《WITHERED FLOWERS》


 Vol 1. Prologue.

    The lighting of the room shifted by the clouds passing in front of the sun already high on the warm summer sky. The room smelled of a mixture of dried flowers placed hanging from the hooks in the ceiling, faint smoke from the stove and the muddy water which little Sophia used to wash the potatoes in, soaking and scrubbing with a well used small vegetable brush perfect for her small fist. Crouching on the cracked tiles of the kitchen floor, a porcelain vat decorated with painted pictures of winter flowers filled with cold water half full, Sophia felt the stinging sensation of the chill numbing the tips of her fingers as the lovely color of pale yellow potatoes began to show from underneath all the dirt.


    A ten year old child home alone was hardly anything new, but there were few rules for the young Sophia while her mother Harriett Dilamor and father Gregory Dilamor worked by the largest paper factory in the Continent of Frahan¡ª in The Land of Agathen¡¯s Royal Kingdom Capital. Rule number one: Do not open the door for anyone knocking. Not even if they introduce themselves as friends of the family. Rule number two: Only one lantern is to be lit, and kept beside at all times. And rule number three: Never create a fire on the stove nor the stone oven¡ªmother Harriett would make sure to warm their small two room house through the darkening evening enough to hold the warmth in until the dinner time of the next day. Still, those rules never forbid her from beginning the preparations for the dinner, thus Sophia tucked the hem of her dress behind the crook of the knees and worked diligently while humming the well known children¡¯s tale of the Summer''s Dandelions. A song about dancing dandelions who enjoyed the summer breeze and ended up floating away from their mother. Sophia always found the song rather sad, until mother Harriett explained how they would end up growing into fine young flowers themselves after finding their spot in the vast world of wandering tiny seeds alike. Sophia found the ending of the song soothing, and had asked if she, as well, would once leave in the soft soothing summer breeze, which is when mother Harriett answered in a soft tone of a voice agreeing, although such thought seemed like years from now to a young child who only wished to live the eternity with her loving, doting parents. Even if the dandelions had a happy ending of growing beautiful and tall far away from their parents, such grownup steps felt almost distant, unreachable and in her opinion, completely unnecessary.


    Warm breeze of the summer¡¯s dawn,


    Sky of the pink and blue,


    We see the grass and ground and roots,


    And sleep until all melt for new.


    The only wooden clock on the wall with two shapes of tiny birds on top of it facing each other, ticked as the small metallic pendulum swayed gently from side to side¡ª1pm. It would still be a few long hours until Sophia¡¯s parents would end their usual workday but she did not mind. There were still many tasks she could begin and finish until then: Sweeping the floors, again. Bring the dry washcloths in from hanging outside their bedroom window. Those for example.


    After washing the last potato, Sophia took the potato peeler knife that had a wooden handle and a slightly bent blade which father Gregory had warned her of many times, each time she used said knife to be exact. He was a very protective father, to say as an understatement. But on top and even more than that, he was the funniest man Sophia had ever met in her short entire life. Not that she had met many, of course, but they would bring her to the fairs by the Central Square and Town¡¯s Market often and non of those adults were even half of the fun which her father was. All the adults seemed to talk about was finances, job occupations and the current gossip of The Royal Family. Sophia found such topics terribly boring and couldn¡¯t understand the fascination that the adults had, but even when being immersed in the conversations, once met with the eyes of father Gregory, he¡¯d make a funny sneer while crossing his eyes as if to let her know they were on the same page. Sophia would always giggle, knowing her father did not mind such topics himself. He¡¯d much rather talk about the mother nature and what lessons she had in store for them. Each time when spring arrived, every other Sunday he¡¯d take Sophia outside The Kingdom Capital of Agathen and into The Silken Forest. First they had to cross the Sobbing Maiden¡¯s Bridge, which had its name by the tale of the young lovers separated by the war a hundred years ago. When the Continent of Frahan was once an Empire. Each five Land under one above all. The story of un-flourished love would always make Sophia try and suck in the sob eager to escape, thus understood the name of the bridge to be quite appropriate. They would hunch over deep green moss and shallow shrubs while father Gregory read his notebook and shared his knowledge with little Sophia the best he could, his eyes and the subtly fastening speed of speech once particularly interesting points were made taught Sophia how much he truly loved the subject. More specifically, the healing abilities of many plants growing in the nature. He said that those plants, herbs and roots were more valuable than any piece of gold from the neighboring Land Berull could ever find from their flowing streams in gold mines of Muruak. Then, they would find a comfortable tree to lean against, eat their lunch prepared by mother Harriett and Sophia would pick some of the natures gold nearby while father Gregory would draw and illustrate a new plant in his notebook. He would teach Sophia how to draw and write, so that when she turned 7 years old she had her own notebook as a gift. Light brown leather cover with a leather string to tie around the button on the front. Her initials, S.D. as for Sophia Dilamor had been pressed on the surface, right lower corner of the cover. Sophia had hugged the notebook close so hard she slept proudly with it for five nights after receiving the treasured gift. First, she¡¯d copy the most important pages from her father¡¯s notebook and then, she¡¯d begin to make her own. Side by side, father and daughter. Leaning against the huge tree safe from the blazing sun, identical tight lips as they concentrated to perfect the days expeditions on the empty pages.


    Sophia loved her father. He had a dirty blond hair slightly wavy, glasses and defined cheekbones. His nose had a small bump in the middle. His hands were more delicate than the other men she saw from time to time when outside running errands, but they seemed to go rougher and the skin harsher by each passing year. Despite that, his fun loving nature never changed. He¡¯d lift Sophia up with one swing over the shoulder and spin around until she cackled like a little lid of a kettle filled with boiling water. He¡¯d tell stories, sing funny songs and dance along with them. He¡¯d hide tiny flowers in mother Harriett¡¯s hair through their Saturday picnics by the Gethel Park until she noticed, making her blush while little Sophia giggled behind the tiny fingers as she had kept quiet so that father Gregory could succeed in his decorative endeavor.


    Mother Harriett was a loving, caring and warm mother, who sang the most soothing lullabies and boiled the best soups. She would occasionally stand with her legs wide and hands on the hips, eyebrows frowning with a ladle in one fist while father Gregory and little Sophia were found in their mischievous tricks, but half serious only, as she¡¯d always stop there and despite her more calm nature, would always participate in her own unique way. Allowing them to have fun while she enjoyed the view. Mother Harriett¡¯s hair was the same as Sophia¡¯s. Golden locks of wavy sunny clouds which grew oddly fast down to lower back. Although Sophia inherited her father¡¯s eyes mixed with green and light brown, small features and delicate hands were from mother Harriett. A well known beauty from the Eastern Agathen, Town of Wrethn who despite the expectations married a man from a woodcutters family from the Western Agathen, Town of Brifena. Small and quite isolated since it was on the side of no borders of any neighboring countries nearby, nor bigger towns where people would need to pass by. Thus, not accepted by neither sides of the families, they moved in The Kingdom Capital. She loved braiding little Sophia¡¯s hair while telling stories of Princess¡¯s of the East and Goblin¡¯s of the North. She¡¯d gently stroke her back when it was time to sleep and mother Harriett¡¯s scent of flower petals lingering all around her would soothe Sophia with its sweet familiarity. From each Sunday trip to the forest outside The Kingdom Capital of Agathen, father Gregory brought a bouquet of wildflowers which mother Harriett then hang from the ceiling to dry and bless their home with the lasting scent, which then pleasantly stuck to their hair and clothing.


    Sophia finished peeling the potatoes and dropped them in a pot already placed on top of the stove with clean water ready for the soup already in it. She placed the lid back on top to make sure no dust could fall in and went by the entrance to fetch the broom. Sweeping the floor she began to sniff with her nose, more and more until creating small wrinkles on the top of it. She smelled smoke. Mortified, she went by the stove to make sure she accidentally did not set a fire in it. Silly thing to be afraid of, you would think one would remember doing such a difficult task, but she was always told to be quite a daydreamer, going about her tasks with half of her head in the clouds sometimes. But no, the stove was cold, and the potatoes still soaked in the cold clean water waiting to be boiled.


    Sophia wondered where the thick, rich smell was coming from. It wasn¡¯t the usual resulted from cooking or heating their small house tightly build side by side, continuing the arching row of houses until the cobblestoned Quarter Streets began ¡ªmany thin labyrinth like alleyways which the young students of the Academy District called The Devils Tricks for it was easy to get lost in the streets if one did not know the way. The Quarter Streets connected the houses, Academy District, Town¡¯s Market and Night Market and finally, The Central Square in the middle of it all where The Town¡¯s Hall stood tall. Most buildings were made out of stones, concrete walls and large logs. The shops, bakeries, flower shops and blacksmiths had personalized signs tangling on top of the entry and paid much attention on the display windows to lure in more customers. The streets were kept clean by those working in The Town¡¯s Hall, after all, the highest point of Agathen¡¯s Central Square was on a hollow hill, The Palace of The Royal Family. Frahan consisted of five Lands, with each ruled by their own Kingdom and those descended from The Royal bloodline which could be traced back many centuries. Agathen¡¯s had The Royal Family of Magdam, currently led by The King Gerald Magdam II. He was a man much more soft spoken in comparison to his father, the previous King. Well liked by the citizens, receiving appreciation by the Nobels. Queen Milafin Magdam was also a well liked figure in the eyes of everyday workers, people seen as below and up. She was seen as the mother of the nation, for her deep love and care for Agathen¡¯s orphans was talked about even beyond the harbor of the Great Ocean of Guruld. Queen Milafin donated each year in the foundation of Agathen¡¯s Orphanages, which many years ago had began their operation and offered new jobs even for the Sister¡¯s of The God ¡ªYumne. Thus the orphanage had been gifted the name Yumne Gera ¡ªmeaning God¡¯s Children in an ancient language from the years of past.


    Sophia felt the stinging smell of the smoke thicken, so much so she went through each nook and cranny sniffing her nose low and up as if trying to track the source of it. She went on her knees and lowered down to look under the bed¡ª nothing more than a few balls of dust in the corner, making a mental note to sweep the furtherest spot after she had discovered the current mystery. Pulling herself up from the cold, patchy concrete floor, she hit the back of her head on to bottom of the bed with a loud squeal that followed. She whined softly as she rubbed the stinging bump forming, but got over it quick, dusted the hem of her light brown skirt and white apron with a single pocket which was hanging from the loose stitches on one side. Her white shirt with many buttons at front was two sizes too big, but she did not mind, for her mother once told her she¡¯d grow into it one day. A thought which always made Sophia¡¯s determined smile gleam with expectations and impatience.


    Now, Sophia began to hear a muffled sound of a commotion outside. It sounded as if adults gasping and racing their voices for reasons unknown. It wasn¡¯t loud, for not many could be outside, loitering their day away, for many adults and even children in the right age, living in the residential district were working by the noon. Sophia returned in the kitchen and went by the window. She figured opening one, just one ajar would not be so bad. Doors were not allowed to be opened, but occasionally she¡¯d let in the fresh, warm air through a crack of a window. She placed her hand carefully on the lowest wooden panel of the window to support it, while the other hand reached on the metal hook keeping the window locked. She opened the window and peeked outside, seeing some, only five people outside gaping towards the same direction. A thick, heavy cloud rising behind the residential district and a little further.


    ¡¯¡¯Shut your window, fool!¡¯¡¯ One of the ladies noticed her leaning outside from the window, ¡¯¡¯Your parents ought to give you a scolding for letting the smoke in!¡¯¡¯


    Sophia flinched, gasping with the realization as if a cold metal pipe had been placed against her back forcing it to straighten. She did not know where the smell was coming from, certainly did not know her actions would make it worse. She shut the window with haste and foisted the metal hook through the ring, locking the window as it had originally been. She took a couple of steps back, nervously fidgeting with her fingertips, wondering if her parents would recognize the horrible smell and feel disappointed in her for not knowing to keep the windows shut at all cost. Not able to do much for now, Sophia found the broom, and began to gather any sand from outside and dust from the linen. She went by their beds and laid down on her stomach to reach the furthest corner as if fishing for tiny fishes from the forests lake with a stick, as she had, once in her life. Getting back up, delighted with the catch from the swaying broom, Sophia heard more commotion coming from outside. A loud horn being blown, rattling sound of wheels bumping against uneven cobblestones and voices of men yelling to get out of the way, move, make room for them to pass. Sophia let the broom fall from her slender, tiny fingers and knock on the grey colorless concrete floor when she rushed again beside the window, looking both ways with her cheek against the cold surface of the wavy glass.


    There, her guess had been right. It was one of the cars which Agathen¡¯s Rescuers as they were named, owned. Gifted by The Royal Family for a well selected workers if a disaster of any sorts such as accidents or fires should occur. Fire.


    The thought lingered in Sophia¡¯s mind. It was rare to see a car on the streets of Agathen¡¯s Capital. Anywhere, really. Cars were useful on small distances, but would not be much of help going on longer trips due to the amount of cranking which needed to be done from the front of the car, the thin metallic wheels which would occasionally get loose and need attendance mid travel. A horse and if needed, with a good old carriage still kept its spot as the most desirable traveling option. Of course, unless you were able to afford a train ticket on a train carriage with actual seats and windows. Most people below working class travelled on wooden train carriages with not as much as a window, except for a small hatch which could be slid open. That is, if other passengers agreed.


    Sophia watched with wide innocent gleam in her eyes and a gaping mouth as the Rescuers in their majestic ashy black car finally passed their house, rattling from the jumping caused by the uneven ground, one steering the large thin wheel, two sitting beside him and four more men holding onto the sides and hanging outside, one leg only able to have a footing. Not particularly safe, but better than nothing. The car had four large barrels on the pickup, tightly tied with a rope so they wouldn¡¯t spill all the water. The men yelled angrily and threw their hands as to command the curious people away from the streets, not slowing down either. It should be the stupidity of the people standing in the middle of the streets if they got hit, was the mentality.


    Soon enough, it got quiet once again. Eerily quite. The smoke seemed to disappear from the air inside their apartment, which pleased the little girl for maybe her parents wouldn¡¯t notice that she had opened the window for a brief moment. That, or she had gotten used to the smell by now. Listing down her tasks with one finger after another, she gasped with a quick suck of air, then ran in the bedroom to open up the wooden hatches in front of the window.


    ¡¯¡¯The rags!¡¯¡¯ Sophia shrieked out loud as she had remembered the clean washing cloths which had been drying outside in the warm summer air, hanging from a small metallic pole which father Gregory had installed for small clothing to be dried outside. She had no other option but to open the window, at least now she could use it as an excuse to her parents as to why their house smelled of an ashtray, and quickly picked the small cloths into her arms. Earlier, when she opened the window all she could hear were the people outside the window, but now, Sophia heard a faraway sound of faint screams. Not able to make any sense of their meaning. She smelled the smoke thicker than before, could swear a dust of ash flew past her eyes. A cat ran through the inner alleyway, opposite direction from where the Rescuers had gone with their car and as she looked up to the sky, she saw a huge swarm of white majestic swans heading the same direction. As if fleeing against the thick grey clouds. Little Sophia gulped, feeling the bitter scent now on her tastebuds, she took a step back and shut the window along with the wooden hatches making the room loose all the natural light. In the heat of the moment she had forgotten the second rule: always keep the lantern near. Thus she threw the clean, smoke smelly rags on the bedside table and rushed back in the kitchen to make sure it had not knocked over. Relieved of the tiny flickering flame in its contained space, Sophia sighed and swore to keep it on the eye distance at all costs. Realizing now, finally, for the first time in her young and naive mind of a child, that her fear must be someone else¡¯s reality.


    ¡¯¡¯I hope everyone¡¯s okay, Mr. Higgins.¡¯¡¯ Sophia went back in the bedroom and sparked a conversation with her teddy bear. A brown well loved ragged bear with harsh fur and a missing eye from years of bathing with her, sleeping in the same bed in a tight hold and those many trips outside.


    She placed the lantern down a few steps from her as mother and father had taught, thus she wouldn¡¯t accidentally knock it over, and reached for the bundle of rags she had placed on the bedside table. She sat on her calfs and began to neatly fold them one by one, admiring some of the stitched which did not match the original, but which were proudly made by her. Those rags were the ones she¡¯d use to practice sewing, and she was getting quite good at it if you did not mind her bragging a little.


    Moments passed. Potatoes were peeled. Floors were swept. Rags were folded. And parents were still not arriving. Sophia sat on the cheap pine wood chair around the kitchen table, hugging her knees on the chest and a small chin resting on top. Watching the pendulum of the clock sway from left to right. People outside had gone in, perhaps for the smoke. All Sophia could hear were the ticking of the old deep dark wooden clock, minute after another as the pointer moved yet again. Hours passed. And after awhile, it was past the time her parents would typically arrive home. It wasn¡¯t like them to work overtime since they knew Sophia was home alone, and they did not like leaving her there unattended just as much as Sophia hated being alone, although she had gotten used to those five days a week.


    Finally, after many exhausting minutes turned into hours of silence, Sophia finally heard commotion outside, ¡¯¡¯Mom¡ªDad! They¡¯ve returned!¡¯¡¯ She rushed to the window only to see the son of the neighbors leap in the arms of his elderly mother with his clothes ashy and a cloud of dark dust following behind. His cheeks dirty as if he had been working in coal mines of the Southern Agathen¡¯s Town of Emr¨¦la, warmest place in all of the Land of Agathen where the most important coal mines offered well paying jobs for the locals. Sophia had only learned stories from the town, but had never traveled outside of The Kingdom¡¯s Capital. But if she imagined anyone working there, they¡¯d look like the neighbors son did right in that moment.


    ¡¯¡¯He works at the paper factory where mom and dad work..¡¯¡¯ Sophia spoke to herself. A habit she had once in a while for staying many hours by herself, with the accompany of Mr. Higgins of course.


    A few more workers arrived home, all covered in dark dust like the person prior. They all shared the dirty, stained and muddled clothing in common, but also the way they walked, specific slumped shoulders as their families rushed to hug them, which confused little Sophia. On an average day, they would walk home together, wave to each other with a tired smile on their faces and part ways. Sophia began to feel something stirring in her heart, something she could not understand. But it made her feel uncomfortable, and she did not like it.


    It was beginning to get dark outside. The warmth of last nights fire in the fireplace and stove had dissolved in thin air and the beginning of the summer brought its chilly evening breeze which tried its best to squeeze the way through the cracks of the windows, forcing Sophia to shiver. She took the lantern and went by the bedroom to fetch the lovely baby blue cardigan which mother Harriett had used the beautiful style of embroidery to create lovely white and light pink flowers on the front pockets. A talent which Sophia hadn¡¯t learned herself yet, for it seemed quite too meticulous and tedious for her liking. But the result which mother Harriett would then show her, would make her find a new appreciation for the talent. Sophia pulled the cardigan on and hid her tiny fingers inside the long sleeves, away from the chilly air. The rooms of the house had become dark, and one single lantern was not enough at all, but she was not allowed to lit another one, or the bigger one hanging from the ceiling. Not that he¡¯d be able to reach it even when standing on a chair if she tried. With the lantern on her own small bedside table, she laid down on the bed and its thin mattress, staring at the empty bed of her parents.


    ¡¯¡¯What is taking them so long?¡¯¡¯ Sophia reached for Mr. Higgins and hugged it close before drifting in an unwanted sleep.


    Tired and hungry, her nap felt as if it had lasted through the whole night, but it was even darker by the time a loud banging on the front door woke her up with her heart nearly jumping out of the chest, once¡ªtwice¡ªthree times the banging continued when she finally had stumbled her way to reach the door, thinking her parent must¡¯ve forgotten their keys and had finally rushed home, thus eagerly banging on the door to get to her.


    ¡¯¡¯Mom! Dad!¡¯¡¯ Sophia reached for the round lock and almost rolled it while the other hand reached to turn the handle.


    ¡¯¡¯Miss Sophia Dilamor?¡¯¡¯ An unfamiliar voice could be heard answering from the other side, forcing Sophia to retrieve her hands, holding them close to chest in panic. She had almost broken the first rule, and that wouldn¡¯t do.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡¯¡¯M¡ª my parents, they¡¯re not home.¡¯¡¯ She got out with a tight throat.


    Bang Bang Bang the door was hit loudly and impatiently once again, this time frightening the small girl as she heard it loud and clear, saw it even, ¡¯¡¯Is anyone home? Miss Sophia Dilamor?!¡¯¡¯ The man called again, ¡¯¡¯I do not think there¡¯s anyone home. Are you sure they had a ten year old?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Yes, I am certain. Why else would I drag myself here¡ª just to make this horrendous day even longer?¡¯¡¯ A bitter voice of another man could be heard answering. Sophia¡¯s mouth went dry and lips pushed together in a tight straight line. This must¡¯ve been the situation her parents had warned her about, and there was no way she¡¯d fall for their tricks and open that door.


    Once again the loud banging send shivers through Sophia¡¯s spine, forcing her to push the hands against the ears to quiet the echo.


    ¡¯¡¯Please, go away!¡¯¡¯ Sophia found herself raising her voice, cracking from the lack of usage through the day and the nervous dryness of her throat.


    ¡¯¡¯See? I told you so.¡¯¡¯ She could hear the second man comment with a snarky tone.


    ¡¯¡¯Miss Sophia?¡¯¡¯ The first man whom presumably used his fist to almost bash his way through the door used a much more approachable soft tone, as if he had moved closer to make sure she heard without him raising his voice, ¡¯¡¯We are here to bear the heavy news regarding your parents.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯What¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sophia took a step towards the door, but halted immediately for she had almost fallen for their obscene tricks, ¡¯¡¯My parents told me not to open the door for any stranger. Please, go.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Very well, we shall bring the news this way, then.¡¯¡¯ The man said, ¡¯¡¯A devastating fire has destroyed the west wing of the paper factory. Your parents, Mrs. Harriett Dilamor and Mr. Gregory Dilamor among with a handful of other workers, have sadly lost their lives.¡¯¡¯ His voice softened by the time he was finished. Sophia blinked twice while staring at the glow seeping through the crack beneath the door, and the shadow of the two men standing at the other side. Another one staying still, and the other seeming to be more in a rush judging by the way he kept shaking the right leg in a quick, anxious manner.


    ¡¯¡¯No..¡¯¡¯ Sophia covered her mouth with the cold fingers in the darkness, eyes large from the lies being told, ¡¯¡¯You are lying! My parents will come home, and I¡¯ve even prepared the potatoes! I¡¯ve swept the floors and they ought to give me praise! I¡¯ve folded the clean rags and reached the dust under bed!¡¯¡¯ Her words came out in a disbelieving, desperate whine.


    ¡¯¡¯Listen you little brat!¡¯¡¯ The impatient man raised his voice but seemed to be stopped by the other man presumed by the way he did not finish his insult, ¡¯¡¯What?! She is getting on my nerves. We¡¯ve worked hours with no time to rest, my throat and nostrils are filled with ash mixed with my own snot and I am not in the mood to pamper an orphan!¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Shut you mouth, you imbecile!¡¯¡¯ Even the calmer man seemed to become agitated now. But their words kept circling in Sophia¡¯s disoriented, spinning mind. What they said made no sense at all, words she could not fathom, ¡¯¡¯My apologies, young Miss, but we have to do this.¡¯¡¯ The man with the nice voice said, clearly facing the door once more and in that same moment, Sophia noticed a thick metal crowbar stuck inside from beneath the door, closer to the hinges and with a quick movement, the men stepped on the leverage and with a loud sound of shabby metal breaking in half, the hinges came undone in front of her eyes as the door began to fall towards her. Sophia took quick steps back as the two men used their body to push the door down. Despite her dusting the floor so diligently, the fall still created small clouds of dust after the impact against the cold concrete floor.


    ¡¯¡¯Take her. We need to go.¡¯¡¯ The other man said, must¡¯ve been the calmer one from the way his curved eyebrows shower more compassion compared to the other one, larger in size even with his thick heavy black eyebrows not hiding the distaste of having to scoop the little girl under his armpit, easily doing so with one arm despite Sophia trying to kick and scream her way off.


    ¡¯¡¯Let¡ªme¡ªgo!¡¯¡¯ Sophia hit a few more times, kicking her legs behind furiously, ¡¯¡¯I need to wait here for my parents and I cannot make them worry!¡¯¡¯ By now, she was sobbing the comfortless tears of her hopeless situation.


