In the Name of the Sacred Tree

Chapter one 

SIMON

 They said I was a miracle. Found in a cardboard wrapped in thin cloth at the parish gates on Sunday morning.

Sister Marianne was the first to see me. She took me to Father cadwell, who lifted me in his arms during the morning mass. He told the congregation, that I was a blessing, a gift from God. A sign that our parish was blessed and our faith was real. I was baptised and named Simon. They all wanted to touch me. The sisters said my skin was like milk, my green eyes, and freckles stood out, making me more attractive.

Time flew so fast, and I was ten already. Men and women from various places who heard about me came to me for prayers. Dying men, sick children, Barren women, all came to me for prayers. They believed I was a man from heaven. I smiled each time I prayed for them. I thought I was chosen, I was a blessing, but I was wrong. Things went on smoothly till I turned 15.

The parish held a fundraiser bringing Reverends from far and near. The cathedral was packed and people were coming in and out. He came to me, asking to pray for me as he saw something inside of me. I went with him to the Rectory for prayers. An action that changed my life for good.

 8Years later.

 The bells of Saint Aurelius rang through Edevane like a promise. Incense spread in the air, smoke and whispers spread over the ceiling. The cathedral hummed around me like a living thing. I stood where Father cadwell placed me, wearing the smile I've worn for years. They watched me more than they watched him: the women, the children, the sisters in church. Look at the miracle baby, God's chosen, the sacred child. Touch him, and you'll be healed. When I was little, I thought it was all love, but I know better now. Their delusion clings to my skin more than incense smoke. I tried not to choke on it.

 An old lady held my hands and squeezed them tightly. I forced a smile, then she whispered "You are proof, that God still speaks". I almost laughed. I wanted to tell her how much of a lie everything was, that the only one who spoke here, was the man who made me strip and kneel whilst he whipped me, educating me on the dangers of "sin" I smiled back and said a little "bless you" to her.