, body, and soul for what lies ahead. Go on my child, 'tis ok." Zanderia gestured toward the flask.

Sandra looked at her unconvincingly and glanced back down at the bottle. Taking a deep breath, she raised the bottle to her lips and gulped the liquid down. Instantly a bitter taste rose in her mouth, she gagged and almost dropped the bottle. Quickly, Sandra set the flask on top of the high table and coughed vehemently. Her face grew hot, and her throat sore as she gagged and choked. Her stomach muscles constricted, giving her a stomach ache. Sandra was surprised that no one came to help her. Her voice wouldn't work, all she could manage was dry convulsive coughs. She put an arm around her tummy, and tried sitting down on the floor. Instead she fell backwards, ending up on her back. The last thing she remembered was Kevin stooping above her, holding her hand and whispering "it's ok Sandra, it's ok. Hold on." Then she fainted.

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