    ¡¯¡¯Let her down.¡¯¡¯ The other man said, his blond hair covered in what seemed like ash and sweat. Sophia now realized their clothing. Neat dark grey jackets with thick tailored collars, a leather harness going through the chest and attaching to a belt going around the waist on top of the jacket, holding a knife. Pants made out of the same fabric and black boots on top with the trousers tucked in. The badge of emerald green and gold on their chest evident and clear even without much light to see. The Rescuers, workers serving The Kingdom Capital. They were not thief¡¯s nor kidnappers, not there to steal her away. They were there on orders of The Kingdom.


    ¡¯¡¯But¡ª¡¯¡¯ Answered the other, his black buzz cut and rough features complimenting the harsh demeanor. Despite objecting at first, he yielded in the man¡¯s request and lowered Sophia down yet hovered behind her to make sure she wouldn¡¯t try and run as soon as her feet touched the ground.


    ¡¯¡¯Look, little Miss Dilamor.¡¯¡¯ The man held two pieces of paper out as he kneeled on one knee, like a Prince from mother Harriett¡¯s stories with his handsome blue eyes and strong jawline. Sophia sniffled her nose making it wrinkle for a brief second each time. Her eyes began to feel a burning sensation as she noticed the smell of smoke once again rushing in because of the now broken door on her feet, ¡¯¡¯We are sorry to bring you the unfortunate news of your parents passing. Today, as I said, the west wing of the paper factory where your parents had worked, caught on fire by the malfunction of a pulp mill which had caught on fire due to falling on the side and creating a chain effect of¡ª¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Fior, i do not think she understands the details even if you try and explain.¡¯¡¯ The grumpy, arrogant man huffed annoyedly and earned a raised, competing eyebrow from the Prince-like man in Sophia¡¯s mind as she tried to follow his explanation.


    ¡¯¡¯Here.¡¯¡¯ The Rescuer, Fior as his name seemed to be, handed the two pieces of paper, ¡¯¡¯These are the certificates of your parents passing. I doubt you can read them, so if you need any assistance ¡ª¡¯¡¯ The Rescuer Fior stopped as he noticed little Sophia¡¯s eyes move from right to left, swiftly and smoothly as her lips soundlessly spelled the words in a hasty manner, reading as quick as an adult when having their hands on the weeks long awaited newspaper.


    Sophia finished reading in no time, going back to read the title once more stating the most important information: Death certificate, Name of the deceased, Cause of death and lastly¡ªFamily and Relatives. Most of the names on the short list were people Sophia had never heard of before, except for her own.


    Children: Sophia Dilamor. An only child.


    She felt her hands beginning to shake, the coat of arms pressed wax with the emerald green background and shimmering golden tree with millions of branches did not lie. The Kingdom would not lie. These documents were as real as her red, painful eyes beginning to overflow with tears creating more pain as they spread the smoke even further on her eye socket.


    ¡¯¡¯We need to go. You are not the only one we have to still reach today, young child. Please understand.¡¯¡¯ Rescuer Fior placed a warm, reassuring hand on her slender shoulder, ¡¯¡¯You may take anything you can easily carry. No more. We shall give you a minute or two to gather your belongings. And then we have to be on our way.¡¯¡¯


    Sophia¡¯s quivering eyes raised to meet his. He was sorry, truly was. As if fighting his own feelings aside. Not like the other man, but Sophia couldn¡¯t even see him standing behind her. With a soft nod, Sophia turned around and went to the back corner where their bedroom was. She stopped beside her parents bed and touched their pillow with gentle fingertips. The two Rescuers had followed, waiting by the doorway to make sure she would not flee or else their task would be a fail. Sophia lowered down to bury her face in the pillow, inhaling the scent of her parents lingering. The smoke hadn¡¯t ruined it completely. Tears left on the harsh fabric of the cotton linen, Sophia sobbed with faint hiccups as she opened the bedside table and took out her father¡¯s notebook, then walked by her own bed to take Mr. Higgins before returning to those two men waiting.


    ¡¯¡¯Is that all?¡¯¡¯ Rescuer Fior raised surprised eyebrows and Sophia answered with a mere soft nod, keeping her eyes down. It was all she needed. Cardigan with mother Harriett¡¯s embroidery reminding her of the Saturday picnics by the Gethel Park, leather notebook with father Gregory¡¯s wisdom and memories of their trips in the woods every other Sunday. And Mr. Higgins. The well loved teddy bear.


    The last look Sophia ever glanced towards her warm, modest childhood home was the one last look she could muster from the small gap between the two large men escorting her away, and seeing the many bouquets of dried flowers hanging from the ceiling.


    From then on, everything seemed to happen in a haze. Like a dream which seemed to continue without an end. The brief memorial service, endless hours sitting in a dull corridor with adults passing by. Sophia held on to her parents Death Certificates and her other belongings dearly. She did not know where that empty corridor would eventually take her, nor did she care. All Sophia wanted was her parents warm embrace, her mother¡¯s praise for how well she washed and peeled the potatoes and them all enjoying the warm soup together. Her father ruffling her hair and making a joke about her being the cute raggedy doll from one of the shops display windows and Sophia then trying to mimic its funny expression, making her father laugh joyfully. That is all she wanted, yet couldn¡¯t have. So what was the point.


    The corridor eventually did lead her in a train for the first time, although it did not excite her to the slightest. She did not get to sit on the train carriages with the windows and the seats, but in a wooden carriage with the wooden hatches as the windows. Sitting in a corner with other people around her, families, elderly and so on. Hugging the tote bag which she was given to keep the few belongings safe. She hugged it so tight one would suspect it held the answer to all secrets of the universe. So dear and precious. Rescuer Fior did not accompany her, much to her disappointment, but an old Sister from the Yumne Gera Orphanage.


    First, she found herself in a doorstep of the nearest relative ¡ª Agatha, her name was. They had traveled on the Eastern side of Agathen, the Town of Wrethn, where mother Harriett had been born. In any other trip Sophia would have been excited, ecstatic to the point of not being able to contain it in her small body. But not with these circumstances. An old bony lady met them with a sour look, with slim wrists and a black bun tied too tightly back it made the wrinkles on her old face eerily and terribly unnatural and smooth, stared down at Sophia without hiding her disgust.


    ¡¯¡¯That child is not my problem!¡¯¡¯ She had stated while throwing the Death Certificate in the air, Sophia barely being able to catch it before it touched the ground. The woman was apparently an aunt of mother Harriett¡¯s, ¡¯¡¯She shouldn¡¯t have married the woodcutters son if she did not want to face the suffering!¡¯¡¯ The old hag shut the door in front of them with a loud bang as the final statement.


    Second, third and fourth relative along the way had the same reaction. As if it was planned by them all along. They were all eager to point out their disapproval of Harriett and Gregory¡¯s marriage from the beginning of their relationship, going as far as to blame them for their own ultimate faith. You see, Harriett¡¯s family had great expectations for their daughter to marry higher in society with her beauty and grace. But she, instead, fell in love with a lowly woodcutters son who did not have much family nor fortune to back him up, not much to gift all together. Or so they thought. Except his undying love, thus they did not mind the relentless disapproval, resulting into the two eloping and beginning a new life somewhere far away from both of their families.


    And they were happy.


    ¡¯¡¯There is one more¡ª¡¯¡¯ Old Sister Ylia stared at the short list of relatives, ¡¯¡¯If he does not want you, you shall come with me and work at the Orphanage until your 16th birthday.¡¯¡¯ She sighed and thus began another train ride. Tired from the weeks of traveling, not seeing the end of it, Sophia was close to just requesting they go back to The Capital right now instead of wasting their time traveling through Agathen, from mother Harriett¡¯s hometown Wrethn to father Gregory¡¯s hometown on The Western side, Brifena. After all the rejections from the previous households, she did not see a reason for a distant grandfather to give much of a different verdict. But then again, this might¡¯ve been the only time in her entire life when she could see with her own eyes the streets where her parents once had ran around and played as a child in her age. In a way, those sights of the hills and the forests and the lakes brought comfort in her small aching soul. Then, after one last rejection, she could be finally done and ready to scrub the cold used and damaged floors of the Orphanage for years on end.


    The horse carriage curved slightly on the gravel path between the thick forest of oak trees¡¯ and all types of evergreen coniferous trees¡¯ with their most beautiful state of the year so far. The vibrant colors and the gleaming shimmer of the sun shining through creating spotlight on the moss and grass made Sophia jealous of the flowers and insects and tiny worms who got to bask in the soft comfort of the heavenly bed created by the bewitched nature. Sister Ylia was immersed in her Holy Book of The Agathen God Yumne, picking the gap between the front teeth and clicking her tongue in a distasteful way even from a ten year old¡¯s point of view. Avoiding looking, knowing that she¡¯d earn a rather annoyed glare from the Sister of The God if she was caught looking her way, Sophia instead focused on the lovely view blessed through the window. The Kingdom¡¯s Capital was tightly build and busy, being the largest of all in Agathen, and situated in the middle, just a bit on the Southern side of the Kingdom, as it was not too far away from the Southern Harbor, but not too close either. Perfect distance. Still, Sophia had never seen the ocean with her own two eyes. Only heard stories of the clear blue waters and wavy sand on the bottom which felt pleasant underneath the touch of a feet. The waves larger than any building in The Kingdom and the dark endless, un-investigated bottom of millions of mysteries. The ocean fascinated her. And even though The Eastern Town of Wrethn was truly beautiful and had plenty of forests surrounding it, the land was quite flat, for it was close to the border of the neighboring Land of Berull, being one of the first large towns which the merchants passed while delivering grand jewelry, silk and sugar which were the most noticeable trading items from the proud Berullian¡¯s. Still, it seemed like the Western Town of Brifena began to feel more preferable to young Sophia, even though it was the most remote from other borders, being far away from any other towns and any other borders of countries in Frahan. Brifena had a lovely shade of forest which would soon be noticed why, when the carriage curved from behind tall trees¡¯ and out on the open from the right side, revealing a large lake beneath them with the surface shining as if millions of tiny fairies danced in the summer day¡¯s fair.


    Sophia gasped, delighted as she pushed herself and the tiny hands against the window to get herself as close as possible.


    ¡¯¡¯Get your greasy hands off the window this instant.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia snarled from underneath her eyelashes. She was wearing the light grey tunic of a God¡¯s Servant, a headwear of the same shade with a white mark of The God, swirling like tree branches symbolizing the beginning of Agathen grounds, on the front of it. The fabric hiding her hair and lowering down on the chest.


    But Sophia did not listen. She did not think of a punishment coming at her way, she did not care. Sophia reached on the handle of the horse carriages window and pushed it on the side, sliding effortlessly and making the gorgeous scenery even clearer. They were on a road higher from the lake, on a hill side. The scent of the evergreen trees¡¯, lichen and moss mixed with the water slightly salty hit her like being thrown at a basket filled with the word summer materialized. Sophia had the air stuck somewhere in the middle, eyebrows curving up from the wonder as she leaned outside from the window, her waist long wavy smooth golden hair being caught in the gentle wind twirling it around. For the first time in weeks, a helpless smile painted her face as she closed her eyes to take in the scent once more. Even Sister Ylia could not scold the child further ¡ª leaving her be, perhaps enjoy the scenery herself a little.


    Once Sophia opened her eyes, she saw them curving further, and below them began appearing houses, small and as if scattered mindlessly, until forming a small town hugged by forests and mountains on each side, one mountain forming a beautiful thin waterfall letting it be safe to presume that the ocean of the Agathen¡¯s most remote border was close, facing only the vast open ocean ever ending.


    The gravel path soon switched into the smoothened cobblestones, hardly making the carriage shake from them at all. They passed through the town and its bakery, the scent making Sophia realize the hunger which had bothered her yesterday.


    ¡¯¡¯Close the window. Now.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia commanded firmly, thus Sophia complied and slid the window shut, then slumped her back against the wall of the carriage, leaning the back of her head and staring at the town¡¯s people whispering to each other about the sudden carriage and The God¡¯s Servant sitting there with an unknown child. Soon, after passing the shops, houses, different businesses and a small round Town Square, the cobblestones once again turned into a gravel path, going up a slight hill until stopping beside a low fence made out of carefully placed stones. A yard with a metallic wheelbarrow, a wooden shed and a wooden cabin with two floors it seemed. The whole yard itself was larger than Sophia¡¯s family home at The Kingdom¡¯s Capital.


    ¡¯¡¯Act accordingly. Do not speak unless given permission, for I do not trust what frogs could come out from there. If this either does not work¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia fixed Sophia¡¯s hair roughly behind the ears and tucked the light baby blue cardigan too harshly from the collars, enough to make Sophia fear it¡¯d tear, ¡¯¡¯¡ªYou will have to travel back with me, and begin the work by the Orphanage. Immediately. And i doubt you want that either.¡¯¡¯


    Sister Ylia did not wait for her response, not that Sofia had anything to say to begin with, as she opened the carriage door and stepped outside first, Sophia following close behind. Holding the beloved tote bag and its contents on one shoulder, the handle crushed in both fists.


    Sophia peeked from behind the Sister once she began to overly friendly introduce herself to someone who had just come out from the shabby shed, cleaning his hands in an already dirty rag. An older man, probably in his early 50s¡¯. He had a dirty white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to elbows, brown leather suspenders holding the brown pants and boots which had seen better days. He had a stubble which had began to turn grey from the dark brown, and his hair was messy and uncut, ¡¯¡¯What is this about, Sister?¡¯¡¯ The man had a raspy, hoarse and intimidating voice. He did not seem like the type of a man who would ruffle Sophia¡¯s hair and make her laugh, yet apparently this man was her grandfather, on father Gregory¡¯s side.


    Sophia did not see the resemblance at all. In fact, quite the opposite. But he hadn¡¯t seen her yet at all, either.


    ¡¯¡¯Our visit is unexpected, I know.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia began, ¡¯¡¯But I am here to bear the grave news. As well as introduce you, Mister Billford Dilamor, to someone.¡¯¡¯ She moved on the side, eagerly tucking a hand behind Sophia¡¯s back and nearly shoving her to step forward. Upon their eyes finally meeting, a small twitch on the corner on Billford¡¯s eye could be seen for a mere second, unnoticed by most. But not by Sophia.


    ¡¯¡¯What is this, I asked?¡¯¡¯ He did not seem to be in the mood for sugarcoating, his eyes stern and unamused.


    Sister Ylia straightened her back once more, and Sophia couldn¡¯t help but feel a little proud for the way the Sister seemed to go finally smaller in front of someone with more presence, a worthy opponent, ¡¯¡¯Well, it seems the news has not reached you yet. As you see¡ª your son, Mr. Gregory Dilamor and his wife, Mrs. Harriett Dilamor passed away from a factory accident many weeks ago.¡¯¡¯ As she spoke, Sophia let the tote bags handles fall down as she reached out for the Death Certificates ¡ª already accustomed with the routine, and handed it to Billford who yanked the papers from her small fingers without a single glance towards her, ¡¯¡¯And this young lady here, is your only granddaughter, Sophia Dilamor. She is ten years old, Mister Dilamor.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia tried to read the look on the man¡¯s face, unable to make much of it.


    Sophia knew now that her mother¡¯s side of the family seemed cruel, but they learned about the two passing away weeks ago and wouldn¡¯t even bother to send a letter to the father of the deceased at least. An action, or lack of one, felt as if the peak of cruelty in her opinion.


    ¡¯¡¯So, what brings you all the way here?¡¯¡¯ Billford handed the Certificates back to young Sophia, still avoiding her eyes, ¡¯¡¯If I am not mistaken, her side of the family lives closer to The Kingdom Capital and has more members than in our side of the family. There is no other than me.¡¯¡¯ He seemed to faintly shrug.


    ¡¯¡¯We have traveled for weeks on end, Mister.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia seemed to beg now, which was new. She mustn¡¯t want to take her back either, ¡¯¡¯And non of family Cornelia accepted the poor child. Poor, poor, little thing.¡¯¡¯ Her acting was terrible.


    ¡¯¡¯And what should I do with her? A small, skinny child like such and one more mouth to feed on top of that.¡¯¡¯ Billford cleared his throat and spit on the side, making Sister Ylia want to gag from such barbaric behavior.


    ¡¯¡¯Heavens Mister, she would be plenty useful! She knows how to read. She hasn¡¯t whined not a single time during these many weeks on the road. She is obedient, and would make a great helper for a lonely woodcutter as yourself.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia¡¯s words were almost daggers of insults by the end, but such small matters wouldn¡¯t mean much for a man like Billford who instead scoffed a lopsided smile, ¡¯¡¯And if my eyes are not deceiving me¡ª she has your eyes.¡¯¡¯


    In that moment, finally, Sophia had a response to her curious gaze. Billford looked down toward her, their eyes indeed the same shade of hazel, green and light brown mixed together. Taking advantage of the situation, Sophia reached inside the tote bag once more and swiftly offered the leather notebook, holding it with both hands and a whole lot of determination in her gaze.


    Billford squinted his eyes at her for a moment but eventually accepted the notebook. He twirled the leather string from around the button and opened the cover, skimmed through the first few pages ¡ª until abruptly stopping on one particular page, ¡¯¡¯No¡ª¡¯¡¯ Billford searched for Sophia¡¯s eyes once more, ¡¯¡¯She has her father¡¯s eyes.¡¯¡¯ He said calmly.


    ¡¯¡¯Is that so?¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia tried to sound cheerful, but was left unnoticed by the two. An outsider.


    ¡¯¡¯You can read?¡¯¡¯ Billford skimmed through the pages calmly one after another. He did ask a question although not sounding very interested.


    Knowing the question was meant towards her, it was a clear sign to speak as Sister Ylia pushed her shoulder a little, ¡¯¡¯Y- YES!¡¯¡¯ Sophia answered, a little too eagerly, ¡¯¡¯Yes, Mister. I can read.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Mhm.¡¯¡¯ Billford nodded, ¡¯¡¯Can you cook?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯I can, Mister. I am excellent at peeling potatoes.¡¯¡¯ Sophia brought her hands behind the back as if being interviewed.


    ¡¯¡¯Can you work?¡¯¡¯ Billford did not take his eyes off the pages of the notebook.


    ¡¯¡¯Yes, Mister. I sweep the floors. I fold the laundry. I know how to sew. I am great at following rules.¡¯¡¯ She held her chin high, ¡¯¡¯¡ªAnd I can write, draw and know a lot about the plants and herbs.¡¯¡¯


    Billford closed the notebook with only one hand before handing it back to its rightful owner. He scratched his head and brushed the hair back on the side as if deep in thought.


    ¡¯¡¯With all due respect, Mister Dilamor. If not here, then she shall return with me and begin to serve the house of God.¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia added with a serious tone, different to her previous overly friendly facade.


    ¡¯¡¯That needn¡¯t be necessary¡ª¡¯¡¯ Billford answered with no hesitation left in his words, ¡¯¡¯She can stay.¡¯¡¯ He said no more, turning away and with that simple statement disappearing back inside the shabby wooden shed tilted slightly on the right.


    ¡¯¡¯What lovely news!¡¯¡¯ Sister Ylia seemed rather pleased as she kicked her heels against each other and already rushed towards the horse carriage, ¡¯¡¯I shall not stay here any longer. Impressive on my behalf i must say, i did not expect to get rid of you by the end of this trip and I am barely ever wrong. Although i would''ve had a job for you back at the Orphanage, perhaps even as my personal assistant if you learned some proper manners along the way. Well then, good luck kid!¡¯¡¯ She waved her hand only once before already gone. Not much of a sentimental departure.


    Left alone on the wide front yard in an unfamiliar place, Sophia hugged the notebook of her father¡¯s close to chest and looked around, eyes meeting with another young girl¡¯s own peeking from behind the stone fence, her curly red hair gleaming underneath the blazing sun like flames. Dark brown eyes, freckles, and lips now turning into a bright smile which was missing a tooth or two.


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 1.

    Sophia wondered if she should follow Billford in the shed, or go wash her hands and head inside to find a task and begin showing her worth to the estranged grandfather who did not seem very warm nor welcoming, but who was kind enough to let her stay nonetheless. Winning him over would be her priority number one from now on, and that would include helping around even without him having to ask. She was used to doing things on her own, anyway. Not because her parents wanted to leave her home alone during daytime, but because they needed money to survive. As simple as that. And even though Sophia was a young child, she learned early on that nothing in this world came for free. Everything had a cost, and the only thing which did not, was already taken from her. She couldn''t have her parents unconditional and irreplaceable love, and Billford might never come to love her as a grandchild, but she could purchase her spot in his household if she showed her worth in capability.


    ¡¯¡¯Do you know Grumpy Bill?¡¯¡¯ A voice as clear as the blue sky above could be heard from behind the stone fence, and Sophia was met with a child possibly close to her own age¡ª a smile so contagious, jovial with two missing front teeth.


    ¡¯¡¯He is my grandfather.¡¯¡¯ Sophia took a step closer and immediately saw the girl excitedly jump up from the hiding, her tight curls of red shining brightly as if the flames of a bonfire. Her dress seemed old and had a few ripped spots, but it was a lovely shade of mellow blue with tiny bright yellow sunflowers all around.


    ¡¯¡¯Are you sure!?¡¯¡¯ She jumped on the fence and sat there, tangling her feet in the air.


    ¡¯¡¯Pretty sure, yes.¡¯¡¯ Answered Sophia with a raised eyebrow, tilting her head on the side as if wondering the same question herself. The situation was new to her as well. Foreign. Almost like a second, disconnected reality far from natural.


    ¡¯¡¯Sweet.¡¯¡¯ The girl sounded dreamy, ¡¯¡¯My name¡¯s Mari¨¦! Mari¨¦ Monree. I am an only child, and that is terribly boring.¡¯¡¯ She sighed dramatically while leaning forward and pushing her hands against the stone fence.


    ¡¯¡¯I am an only child as well.¡¯¡¯ Sophia finally walked all the way beside her, still hugging the tote bag and keeping her distance by exactly three steps. She had never seen someone with hair as magnificent and flattering under summer sky.


    ¡¯¡¯Lucky us! You could be my sister, then.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ smiled with the gums showing. Sophia¡¯s eyes sparkled, for the first time she seemed to perhaps make a real friend, but better yet, a sister, ¡¯¡¯Well, we cannot actually be sisters but we can pretend, right?¡± Mari¨¦ continued whilst holding a hand to hide her mouth, as if anyone was there to hear the unimportant details. Upon first meeting, Mari¨¦ reminded Sophia of the cheerful little squirrels which she loved to follow on their Saturday picnics, and watch as they jumped from tree branches to tree branches gleefully playing amongst each other. A game she could not join. From time to time, the sight would also spark a sense of loneliness in her. Sophia did not have friends, because she wasn''t in school yet like many others under ten year olds. Sophia would''ve started school by the next autumn in the Academy District¡¯s middle school program, both excited and awfully frightened. But mostly, she couldn''t wait to meet other children and make many friends along the way. Of course, only now did she remember those future plans, now made impossible. She could never ask to attend school here in Brifena, if they even had a school in the first place.


    ¡¯¡¯Okay!¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled back at Mari¨¦ and truthfully, it had been a while since the last time she felt such genuine joy, albeit fleeting. The creaking of the shabby shed¡¯s door¡ªa name she had already given on her own to the whimsical crooked shack, could be heard in the distance behind them.


    Mari¨¦ seemed to go stiff, like a stick in the freezing winter would once she saw Billford approach with his long, lanky steps. He was a strong, large man who always wore the wrinkles between the eyebrows as his best accessory, or a highly affective people repellent, ¡¯¡¯Well, i should return home. Mom is making pancakes for brunch. Bye, Sophi¨¦.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ jumped down from the stone fence and ran as fast as a grasshopper into the cabin next to them. Slightly different, maybe just as big but with more flowers planted on the front yard and a much more well kept porch with a swing meant for two, and lovely wind chimes tied on the high pillar of the shelter, creating fabled jingles together with the wonderful breeze.


    ¡¯¡¯Wasn''t that the neighbors kid?¡¯¡¯ Billford asked as he reached Sophia, placing strict hands on the waist and pulling up the belt of his pants, ¡¯¡¯Miri¡ªMori¡ª¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Yes, Mister. Mari¨¦. Mari¨¦ Monree.¡¯¡¯ Sophia straightened her back once more, made sure her feet both faced the same direction neatly side by side.


    Billford hummed with a low growl, raising the lip from one corner revealing some of the teeth, resembling an irritated wolf awaken from its midday nap, ¡¯¡¯She is a loud rascal who keeps loitering around my fence. Keep your distance.¡±


    ¡¯¡¯But, Mister!¡¯¡¯ Sophia found herself resisting the urge to whine, ¡±She¡ª seemed nice. And she called me Sophi¨¦. With all due respect, Mister, i have never had a real nickname before.¡¯¡¯ She mimicked the words which Sister Ylia had spoken, wondering if they truly were as respectful as the Sister¡¯s facade was duplicitous. Sophia crushed the tote bag nervously against the stomach. Surely he wouldn''t send her away for a small matter as such, would he not?


