Stone Whispers - Prologue: Anne

First page of the fantasy book I am currently working on: Stone Whispers.

PROLOGUE: ANNE

The Night of Nergal, the year 12,013

From the depths of the murky underground lake a stone coffin emerged. Four workmen struggled to lift it out of the water, their muscles straining against the weight of the slippery chains. A veiled lady stood nearby; her piercing gaze fixed on the sinister casket as it was dragged onto the shore.

The guard who stood beside her cleared his throat. ‘I still can’t believe you found this place, let alone that thing,’ he said.

‘Don’t speak of her so recklessly, Schoffel,’ the lady replied, her voice cold as ice.

‘I also don’t quite understand what you need her for.’

‘Worry not your pretty head about my wants or needs. Just do as we agreed upon, and your reward will be substantial.’

The guard scowled. ‘Still. To disturb a grave so ancient and so hidden… it’s blasphemy.’

The chains fell silent as the coffin crashed onto the ground with a deafening thud, sending shudders through the earth. The workmen stumbled back, huddling together and mumbling prayers as they tried to distance themselves from the horror they had uncovered. The stone slab was pitch black and slick with algae, but the message etched into it was clear and unmistakable: a single, chilling word, carved with visible fury and malice:

WITCH