    Billford looked down at her from underneath the stern eyelids for a moment longer, which made her feel more like a small ant under harrowing undesirable spotlight.


    ¡¯¡¯Fine. But if she causes any trouble, find someone else to play with.¡± Billford scoffed, nodding his head back towards the cabin as a sign to follow.


    ¡¯¡¯Yes! Mister.¡¯¡¯ Sophia beamed and followed closely, having to downright run to keep up with his long steps, worth as much as four of her own. Despite that, she had made her very first friend, on her very first day.


    Sophia sat around the worn out dark wooden kitchen table and its matching six chairs. They were sturdy and made out of vintage rosewood, a set gifted from generation to the next in Dilamor''s family tree, a tradition in danger to cease with Sophia being the last remaining Dilamor after Bill. A grandchild he did not know existed only short moments prior. She had a bowl of warm porridge with fresh berries on the side and a tiny lump of salty butter melting in the middle. For weeks on end Sophia had survived with nearly moldy bread and watery broth with close to non content in it, and she felt her stomach rumble from the simple scent of the bowl placed in front. Even still, for some reason, from each passing minute it felt impossible to dig the spoon in and ruin the perfection. On top of that, her parents had taught it to be rather rude to begin the feast without allowing the first bite to the Master of the household.


    ¡¯¡¯Not for your liking?¡¯¡¯ Billford pulled a chair for himself, the heavy sound it made dragging against the tile floors startled the child with shivers running over the shoulders. His bowl was just as perfect, equally filled to the edges. On the road, Sophia had always a portion smaller of what Sister Ylia had, or perhaps nothing at all. In Sister Ylia¡¯s opinion it was justified, since Sophia was much smaller and did not require as much energy compared to an adult, but in all truth and honesty, those weeks exhausted small Sophia, causing her to lose weight dangerously fast.


    ¡¯¡¯No, nothing like such.¡¯¡¯ Sophia struggled to answer. Only one thing was clear¡ªshe would not ruin this God given chance and risk Billford sending her away if he felt the slightest displeased with the lack of manners, ¡¯¡¯I was waiting for you, Mister. My parents always taught me to be mindful and wait as the guest in the house.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Baloney¡ª dig in and eat, or else I will. And there''s plenty more for seconds.¡¯¡¯ Billford murmured with narrow eyes whilst leaning his arm against the edge of the table and began his meal. It was still quite early in the day, sun not peaking from the highest mountain yet, so porridge was more than acceptable. Sophia did not waste any more time and without noticing began to wolf down the bowl like a child who had never seen food in her entire life, causing her to cough with the last few hasty spoonfuls.


    ¡¯¡¯Wow there, slow down kid.¡¯¡¯ Billford got up and took the nearly empty bowl from her. She had some porridge on her cheek and the spoon was inside the fist like a wielded weapon of a soldier, ¡¯¡¯Like I said, plenty more.¡¯¡¯ He came back with the bowl now refilled with the same exact amount. Sophia felt her cheeks gathering heat, her shoulders rising towards the ears as she pushed the tight fists against the knees, thinking she must¡¯ve messed up already.


    ¡¯¡¯Did they not feed you? My son¡ªyour parents?¡¯¡¯ Bill asked quietly. His way of speaking seemed unbothered, uninterested. Yet the expression in the corners of the wrinkles on his face would occasionally give away the hidden agenda.


    Sophia relaxed her shoulders, the feeling of embarrassment washing away with the thought of her loving parents, ¡¯¡¯They do¡ªdid. Mother is¡ªwas, a great cook. And father was knowledgeable with herbs and plants. He knew which ones we could eat, and which ones were useful. He knew many things.¡¯¡¯ She found herself smiling yet tears began to form in the corners of her hazel eyes. She hated the past tense. It made her feel as if they were completely gone. As if they never were. Her small, aching heart could not endure the pain just yet.


    Billford did not answer with much else than a low, quiet hum as he finished his bowl. He stayed there, accompanying the little one as she slowly took mouthfuls of the sweet, savory and salty porridge, taking her time finishing the second serving until the very last drop. There was something quite calming in the ambiance of the dusty kitchen and the silence between the two, ¡¯¡¯You won¡¯t be hungry here, kiddo. But there are going to be a few rules that must be followed. If you wish to stay, that is.¡¯¡¯ Billford said while leaning against the back of the chair, crossing his arms in a demanding demeanor.


    ¡¯¡¯Following rules is my speciality!¡¯¡¯ Sophia perked higher on the chair, her eyes shining from the tasks about to be given on her care. Whatever it was, it sure must be better than spending the days inside the stone walls of the Orphanage being bullied by Sister Ylia all day and night. Besides, secretly, since the moment they¡¯d arrived, she found herself hoping for grandfather Billford to take her in, for she fell in love with the Town of Brifena and the scenery surrounding it from the very first glimpse that she laid her eyes on the mountains and the forest and the lovely thin waterfall as a background of it all.


    ¡¯¡¯Is that so? Very well then, rule number one: You shall accompany me during my tasks and help with what you can. I cannot imagine your scrawny limbs are capable of much, but we¡¯ll find you work. I am a woodcutter, after all. Which means that we¡¯ll be making frequent trips to the forests. That is my job.¡¯¡¯ Billford explained calmly, and Sophia couldn¡¯t have been happier knowing that she could explore the forests to her heart¡¯s content, thus she nodded approvingly, ¡¯¡¯Rule number two: No going outside past 6pm. These folks enjoy the local Pub of the old Madam Heredina a little too much, and they will become insufferable to deal with after a pint or two. It¡¯s best to stay off the streets during evenings. And rule number three: Though you will not be in charge of the chores around the house alone, you must follow my orders at all times. And that is all for the rules. For now.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Is that truly all, Mister?¡¯¡¯ Sophia stared back at him with a gaping mouth, ¡¯¡¯I¡ª thank you, Mister, for letting me stay. You won¡¯t regret it!¡¯¡¯ She had imagined something more. Something much stricter. Perhaps something on the lines of no making sound, no looking in the eyes, not getting on his way and what not. But Billford''s rules seemed peculiarly ordinary. Rules which any reasonable guardian could set on a young child who had just been dropped on their doorstep unexpectedly.


    ¡¯¡¯We¡¯ll see about that..¡¯¡¯ Billford was one pessimistic man. He did not like to expect the best, nor did he worry about the coming. Like Mari¨¦ had addressed him with the name Grumpy Bill, it was the name given by the local rascals. It did describe his resting face quite accordingly, and it wasn¡¯t as if he did not know about the given nickname nor did he mind about that, either. He was a lonely man¡ªwasn¡¯t in the past¡ªbut over the years and how things turned out, forced down his throat the lifestyle of a lonesome woodcutter, that is how things simply turned out to be. Creating a heart with a thorny fence crushing tight around it.


    Billford got up and was about to reach out and take Sophia¡¯s empty bowl, when the young child leaped on top of it, hugging it under as if hiding the most priced possession about to be taken away.


    ¡¯¡¯No! Leave the dishes to me, Mister. I''ll take care of them all.¡¯¡¯ Sophia began to take off the baby blue cardigan and rolled up the sleeves of her oversized white shirt before taking the dishes by the sink. She had no change of clothing, and those had began to smell rather unpleasant. She found the bar of soap on a small plate by the edge of the counter and pushed a plug in the hole of the sink to keep the water in, ¡¯¡¯Where do we store the warm water, Mister?¡¯¡¯


    ¡±A copper barrel in the washroom. Take a bucket from the cabinet beside your feet and fill it. The water is still warm from last night and i will heat more by afternoon.¡± He answered, only stating what was necessary before leaving back to his work.


    Sophia crouched down and opened the cabinet. She picked the bucket and peeked towards the corridor with a cute small window by the end of it. The cabinets of the kitchen were light green, and the counters made out of dark wood and the floors were covered with small white tiles. Everywhere else the floors were wooden, which amazed Sophia as she walked down the corridor. She loved the tiny creaking sounds that the floor made, inspiring her to find the loudest board with zigzagging steps. She had never lived in a house with wooden floors, her childhood home back in The Kingdom Capital had the ugly cracked cold concrete floors, unless you were very well off.


    Sophia opened the first door on the left and found one of the bedrooms, it seemed. The room was dusty and kept as a storage judging by the few items pushed against the walls and covered with white bedsheets. The room¡¯s had plenty of natural light due to the many wide windows, and you could truly appreciate the nature surrounding the cabin through them. Yet again the complete opposite from her home in The Kingdom Capital, which had small windows and as few as possible, offering the cramped views towards the narrow alleyways on both sides no matter where you looked.


    Sophia continued her search for the washroom. Behind the second door opposite from the first, she found Billford¡¯s bedroom instead¡ª hurriedly closing it with a bang louder than intended. She did not want him finding her in the act, and assume her to be snooping around his belongings already. Sophia looked around, nowhere else to go from there. She went back into the kitchen, further right, and found the living room area, with two large couches like the softest most fluffiest worn out clouds, a wooden table in the middle and a bookshelf behind one of the couches, filled with books tightly pressed side by side from one corner to another. Sophia went by the bookshelf and began to read the sides. They were mostly about medicine, herbs, cooking and other useful talents to study while living in the middle of nowhere. No stories of fairytales nor those of great battles. Only useful knowledge. Unlike to many ten year olds, to Sophia this bookshelf seemed like the most desirable playground, and she wondered if she could perhaps one day be as selfish as to ask if she could read a book or two, and whether Billford would allow such wish to be granted.


    Sophia looked around and did not see more rooms to explore, except for the stairs going up, and everyone knew that a washroom could not have been built on a higher level. Thus Sophia wondered if the washroom could be found outside, instead. She went by the front door to fetch her shoes and went outside, following the side of the cabin while hearing the clanks and clonks of Billford working on something in the shed as she passed it, and soon arrived at the backyard, where a whole new world opened up in front of her very eyes. There were two more buildings made out of logs and red bricks. The other one definitely being a small stable which could house a horse or two, and a horse carriage beside it underneath a rain shelter. The horse carriage did not have a roof, only a long seat and an open empty load behind it that was used to bring the logs back from the forest to then be prepared into firewood. The other building looked more like a shed for the washroom, thus Sophia began to take quick bouncy steps towards it, half running her way with the bucket in a tiny embrace.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    She opened the wooden door and it was just as she had expected. One side of the shed had a countertop with two deep and wide metal sinks, and the other side had a barrel-like bathtub beside the wall. The floors were concrete so it wouldn¡¯t suffer any water damage, but occasional squares made out of wooden boards were places by the door and by the sink to make standing there a bit more comfortable. There were two lanterns which could be hang from the ceiling and a window which could be covered with tightly crocheted lace curtains. Sophia immediately imagined bringing flowers by the empty counter which only had two small plates with bars of soap and a basket with towels in them. Flowers would brighten up the washroom, maybe even bringing beautiful green vines and adjusting them hanging from the corner where the wall and ceiling united. The humid air after each bath would make the plants delighted, as well.


    Sophia went by the copper barrel which was sitting alone in a corner. She knew not to touch the side of it. It was like a huge soup pot, but with a hatch for the firewood, used to heat burning hot water so it could them be mixed with cold water, creating the desired temperature. Sophia lifted up the lid and saw it almost half full with clean water. She placed her hand hovering on top of the surface to try how hot the steam would feel on the skin. The water seemed safe enough and it made her desire a bath, but she had to push that thought aside for now, since she already had a lot of work to do and couldn¡¯t start slacking on her very first day. She reached for a wide wooden ladle with a long handle and placed the bucket beside her feet. Carefully, she filled the bucket with the warm water. Sophia carried the bucket back with both hands, keeping herself straight from the weight of it. She had to stop a couple of times to shake her hands and prepare for the few more steps ahead, groaning and huffing from the heavy lifting. She knew that she¡¯d have to start gathering more strength and get used to heavy lifting if she wanted to truly impress Billford, persistent to make it on her own.


    Once back by the kitchen, Sophia noticed a small one-step stool on the ground in front of the deep sink, which was not there before. She let the bucket down with a heavy drop and stretched her back with both hands pressing the lower part similar to an old lady. Sophia stepped on the stool and those few extra inches definitely made her task a lot easier. She knew Billford must¡¯ve brought the stool from somewhere. He must¡¯ve hated inefficient working, and Sophia felt very thankful for the cute little stool to give her some much needed height. Sophia began her task, finishing in no time since preparing porridge would not require much of tools to begin with. She looked around and noticed the whole cabin covered in dust no matter what counter she swept her finger across with¡ª simply unacceptable.


    After a while of working by the shabby shed, Billford threw the last log on the pile of a neatly build stack and wiped away sweat from the temple of his forehead with the dirty rag stained by the harsh conditions. He looked around, pleased with the amount of work he got done through the morning, but soon began to wonder what the kid was up to since the last time he saw her was a couple of hours ago. Clearing his throat from the small grit floating in the air of the shed, noticeable thanks to the light shining through the window, Billford stepped over the high threshold which prevented any drop of water from getting inside on a rainy day in case the yard happened to flood, and continued inside the cabin. The sun had moved quite a lot on the other side of the front yard, and Billford placed an arm over the eyebrows to take a look of the sky. Another few dry days ahead, it seemed. By the entrance, Billford left his shoes by the doorstep and continued in, immediately met with the kitchen and a view which took him by surprise. Sophia was above the sink and had opened the large windows, kneeling and bending further outside on the windowsill while dusting a light grey rag with quick snapping hand movements. She had tied her long, wavy golden locks of hair behind with a ribbon, which was actually just a rag since she had nothing else to do the job. Another rag she had tied as a triangle scarf over her head to keep the hair from falling down and over the eyes.


    Sophia¡¯s bare toes tangled towards the sink as she sat down on her calfs and folded the rag, now clean from the dust that had gathered while singing a children¡¯s tale of a forest made out of cookies. A silly little song. It was simply a choice which came into her mind since it was cheerful, easy to sing, and she loved cookies which were an occasional treat she used to get on the weekends together with tea.


    Turning around, she got startled by the sudden Billford standing there watching. Sophia had not heard him come in, thinking she was alone she screamed with a high pitched squeak of a tiny mouse and began to fall back, her wrist grabbed by Billford not a moment too late.


    ¡¯¡¯Fool of a child!¡¯¡¯ Billford roared, ¡¯¡¯What were you thinking, hanging from the window?¡¯¡¯ He pulled her gently and she lowered down inside the deep sink, her legs shaking thus she hugged them close to chest. Sophia was not scared of Billford¡¯s loud voice, he did not yank her nor crush her wrist either. She was simply surprised and startled. Sophia did not want to cause trouble, especially not on her first day staying there, yet couldn¡¯t stop worrying.


    ¡¯¡¯I¡ª wiped every last nook of the windowsills, as well.¡¯¡¯ Sophia lowered her chin on top of the knees. She wondered if perhaps she had crossed the line, cleaning the whole kitchen and living room without being asked to do so. Billford picked up on the words as well spoken, and began to turn around to look more closely. It was true, the whole kitchen might as well had sparkled with how much work had been put into every corner and every handle of the cabinet as well as baseboards circling through the room. Little Sophia must¡¯ve been on her knees at least an hour scraping to get the white tiles looking so luminous while reflecting the daylight.


    ¡¯¡¯That¡¯s¡ª good job.¡¯¡¯ Billford huffed with a long agonizing sigh as he massaged the back of his neck, averting eye contact all together. He felt bad about yelling earlier, had no idea that the little girl could get so much done in only couple of hours. His home had not looked as clean in weeks, since from the beginning of the spring his most busiest seasons began and there would be hardly any time to mind about the smaller tasks which then were left for another day, and another, until completely forgotten.


    Sophia¡¯s eyes sparkled with the unexpected praise instead of a scolding. Feeling better now, she turned around still inside the sink and reached higher to pull the window closed by the small lock so that bugs wouldn¡¯t take their chances and invite themselves as unwanted visitors, ¡¯¡¯I¡¯ll take care of the upstairs next.¡¯¡¯ She began to climb down from the sink, bringing over and down one leg first and then the other. She fixed her skirt with tiny patting hands and the shirt which had rolled up from all the big movements done while working hard. She tucked the overly large hem of the shirt under the waistband of the light brown skirt to tidy up her appearance a bit.


    ¡¯¡¯The hell you will.¡¯¡¯ Billford went by the small hidden hatch on the floor that led to an underground cellar where he stored everything that required to be kept in a dark and cold confined space, ¡¯¡¯We¡¯ll be having a late lunch today.¡¯¡¯ He brought back some butter, a bag of potatoes and eggs, and a tightly wrapped bundle which seemed to be leaking with something red. Sophia¡¯s round eyes were perplexed, but her throat couldn¡¯t stop from gulping when seeing all the delicious fresh ingredients.


    Not much later, Sophia washed and peeled potatoes around the kitchen table, extra meticulous with the task given. Billford prepared the meat of a deer, frying it in butter which he had bought from the Market by The Town Square earlier that same morning. The cabin began to fill with rich scent, forcing Sophia to swallow long and hard. Billford added two stems of rosemary on top of the steak and placed a lid on top of the pan sizzling small splashes of grease, with few even reaching his hand, although no one would be able to notice since it did not make him as much as flinch. He noticed the water in the pot beginning to boil and before he could even open his mouth, little Sophia was already one step ahead.


    ¡¯¡¯Yes, I¡¯m finished.¡¯¡¯ Sophia brought the carefully peeled and perfectly shaped potatoes, and instead of handing them to Billford, she stepped on the small stool and began to drop the potatoes in the pot while snapping her hand back as soon as they sank and resurfaced, skillfully avoiding the splatters of fuming hot water. She had done that many times before. After finishing her task successfully, Sophia kept staring at her hard work dancing in the boiling water going high and low.


    Sophia had not tasted meat as tender and tasty in a long time, since such meat tended to be quite expensive in The Kingdom Capital. They both patted their satisfied tummies while sinking deep into the chairs. Billford had cut the steak equally in half and was about to lower it on Sophia¡¯s plate when the little girl had stopped him, telling him she could not eat as much and begged him to cut it into a smaller piece once more. Billford had glared in disbelief, but compiled after seeing the worried expression on the child. She was worried of potentially wasting such quality meat, besides, she always liked potatoes the best so she could always refill on those if needed.


    After their meal, Sophia helped with the dishes, drying them with a clean towel after Billford finished washing them. Standing side by side in the kitchen, in front of the sink and the window which showed the lovely mountains in the distance. The lovely coniferous trees¡¯ extensively as far as the eyes could carry, and the bright blue sky with hardly any clouds in sight. And even if there were, they resembled small fluffy baby sheep¡¯s running in the fields. The two worked in peaceful quietness, and Sophia couldn¡¯t help but wonder why the silence between Sister Ylia had felt extremely miserable, yet perfectly easeful in the presence of grandfather Billford.


    Sophia liked him. He might have the look of a somewhat unpleasant man to be around with, but not at all in Sophia¡¯s perception. She saw a man who did not like showing his affection, did not perhaps know he had any affection to offer, yet the actions spoke louder than any frown or growl or click of a frustrated tongue could. And little Sophia wondered if he¡¯d ever allow her to call him grandfather. Wishful thinking she found herself praying to one day come true.


    After they had finished cleaning the kitchen, Billford led the way upstairs. A part of the cabin she had not yet seen. There was nothing much to see when they reached the second floor, only a small room with a chest of drawers below a window and a door on the left. Sophia waited as Billford opened the door, eyes focused on the chest and how endearing the small space would look if there were a glass jar with wildflowers in it, the petals dazzling the glowing rouge of the sun through the window behind them. She would have to ask a permission to fill the cabin with plants and flowers, and hope for the best. Billford did not seem like a man to appreciate such delicate beauty in his decor, but perhaps he¡¯d come to value the worth of such details.


    ¡¯¡¯Here¡ª¡¯¡¯ Billford opened the white wooden door with a twist of the rusty knob, ¡¯¡¯Is your bedroom from now on.¡¯¡¯ He let the door wide open and stepped inside, leaving little Sophia standing there with her shoulders down relaxed. Her eyes widened in delighted shock as Billford searched for something on the wall, flicked his finger which resulted into a tiny satisfying sound of a tic, then revealed the small painted glass lamp in a wavy shape like the hem of a dress or a bell-like flower hanging from the middle of the ceiling. Not that they needed the light switched on while the sun was high up, but Billford needed to make sure the current light bulb still worked. Lights had been barely invented 50 years ago, and although they were common, not every household had them, for many still preferred using lanterns and candles around the house. Mostly shops and other establishments had the regular obligation to have electric lights installed to them. Sophia looked around more astonished than ever. She had assumed that the dusty small room across Billford¡¯s own downstairs would become hers to sleep in. Sure, it did require some work and a bed or at least a mattress on the floor¡ªshe was not picky¡ªbut to have a floor all to herself seemed terribly profuse. After all, she had been used to sharing a room with her wonderful parents and loved hearing their heavy breathing and sharing the warmth. Their home might¡¯ve been rough on the edges as an understatement, but it was them which made it feel like home truly, after all.


    Sophia played with the dry cuticles of her fingernails as she nervously stepped inside. She did not know what made her so nervous in the first place, but the room which opened in front of her was large, covered the whole second floor. It had a different type of wooden floor in comparison to the rest of the cabin, beige and lighter in color. The walls were curved along the roof, pastel green wallpapers decorated with small symmetrical dandelions. The baseboards were white, and there was a large window by the furtherest wall which deepened outside creating a wide windowsill with its own walls on the sides. A perfect nook offering the best view of the fields and the town in the distance slightly lower as the household was in the middle on a shallow hill. Sophia could imagine herself sitting in that nook with her father¡¯s notebook, illustrating new plants and herbs and flowers with detailed descriptions on the side as her father had done on the pages before. There was a bed with light wooden frames, a bureau as a writing desk and a chair to match it, a dresser and chest which looked like they could contain a treasure from the deepest bottom of The Great Ocean Guruld. They reminded Sophia of the pirate tales which mother Harriett would occasionally tell when the rain had poured endlessly, setting the perfect mood for stories below and above the surface. Those tales were secretly Sophia¡¯s very favorite.


    Sophia walked by the window nook and placed a hand on the wooden panel reaching the high curved ceiling, and in that moment, she noticed familiar initials curved on the surface¡ª G.D.


    ¡¯¡¯This was your father¡¯s room back in the day.¡¯¡¯ Billford had stayed by the doorway, not daring to step inside. Even if the other rooms downstairs were covered in dust and left untouched, it was not the same up here. After all, he did not expect any orphans on his front step nor did he have any other grandchildren running around. Sophia noticed this small, odd detail, how the downstairs were hardly cleaned properly until she rolled up her sleeves¡ª yet this room upstairs seemed as if it was a golden medal of a hero returning home. Kept in a glass cabinet for everyone to see and admire, or hidden from the eyes to be kept as a priced possession only meant to be visited once in the full moon. As if a needed reminder reminiscing the days which once were.


    ¡¯¡¯Dad.¡¯¡¯ Sophia whispered gently while holding her fingers on top of his letters, feeling the warmth seeping through them and leaching on the tips of her fingers, traveling through and reaching her heart. Images of him as a young child in this very same room began to form, wondering what toys he liked to play with, did he like to lay on the floor on his belly and draw or read by the window nook?


    Billford stared at the back of the small skinny child and her long wavy hair glimmering the golden strands of the sun. It had been so long since anyone other than him had stood in that room, and despite his own presence alone had felt lonely and cold through out all those years after Gregory had left the house for the last time, with little Sophia there, the walls seemed to gather more color, the view from the windows seemed to brighten. The earthy scent complimented the scene. He sniffled his nose, but only once, blinking the eyes furiously while clearing his throat and stretching his arms as he silently turned to leave. Bearing the sight longer than he thought. Billford returned to the living room and noticed the young 15 year old postman with light brown hair and a donkey-like grin ride his bike beside his estate, reaching his hand in the crossbody bag and throwing a rolled newspaper with a quick flick of a wrist. Just in time, perfect distraction from the unwanted emotions forcing to emerge.


    Sophia did not notice him leave at first, but figured he had matters to attend to. She lowered her tote bag on the bed and dropped herself sitting on the edge of it. Soft and comfortable. Definitely old, but so was her small bed previously. The bedsheets felt clean and untouched cotton linen, simple pastel shade of brown. Sophia brushed her hands on the surface gently before reaching for the tote bag. She took out the baby blue cardigan and folded it neatly on the side. She took out Mr. Higgins and gave it a little squeeze before placing it to sit beside the cardigan. And finally, she took out father¡¯s leather notebook. Sure, she could¡¯ve taken her own notebook as well which she had treasured since receiving it as a birthday present, but they did have the same information as of today. And if not, she wouldn¡¯t have her father¡¯s documented handwriting to admire whenever she felt. Those cursive, thin sweeps of ink on the paper which smelled of the dry flowers that hanged from their kitchen ceiling, Sophia noticed, as she pressed her nose against the pages and inhaled long and deep. The scent took her back, even if the image in her mind was a brief fleeting moment. And as it faded away, it left a gaping deep hole on the spot, forcing little Sophia to finally hug the notebook close as the long suppressed tears began to overflow without any control nor say. She leaned forward on top of her thighs, shoulders shivering and hopeless whimpers escaping through the tight lips. Echoing in the walls of what used to be, and what now remained.


    Downstairs, Billford took off his hat and shoes by the entrance and unrolled the fresh newspaper midway towards his way in the living room, beneath the staircase leading up¡ª he stopped and read the front article which finally reached the faraway Town of Brifena, the carefully crafted first words stating Devastating fire by the Continent¡¯s largest paper factory in The Kingdom Capital claims eleven lives.


    And whilst staring at the picture taking space from half of the front page, terrible grainy quality of black and white, yet enough to recognize the uncontrollable flames and smoke and people, he couldn¡¯t help but hear the soft cries of a little child left behind.

 Vol 1. Ch 2.

    The first three months in The Town of Brifena had passed and summer would continue for at least two more months, leading into autumn which still gave woodcutter Billford and his small assistant plenty of time to work in the forest before winter would come and stay for a little while. The shortest season in Agathen. Northern Agathen had a colder peak at the highest part on the map, along the side of Tempe Deur, but people there were accustomed to such conditions. In the five Land¡¯s in all of Frahan, Agathen was the longest, which made it the second warmest Land out of all as well as the second coldest. On the Western side and Southern part of Agathen began The Great Ocean of Guruld, and a little lower only a hint to the south, was the smallest Land of Na¨¦vy. A small island below Agathen and Berull. Despite its petite size, they were important farmers of the most valuable brands of beans such as coffee and soy. Because of their humid and warm environment, their grounds were greatly appreciated by the other Land¡¯s, since goods as such could not grow anywhere else as profitably as there, making the Na¨¦vian¡¯s a rich, understandably proud nation.


    Beside Agathen stood Berull on the Eastern side, the second largest Land in Frahan. Their most important products being silk from the silkworm farms of Hertha, sugar, and jewelry due to their highly respected gold mines of Muruak¡ª making them the richest Land as of today. Berull was not as tall nor as wide as Agathen, but their border did reach higher than the middle of Agathen. Above Berull was the Land called Galdrif. Similar in size with Berull but thinner. They were undeniably the coldest Land, with an almost eternal winter above their Northern town¡¯s and villages. The Land of Galdrif reached the North-East side of Agathen border, as well as continuing higher, looming over Agathen¡¯s borders. On The Northern border they shared the high and mighty Mountains of Tempe Deur. Tall, icy and deathly. Because of the rocky south and mostly cold seasons above, their Land did not grow much of anything, and for that reason it made Agathen one of their most important source of food and other basic ingredients. Instead, they focused on manufacturing everything using copper, metal and other hard, yet bendable materials.


    The fifth Land was perhaps the loneliest, Land of Mifarn, which was located on the South-East border of Berull, thus not quite close to Na¨¦vy, and not sharing a border with Galdrif. Mifarn was also quite small and intimate, but they did hold the title as one of the smartest Land¡¯s in all of Frahan. Many wise scholars and scientists had come from their Academies, and their Temples held some of the most valuable and interesting books and tomes on the various subjects of Yumne Dir, those who possess The Light of The God. It was a source of energy, which some people were born with without any rules of ancestry nor location. A mystical game of luck. A God gifted ability, capable of both good and evil, but not much in itself. A subject of Yumne Dir could heal your shallow wound faster, but not with a snap of a finger. They could ease the pain caused by cancer, slower the process, but not remove it completely. Their abilities were limited, as anything in this world. Rules and guidelines. Despite that, those born with the ability could attend Mifarn¡¯s Temples and study there, eventually becoming a Dir Naer¡ªa gifted sorcerer or sorceress. Trusted and looked up to even by The Kings and Queens of the five Land¡¯s and beyond. A well desired occupation, if you may, yet unreachable to most unless born with the source of Yumne Dir flowing inside the veins.


    But as Na¨¦vy was the smallest Land, Agathen on the other hand stood as the largest, once holding the status as The Leader of The Monarchy, many years ago in the history of Frahan. Back then, after Emperor Rufusten Kalgazarr The III stepped in power and began his tyranny over the other four¡ª Land of Berull, Na¨¦vy, Galdrif and Mifarn formed an alliance and thus began the long, brutal war which laster for one-hundred months, and cost many devastating troops of men to lose their lives. After the war, negotiations began and each Land was granted its¡¯ deserved Independence. Agathenian''s were made to sworn in a peace treaty that they should never try and seek the old Monarchy, and they had to refrain from intervening in the other Land¡¯s governing. Over time, however, the Land¡¯s were able to come together once again and begin the harmonious and essential liaison which had continued to even this day.


    Agathenian¡¯s treated the period of The Last Emperor Rufusten Kalgazarr The III as a persistent stain in their otherwise rich and admirable history. Forbidden to be spoken about in the public, the subject even avoided in any contained circles. Yet, his actions served as the reminder of what not to become.


    Sophia sat around the kitchen table, eating her sandwich stuffed with fresh vegetables and ham, while only seeing the cover of the newspaper and grandpa Bill¡¯s rough fingers on the sides, the dark edges of the nails of a hard working man.


    ¡¯¡¯Grandpa Bill, I did not know.¡¯¡¯ Sophia said after swallowing hard. It would be rude to talk with a tasty bite in mouth, ¡¯¡¯Only nine years until the one-hundredth celebration of The Great Independence.¡¯¡¯ She was amazed.


    ¡¯¡¯Mhm¡ª¡¯¡¯ Bill grunted, ¡¯¡¯Must be one hell of a show.¡¯¡¯ He did not sound as excited and it made Sophia giggle behind the huge sandwich before taking another bite. Over the summer the two had become much closer. At first, Sophia would carefully tiptoe on eggshells to find out what ticked Bill off so she¡¯d know what not to do. Turned out, such matters were quite rare. As expected, Sophia enjoyed those days the most when they¡¯d take the horse and carriage and head towards the deep forest and its paths to begin the workday. Grandpa Bill would, of course, take care of chopping the trees¡¯, and meanwhile Sophia was allowed to investigate the forest and its content as much as she pleased, as long as she did not drift too far apart with the fear of encountering wild animals such as bears or wolves, and would not eat anything before first showing it to Bill. Often times, Sophia would find a perfect shrub or flower or berry which she had not seen before back in The Silken Forest nearby The Kingdom Central, and she¡¯d immediately begin to sketch the picture and take it to Bill who¡¯d then tell her all about it.


    It turned out, that grandpa Bill shared the same knowledge and hidden passion as Sophia¡¯s father once had. Bill would not talk about Gregory much, nor his late wife¡ªanyone, really¡ªbut it was not hard for Sophia to see the same spark that lit a flame inside Bill when he began to teach about the deep-red berry, which turned out to be edible yet awfully bitter lingonberry¡ª or that one time Sophia found the most precious, lovely white flower which resembled many tiny bells. Once she ran back to Bill, excitedly showing her find, he told her to wash her hands properly once they reach home and that the flower was called Lily-of-the-valley. Such a beautiful name for a poisonous flower. Perhaps the very purpose. The beauty used as an effective tool, luring in unsuspecting victims. Despite that, Sophia drew the flower and its long, large majestic leaves and wrote down everything grandpa Bill had told her from between harsh grunts as he shot loud, quick blows against the trees¡¯, putting his whole back into it. Sophia crouched on the soil on top of the soft moss, using her thigh as a surface to rest the father''s old notebook while also working diligently. Just the two of them working on their own projects.


    Each passing day during the summer, the two began to learn each others habits, routines, and quirks. House chores were finished without needing to quarrel, the cabin kept clean and the shabby shed filled with firewood. Once Bill finished cutting the tree for the day in the forest, Sophia would come to help and carry them, loading the logs neatly in the carriage. Then, back home, Bill would cut them into perfect pieces of firewood with only one swish of an axe in the shabby shed, and Sophia would gather and tie a rope around them to then be sold as a bundle with an appropriate amount of silver coins each by The Town Square. That is how they worked, in perfect conformity.


    And other days, when Sophia would beg to spend time with the neighbors kid Mari¨¦, they¡¯d run towards the forest on the opposite side, not as far as she¡¯d go with Bill, but just enough to be exciting. Sophia would teach about the forest, once even saving Mari¨¦¡¯s life as she was about to eat a poisonous berry called Red Baneberry, beautiful and deliciously red, but deathly especially for the body of a little child. Oh, the horror in Mari¨¦¡¯s eyes as she was about to happily throw one in her mouth but ended up with a hasty slap on the wrist just in time as Sophia frowned worriedly. After explaining her reason, though, Mari¨¦ had hugged her all the way back home and wailed how much she loved her, and how she would never¡ªnor ever¡ªeat anything from the forest without her consent from then on.


    From each of those trips, Sophia would pick flowers and make stunning small bouquets with a strong leaf tied around the stems, like her father had taught her. She¡¯d place them all around the cabin as she had planned upon arriving¡ª the washroom, living room and on top of the drawer in front of the window beside her upstairs bedroom door. As it turned out, Bill did not mind and let her fill the cabin with as many bouquets as she pleased.


    And once the flowers would begin to go dull, she¡¯d take them from the vase, carefully carry them to her room and just like her mother did with the flowers her father brought from their Sunday trips to The Silken Forest, Sophia would hang them to dry from the bedroom ceiling. In no time, during the summer months, she¡¯d fall asleep and wake up in the familiar scent of dried flowers above her. It brought her comfort. It helped her remember beyond the horrible day when she last saw them hanging in that cold yet lovable childhood home. After she began to do so, she did not have those dreadful nightmares anymore which had bothered her ever since that painful day. It was always the same harrowing dream of the old house, empty hue of blue and grey, the sound of desperate painful screams in the distance and the flowers hanging from the ceiling above burning the petals away. As if she just stood there by the door and silently watched the red and orange looming over the dark room. And just before she¡¯d wake up, the agonizing screams could be heard echoing a little louder.


    Once the first bouquet hung from above her in the new bedroom, which in the past had belonged to her father, and once the scent lingered and attached to her clothes and hair once more¡ª those nightmares finally let her be.


    Almost immediately Bill had been shocked to learn she did not own any more clothing other than what draped her body that day. Bill had taken her to the small Town Square in the middle of Brifena. A hunt for children¡¯s clothing. Something Bill had not done in many years, thus did not even know where to begin. The minute they¡¯d arrived down the small hill, where the cobblestones begin, pairs of the town¡¯s folks eyes stared with not so much subtlety, as some took a step towards each other whispering from behind their curious fingertips, not meaning any harm, and it was extremely rare for new faces to be seen around Brifena. Especially around the lone woodcutter Bill, but as soon as he would acknowledge them with a simple nod saying everything it needed to, they would greet with a gentle raised hand themselves.


    ¡¯¡¯Good morning, Madam Trus¨¦.¡¯¡¯ Bill had led the way inside a seamstress shop beside the bakery, which called Sophia¡¯s name with its tasty scent of butter and cream. When she peeked from behind the large back of Bill, she was met with a few mannequin dolls on each side dressed in modest yet fine linen, as well as walls covered in shelves filled with hats and other items as such. There were matching well-tailored jackets and skirts, shirts with perfect collars and lovely silver buttons which brought a dash of luxury in the everyday look. The clothes were definitely not up there with The Kingdom Central, but stylish in their own simplicity. Of course, on top of that, Sophia noticed the racks of even simpler outfits with white shortsleeved shirts and simple copper buttons at front or behind the neck, dark grey skirts with flared a-lined hems towards the calfs, fastened with hidden small buttons that allowed the user to switch which buttons they used to accustom the clothing into the changes of one¡¯s body over the years. Meant to last a lifetime. Sophia had many clothes back in her previous home, all left behind, and these didn¡¯t seem much different from those.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡¯¡¯Good morning, Mr. Dilamor. What a lovely surprise¡ª and who do we have here?¡¯¡¯ Madam Trus¨¦ leaned her hands against the knees to lower more on Sophia¡¯s level, grinning with a well intended smile which made the wrinkles around her lips deepen. She was the number one seamstress in town who taught many other young ladies, and men, to use the sewing machine and sew by hand. She used the back of her shop as a workshop, hidden behind a curtain, and lived upstairs as many shop owners did, ¡¯¡¯What a charming young Lady.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯She¡¯s my granddaughter.¡¯¡¯ Bill stated much to Sophia¡¯s surprise. She thought at the time that he ought to introduce her as a simple orphan, taken under his care as nothing more than cheap labor. But instead, she would become known as Billford Dilamor¡¯s only granddaughter. And it made her oddly giddy from the pleasant sound of it, ¡¯¡¯Come on now, kid. Introduce yourself.¡¯¡¯ He nudged her from the shoulder gently and stood high with his arms crossed. An odd pair of a mountain wall and a fair water lily.


    ¡¯¡¯Good morning, Miss. My name is Sophia Dilamor.¡¯¡¯ She lowered down in a tiny curtsey while holding her worn out skirt from both sides, bringing an even more delighted smile on old Madam Trus¨¦¡¯s thin lips which were painted with bright red lipstick. She was definitely a Madam with class, as she wore her self-made tailored suit-dress designed for women. Powerful and feminine. Her light brown hair with grey stripes were gathered behind and pinned there on skilled twirls, and on top of the hairdo she had a small hat slightly tilted on the side.


    ¡¯¡¯My goodness, an old hag like myself is hardly a Miss by now¡ª Madam Trus¨¦ would do the trick.¡¯¡¯ She seemed to like the butter up nonetheless, ¡¯¡¯I did not know you had a granddaughter, Mr. Dilamor. Such a shame you kept her hidden from us for all these years.¡¯¡¯ Madam Trus¨¦ said playfully and stabbed the pins on the bright red pincushion which she had been carrying tied around the wrist while working on the silhouette of one of her customers orders.


    ¡¯¡¯I hid no one.¡¯¡¯ Grunted Bill and ironically hid away from Madam Trus¨¦¡¯s piercing narrow stare and lopsided little smile.


    ¡¯¡¯Oh, but here she is now.¡¯¡¯ Madam Trus¨¦ came on Sophia¡¯s side, ¡¯¡¯But Goddess have mercy, what in the world is she wearing?¡¯¡¯ She gasped, and Sophia did not like her tone¡ª not one bit. Those clothes were carefully picked by mother Harriett, purposefully two sizes too big so she could one day grow into them. Harriett had found such hack to be proper useful. Someone like Madam Trus¨¦ would not understand. But she did seem to notice the small pout on Sophia¡¯s lips after her comment was made, thus she tucked little Sophia underneath her armpit and began to take her further back, ¡¯¡¯Come, child. We shall find you a set of newest fashion. I have just the style you need, young Lady.¡¯¡¯ She softened her voice on purpose, not wanting to upset her new favorite customer any more than already had.


    In no time, Sophia was inside the fitting room being assisted by Madam Trus¨¦ in front of a large mirror, her arms spread on the sides and the seamstress fastening a couple of more buttons behind the lovely thick a-lined skirt. She had a white shirt with small ruffle on the collars and a well fitting vest on top of it made out of the same fabric as the skirt. Sophia was wearing long white socks and brown leather shoes with thin leather shoelaces, brand new.


    ¡¯¡¯How long will this take?¡¯¡¯ Bill could be heard sighing from the other side of the beige velvet drapery.


    ¡¯¡¯Hush now, do not rush the artist.¡¯¡¯ Madam Trus¨¦ hissed mischievously with a grin which made Sophia try and suffocate a giggle, unsuccessfully so. It was refreshing to see someone talk back at Bill in such an easygoing manner, when she herself had only spend a day or two with him at that point and did not know one could talk back at him to begin with.


    Once Sophia stepped out through the velvet drapery, Bill immediately ordered four more sets and stood up since Madam Trus¨¦ had said it wasn¡¯t necessary to change out of the new clothes. She fought the urge to throw away Sophia''s old rags as a crime against fashion, but returned them with Sophia''s request. She praised Bill of his generosity, what a great grandfather he had suddenly become, while the man himself kept avoidant, and as she packed the clothes in a large paper bag, she winked at Sophia and added a lovely deep emerald green hair ribbon in, free of charge, stating how the color complimented her shiny golden hair and round green-filled hazel eyes. Sophia thanked her earnestly. It was the first time she¡¯d bought so much of something that she was given a free gift on the side. Although it wasn¡¯t, by no means, typical for Madam Trus¨¦ to go out of her way and gift things away for free. She simply liked the new addition to Brifena so much, that a little treat would not be much of a waste nor loss on her budget.


    Bill could see how genuinely happy and appreciative Sophia was for her new clothes and other essential items such as toothbrush, hairbrush, her own bar of soap and socks¡ª blushed cheeks as she kept peeking inside the smaller bags that she proudly carried on her own, that Bill decided to add sugary buns with raspberry jam inside from the bakery on top of all. They ate the buns while Bill carried most of the bags up the small hill, their stone fence and roof of the tilted shabby shed and second floor of the cabin on sight ahead. The corners of Sophia¡¯s mouth gathered sugar which she¡¯d lick away between bites, not wanting to waste even the smallest crystals while happily holding the bun wrapped in paper with both hands, afraid to drop and lose the tasty gift whilst a couple of the shopping bags cheerfully tangled from the arched elbow, bouncing after each hurried step she took to keep up with Bill.


    On one of those later summer days, Sophia took the hose from a side of the washroom, neatly winded around a metal hold, about to water a few plants she had planted on the side of their backyard, against the low stone fence where the ground felt a little softer. She wanted to have as glorious of a yard as the Monree family beside them, thus made it her own little hobby to figure out how to plant and take care of the plants which she loved to admire in the forest so dearly.


    Sophia hadn¡¯t used the water hose by herself yet, and carefully began to twist the round metallic switch attached on the side of the concrete wall of the washroom. She held the end of the hose forward, just like Bill had done, but nothing seemed to come out despite her efforts.


    Sophia stopped turning the switch and instead brought the end of the hose towards the sky, peeking inside. Needless to say, she wasn¡¯t able to see much of anything, unyielding when faced with such minor mishaps, she kept peeking and turned the switch once more¡ªand in that instant, the water splashed out with a force enough to send her now soaked face behind along with a hysterical yelp escaping her throat. Dumbstruck on the spot, she straightened her hand and pointed the end of the hose forward as she wiped the eyes filled with water, when another scream much lower then followed.


    Sophia looked up and saw the unfolded chain of events, met with an utterly drenched Bill in front of her, holding his jammed arms towards her and the usual frowning eyes now larger than ever before in result of the unexpected attack. Sophia yelped, not knowing whether he¡¯d be mad and finally scold her¡ªsend her away as her mind went from zero to hundred¡ªwhen Bill suddenly bursted into a fit of hoarse and loud laughter coming straight from the bottom of his stomach. Joy as honest and sincere. Sophia¡¯s lips quivered from the cold wake-up call, glimmering drops of water still sliding down from the wet hair and through her cheeks, dropping on the gravel ground as Bill rushed towards her and took the hose from the loose, tiny hands of a wide-eyed Sophia.


    ¡¯¡¯You ought to!¡¯¡¯ Bill chortled with a wide grin and before Sophia could giggle away with her surprisingly fast little legs, Bill pointed the water flowing out straight towards her, now both drenched in cold refreshing water in the hottest most suffocating summer day of the year. The two ran around the backyard as it had become a full blown battle, giggling and cackling loudly with Sophia¡¯s tiny excited yelps while she desperately tried to avoid the water from getting to her or else she¡¯d lose the game. A rule that somehow set on its own.


    On the side, two heads with red curly hair and one with black just as lovely and curly peeked from behind the low stone fence of woodcutter Bill¡¯s, ¡¯¡¯Why are they wasting their water on a hot day like this?¡¯¡¯ The woman said, Vivian Monree she was. A lovely woman who loved to gossip, and talk in general. Mother of little Mari¨¦. She had a curly red head with identical freckles as her little copy, Mari¨¦, and soft, gentle round features.


    ¡¯¡¯What an odd sight.¡¯¡¯ The man with a beautiful deep skin and dark brown eyes¡ªalso just like Mari¨¦¡¯s¡ªadded. Eyes which anyone could sink into. Derrik Monree, father of little Mari¨¦, ¡¯¡¯I do not recall ever seeing Billford smile. Ever.¡¯¡¯ He along with the other two seemed to agree as they nodded in unison.


    ¡¯¡¯Sophi¨¦!¡¯¡¯ Finally, Mari¨¦ jumped out and in the open, leaning over the fence already, ¡¯¡¯Let me join, oh would you?!¡¯¡¯ She swayed herself over the fence and Bill handed the hose to Sophia who then began to try and catch little Mari¨¦, both giggling like little birds having a blast. Bill had ordered them to continue for only ten minutes, since they could not afford to waste more water. As Mari¨¦ got the hold of the water hose, she pointed it towards the sky and the tiny drops fell down on both of them like rain, creating a shelter of a beautiful rainbow with all the necessary colors against the sky above.


    That was the very day when Sophia finally began to address Mister Billford Dilamor¡ªas grandpa Bill.


    When autumn finally arrived and painted the forest with its lovely shades of twilight, Bill brought in the news of Sophia beginning her first year in school. Kids from ages ten to sixteen usually attended class four days a week, learning basic skills, but it was not unheard of being homeschooled either. Sophia was more than thrilled. She had not expected to begin attending school at all, for she had many great tasks alongside Bill, and on top of that she already knew a lot of handy skills for the future young adult years to come, securing her possibility to work many different jobs and earn her own living. Despite that, Bill insisted she began the proper education and Sophia had no objections at all. And what was even more exciting, was the fact that Mari¨¦ would begin her school year at the same time. The Town of Brifena had only one school, and one of their teachers, Mrs. Pepper had taught many children for over 30 years now. Brifena did not have that many kids all together, so almost everyone in the same age group would attend the same class.


    Sophia met many new friends in their group of seven, although one of them would not be granted such title of a friend, but an enemy instead¡ªHarry Ohara. He¡¯d always tuck her braid which draped behind her, reaching all the way to the lower back, once even stealing the dark emerald green hair ribbon which was Sophia¡¯s favorite. He dropped it in the mud by the side of the school, stumped on it and ruined the fabric with stains that would not come off no matter how much Sophia tried to salvage it by the washroom after school had ended. That was the day when Sophia declared war against him, leaped on top of him and bit his arm despite never being violent in her entire life. And those two never recovered.


    That afternoon, their parents had been called to attend the school and Bill finally had trouble holding the usual frown, puffing his chest rather proud of Sophia for sticking up for herself. The Ohara¡¯s were fuming but Bill stood as the mountain between, of course, he¡¯d still pretend to scold her in front of everyone, but tucked her underneath the smug embrace on their way home through the curving gravel paths. Ruffling her hair into a mess underneath the rough yet secure hands which buried the top of her head entirely. Telling her good job. The highest form of spoken praise one could ever get from him.


    Other than Harry Ohara, Sophia liked her time in school. She learned how to do math which became her favorite new subject. She got praise for already being excellent in writing and reading, which was not always taken for granted since many families did not have the time to teach their children before the age of ten. That being probably the reason why little Harry Ohara had a not-so-hidden grudge against Sophia. But it could¡¯ve been her beauty alongside the matter as well. Young children know such little of those type of emotions, but adults would sometimes joke around with comments about how the two would get married in the future, misunderstanding their banter as friendly squabble, while Sophia gagged at the mere idea of it¡ªsticking out her tongue which infuriated Harry even beyond.


    And with those peaceful and hectic years of childhood play and teenage uncertainty which had room for many ups and downs¡ª nine years with four seasons each went by like a thief in the night before the very eyes.


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 3.

    A single starling with its multicolored dots around the feathers landed chirping outside the windowsill of the comfortable nook, tapping its little dark beak against the wavy surface of the glass. Perhaps reminding The Dilamor estate of the fine duty to refill the weaved net of the bird feeder, how very inconsiderate of them to leave it empty hanging from a tree branch beside the horse stable. A tree which intruded over the fence, and which Sophia had then decided to make useful although it might¡¯ve come and bite her as it seemed. A free of charge, hungry morning wake-up call.


    Sophia stretched herself tall, greeted with the scent of dried flowers above¡ª the ceiling now almost covered with small bouquets of the forest wildflowers of different shapes and colors, ¡¯¡¯Good morning, mom and dad.¡¯¡¯ Sophia whispered while rubbing away the tender dream from her eyes. She pulled the blanket on the side and let her legs fall down lazily from the edge. The gentle waves of her long luscious golden hair draped over the breasts and down to touch the thighs. Her thin white cotton nightgown with a small ribbon tied at front began to feel cold against her skin without the blanket¡¯s warmth gathered underneath.


    It was Sophia¡¯s twentieth birthday. Always celebrated early in the calendar before the snow had melt, yet close enough to days when the green grass would begin to peek through. It seemed to be very early in the morning estimated by the dimness of the room. Since it was still technically winter, the days were a few hours shorter than in any other season, but would stretch longer by each passing minute. Sophia found herself lucky to wake up early. She could finally execute the plan impossible in the previous years, since Bill would always get up earlier and beat her to it.


    She stretched her bare feet and found the one wooden panel on the floor she knew would not make any sound, being about the only one. She tiptoed by the wooden treasure chest against the opposite wall that had her clothes for the day neatly folded on top of one another. Sophia adjusted the dark blue skirt and loved the soft feeling of the thick wool stockings beneath hugging around the hips, knowing they¡¯d keep her warm with the black high leather boots waiting downstairs by the entrance.


    Sophia took her small crossbody bag which Mari¨¦ had made for her on one of Madam Trus¨¦¡¯s classes. Mari¨¦ did not know what she wanted to do after graduation, and tried a bit of everything. That bag was detailed and well made with quality leather, delicate light brown embroidered flowers around you¡¯d have to really look to notice. It was a lovely gift, and Sophia was saddened when Mari¨¦ did not stay on the path of becoming a seamstress, for she was very talented¡ª but instead found baking to be her one true calling. And of course, Mari¨¦ shined at that as well. Luckily, Sophia could have all the bread and sweets she could handle once Mari¨¦ came back from her classes and now, Mari¨¦ worked by the Mona family¡¯s bakery, one day dreaming of turning her family home partially into a bakery as well. But that would have to be left as a distant dream, for there were already a couple of bakeries well established in The Town of Brifena.


    Sophia sneaked her way slowly down the stairs, holding onto the whimsical wooden railing which definitely needed some good old nails and hammer. Each and every step created a unique creaking sound, forcing her to cringe, waiting to hear Bill¡¯s bedroom door open any moment now. Normally she would be the one to wake up because of the noise that he made in the kitchen, or just by simply walking around the cabin.


    When finally reaching the entrance after what felt like a journey on itself, Sophia pulled the light cream colored poncho over her head and let it fall all the way to her thighs. It was made out of wool from an alpaca, and might¡¯ve been the most expensive item of clothing she ever owned. But also durable, since it was her third winter in a row to wear it almost daily. Bill had insisted they pick that one, and Sophia would allow him to win from time to time.


    Once outside, Sophia took long steps over the thin layer of snow left, already rushing towards the town. The small hill was still covered in ice from some spots, which Sophia used to slide down, smiling from ear to ear while balancing with hands wide on the sides. A sudden chilly wind pushed through, and Sophia pulled the fluffy hood of the long poncho over her head, a few bright strands of hair peeking out and falling down at front.


    ¡¯¡¯Miss Sophia, aren''t you early. Don¡¯t tell me that old man slept in for once?¡¯¡¯ An elderly man enjoying his well deserved retirement was sipping a cup of warm coffee on a bench outside his house while Sophia reached the more narrow streets of the town, ¡¯¡¯And of course, happy birthday, child.¡¯¡¯ In a town where everyone lived nearby and not many things happened at all, things like birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions were well known around the folks.


    ¡¯¡¯Good morning, Sir.¡¯¡¯ Sophia bowed her head respectfully yet with a somewhat playful smirk as she walked more slowly. Using Sir to address any common man usually made them bask with delighted shyness, ¡¯¡¯How¡¯d you know? Grandpa is sleeping like a log.¡¯¡¯ She giggled and made the old man¡¯s day with it, ¡¯¡¯Thank you for the wishes.¡¯¡¯ No time to chitchat she waved her hand, picking up the pace again and disappearing in the arching alleyway which led closer towards The Town Square. She came across another early bird along the way, the lovely librarian who just gave birth two months ago, thanked her for the birthday wishes and replied with congratulations to her entire family as well.


    Finally, Sophia came by the round, empty¡ªand for once¡ªpeaceful Town Square with shops circling and creating a donut with the now frozen still fountain in the middle. She made her way towards the bakery and saw the lights turned on already along the thick white smoke from the chimney. Mari¨¦ came out while struggling to carry the stand which read the day¡¯s recommendation for freshly baked goods. It seemed to be a perfect day for sweet and savory hazelnut buns, finished with a dark cup of coffee.


    Sophia noticed Mari¨¦¡¯s hand slipping and rushed the last steps to hold the stand before her friend would fall along with it, ¡¯¡¯Sophi¨¦! Well I be damned¡ªplaced a bet with father which one of you would make it this year and it seems I¡¯ve lost my coin.¡¯¡¯ She sneered jokingly at Sophia who tried not to dislocate her jaw with the way her mouth fell in utter disappointment.


    ¡¯¡¯My, that little faith in me?¡¯¡¯ Sophia gave Mari¨¦ a once over with a smirk to challenge her own sarcastic remark.


    ¡¯¡¯Well, it has always been Bill who beats you to it. Still, Father never lost his faith in you.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ adjusted the stand perfectly and clapped her hands together with the job well done. Her long tight curly red hair always looked great no matter how she styled it, or chose not to style at all. The flames in her hair were lovely, and today Mari¨¦ had decided to tie them back with a colorful silky scarf.


    ¡¯¡¯Unlike someone.¡¯¡¯ Sophia sighed, ¡¯¡¯Did you finish the cake I ordered?¡¯¡¯ She asked eagerly before the poor friend could even comprehend the accusation.


    ¡¯¡¯Of course, I did.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ took Sophia¡¯s delicate features between the palms of her sweetly sugary scented hands. The hazel in Sophia¡¯s round eyes had lost a lot of the childhood innocence, eyelids heavier gifting her with the hauntingly beautiful gaze, the color now a shade of lighter green, the brown glazed with a hint of honey. Just like her father¡¯s eyes once he got a bit older. Sophia''s eyelashes curved naturally, and cheeks would gather just the perfect amount of coral blush on the tips of the cheekbones. Her rusty deep red lips even puffier than usual with the cold air, ¡¯¡¯Grumpy Bill is going to be mad at you for doing this.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ pinched those cheeks with a scolding manner.


    ¡¯¡¯I doubt anyone would get mad at the birthday girl for getting her own cake.¡¯¡¯ Sophia shrugged calmly despite. She had nothing to worry about. It was particularly difficult to get Bill angry at almost anything she did.


    ¡¯¡¯Actions are the only way he knows how to show love.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ chuckled as she patted the apron creating clouds of flour and noticed some of it had gotten on Sophia, thus dusted her as well, ¡¯¡¯Come on in, I have it in a cake box ready for you.¡¯¡¯ She swayed her hand as a sign for Sophia to follow.


    Immediately upon entering the bakery, Sophia couldn¡¯t help but bask in the sweet scent of everything freshly made, eyes closed so she could sink in deeper. The bakery was small, only five small round tables for customers. The display window was large enough to show the whole entire shop from outside looking in, and the glass cabinet was always filled with whatever you could desire, not once was something ever completely sold¡ª not because they did not sell, but because it was the owner¡¯s principal. When something was going bad and could not be sold with heavy discounts, they¡¯d send them in boxes by the school for the kids to enjoy. Not always the most profitable strategy, but definitely the most likable. When Mari¨¦ came back with the cardboard cake box, Sophia noticed another smaller one resting above it.


    ¡¯¡¯What is this?¡¯¡¯ She pointed at the box with curious raised eyebrows.


    ¡¯¡¯My present for you, happy birthday Sophi¨¦!¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ beamed with the joy of gift giving, this time anticipating the reaction with even more excitement. As Sophia opened the smaller box, she found four small handmade chocolates with one made out of dark chocolate with a chocolate glazed coffee bean on top of it, one with sprinkled coconut on top and two with dried raspberry resembling cute pink snowflakes.


    ¡¯¡¯Mari¨¦, look at these. I don¡¯t know what to say¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sophia¡¯s eyes sparkled from the bakery shop¡¯s lights while admiring the sweet, creamy desserts, ¡¯¡¯Thank you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯I think I¡¯m getting better at the craft, don¡¯t you think?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ asked, humble and eager to hear the opinion, ¡¯¡¯Who knows, perhaps I¡¯ll end up serving The Royal Family of Magdam on one of their banquets one day.¡¯¡¯ She raised herself higher with pride, and rightfully so. Chocolate came from The Land of Na¨¦vy, the island where all the most luxuriant seeds could bloom handsomely from the depths of their Goddess endowed soil. Chocolate wasn¡¯t something a normal person could afford often. It was a treat for special days only, and even then would it leave an empty dent in one¡¯s purse. The fact that Mari¨¦ was the one to prepare the pieces of confectionery meant that she got a hefty discount, thus Sophia couldn¡¯t complain nor nag to use the money for something more useful¡ª a factor Mari¨¦ used to her advantage.


    ¡¯¡¯Definitely, you exceeded yourself.¡¯¡¯ Sophia closed the box careful not to drop it, ¡¯¡¯I¡¯ll enjoy them with coffee this noon.¡¯¡¯ She promised yet would probably admire them for a couple of more days not dating to eat them right away. Sophia picked the cake box as well over both arms, and left with the help of Mari¨¦ opening the door. The joyful jingle of the bell on top of the door upon opening wished the customers a good day and to please pay another visit soon.


    ¡¯¡¯Don¡¯t slip and fall!¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ yelled when she was already halfway through the Town Square, giggling at the now motherly Mari¨¦.


    The sun began to peek from behind the mountains that had white frosting of snow as if sprinkled with sugar, but their main cabin still seemed dark with the lights turned off. Sophia wondered that Bill must¡¯ve been very tired from last night, since he had been by Madam Heredina¡¯s Pub enjoying a couple of pints the night prior. She adjusted the cake box, which had her precious chocolates on top, carefully on one raised thigh and opened the front door. Once by the entrance, Sophia lowered the boxes on the chest of drawers where they had all types of woolly hats and mittens and what other miscellaneous items. She undressed and just when she was about to pick up the boxes again, she heard a looming creaking sound behind the wall.


    ¡¯¡¯Look who¡¯s back.¡¯¡¯


    Sophia jumped from the low barely woken raspy voice coming from the dark corner, the owner of it now in the open for her to witness, ¡¯¡¯How¡ªI was perfectly quiet.¡¯¡¯ She sighed, not at all disappointed for she had already acquired the cake as planned, and there would be nothing Bill could do to change that.


    ¡¯¡¯Trying to sneak out from an old shack like this is like placing a hand inside the mouth of an alligator just to see what could happen.¡¯¡¯ Bill yawned, meaning the creaking floors after each step Sophia had taken, impossible not to notice thus impossible not to lose one¡¯s arm.


    ¡¯¡¯Gruesome comparison, but I like it.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled and carried the boxes on the kitchen table while Bill finally turned on the lights. She was glad that those boxes weren¡¯t in her arms when Bill decided to scare her. That would¡¯ve been unfortunate.


    ¡¯¡¯So?¡¯¡¯ Bill asked with those simple yet demanding two letters combined.


    ¡¯¡¯I simply graved a marzipan cake this time.¡¯¡¯ Sophia tried to sound as nonchalant as possible while busy with her task, setting the table.


    ¡¯¡¯You like chocolate.¡¯¡¯ Bill came to sit around the table, a raised eyebrow almost like a question which did not need an answer.


    ¡¯¡¯Sure, I do. But winter is almost over and it¡¯s good to be mindful with money since¡ª¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯The hell you worry about my coins for?¡¯¡¯ Bill interrupted with a grumpy creased forehead. He did not like how Sophia would always be frugal to the point of unnecessary even though they were more than well off. It made him feel as if she saw him as incompetent to last through winter. And he had been living the life of a woodcutter his entire life.


    ¡¯¡¯Language.¡¯¡¯ Sophia scolded him with a simple word, but only half serious with her wide smile and him huffing out a disbelieved chuckle.


    ¡¯¡¯I¡¯m buying you a chocolate cake, end of discussion.¡¯¡¯ Bill got up ready to head towards the entrance. Chocolate had become expensive, sure, but if his granddaughter¡¯s 20th birthday was not the day for such rare luxury, then he did not know what was.


    ¡¯¡¯Are you forcing me to blow the candle alone this year?¡¯¡¯ Sophia was one step ahead and already lit the single spiraling candle on top of the cake. The cake was layered with light blue marzipan and despite the season, it had dainty shapes of flowers¡ªlight pink and white squeezed with thick sugary cream¡ªand Sophia knew with the first glance that the cake had been inspired by the cardigan which she used to always wear as a child. The cardigan which her mother had embellished with her delicate talent of embroidery, still kept in a shoebox neatly folded, away from the unnecessary moist and daylight along with the one-eyed Mr. Higgins. Only the late father¡¯s notebook was kept out in the open and well used until this very day. Still many pages left untouched, waiting to be filled with knowledge and art and devoted observations.


    ¡¯¡¯Silly squid.¡¯¡¯ Bill grunted in his usual manner and plopped back on the chair, accepting his defeat.


    ¡¯¡¯Do not insult the squids, they are highly intelligent beings.¡± Sophia scolded yet again but this time with a laughter, ¡±Let us enjoy the cake, shall we? It looks delicious.¡¯¡¯ She smiled as she sat down beside Bill and handed him a porcelain plate which they used only on special occasions, ¡¯¡¯Cake for breakfast was my wish last year, lucky me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯You better one up you wishes this year, kiddo.¡¯¡¯ Bill leaned against the back of the chair and crossed his arms as he watched Sophia bring her fingers together whilst closing her eyes shut so tight it made wrinkles appear on the outer corners. The truth was that Sophia had nothing else to wish for. The first years after arriving in Brifena she wished for her parents happiness where ever they were. All she could do was hope and wish for a happy afterlife. Then, once Bill learned about her wish, he¡¯d let it slide a couple of more years until saddened by her only wish not revolving around her for at least once a year, he snapped, and in his true manner¡ªlet it show. Thus, last year, Sophia wished to have cake for breakfast. And the wish did come true, did it not? Which could mean that her wishes from the years prior could also be fulfilled. Wishful thinking, but still brought a hopeful smile on her lips.


    Sophia finished making her wish, simple and sweet. She wished to have cake for breakfast next year as well. It was a good wish after all, and Bill did not have to know about it. Could not risk it being jinxed and not coming true. Sophia had everything she could ever imagine and more. A loving grandfather whether he admitted it or not, friends, hobbies, a job and a roof over her head. What more could she wish for? Except for cake.


    ¡¯¡¯Better not be a wish-repeater again this time.¡¯¡¯ Bill cut a piece for Sophia first, might as well had placed the whole entire cake in front of her for the size of it.


    ¡¯¡¯It was efficient, leave it be.¡¯¡¯ Sophia squinted a side eye as she accepted the heavy, overflowing plate. For himself, Bill cut a tiny thin little line of barely anything. He did not enjoy the sweets that much, saying it was unnecessary for the body and meat would keep him working for twice as long. He pretended not to hear when Sophia reminded how too much meat could be bad for his heart.


    Bill kept beside Sophia although he finished his piece with two spoonfuls, believing it to bring bad luck if he left her eating alone around the table. He wasn¡¯t superstitions by all means, but it all stemmed from a fear after Gregory had been small and nearly choked on a piece of apple, but Bill wouldn¡¯t say such reasons out loud. He did not like seeing her alone around mealtime anyway, it made her look lonely. And he did not want to be alone either.


    ¡¯¡¯I have you a gift.¡¯¡¯ Bill said suddenly, reaching for something in the pocket of his trousers. Sophia lowered the spoon quietly yet bursting with anticipation. Receiving a gift from Bill was like being hugged for eternity. It was like being told how important you were, how much you matter and how they were happy to have you there. It was all that, and more. Bill would not go out of his way to get anyone a gift out of obligation. He would only when he cared enough to do so. And he did not care for a lot of things. Bill handed a thin hard box which had her initials written in a special kind of ink, dipped in gold dust giving its glimmer no matter what direction the light shined from. Sophia knew that this time he had gone too far out of his way. She stared at the box and her initials, already feeling like it was enough. Afraid that whatever was inside of that beautiful gift would make her lose her mind, ¡¯¡¯I ain¡¯t got all day, kid.¡¯¡¯ Bill continued in his one true mannerless manner.


    ¡¯¡¯Do not rush me, I am savoring the moment.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled and finally began to lift the lid of the box. There, on a comfortable smooth cushion rested a black pen with a single golden ring as a simple yet beautiful detail, which also had her initials S.D. carved on the side of it with the same golden sharp way. Whoever made the details deserved to be praised personally for the precise talent of maybe the most stable hands in all of Frahan. Sophia breathed out as she picked the present with careful fingertips. Turning it around she could see it was a special kind of pen, which could be filled with thickened ink from the top and when the stopper was taken off, the pen pushed against the surface of a paper, it would release the ink slowly, allowing very precise and detailed finish for its sharp metal tip, like a quill, but without the constant dipping, ¡¯¡¯Oh grandpa, I love it.¡¯¡¯ Her eyes were teary. It was exactly what she had been admiring by the display window at one of the alleyways from the side of Town Square. A small, tightly crammed shop owned by a man who always layered many different patterned clothes on top of one another, a scarf hanging from the neck and his signature grey buzz cut with small yellow tinted glasses on the nose. Effusive and extra, just like the selection in his extraordinary shop. It never ceased to amaze Sophia how he was able to get his hands in the most interesting items from around Frahan.


    Sophia rushed to get her father¡¯s old notebook from the living room where she had left it the night before, and carefully foisted the metallic hook on the stopper between the leather cover and the first page, ¡¯¡¯I¡¯ll use it well.¡¯¡¯ Sophia hugged the notebook along with the pen close to chest, radiating with great gratitude while Bill only answered with his usual grunt and a pleased nod which held in more emotions than anyone could ever notice.


    After finishing her plate, Sophia placed the cake back in the cardboard cake box and went by the neighbors to share the leftovers. She knocked on the door gently, not wanting to disturb the possible nap time. Soon, Derrik Monree came whilst holding the little Marvy in his arms. Derrik¡¯s dark curly hair had turned slightly more grayish, but one would not be able to guess his age let alone see him as a grandfather, ¡¯¡¯Sophia, happy birthday.¡¯¡¯ He let her in, already knowing the drill. Each birthday morning she¡¯d share the cake they had bought, and this year it would be little Lady Marvy¡¯s first taste of sugar as well.


    ¡¯¡¯Thank you, Derrik.¡¯¡¯ Sophia had always stayed very polite to Mari¨¦¡¯s parents ever since she was a child, after all, her own parents had taught her to never address anyone by their first name unless they allow it first¡ª and Monree¡¯s had allowed such small matters upon the first proper conversations, ¡¯¡¯Remind me again, how long was it until Tristan¡¯s return? Let me know if there is anything I can help with.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯He should be arriving in two more months.¡¯¡¯ Derrik answered while trying to hold Marvy still as she forced her way in Sophia¡¯s arms, squirming and beginning to whine annoyedly unless her grandfather yielded.


    Tristan Klonfar was once a young ten year old boy who began school together with Mari¨¦ and Sophia. He had light brown straight hair and tanned skin, good with all types of sports and always taller than all the peers. Mari¨¦ had her eyes stuck on his back from day one, and through those six years of school, the two shared secret glances whenever they could although not once meeting each other. Like the wrong sides of magnet meant for each other, if they could simply turn around and face one another. That would be the case, until the day of graduation. Tristan had brought flowers and asked her to the graduation ceremony held by the Town Square that very same evening¡ª and of course, the teary eyed Mari¨¦ agreed with excitement. From that day on, the two had become an item and after two years, once both turned eighteen, they got married and expected their first child. Marvy Klonfar. A beautiful baby with reddish-brown curly hair and gorgeous tanned skin and brown eyes.


    Tristan worked as a courier, often traveling between smaller town¡¯s and villages which were not nearby at all and required many days just to reach. He delivered goods depending on the needs and what his horse carriage was loaded with on that specific trip. Because of that, he was often away for weeks, even months on end, but the pay was good. This arrangement was approved by Mari¨¦¡¯s parents who would step in to help with raising Marvy, as often times grandparents, aunties and uncles stayed nearby their relatives and family members to offer help. In the best case scenario, families with children could also rely on other town¡¯s folks, since it was seen as a great honor to be able to assist with providing daycare or even just few hours of rest for the often exhausted parents.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    However, as Marvy turned one year old, Mari¨¦¡¯s mother Vivian was diagnosed with a rare case of cancer in her lungs. At first, she blamed the fits of coughs leaving red on the handkerchief as a simple, prolonged cold. But as her health would keep deteriorating, Derrik insisted along with the town¡¯s doctor''s recommendation that they visit the next Town of Lufin since they did not have a hospital in Brifena. Vivian had been reluctant at first, insisting her daughter and granddaughter needed her, thus Sophia reassured her that she¡¯d help with whatever was needed. Eventually, Vivian with her pale green complexion agreed, and she had stayed in the hospital ever since.


    ¡¯¡¯When is your next trip to the hospital?¡¯¡¯ Sophia asked as she watched Derrik proudly enjoy the rest of the cake which his daughter had baked.


    ¡¯¡¯Next week. I shall stay with my wife for two months this time. It might¡ª¡¯¡¯ Derrik paused for a moment, his lips shaking as he tried to compose himself. Managed to do so with the help of a tiny hand of Marvy¡¯s coming to hold his cheek. A child will sense when an adult¡¯s heart is heavy, ¡¯¡¯It¡¯ll possibly be the final trip.¡¯¡¯ Sophia nodded somberly while staring down at her hands resting on the table, then traveling on the nearly demolished cake, mind as blue as the marzipan wondering how lovely it would''ve been to share the cake with Vivian¡ª so she could¡¯ve seen how well her daughter had once again improved with her work, ¡¯¡¯We have talked about it day and night. We¡¯ve had to come to terms with the fact. I understand that this is hard on you, too. The spring is coming, also, and it will always mean a busy start for you and Billford.¡¯¡¯ Derrik continued.


    ¡¯¡¯Do not worry of such matters.¡¯¡¯ Sophia offered a gentle smile, ¡¯¡¯Grandpa Bill is more mindful and caring than he let assume. He will let me off the hook whenever Mari¨¦ needs.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯That is good to hear. I hate to leave my daughter and granddaughter alone like this.¡¯¡¯ Derrik offered a small piece of the cake to the joyful Marvy who sat on his lap, her eyes going round and sparkly from the flavors tasted never before, ¡¯¡¯Luckily we are blessed to have you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Nonsense, you would do the same for me.¡¯¡¯ Sophia¡¯s lips curved in a wider smile though her eyes stayed the same. She could see the weight on Derrik¡¯s shoulder. His responsibility towards his daughter and granddaughter, the same responsibility towards his sick and slowly fading wife. She knew that if he could, he would tear himself apart to be in two places at once, but it simply was not possible, ¡¯¡¯Besides, Tristan should be back after two months around the same time. Although he is traveling through Agathen and near The Kingdom Central, two months will go by in a flash of a lightning.¡¯¡¯ She continued.


    ¡¯¡¯That is true. I thank you, Sophia.¡¯¡¯ Derrik offered a smile as well this time. It soothed Sophia to know he could still smile despite the darkened clouds hovering above The Western Agathen. Times had been hard, and they would continue to be from now on, thus Mari¨¦ could use all the help she could get. And Sophia would not deny her any of it, ¡¯¡¯Too bad we all cannot be together for The one-hundredth Independence Celebration.¡¯¡¯


    Sophia understood his frustration. There would only be one one-hundredth Celebration they¡¯d get to witness all together¡ª and it was said to become a spectacle of the century, yet Tristan would still be on his way back passing through a couple of more villages, and Derrik would accompany Vivian by the hospital so she wouldn¡¯t be alone.


    Whilst Derrik prepared to go out and run some errands by the Town¡¯s Market, Sophia swayed tenderly on a rocking chair by the cute small nursery with Marvy pressed against her. Slowly drifting to sleep while clutching a fistful of Sophia¡¯s shirt. The room only had all things necessary. A dresser, a wooden bed since Marvy learned how to climb over the cradle and it became dangerous, a chest for toys and the lovely rocking chair which Sophia and Bill had prepared as a gift. The walls had charming pale yellow wallpaper and the boards of the floor had were left unpainted to keep the room fun and light. It was still noon, but Derrik would be out for a couple of hours before Mari¨¦ retuned from her early shift by the bakery. Sophia would stay there, soothing the child with the old children¡¯s tale familiar from her own childhood¡ª Summer''s Dandelions.


    They grow and grow and graze the sky,


    The sun will flare and through the dusk,


    They gently sway and twine and shine,


    Until the dandelions fly.


    And thus fell asleep little Marvy, successfully and skillfully as Sophia was at soothing her to the land of innocent wonder. The now two year old little girl had gotten very much attached to Sophia. She was the fun auntie after all who¡¯d run around the fields with her ever since she learned to run before walk, teach new words which Marvy then repeated with her cute little voice, bring her snacks and draw magnificent pictures while lying on the floor side by side. It was incredible to Sophia, seeing her best friend becoming a mother, but not lose her fun and cheerfully childish side either. Mari¨¦ was a great mother. Perfect balance of caring, soft-spoken, fun and play. Although at times Sophia could see her missing Tristan dearly¡ªthey had basically grown into adulthood together after all¡ªbut Tristan had another motive besides providing for his family when taking the job as a courier, and it was to make Mari¨¦¡¯s dream of owning her very own bakery come true. He had not mentioned about it yet to Mari¨¦, or to anyone if that mattered, but planned on doing so in the near future after enough silver and gold coins gathered. And every time he did return, he would devote the time to only share with the two most important ladies in his whole entire world.


    Little Marvy still enjoyed the much needed nap, comfy and bundled in her blanket with tiny pictures of bunnies all around, and Derrik was still out doing some shopping for the weekend ahead. Sophia sat around the living room of the Monree-Klonfar household, comfortably half-lying on the couch with feet up on the low table, reading the book about usage of flowers in medicine¡ªmore specifically¡ªthe chapter of Winter flowers safely used in ancient medicine. It was her favorite book at the moment, and would be nearly impossible to get her attention once she opened the lovely deep red cover. So much so she had not noticed Mari¨¦ enter the cabin until she already plopped beside her on the couch with a tired relieved huff.


    ¡¯¡¯Should we go out today?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ raised her eyebrows while leaning her head over the back of the couch, sinking deeper in, ¡¯¡¯Father has been insisting me to go and break the cycle.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯And go where?¡¯¡¯ Sophia did not take her eyes off the book although acknowledging her friend, ¡¯¡¯Madam Heredina¡¯s Pub? Surely you do not ask me to go there after last time?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Of course I am! We should, should we not?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ stayed determined, ¡¯¡¯It is your 20th birthday, after all. A fat round zero deserves a celebration.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯I don¡¯t feel like it.¡¯¡¯ Sophia sighed.


    ¡¯¡¯Is it because of Harry?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ asked, feigning her shock. Sophia and Harry had never batched things up after the tumultuous childhood crossfire, not once in the past ten years had they gotten along. Yet Harry would still act flirtatious, try and make it seem as if he was actually interested in Sophia despite them never getting along. Which Sophia thought was the deception of the century, and he always went by Madam Heredina¡¯s Pub nearly each weekend, making the possible percentage of running into him nearly one hundred out of hell-no.


    ¡¯¡¯You know me so well.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled, ¡¯¡¯It would be torture instead of a party.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Please.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ began to plead, knowing how it would struck just the right switch in Sophia¡¯s wired brain, ¡¯¡¯Think of it like this¡ªwe go and have a pint each, then quickly come back home and can say that we went outside and actually did something. Simple as that.¡¯¡¯ She fluttered her deep red eyelashes so intensely they might as well make her fly. Sophia¡¯s lip turned up, unamused. But Mari¨¦ had worked and taken care of little Marvy day and night without a break for the past two years, repeating the same never-ending routine, thus if not for her, at least the evening out would be beneficial to Mari¨¦.


    ¡¯¡¯Fine.¡¯¡¯ Sophia placed the stained emerald green hair ribbon as a bookmark between the pages and closed the book. She could not throw away the poor item after that certain someone ruined its perfection, ¡¯¡¯But only one pint, and no more.¡¯¡¯ She pointed her finger at Mari¨¦ who answered with an agreeing wide grin, one which made Sophia nervous, no, absolutely terrified for the possible accidental second pint on the way.


    Sophia went back home when Marvy waddled out of her nursery, like a small tired penguin from The Tempe Deur¡¯s icy lakes. Sophia did not bother going through the proper gates of the stone fence, but opted to jump over it while lifting up the calf length skirt. Not very lady-like, but then again, she did grow up with a woodcutter as her one family, although the Monree¡¯s next door would teach her about the proper etiquette if she¡¯d ever find herself in a situation which required such sophisticated dramatization of one¡¯s character.


    Sophia noticed that Bill must be by the stable feeding Bruno, their dark brown bristled trusty horse. She walked the stairs up towards her room and went by the dark wooden chest, kneeling down she raised the heavy hinged lid until it leaned against the wall behind. Sophia began to go through the items not worn often such has scarfs, pants, wool socks¡ª and finally came across the dress she had been safekeeping for any type of outing in the future. It was Vivian who once told her that every Lady needed a dress as beautiful as the bright full moon on a clear, frosted winter sky when she had taken the girls shopping. Vivian truly was a great mother figure to have, although entirely different from what she remembered her own mother to be like. Vivian felt like the comfort Sophia always longed for, whether she noticed it or not. Once she had heard of Vivian¡¯s condition, it broke her into pieces which she could not show in front of the already shattered Mari¨¦. Instead, she swore to be her rock and hold it together for the both of them.


    The dress was heavy, thick velvet material perfect shade of Mifarn¡¯s finest red wine, perfectly tailored and accustomed to her petite features and a lovely wide hem down above the ankles. A sweetheart neckline and long fitted sleeves. The dress had no pearls, no diamonds nor other gemstones. It had not been sewed with golden nor silver yarn. By itself, as a matter of fact, the dress looked rather dull and perhaps too ordinary to be for any occasion, yet too fancy to wear on a regular day. But Madam Trus¨¦ had suggested the dress for that very reason. You see, once someone with as much natural, effortless beauty as Sophia wore a dress which could not shine on its own, no matter how beautiful the seamstress¡¯s shop was, it would undoubtedly be brought to life by simply her. And whilst Sophia found Madam Trus¨¦¡¯s words corny, although she wouldn¡¯t say it out loud not to be unnecessarily rude, she did find herself admiring the very same dress from the mirror once it was hugging her body like a glove made for her. Instead, she felt like the dress brought out something new and unexpected in her, and not the other way around. But it was hard to see your own beauty when you have been looking at yourself for your whole entire life. Sometimes it needed to be recognized by others around you.


    Sophia and Mari¨¦ had agreed to meet outside later that evening, leaving a good few hours to finish work around the cabin. On top of that, she had to let Bill know about the outing. He would not disagree¡ª she was an adult after all and the ban of going outside after 6pm had been lifted once she turned seventeen years old. And it wasn¡¯t like Bill had anything to worry about anyway, since Sophia much more preferred studying her books instead of running around outside all night.


    It was everyday for people to marry and settle down young, and some would say she had passed the most typical age to do so, but there were other paths as well not looked down on at all. Some poured their heart and soul into whatever their craft was. And then the far other end, with those gifted with Yumne Dir. Becoming a Dir Naer and studying at Mifarn¡¯s Temples did not require anyone to stay unmarried nor did it demand celibacy¡ª but many still avoided relationships due to the nature of their work. They were highly appreciated, worked in various secret settings inside The Kingdom¡¯s Palace. It might¡¯ve been others too afraid to get close to them, or their work load preventing close affairs from forming entirely. Although there was one man deemed more beautiful than many women compared, Esrath Dir Naer. His hair was almost silver as ice. His eyes were hauntingly translucent, skin as pale as a dove. Sophia had heard rumors of people being too nervous to even look his way, but once they did, they would not be able to stop.


    ¡¯¡¯That¡¯s unusual.¡¯¡¯ Bill lowered the newspaper on his lap by the fluffy living room couch which ate anyone alive who sat on it, as Sophia walked in with her wine red velvet dress, hair up on a high ponytail with a matching velvet ribbon still reaching down the middle of her back, carrying black boots with a bit more height on the heels, ¡¯¡¯But then again, you don¡¯t go out much. Just avoid that Ohara kid or else I¡ª¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯I get it.¡¯¡¯ Sophia interrupted him with a scrunched up nose and a little smile to go with it, ¡¯¡¯No need to tell me that.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Curfew by 10pm.¡¯¡¯ Bill yelled at Sophia¡¯s back, but knew he had no say whatsoever on the matter, and better yet, knew she would only giggle as she already could be heard slamming the thick wooden front door shut.


    Mari¨¦ was already waiting by the fence, rubbing the cold hands together. Sophia didn¡¯t know she¡¯d be so eager, but then again, it was soon time for little Marvy¡¯s night routine and Mari¨¦ did not want to disturb the peace by leaving as the little one was about to begin supper, so Mari¨¦ had decided to head out early to make things easier for her father who was up for the challenge.


    The sky was clear due to the frost which lowered the temperature towards the evening. Sophia noticed Mari¨¦ looking up towards the sky, and brought her own chin up resulting into a soft gasp underneath the sight of millions of stars twinkling against the midnight blue. The moon was a lovely shape of crescent, like the most desired diamond out of all. Once the two reached Madam Heredina¡¯s Pub, it was already buzzing with town folks. Lively and loud and completely wasted. A group of young men were smoking cigarettes outside at front, leaning against the wall. Sophia recognized a few of them to be from families of various business owners, and they recognized them too as they nodded towards the ladies very appropriately. After all, everyone knew who Sophia Dilamor¡¯s grandfather was¡ª and no one wanted to be on his bad side. Sophia only wished one particular man could have the same mindset, as she had already rejected Harry Ohara¡¯s advances countless of times after graduation. The man was relentless, probably imagined that should he only persist, he¡¯d be able to get what he wanted eventually. And grandpa Bill was this close to snapping and showing why other men in town were nervous, rightfully so. The only reason Bill hadn¡¯t taken the matter into his own hands was thanks to Sophia. She wouldn¡¯t want to pull him in the mess, not more than was necessary. And she did not view Harry as a real threat¡ªmore like a moronic airhead with boundary issues. Not much, Sophia knew she could handle someone like him.


    Inside, Sophia and Mari¨¦ sat on the barstools around a small tall table, watching the people dance around with linked arms and switching partners after each twirl. The band was playing on a platform, one hitting a drum sitting between his open legs, violin, one holding the huge double bass and the man who was singing along the tunes played the wooden guitar while all of them kicked the rhythm against the panels of the wooden platform, making the whole floor around them vibrate. Or was it simply the people dancing joyously in the middle of the pub? Perhaps all at once. Sophia did enjoy the taste of the dark stout beer of Agathen which had gathered much appreciation through out Frahan, much like Berullian¡¯s with their high quality whisky and Mifarnian¡¯s with their red wine. The taste and color of the beer came from a long, carefully thought out process of roasting and brewing, kept in a barrel for at least twelve whole months if not more until finally rewarded with the rich and smooth, somewhat nutty and creamy flavors on the tongue.


    Although other women were asked to dance, swept from the chairs on the sides, Sophia and Mari¨¦ felt relaxed knowing no one would ask the hand of a married woman with a child and the woodcutter¡¯s granddaughter, thus the two could keep relishing in their own company, rest assured, although Sophia sitting with one leg over one knee, leaning a gentle hand against the temple of the head with an enchanting smile caught many wandering eyes.


    Sophia, despite all odds, found herself enjoying the evening, the music, the joyful warmth, watching the people dance and the smoky wooden panels of the walls and decorative lights. The charming old bartender with the sleeves of his white button-up shirt pulled up and the leather vest over, flirting with the giggling women while pouring the rich dark gold in huge shiny pints, the famous Madam Heredina entertaining her guests while gently flailing the black fan with crimson feathers, spreading the sweet scent of her strong perfume along with the cigarette permanent on her expensive silky coat and elegant dress. With all that and more happening around her, Sophia could not see Harry anywhere either. Not that she specifically tried to find him from the crowd, but because he would''ve bothered her already should he be there in the first place.


    The song came to an end, and the new one began while everyone still clapped, rushing back to their partners and begin yet again. Sophia admired the laughing faces and blushing cheeks, when the bliss was robbed by the front door being swung open, followed by non other than Harry and his older brother, Jonash. Not that anyone else cared, or noticed to say the least, but Sophia did much to her distaste. Harry¡¯s face beamed with unhidden excitement once finding Sophia as if he was capable of only detecting her from a vast crowd. A talent in itself.


    ¡¯¡¯Wishful thinking.¡¯¡¯ Sophia took another sip of her half enjoyed pint, hiding herself behind the huge thick glass by the equally as large handle, a pint which she was forced to hold up with both hands for the weight of it. But of course, such simple tricks would not do much help, for Harry already took determined steps towards their table nearly pushing people aside if they accidentally got too close.


    ¡¯¡¯Miss Sophia, a pleasant surprise.¡¯¡¯ Harry''s smirk got on Sophia''s nerves even before it fully formed on the wide lips. Sophia fought the urge to taunt him with the name button boy as many still did, but found it awfully childish by the age of thirteen and going forward. Harry and Jonash''s family made and sold buttons of all kinds, made a fortune with the business as well as distributing them to all the town¡¯s and villages of Agathen, which was one of the reasons why he had it high up in his hat¡ªthe ego. One could argue that a woodcutter made more in a wood-central Agathen, but Dilamor''s were not one¡¯s to brag with their holdings, thus no one really knew their true value,


    ¡¯¡¯Rare to see you here.¡¯¡¯ He continued, leaning against the table with an elbow a little too close, his whole body tilted. Harry did his best to always appear smooth, and to some he would succeed. He had his own handsome features and ladies did flicker their feathers around him in hopes of catching his attention enough to lead into marriage, but for some reason the man had decided to waste his time on Sophia who would not reciprocate, like a mountain which could not be moved. Sophia might''ve thought of him as a fool even, for his actions never came across as genuine at the end of the day.


    ¡¯¡¯Miss Dorothy has on a lovely blue dress today, I bet she¡¯d love to make it twirl.¡¯¡¯ Sophia kept her gaze on the pint, but knew Miss Dorothy Ockerland stood opposite from them and shot daggers towards this very moment. Sophia could almost feel the stabs. If Dorothy only knew how much Sophia tried to get Harry to notice her¡ªtried to shoo him in her general direction. They¡¯d be best friends by now. But the stubborn man would either be a fool or act as if he did not notice. Poor Dorothy had been hopelessly in love with Harry since they were fifteen.


    ¡¯¡¯You have a lovely dress on today, Miss Sophia. Would you not like to make it twirl instead?¡¯¡¯ Harry nodded towards the center of the pub where people continued having a blast. Sophia looked at them, performing a well known dance where they would stop in a certain beat with a loud clap in unison and a stomp of a feet, then continue dancing and twirling with their partners clockwise. It did look fun, but not with him. The way Harry raised an eyebrow and winked at Sophia made her skin crawl. Mari¨¦ covered her mouth behind a hand to hide the cringing annoyance and Jonash decided to walk away without a word, knowing his brother¡¯s defeat was evident, instead joining the company of others with most of them ladies of course.


    ¡¯¡¯No, I would not.¡¯¡¯ Sophia answered in a stoic manner, ¡¯¡¯Now, if you¡¯d excuse us.¡¯¡¯ She had enough and got up to leave while Mari¨¦ followed, but Harry would not take a simple no as an answer¡ªwhen did he ever¡ªand grabbed Sophia from the wrist, forcing her to turn and face him.


    ¡¯¡¯Let go.¡¯¡¯ Sophia would not entertain him with as much as a glimpse towards his direction. She gave him a moment to let go on his own, wanting to avoid the stares and unnecessary altercations in a crowded place, her eyes narrow and demanding.


    ¡¯¡¯Where you going? Stay, I only just arrived after all.¡¯¡¯ Harry seemed drunk. He must¡¯ve started the night early somewhere else, smelled of something stronger than Agathen¡¯s rich dark beer.


    As Sophia tried to reclaim her own arm, Harry tightened his grip with a crooked, unsettling grin. Sophia could feel the eyes beginning to gather upon them. They had began to garner unwanted attention by those bored enough to look around amongst the otherwise energizing atmosphere. The pub felt uncomfortably silent around Sophia despite its booming and vibrant revel. Just when Mari¨¦ was about to step between them, force his hand off as the last resort, a looming presence appeared behind Sophia. An earthy scent she knew all too well without looking despite the pub having its own rather strong aroma. She knew it from the way Harry¡ªthe button boy¡ªOhara¡¯s skin turned pale, how he let her hand slip away slowly.


    ¡¯¡¯Mister Dilamor, what a lovely evening.¡¯¡¯ Harry extended the twitching hand for a handshake, now gathering sweat, despite Bill only glancing at it with a smug sneer before returning the glare back on his eyes, eyebrows drawing together. Not asking any questions. Not needing any answers. What he saw upon arriving was plenty enough. Sophia might¡¯ve wanted to avoid making a scene, doing an unnecessary service to Harry while at it, but Bill would not be as benevolent. And as if waiting for the perfect moment to arrive, he did not hold back a single word from that mouth of his. Harry did not notice, but everyone around him gave these sympathetic looks towards him before Bill even began¡ªpraying for his quick recovery.


    Sophia couldn¡¯t remember the look on Harry¡¯s face at the time when Bill stated his disapproval, how he¡¯d never reach the desired destination of marriage with his granddaughter and thus giving Harry the ultimate rejection any groom-candidate could ever receive, in front of everyone to witness on top of all. An embarrassing rejection he would not be able to recover from. Sophia knew that it was bound to happen, but usually such matters would be handled in a private setting. They could now have become the talk of the town as one would say. Not that she cared, nor Bill. With Harry¡¯s ego fundamentally wounded, it would be impossible to say what his next move would be, but as of right now, Harry was left standing in the pub to collect the stares while all three made their way back home. Mari¨¦ shivered as she clutched her hands inside the pockets of the long black coat with stylish double-breasted buttons, while Bill walked as if his body was the most efficient heating system in itself. Unbothered and comfortable. Just like Sophia who had her arms warm and comfortable underneath the cream colored wool poncho.


    ¡¯¡¯Well, it was about time.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ searched for Bill¡¯s eyes, ¡¯¡¯He brought it upon himself.¡¯¡¯


    Bill grunted, agreeing. The snow beneath squeaked and gritted with each step. Mari¨¦ and Bill walked a couple of steps ahead from Sophia who couldn¡¯t help but adore the night sky. The crescent diamond now brighter than before. The stars which made the snow on the ground gleam so endearingly. Sophia took in a deep breath with her chin high up, when suddenly, it seemed as if the adorable little starts began to fall from the sky and land on her nose, cheeks and eyelids¡ª cold until they dissolved away leaving the spot tingly, ¡¯¡¯More snow? At this time of the year.¡¯¡¯ Sophia reached her hand with the palm facing up towards the sky, gathering as much as she could.


    ¡¯¡¯You¡¯re right. It shouldn¡¯t be snowing.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ quivered from the cold tiny kisses gifted by the snowflakes. A prolonged winter meant bad luck for the year ahead in the ancient Agathen of warmth. To those who believed such superstitious hogwash, that is.


    ¡¯¡¯No. Tomorrow it¡¯ll all be gone.¡¯¡¯ Bill said as if knowing something others couldn¡¯t. In fact, Bill had the greatest intuition when it came to nature and weather. Even Mari¨¦ couldn¡¯t stop gushing about it, already setting up a bet where the loser would have to go buy hangover soup the next morning. Sophia wouldn¡¯t bother warning her for the millionth time¡ª she had tried before, and Mari¨¦ still kept losing each and every bet.


    Bill could look at the sky and determine the weather and sometimes even when. He once explained to Sophia how it was rather easy, learning to estimate when the weather would change by assessing the wind and movement and shapes of the clouds. Sophia could not tell no matter how long she stared at the sky and its delicate art and other times powerful wrath, but she admired Bill for his talent. Among many things. Sophia would often joke around how peculiarly useful it was to know whether she needed to bring an umbrella even though the sky was nearly cloud-free. The weather took an unexpected turn far too many times to count, and each time Bill had been correct.


    ¡¯¡¯By the way, grandpa Bill.¡¯¡¯ Sophia asked with a gentle tone almost a whisper in the night, ¡¯¡¯Why did you come by Madam Heredina¡¯s Pub? You only just went yesterday.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Had a bad feeling.¡¯¡¯ Bill answered, resisting the need to counterattack the usual nagging.


    ¡¯¡¯Fine." Sophia giggled, ¡¯¡¯I must¡¯ve come to terms with the fact that you always seem to simply know. Are you sure you¡¯re not hiding a fortuneteller¡¯s trinket somewhere?¡¯¡¯ She joked as they came by the Monree-Klonfar¡¯s wooden gate and wished the goodnights¡¯ before separating with Mari¨¦. Bill did not believe in fortuneteller¡¯s odds and ends any more than those tales of the orcs living under their forest rocks, told to children as a harmless little scary story.


    And just like Bill had said beneath the last snowfall of the year¡ªthe spring, symbol of new beginnings had arrived. Meaning different things to everyone. Promises that needed to be kept, ambitions and big new leaps into the scary unknown. For Sophia, it meant another exciting three seasons ahead studying the forest among working alongside Bill.


    Just like the years prior,


    and just like she desired it to stay.


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 4.

    In the midst of the grey and ominous mountains with their ice and snow glistened tips, trees¡¯ so bare and thin they were hardly anything interesting to look at, a dead open field had men lined up perfectly precise amount of steps from one another, pointing a heavy, long lever-action rifle towards the round targets with uneven holes already teared against the wide wooden boards. The heavy clicking sound after each time the weapon was loaded, the simply abhorrent echo which followed after each arch of a finger. One could agree it was perhaps too much¡ªallowing a single index finger such amount of sheer power.


    On the side stood a man above all, silently observing the entire field laid on the side of the magnificent mountains of Tempe Deur. Used as the training ground for The Northern Agathen¡¯s Royal Military. Soldiers of The Kingdom. The Northern Town of Delmaer was a rocky terrain as far as the eye of a mortal man could behold.


    Commander Ren VonGehall was born bestowed with dignity and honor. He was a man who came from a strong noble family of long lineage, owning the entire Northern Town of Delmaer, in a way, after the first VonGehall had become the first Duke of the stern Delmaer. A position which would fall on Ren¡¯s shoulder one day whether he wanted it, or not. Although, such matter would not be a question he¡¯d have to spend time pondering much, for it was the only life he knew. A life where he quite never reached the end of responsibility. A life where the list of expectations got longer the more he checked off from it.


    Being the son of Duke Benedict VonGehall and Duchess Katherine VonGehall meant a life of endless luxury inside The Aurelius Manor, named after his great-grandfather, the first man to be given nobility as The Duke of North by The King at the time. After the devastating war, and The Great Independence, a fallen monarchy in the new world order began to form. An era for peace to come as it pleased, and stay in the hopes of many.


    One would think that a man like Ren had it all. A large manor worth millions in Frahan¡¯s shared currency, worth even more with what the manor and its many useless rooms held inside. A car which were expensive in itself, and an employee whose only job was to drive it. And what better than all the materialistic possession together combined¡ªhe had the unwavering respect of the public. After all, being born as VonGehall meant stability, wealth, power and status. But it also came with a price perhaps just as hefty. As the nobles of The North, VonGehall¡¯s were in charge of the weaponry and military of Agathen. The town had a factory manufacturing the long bullets, parts for the heavy machinery and vehicles, and even daggers from the ancient times with wooden handles that were decorated with carved protective charms from the olden tales. Legacy from the citizens of the past. For Agathenian¡¯s, it was important to keep the eyes pointing forward and advance¡ªyet just as important to remember the days that once were. Those daggers were gifted to cadets once they passed all the harrowing first stages of their training and could carry the title of a soldier. May only the strongest survive.


    Eastern Agathen, The Town of Wrethn had their own Duke and Duchess as well, with given responsibility on the business and trading with the other Land¡¯s along Agathen borders, while Southern Agathen, The Town of Emr¨¦la had the responsibility of the largest harbor in their care. Only the isolated Western Town of Brifena had no noble family to care for them, as the smallest town out of the big four along The Kingdom Capital. Between the mountains and hills and forests and the lovely thin waterfall¡ªperhaps Brifena was blessed with a closer community amongst its people in comparison.


    Ren had an impeccable posture with his chin held high and tight fists behind his back. The dark emerald green military outfit represented the resilience of their Land, a well fitted double-breasted coat embellished with golden badges of Agathen¡¯s and Northern Delmaer¡¯s coat of arms, one specifically in the middle of the lavish army cap stating his status as The Commander. A leather belt over the coat with a simple golden belt buckle. His straight tailored trousers were of the same color, over the black, well shined leather boots. Ren¡¯s hair was neatly cut and swept on the side with some of the strands from his fringe landing over forehead and eyebrows beneath the status-displaying army cap, strands of fascinating shade of dark rich coffee, or perhaps well compared to the Agathen¡¯s famous dark brewed beer. His eyes complimented the golden glow of amber, wide-set shape of an almond with slightly upturned well-defined corners. Beneath the black high turtleneck collar of his shirt, he hid the scar which held its own secrets. His facial features could be compared cat-like with a strong yet pointed nose bridge and sharp jawline. His cheekbones were not defined, perhaps more of an oval shape with a well balanced mixture of harsh and soft edges. Long legs and lean, well proportioned figure. Truly a man who caught many wandering eyes, equally as respectful as they were audacious. But then again, a man over his mid 20s¡¯ and unwed with his status could be seen as rare even-though not entirely impossible. It created a line of women, and men, ready to be swept away towards the altar. Little did they know, that The Duke and Duchess had been closely exchanging letters with The Southern Town of Emr¨¦la¡¯s noble family with intentions to possibly unite Ren and their unwed daughter who graced beside the ocean. But as of right now, those letters did not hold anything remarkable nor noteworthy. The subjects of them entirely unaware, even, although Ren could feel the wave of possible pressure to get married approaching.


    ¡¯¡¯They are young.¡¯¡¯ Colin Fior stood beside Ren but did not take his ice-blue eyes off the cadets training, ¡¯¡¯Joining the military, beginning their training. They know nothing.¡¯¡¯ He sounded somewhat bitter if one did not know him personally, but to those close enough knew his often pessimistic and rather glum outlook on most things. Colin Fior was the right arm of Commander VonGehall. A bodyguard. An advisor. The sword and shield. But most importantly, a dear friend.


    ¡¯¡¯How many do you think will end their service after the first contract expires?¡¯¡¯ Ren asked, eyes shifting left while noticing even the slightest mishaps and hesitations on the young, inexperienced men.


    ¡¯¡¯All. Each and every one of ¡¯em.¡¯¡¯ Colin grunted, ¡¯¡¯Pathetic. Is this really all our Land had to offer this year?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Now, now.¡¯¡¯ Ren huffed with an ominously playful yet dark tone that seeped from the bottom of his lungs, ¡¯¡¯We need each and every candidate.¡¯¡¯ Agathen had no shortage of men wanting to join the military, for it allowed them to provide for their families, often young, thus meaning they had their parents and siblings at home relying on them. They could start the military service by the age of 16, thus many came right after finishing their education. Those who had more prosperity in academic successes usually went with a higher education, becoming apprentices or getting scouted by professors. There were some of those who entertained the thought of the military being for those who were lacking intellectually and had no other option but to enlist¡ª yet to most parents there wouldn¡¯t be a greater honor than telling everyone their son had been accepted in the Troops of Commander VonGehall himself. It was well concluded that those with ill-intended opinions about military men were usually from people who did get into higher education, thus felt the need to boost their self-righteous ego with their repugnant dirty sticks. Should any of them be thrown in the field with nothing more than the usual gear and the needed unyielding fortitude¡ªthey would be left with nothing more than their gear, useless and empty without the strength to go on.


    ¡¯¡¯We¡¯re wasting our time.¡¯¡¯ Colin seemed agitated, and as if proven right in that very moment, he saw a cadet drop his folded weapon whilst in the process of loading it filled with fresh new bullets, scattering them on the cold and harsh ground with heavy, ponderous clinking of the metal, ¡¯¡¯YOU! Three laps around the field, NOW.¡¯¡¯ He yelled with a demanding echo rumbling the side of the walls of Tempe Deur, asking a lot since the field carried wide, the unclothed trees¡¯ were merely dots by the other end. Still, the young cadet had no reason to object¡ªnot that he could¡ªand served as a harsh lesson to others as they held on to their weapons with much care now. A falling weapon could be just as dangerous as it was held towards a point. One reckless moron with a gun could cost the lives of many.


    ¡¯¡¯You think I could go home for the one-hundredth Independence Celebration?¡¯¡¯ Colin leaned against the hard, deep mahogany table with a hint of red as the midday sun shone through the window behind Ren, who sat on the large velvet chair and went through the papers regarding his new cadets. Colin¡¯s family originally came from a small village just outside The Kingdom Capital, but many years ago had settled in the center of the Capital, where only those high enough in society could afford a house, ¡¯¡¯Mother sent me another letter. She¡¯s close to begging, for it has been a year.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Can¡¯t deny you that.¡¯¡¯ Ren answered unbothered not even glancing away from the paperwork, ¡¯¡¯Go. You¡¯ve deserved a break.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯What about you?¡¯¡¯ Colin crossed his arms, ¡¯¡¯Still attending that Royal Banquet?¡¯¡¯ He brought his gaze on the side enough to see with the corner of his slightly downturned husky eyes.


    ¡¯¡¯Haven¡¯t found an excuse yet.¡¯¡¯ Ren did not seem pleased by him bringing up the matter, his eyebrow twitching with resentment.


    ¡¯¡¯Well, I heard the noble Lady from the southern harbor is attending.¡¯¡¯ Colin knew he struck the right nerve from the way Ren clicked his tongue and growled out a whole lot of unpleasant sensation. To Ren, marriage seemed like yet another possible battlefield to maneuver. Unnecessary. For his entire life, he had not seen a single marriage that worked the way often sang in songs or found in silly poems of twisted fantasy. His parents were cold and calculative. Married out of convenience. And so were many of the high society. Keeping the wealth in the right circles. He cared about The Town of Delmaer and the legacy of the name VonGehall enough to accept his duty as The Duke once the time was appropriate¡ª but the game of affairs and socialites and relationships drew a line of disgust he had to place in perspective to endure. In his opinion, pointless and unnecessary games of unveiled masks and contaminated facades. A Banquet out of all places unfortunately filled with just that, ¡¯¡¯I have heard rumors of her beauty by the sailors of the seas.¡¯¡¯ Colin continued despite the received reaction.


    ¡¯¡¯Beauty is merely a fleeting concept.¡¯¡¯ Ren placed the stack of papers neatly in a folder, ¡¯¡¯What is there to look at in 40 years if the person themselves are insufferable?¡¯¡¯


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡¯¡¯That is harsh. What a cold heart.¡¯¡¯ Colin chuckled not at all surprised. Ren was a man of few words enough to state his mind at ease, ¡¯¡¯Very well. You¡¯ll die alone with that mindset.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯So be it.¡¯¡¯ Ren answered. He had a goal, a purpose. Nothing else mattered, nor would matter in the future. Agathen¡¯s safety and making sure his town worked like the perfectly shaped wheel going nonstop down an endless hill was all he cared about. And if marriage was truly necessary, so be it.


    Left alone in his office by the east wing of the manor, Ren rubbed the stiffened spot between his amber eyes and sank in the chair finally surrendering to a much deserved break. In a typical manner, bedrooms were usually built on the west wing side on a higher level so the morning could be welcomed with a sunrise, and offices and libraries were built on the eastern side to wish the day goodbye. Ren pulled himself up and walked by the high windows overlooking the garden of the backyard. Although it was nothing much to look at, the spring had fully made its way. The snow had molt from the surface of the well kept shrubs molded into fences by human hands. The mixture of green and yellow and brown of the grass visible. There were trees¡¯ of the evergreen pines and large pedunculate oaks, but the most beautiful of anything growing in all of Delmaer were the rowan trees¡¯, with their red clustered berries gifting the otherwise dull cold season some much needed color, showering the yards with rubies. Although Northern Delmaer was just as beautiful as any other town in Agathen in its own way when it came to the nature surrounding it¡ª it had been built with mostly rocks and concrete of different shades of grey, thus the cobblestoned streets and gravel paths were framed rough and lifeless on the eyes.


    Ren felt the growing boredom beginning to make him restless. The dim room had walls covered with thick and decorated bookshelves keeping the carefully chosen golden wallpapers hidden, a large carpet with heavy curving details made by hand, and a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling shipped from Berull¡ªThe Land of lavish jewelry and gold.


    He dropped lying on a couch with velvet seating and placed his arm over the eyes, pressing away the still looming pressure. Colin must¡¯ve gone by the Tavern of Fire Lilies which was located by a promiscuous hidden alleyway, nameless with other pubs and taverns not quite as popular. Colin enjoyed the company that the alleyway offered, but such mindless activities did not suit the taste of the Commander. Besides, if seen there, he¡¯d only create a rigid atmosphere since such places often hid various illegal activities under the tainted carpets. Colin, however, had become a regular, thus had proven his loyalty and was rather expected to make an appearance.


    As Ren relaxed further, closing his eyes beneath the arm, the darkness that his eyelids offered brought back an image from the past impossible to avoid, but only for a brief fleeting moment as the door of the office opened, and Ren knew exactly who¡¯d entered. Benedict VonGehall would never ask permission from anyone. As the current Duke of Delmaer, he remained the head of the manor and those doors and what they held inside belonged to him and him only.


    ¡¯¡¯Slacking off, huh.¡¯¡¯ Ren could hear his gruff, already waiting for the conversation to end despite not knowing what it was about. Ren was a spitting image of his father. Their hair and eyes and features, made it harder for Ren to look at him¡ªand himself¡ªeven though Ren did not hate nor particularly care about his parents on a deeper level. A family without warmth. Distance resembling nothing more than acquaintances.


    ¡¯¡¯All is done for today.¡¯¡¯ Ren answered to put it simply as he got up to sit on the couch, ¡¯¡¯What do I owe the honor, your grace?¡¯¡¯


    Distant.


    Benedict scoffed at the usual tone on the tongue, ¡¯¡¯Do I need a reason to visit my son?¡¯¡¯ He opened the button of his grey three-piece suit, revealing a fitted vest above a high quality collared button-up shirt as he sat on the large chair around the mahogany table and began to go through the papers. A man who always had to know everything going on, when and where, and Ren did not answer with much but a rather sarcastic sigh which went unnoticed.


    ¡¯¡¯How are the new cadets?¡¯¡¯ Benedict went through the files, each piece of paper having a small black and white picture on the upper corner attached with a paper clip. Serious, expressionless faces of young men one after another.


    ¡¯¡¯Under training.¡¯¡¯ Ren answered. The cadets were indeed new, not much to praise nor complain there. Benedict did not seem very happy with the answer and grew more agitated by the minute, noticeable by the pulsing vein on the side of his neck.


    ¡¯¡¯I trust you, son.¡¯¡¯ Benedict said from under the narrow eyes, directed now towards him for the first time since entering the office.


    ¡¯¡¯Appreciated.¡¯¡¯ Ren got up, bowed and left without another word. His father said he trusted, but anyone can say anything with those narrow eyes still pressuring for more. To be more. Actions told otherwise. Haven¡¯t I done enough already, Ren sometimes wondered in a brief moment of doubt on those sleepless nights when the early signs of dawn would remind him of how many hours had passed with him still failing to rest. That fleeting moment of desperation before he¡¯d instinctively pull himself out of it.


    Ren kept walking through the long corridor of empty useless lounge rooms designed to entertain important guests, barely ever used. The walls were white and had white boards with details of tree branches and birds and mountains, as well as the ceiling. The floors were wooden but covered with an elegant deep ocean blue carpet.


    Each time Ren met his parents it felt as if meeting with an old harsh professor from the past who was not his teacher anymore and definitely not close enough to be more than an acquaintance. Every interaction always had a purpose, a need, a clear conclusion. And nothing more.


    Even as a child.


    His room never lacked a single thing, toy nor warm clothing. Stomach filled with more delicious food than anyone could ever ask for. He used to think that those were the ways his parents showed their love, and felt content with it. He remembered mother having a faint smile from time to time, but never entirely there with him. The maids telling him stories, reading books and accompanying him outside. From his father he had no early memories at all. Still, he was a happy child due to the manor employees who seemed to care. Of course, a child could not distinguish real affection from one which was bought.


    As time went on, he noticed the lack on interest. Lack of communication. Lack of emotions he could not understand. Dinner table fell silent once he wasn¡¯t the child blabbering about the adventures of the day anymore, only the faint clanks of cutlery hitting the antique porcelain remained.


    His life consisted of military training and nothing more since the age of twelve. Although Agathen would not meddle in the matters of the other Land¡¯s in Frahan due to the peace treaty created nearly one hundred years ago, and Agathen having no reason to do so in the first place since the peace and alliance amongst them stood strong¡ª ten years ago, when Ren was only seventeen years old still training in the military, him among five thousand other soldiers were shipped over The Great Ocean of Guruld to partake in an operation. Their agenda was to lessen the risk of an escalating war, standing beside the smaller nations in another Continent of Pelthaza against the aggressor. If the largest military in the Continent of Frahan sent men to their borders, the aggressor would have to either make a whole new strategy or retreat. And luckily, they weren¡¯t prepared for any other Continents to partake in their issue. Of course, it comes without saying that there would always be a hidden agenda with any military operation. Something to gain. To assure.


    The risk had been seized without too many losses on the battlefields after their arrival, but those weeks of traveling on its own took a toll on any human, among with the devastation which waited for them upon arriving. The piles unable to distinguish from fallen ruins and human remains. Homes that could not be returned to, nor would have anyone to return at all. Those images would imprint deep in the minds of any sane person, unable to forget for the rest of their life. Glimpses flashing in front of their eyes uninvited. Ren wouldn¡¯t admit anything else except for the one he could not deny¡ªa visible mark on his skin which wouldn¡¯t fade no matter how many years passed. Their participation was necessary, and added all of Frahan in their peace treaty which offered safety on a more global magnitude to ensure the future. Ren left when he was young, and returned as a man three years after. Soon later, he was given the title of Commender by his father Benedict VonGehall. His father had called the trial a test of his capability. Should he return home as a hero or should he not determined his future. A cruel man with a twisted sense of parenting.


    The war overseas stood as a gruesome learning experience which Ren felt no emotions towards whatsoever. Or perhaps those emotions were forced to be shoved down six feet underground by the expectations. Nonetheless, he came back and although the Town of Delmaer hadn¡¯t changed, his view on it had. His outlook on life in general. He thought about the war one hundred years ago when Agathen had been the bigger evil, and lost. Much like the nation which he had gone against.


    The history repeated itself. Not in Frahan, but elsewhere. And it would continue repeating as long as humans existed. The need for possession. The need for power. He hated how he understood those emotions as human nature. It turned his stomach upside down. Made him sick.


    But despite all, his Land would never be in such position of evil ever again. Agathen¡¯s participation in deescalating the situation over The Great Ocean of Guruld by standing beside the weaker nations gathered appreciation in The Continent of Frahan and beyond, and gifted them global peace which was recognized by the other four Land¡¯s as well.


    Before the war, Ren questioned why he did anything at all. Why he tried so hard. He did not care about the parents approval, he did not desire their praise. At first, resentment clouded his mind upon being sent to the war as a young start of a man. A gamble of life and death. Should he lose his life on the battlefield, then VonGehall''s would lose their only Heir. And still, his parents had chosen the war as his lesson. Did they have faith in him? Or did they simply think of him as disposable. Questions which eventually did not make much difference if answered. Either way, once Ren returned from the war with all the right strategic knowledge crowning him a war hero, he finally found the answer to the question¡ªwhy?


    His purpose now to keep serving The Land of Agathen. As Commander of The Royal Military, then as The Duke of Delmaer. After all, he had gone through too much for it to be thrown away.


    A perfect cage created for him and him only.


    Ren¡¯s deep thoughts were interrupted by the clattering sound of thin rattling wheels of a car rumbling over the gravel somewhere in the distance¡ªgetting closer by each mile. Through the window of the never-ending corridor he could see a black car approaching with dusty clouds behind it, showing its hurried speed. They weren¡¯t expecting anyone, and in his calculative mind he knew it was the first red flag.


    Following the car with his eyes, window after another, he hurried the curved stairs down and towards the lobby and entrance of the manor until the car had disappeared towards the front yard.


    ¡¯¡¯URGENT! AN URGENT MESSAGE, YOUR GRACE!¡¯¡¯


    Ren could hear a man¡¯s dire screams outside, nearing the large doors, ¡¯¡¯Open them.¡¯¡¯ He ordered the butler standing ready, on the edge waiting for the order, and thus behind the door revealed a messenger with his typical outfit of light grey suit and a cap with the postal office logo. Out of breath, sweat oozing down from the hairline. His eyes ruined with terror and blue from sleepless nights. He must¡¯ve traveled from far without a break by the looks of it,


    holding an unmarked letter in a tight grip before falling on his knees.


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 5.

    Sophia opened the door leading outside from their humble cabin and was instantly hit with the wonderment of an early summer morning. The gravel on the path beamed with otherwise unappreciated dirt, the trench beside allowed the fragile fog travel with ease. The forest opposite, accompanying the path all the way down towards the town, had its trees¡¯ embraced with a peaceful ray of gold seeping through each gap. The air smelled of the different colored coneflowers which Sophia had successfully planted by the beginning of their front yard, their long yet thin petals purple, yellow, orange, white and a mixture of pink¡ªlarge pillowy button in the middle which attracted the bees enough to make the wide patch of flowers their regular hangout spot. The air smelled of damp grass and twigs of the spruces and comfort.


    As Sophia carried the bucket from its intended handle and reached the path, she looked on her left and saw the old farmer¡¯s field in the far distance now embosomed by the pleasant morning haze which hovered slowly with the almost unnoticeable breeze. Sophia¡¯s lips twitched with the tranquility, sheathed with a hint of delicate longing.


    On her way to the common well by a small trail, she heard small familiar footsteps tapping the ground with fast switches. She did not have to look, nor really turn around to know but did so anyway. Just so she could capture little Marvy in her arms and twirl her around a few times and be gifted with one of the world¡¯s most precious presents of all. Marvy¡¯s laugh was contagious, just like the smile her mother had when Sophia first stood alone on the front yard of the woodcutter¡¯s cabin those many years ago.


    ¡¯¡¯You little rascal.¡¯¡¯ Sophia laughed as Marvy giggled and held fistfuls of Sophia¡¯s shirt by the shoulders, ¡¯¡¯Where is your mother? You ought to be scolded for leaving the yard on your own.¡¯¡¯ Sophia squinted her eyes playfully as Marvy covered her mouth not to laugh.


    ¡¯¡¯MARVY!¡¯¡¯ As expected, Mari¨¦ would not lose the sight of her two year old explorer for long. Her hawk eyes too sharp, yet the hint of dread in the echo of the yell notable when her eyes could not find the tiny curly red hair nearby.


    ¡¯¡¯Here, Mari¨¦.¡¯¡¯ Sophia called out and saw her friend turn around, immediately locating them. The way her face lost all anxiety and dropped to its natural state in an instant amused Sophia.


    ¡¯¡¯You little runaway!¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ came and hijacked the small bean in her tickling attack, dropping down crouching with Marvy in her embrace, ¡¯¡¯Where did you think you were going?! Alone like that.¡¯¡¯ The scolding came out as more of a whine than a stern lesson.


    ¡¯¡¯She can keep me company.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled and Marvy immediately jumped off her mother''s lap, leaving it empty, ¡¯¡¯I¡¯m getting water from the well this time, to wash Bruno¡¯s stall. So we won¡¯t go far.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Well then, be good little bird.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ agreed with a relieved sigh as she directed her words to Marvy and headed towards their cabin. No need to tell her twice. She figured she could enjoy a nice secret oat biscuit while the little one¡ªwith her inescapable sense of scent towards sugar and hearing towards the glass jar opening¡ªwas not around to detect her. Mother''s were sneaky like that once in a while.


    On their way towards the well between the tall trees¡¯ and a trail which kept getting thinner the further they followed, Marvy spotted a tiny frog jumping in front of her and over the other side of the path before disappearing in the thick grass, ¡¯¡¯Look! A fog!¡¯¡¯ Marvy jumped with tiny hops to mimic the small new friend.


    ¡¯¡¯Sure is, a frog. We need to be careful. They usually cross over the trail after a rainy night.¡¯¡¯ Sophia searched closely, ¡¯¡¯We don¡¯t want to accidentally step on them.¡¯¡¯


    Marvy froze on the spot, her hands in tight fists on the sides, shoulders up and lips pressed together, so concentrated she barely moved a leg after scanning the ground with much diligence. Sophia couldn¡¯t help but have tiny seeds of happiness glowing in her eyes as she walked behind Marvy. It was incredible how anyone could be so precious. Sophia wondered how her parents must¡¯ve felt in these early years when she was young. Did she have all the expressions written on her cheeks just like Marvy? She wondered her mother must¡¯ve worn her hair on a loose braid over one side, content with the peacefulness while father most likely came up with all sorts of games to entertain. Those years she could not remember, wiped out of her memory by the years of an avoidant heart. It became harder to remember anything that had once been before the age of ten. Was it her brain maturing, making room for new memories in the present to be stored for the future yet unfold? Or was it pain which kept pushing those years away. One thing was clear, and it was that scent carried more memories than our brains could even fathom. Each time Sophia smelled the cotton dress, the old book of medicine from their bookshelf or that one soap which Mari¨¦ loved to buy with a hint of mint in it¡ªor the flowers she kept hanging above her bedroom ceiling¡ªpleasant glimpses from the past would flash as if right there in front of her eyes. Just like they did now. Marvy with her cute little shoes, puffy peachy colored dress and beige apron with a wavy hem, tied behind on a large bow. Her small hops, giggles, tiny hands reaching for the ever unreachable sky yet with much hope. Marvy, that sweet child. The joy she brought to anyone who came her way. And Sophia wanted to protect that innocence. Let it last as long as it should.


    And not be taken away by any means.


    As Sophia pulled the rope tied on the bucket up from the deep well filled with cold rainwater, she peeked on the side to make sure Marvy hadn¡¯t drifted from her side. Much to her horror, the little child was not gathering rocks found the most gorgeous while crouching on her feet anymore, thus Sophia nearly let go of the rope when her head shot first on the right and then left¡ªfast enough to give anyone a whiplash. There, she could sigh with relief as she noticed Marvy sitting on the side of the trail where the lovely scented large patch of oxeye daisies began. She appeared to be having a conversation with them, which brought a warm gentle smile on Sophia¡¯s lips.


    ¡¯¡¯What is wrong?¡¯¡¯ Marvy asked with emphasis on each word separately, clearly wanting to make her point across. Sophia¡¯s eyebrows drew together as she finally lifted the metal bucket over the edge of the well and brought it down so she could walk over and see what the little one was up to this time. As Sophia adjusted her lovely green summer dress under the crook of the knees and lowered down beside Marvy, she noticed a small bird lying there on the ground with its limp wings. A small goldcrest with its bright, yellow head resembling a crown of a Royal. Sophia pushed her lips together, for the first time having to debate how to word out the fate of this tiny creature to a two year old. It must''ve hit itself against the trees¡¯ and fallen. But it wasn¡¯t moving.


    ¡¯¡¯Marvy¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sophia leaned closer as Marvy touched the wing of the bird ever so tenderly¡ªand as if called for, or given a command, the goldcrest twitched and squeaked and rushed away first with a couple of awkward jumps and then spread its wings. As if it was only having a relaxing nap among the oxeye daisies until woken up with a gentle touch. Marvy giggled in excitement, pointing up towards the bird which now circled through the branches, showing the child the many enthusiastic talented moves it could muster. Sophia, instead, focused her glossed eyes down on the child and her bright, sharp glimmering gaze now filled with riddles.


    The scent of spring always began with the foul smell of dirty ditch, revealing the wet and slippery grass and soil trapped from beneath, marinated under the melting ice and snow after the past couple of months. But as the days got warmer, so did the scent of ever blooming nature as it emerged more lustrous and full of wonder. The summer had finally arrived. Even when spring changed to summer, Harry Ohara did not dare to approach Sophia with even a single glance. As a matter of fact, they did run into each other on their errands around the town, but each time their eyes met he¡¯d rush to turn away. Shame was the emotion shaded on those eyelids. Sophia felt almost bad for him. Sure, she had told him no more times than any maiden hoping to marry him could count, wishing it was them he was after. And one should know to take no as a simple answer¡ª yet still, Sophia hoped he¡¯d see how infatuated Dorothy Ockerland had been for a good while now. She thought that they would make a good pair, actually.


    Although Sophia had not experienced that kind of love herself, she once read a rather thought provoking chapter where it said that humans, much like many other animals, fell in love with the scent of their partner, and in a way she could understand it to be the case. After all, scent of the dried flowers held in all the love for her parents close in those petals even after withering and losing their color. The scent changed, yet never let go of those cherished beloved emotions. Love could be just as cruel and lovely at the same time.


    Sophia made her way home while carrying fresh new ingredients from the Town¡¯s Market in a thick wooden basket. Even though it had been many weeks since that incident at Madam Heredina''s Pub, and Sophia had successfully avoided any gossip-hungry folks as well as the man himself, apparently it was still the topic of the town, and Sophia knew it would stay as such until something better or bigger came along. People liked to awe how a twenty-year-old could reject the marriage proposal from a man with good background and wealth. And do it in front of everyone at a pub, from all places. Other people sided with Sophia, knowing Harry''s ego and temper all too well.


    Sophia, however, could not care less about whose side any of them stood. In her opinion they made the whole situation into something unnecessarily large, out of boredom of course. Luckily, people knew better not to come to her directly. Gossip she could handle, but having to deal with the curious town''s people face to face she would not.


    ¡¯¡¯I¡¯m home.¡¯¡¯ Sophia yelled from the entrance as she took off her shoes and carried the basket by the kitchen counter near the hatch on the floor leading underground. She took out the chicken breasts wrapped tightly in paper and opened the hatch with a crinkled nose from the heavy weight of it. The door needed to be tightly sealed to keep the cold in and the cellar had wooden ladders with only five steps on them. The storage was narrow, the walls covered with many wooden shelf boards with glass jars of jam made by Mari¨¦ to last a few seasons, mustard, a couple of bottles of wine, vegetables, eggs among other ingredients. Some of them kept in cold only because they tasted better that way in both Sophia¡¯s and Bill¡¯s opinion. They looked very much different appearance wise, except for their hazel green eyes, but the two shared the same tastebuds for sure.


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    Sophia went down the few steps carefully and placed some of the new ingredients on the vacant spots on otherwise packed shelves and quickly hurried up to close the hatch, not wanting to waste any more of the chilly air under.


    ¡¯¡¯What we having today?¡¯¡¯ Bill appeared behind her as she had closed the cellar hatch and helped her up by gently tucking her elbow.


    ¡¯¡¯The old granny sold chicken today.¡¯¡¯ Sophia said while Bill nodded approvingly.


    ¡¯¡¯Ready to go, then?¡¯¡¯ Bill got his belt which held a sheath for his trusty knife, came in handy in the woods many times. Sophia got ready as well while Bill went behind the cabin to get Bruno and the carriage ready. She ran upstairs and fetched the crossbody bag, dropped the notebook still having the unique ink pen linked to it, and also wore her belt on the waist with a knife resting attached on the front of it, over the dark brown sleeveless dress and a white lightweight shirt underneath with lovely puffy sleeves reaching under the elbows. She tied her hair with a ribbon on a simple ponytail falling behind and rushed downstairs, then outside barely wearing the boots fully. Her favorite time of the day.


    Bill had already brought Bruno with the horse carriage at front and facing the road, sitting on the long wooden seat with the halter ready in both hands. Sophia rushed through the yard and heaved herself high up beside him. By the light blue sky it seemed to become a splendid day, Bill said so himself. Sophia hummed a cheerful melody while closing her eyes with a pleased smile, letting the warm early breeze brush her cheeks with delight. They left Bruno with the carriage on the side of the road with plenty of hay, apples and a metal bucket of water as they began to go a little higher on the side of the hill surrounded by trees¡¯. Sophia sat on a rock and read through the already filled early pages while Bill continued working on the chopped tree from the days prior. While wiping away sweat from the top of his forehead, Bill glanced towards Sophia¡ªher serious and determined eyes shining the most precious jade, deep red lips puckered from the concentration¡ªand for a moment he could see Gregory as a young boy on her spot instead. The sudden image made his heart clench with unforeseen misery, yet eased just as abruptly, for he knew the person sitting on that round rock sticking from the ground was the child part of his son. Part of his legacy.


    ¡¯¡¯You know¡ª¡¯¡¯ Bill hit the axe hard against the tree with one hand, leaving it stuck there, ¡¯¡¯You¡¯re more like your father than the color of your eyes.¡¯¡¯ He continued, those unlikely words from between his usually silent lips forced Sophia to wonder if she had heard him right after all. Even after Sophia grew older, they still had no conversations about her parents. Not even when it was time to honor their passing on the anniversary of the tragedy, they¡¯d sit beside one another by a candle and whisper their silent thoughts deep beneath their own private minds. And those moments held just as much sentimentality. Their silence expressing all which deemed necessary.


    ¡¯¡¯How so?¡¯¡¯ Sophia lowered the dark brown leather notebook gently on her lap with a tilted head, curious from the sudden initiation and brushed a stubborn strand of hair behind the ear which seemed to keep wanting to dance with the wind.


    Bill placed his large hands on the hips and sighed deeply, raising the chin up to admire the nature around. The scuffling of the green leaves and birds singing somewhere high, used to the loud sound of metal cutting through the trees¡¯. Bill¡¯s stubble had grown into a beard of an old man. His hair still uncut yet kept swept underneath a checkered ivy cap, ¡¯¡¯Your interests and talents. Some of the small habits. Facial expressions even. But mostly your connection with the nature.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Well, it is your speciality too, is it not? So perhaps father had it from you originally.¡¯¡¯ Sophia leaned the palms of her hands against the cool surface of the rock being sheltered from the sun by a huge stem of a tree. Bill huffed out a lopsided laugh, shaking his head.


    ¡¯¡¯No, definitely from my son. He was the one who got me to see beyond the roots and stems and branches which I cut and ripped from mother nature. He is the one who taught me, first.¡¯¡¯ It was just as rare to see a shooting star on a midnight blue sky, or colorful aurora over the frosted Tempe Deur, as it was to see a faint smile on Bill¡¯s lips accompanied by loose hooded eyebrows which normally would stick irritated.


    ¡¯¡¯He did?¡¯¡¯ Sophia made sure.


    ¡¯¡¯Gregory¡ªmy son¡ªwas a brilliant young boy. He cared about what these forests had to say. Their stories and lessons. And he listened. He taught me a whole new appreciation to my own surroundings. Even though our time together seemed to expire prematurely, I still cherish every moment left with me.¡¯¡¯ He did not look straight towards Sophia, would not dare. But she kept silent for as long as he spoke and even after to make sure he had said all there was to, for she would not waste a moment to have a piece of his heart and mind for safekeeping.


    ¡¯¡¯Then.. Why did you disapprove?¡¯¡¯ Sophia hesitated to ask. She chose her tone carefully not to come off as blaming nor accusing, but with a desire to understand.


    ¡¯¡¯What the hell are you talking about?¡¯¡¯ There it was, Bill¡¯s usual irritated tone of voice, ¡¯¡¯Him and Harriett? Not once have I disapproved. And it¡¯s insulting for you to assume I did.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯I¡ª No! I never assumed.¡¯¡¯ A lie. As it turned out, Sophia had done just that. Assumed. Had she ever asked if he disapproved of their marriage? Had mother and father ever directly said it was the Dilamor¡¯s that were against it along with the family Cornelia from Town of Wrethn?


    ¡¯¡¯No, i did assume.¡¯¡¯ Sophia felt a sudden sting of shame run through her chest, ¡¯¡¯Mother¡¯s side of the family were clear with their oppose. Even young ten year old me could see once I travelled from one door to another before coming here. And I love this town so dearly, I see my father in every inch of there forests. I see my mother in each flower this land has gifted. It aches me to think they would leave here, leave you, voluntarily. Thus I assumed. I apologize.¡¯¡¯


    Bill took in a deep breath. He could¡¯ve admitted how it made him feel a sense of disappointment having his only granddaughter, the only other person with the same blood running through their veins think he had pushed his own son away, ¡¯¡¯No, I never did. I could see my son hurt, yet unrelenting with the choice which he had made. Nor could I truly oppose, even if I wanted to. I asked them to stay here in Brifena, the upstairs more than enough to create a beginning for their marriage. He refused. He explained he felt a sense of quilt by taking the Cornelia¡¯s their daughter without their consent. Those uptight ignorant pieces of shh¡ª¡¯¡¯ Bill had to grit his teeth even reminded of the other side of their union, gathering his composure, ¡¯¡¯Gregory said they couldn¡¯t come under my roof if Harriett¡¯s side of the family disapproved of their union. Found it disrespectful towards the Cornelia¡¯s. He did not tell me this, but I knew he was thinking about me as well, in a foolish way. A kind man to the last bone of his body. Just like his mother. He sent me a couple of letters on the early years. Though, I wish he had told me about you.¡¯¡¯ Bill remembered standing in the kitchen which seemed to lose it¡¯s color as he watched the young Gregory in his early twenties for the last time turn towards the door by the entrance. Wondering what expression he had made as the door shut behind him for the final time. Over time, perhaps their distance grew naturally. Although Bill never truly stopped entertaining the thought of one day his son, with his own family, would appear through the low stone fence. The day Sophia did, he had seen the unusual carriage and rushed outside from the shabby shed, only to find a lone child who so much reminded him of his own. Only arriving with heavy news.


    ¡¯¡¯So their unblessed marriage wouldn¡¯t bring you down along with them.¡¯¡¯ Sophia let out all the air with a heavy heart. It would not look good for one family to set their foot down, while the other proceeded with a marriage. Thus Gregory and Harriett had decided to carry on alone in a sense, ¡¯¡¯I never knew, but it does sound like father, indeed. So that¡¯s what it was. Because mother¡¯s family pushed her away, he felt the obligation to pull himself away as well.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯That¡¯s him, ¡¯aight. Of course, the opinions of other people I did not care about. But they had made up their mind by the time I tried talking them into staying. It is my one regret in life amongst other¡ªseeing that expression on his face as the final one. If I only knew..¡¯¡¯ Bill opened his heart and held it out with arms stretched towards Sophia. Vulnerable as such Sophia had never seen him before, and made answering an enormous task. But even still, Sophia decided not to overanalyze. She was handed the deepest thoughts of her one and only family, and she would gladly share those scars with arms just as open.


    ¡¯¡¯Their faces are growing hazy in my memories.¡¯¡¯ Sophia said with a softening smile, ¡¯¡¯At first I felt frightened, apprehensive with the thought of having to forget. But it was the sound of their voices which I forgot first. Then little by little, I could not see them once I closed my eyes anymore.¡¯¡¯ She let her eyelids shut heavy, seeing through the twinkling light of the sun emit from the opening of the branches, ¡¯¡¯But once I realized that the feeling which those memories left me with never went away, I felt my soul set with ease.¡¯¡¯


    Bill came beside Sophia and leaned against the rock while crossing his arms. He avoided any eye contact, not that Sophia tried to gain any, but kept his ear towards her as a sign to go on for as long as she needed, ¡¯¡¯We¡¯ve never talked about them, but did you know? At first when I arrived I could not see the resemblance between you two. Did not take long, though. After all, you are more like him as well than you think.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Baloney.¡¯¡¯ Bill growled, clearing out his throat and with a sniff of a nose. Hay allergies, of course.


    ¡¯¡¯No it is the truth, I do not lie. You ruffle my hair as he once did. You make me plates of food filled overflowing just like he used to. He might¡¯ve been more vocal with his affection, but you let it show just as bright. I never told you how I appreciate all you¡¯ve done for me.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled.


    ¡¯¡¯Silly squid..¡¯¡¯ Bill hid away with gritted teeth. The conversation was almost physically hurting him, but it deemed necessary. Even for him.


    ¡¯¡¯You started it.¡¯¡¯ Sophia laughed disbelieved, ¡¯¡¯Thank you, grandpa Bill.¡¯¡¯ She added, wanting to tease the old man a bit further while she had a chance, ¡¯¡¯They were happy, truly. You can let go of the worry in your heart.¡¯¡¯


    As they listened and took in all the silent whispers of comfort offered in their serene surroundings, Sophia stole a glance of Bill and each grey hair on his beard. The wrinkles between the eyebrows resulted from many years of effortless sulking. The spots of melisma on his skin resulted from many years working outside. She wanted to save it in her memory. If she made a conscious effort early, maybe she¡¯d never forget. Even if one day the unavoidable happened, she would not forget. Sophia did not want to think about the future and the gap in their age nor the possible separation no matter who left first. But a certain fear always loomed in the back of her mind. A danger which was not time itself at all, but something even more worrying. Had she ever noticed anything different on the day when her parents died in that devastating disaster? Were there any clues? Any signs, feelings, bad foreseeing dreams or a tiny seed of a hunch?


    No.


    Nothing.


    At all.


    And because of that she learned the fact that no matter how normal the beginning of the day seemed, in the morning one could be kissed and hugged goodbye by loving, doting parents, while excitedly wishing them a good day ahead. And by the evening you¡¯d be sitting in an empty, cold and sad and weeping corridor with nothing left except and empty, hollow heart.


    And that is what terrified her.


    The easiness of the enchanting morning, and the uncertainty of the darkened evening.


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 6.

    The morning sun embraced the golden waves in Sophia¡¯s hair, like the most expensive yarn from The Kingdom of Berull shining joyfully with her excited steps on the side of the road, leading away from the town. Their cabin was one of the last estates on the southern side of the town, leading into nothing for miles and miles ahead. Sophia held a basket in the crook of her elbow, carrying a water bottle for the dry fuming hot day ahead and gloves for the berry picking she was about to do for the entirety of morning and far over the noon. She had a skillfully weaved sun hat over her head decorated with some of the flowers from their yard, sheltering from the burning blaze.


    Finally the day for the one-hundredth celebration of The Great Independence had arrived, marking the impressive one hundred years of peace between the great five Land¡¯s of Frahan. The peace treaty had been signed somewhere around afternoon, or so the history books stated, thus would began their annual speeches by The King from the city of The Kingdom, by the lavish white balcony of The Town¡¯s Hall. The speech was broadcasted via radio through all of Agathen, and Sophia and Bill would then sit around the living room with glasses of traditional drink made out of lingonberries, sugar, wine and cinnamon¡ªlistening to the grainy, cutting sound after Bill¡¯s efforts of finding the perfect direction to point the thin metal antenna towards. From there, the joyous celebrations would carry out until late in the early morning hours of the next day. Sophia knew it would be loud and chaotic, barely no sleep ahead either, thus she enjoyed her morning deep in the forest picking the lingonberries, blueberries and even wild strawberries if she happened to find those. In order to get to the best spot with endless shrubs of berries as far as the eye could carry, she had to walk further on the road, then turn astray through the trees¡¯ with no trails nor paths created by the stomping human feet, and carry on quite far in the middle of nowhere. She had become an expert in those woods. Knew every nook and cranny. Each rock and each small stream of a rivulet, flowing peacefully through creating the lovely sough of ever moving force down the hill. A hymn Sophia would stop and listen to with admiration, eyes closed as if praying.


    In the distance, the road wide enough for a horse carriage or a car would begin to curve on the left, and on the right it divided into another road slightly slimmer. Sophia¡¯s lips parted as her eyes became narrow from curiosity, hearing a rattling sound of wheels approaching. In the distance, she saw a black car a bit larger than a regular one turning towards the slimmer road leading on the western side of the town, which struck as odd since not many had cars in their town, and the distance between the next village would be easier and more reliable to go by carriage. It must¡¯ve been related to the upcoming celebration, Sophia thought as she shrugged her left shoulder and turned away from the road. On any other day seeing unfamiliar people around would¡¯ve earned a few more looks or whatnot, just like she herself once had been graced with, or curious glances at least¡ªbut not today.


    Sophia had to take long steps uphill, carefully choose where to find a footing. She had tied her calf long beige skirt with a pastel pink silky scarf from waist, bringing it down beneath the hem and up to create a slit over one thigh to help make moving easier. She had a thin white linen underdress on, shorter than the skirt, and with other people around it might¡¯ve been inappropriate enough of an attire, but nobody would be there to see her in the compassionate loneliness of the nature. She had a short sleeved white shirt on with a v-neck and two copper buttons open, showing her delicate collarbones and slim neck. As she finally found the secret berry spot, after a climb rather scandalous, she happily dropped down and wore the gloves to begin her work. For many minutes she did not have to move, crouching down comfortably as her legs had gotten used to the position, for there were more than enough sweet and bitter berries if she only turned around.


    ¡¯¡¯You¡¯re perfect.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled as she gently rolled the round and deep-red berry between the index finger and thumb before dropping it with the others. Soon she would not be able to see the bottom of the basket, but then again, she wouldn¡¯t be satisfied unless it was filled up till the very edge. Sophia had her hair on a low ponytail but began to feel the heat between the thin shirt. She straightened her back for a moment which felt refreshing and opened the hair ribbon, placed it between her teeth waiting while she began to braid the luminous strands. It took a while, but earned a lovely ribbon bow at the end of it once finished.


    Amidst the shrubs where her eyes concentrated like a racing horse with blinders on both sides, she suddenly noticed the small, striking patches of bright yellow dandelions with their thin and frilled dark green leaves as comfortable beds, reaching higher than any other. Sophia blinked a couple of times, her pillowy lips curving into a smile. Welcoming an old friend.


    ¡¯¡¯Well, hello again.¡¯¡¯ She leaned an elbow against the knee to rest her left cheek on a silky soft palm of a hand, eyelids heavy yet gleaming with somber reunion, ¡¯¡¯Mean, is it not? They keep pushing you away.¡¯¡¯ Sophia sighed, knowing how the town¡¯s people did not want their yards filled with only dandelions, thus they always got rid of them early in the spring. Sophia, however, much welcomed those cheerful happy weeds with open arms. Perhaps getting a few glares meanwhile, since she refused to pluck their yard clean as they would choose to phrase it. Who were they anyway? Not anyone Sophia would have to mind about¡ªsaid Bill once. And thus the dandelions could stay.


    They grow and grow and graze the sky,


    Their goodbye sound like foreign rhyme,


    Goodbye my mother,


    Goodbye my father,


    I shall now fly, thou should not cry¡ª


    Suddenly, an uproar reminding of a thunder in the sky¡ªunexpected and without a warning¡ªa loud wretched boom of what seemed like metal clashing echoed around Sophia, through the trees¡¯ and against the hill, unable to identify from which direction, forcing her to suck in the lyrics of her soft song as the ground beneath her seemed to rumble. A faint force. The sound was loud, but gone as fast, and nothing she had ever heard before. Yet it was the eery silence which followed that sent shivers through her spine. Too quiet, hauntingly so. Was the forest truly as silent before the loud noise? Or were every creature living in it frozen just like her. Sophia forced her locked limps to move so she could look around. Perhaps the Town Square preparations? A stall being prepared had maybe given in. No, something so simple would not be able to create a monstrous sound as such.


    An accident.


    Sophia gasped sharply, the whole body going tense as her eyes kept shaking, unable to focus nor concentrate. The colors of green, shades of brown and yellow and red of her surroundings all mixed like the colors on a paint palette being frantically smeared together. She couldn¡¯t breathe. Her heart pounded seeking to come through with a desire to flee. There must¡¯ve been a perfectly good explanation. Surely it was nothing more than a load falling from a carriage. After all, the town stood between shallow mountains, forests and hillside perfectly echoey for a dramatic effect.


    Yet somehow, Sophia¡¯s mind and body refused to wind down no matter how much it tried to make perfect sense. She could not move, the only sound being her own suffocated breathing and the pounding of the heart forcing through the throat now, echoing inside the ears. Slowly and shaking she let her eyes travel higher towards the tips of the trees¡¯. Sophia dreaded looking but she had no other choice¡ªfor a split second while blinking she feared to see a thick cloud of dark smoke rising from the direction of the town. And once she finally opened her eyes with chin held high¡ª


    Nothing.


    A sense of solace rushed through each limp of her body, greeted with the bright blue summer sky above the forest. As it should. It must¡¯ve been noon my the position of the sun by now. Surely there must''ve been a clear explanation for the explosion sounding crash, and she could later then laugh at her anxious reaction with ease. A smile rose the corners of her deep red lips, the air flowing through yet again. Perhaps even a small chuckle to joke with her own expense, look at you getting all worked up for a single loud bang.


    Preparing to go back to the previous task of berry picking, Sophia adjusted her feet and admired the gleeful color of the sky a minute longer¡ªwhen it all came back to her¡ªeyes went round and wide with pure torment, behind them the picture of her ten year old self peeking from the small window in their old bedroom, hurriedly taking in the rags which had been drying outside¡ªwhen her tiny chin had gone up and met with the swarm of swans fleeing, their pure feathers striking against the thick, dark heavy smoke.


    Just like then, a huge loud swarm of small birds flew above her still in the process of forming their own places amidst the hurried escape¡ªaway from the direction of the town.


    Sophia forced herself to snap out of the past, her hopeless eyes flooded with tears already. She did not mind kicking the basket filled with her hard work as she began to urgently rush down the hill. She did not care about the stumps and roots and bushes nor tree branches which tried to scrape her body and slow her down. Running down the hill she stumbled down on her bottom, the sun hat left behind, but was able to place a hand behind so she could effortlessly bounce back up without slowing down. Her clothes were dirty, her skin sticky with sweat, breathing heavy yet she would not stop.


    Sophia reached the road and looked both sides. Nothing. She picked up the pace and ran towards their cabin, keeping her eyes up towards the sky dreading to see the worst possible option. The forest flashed on each side unsure of what she¡¯d find. Surely Bill would nag about being too cautious and explain the whole ordeal, then top it off with a rare laughter which deep chortling sound Sophia had made sure to memorize over the years. Despite all the agony clutching her each and every bone, Sophia still expected the anxiety to be serving only as a silly build-in precautionary measure.


    Out of breath, Sophia finally reached the small curve on the road and those first small couple of cabins before their own. As the familiar grey stone fence marked her arrival, she noticed something unusual in the neighboring cabin of the Monree-Klonfar¡¯s¡ªthe front door spread wide open and items scattered through the yard, ripped pages of newspaper danced in the warm breeze near Mari¨¦¡¯s favorite handbag which she''d never leave behind. Sophia bit her teeth, jawline tight, her surrounding now seeming like the beginning of a ghost town. Many marks of carriages on the road led on another branching road, away from the one Sophia had just arrived from. She noticed a few sets of horse shoes pressed heavy, human as well. It was clear that a group of at least twenty or more had passed their cabin. And even more clear was the silence and absence of Mari¨¦ and little Marvy who had been home alone at the time she had left early.


    With a heavy headache on the way, Sophia turned the attention towards their cabin and noticed the door shut with no signs of chaos. Complete opposite. She walked slowly towards the door and stepped on the porch, her senses on high alert, and pressed an ear against the thick wooden door to listen closely. Silence. Sophia filled her nervous lungs and opened the door.


    There, from the entrance where they typically left their shoes and by the chest of drawers holding the miscellaneous items, straight forward she came face to face with Bill, sitting on one of the chairs by the kitchen table¡ªlegs wide open and elbows leaning against the thighs as he cleaned the old, barely ever used shotgun. Upon the door opening he shot up a heavy cautious glare, yet the eyes immediately softened after realizing she¡¯d returned. For a second it seemed like he was about to flick the shotgun shut ready to point its target.


    ¡¯¡¯Grandpa Bill? What are you¡ªwe must go!¡¯¡¯ Sophia rushed in, ¡¯¡¯What happened? There must''ve been an accident, we¡ª¡¯¡¯ She couldn¡¯t take it all in at once. Seeing Bill with his weapon was odd in itself, but asking all the right questions in a state of urgency proved to be impossible. Sophia was about to tuck him by the crook of the elbow but Bill yanked it back, the man unyielding. The firearm still bent in half, a large bullet now placed inside.


    ¡¯¡¯An attack.¡¯¡¯ Bill¡¯s voice was a low, raspy groan as he got up and with a swift flick of an arm he closed the shotgun ready to serve, ¡¯¡¯They came from the western side of the town, is all I heard. Haven¡¯t reached us yet, but soon.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Attack? Who would ever?¡¯¡¯ Sophia¡¯s eyes flickered trying to grasp the situation. Impossible. And they had no time for that.


    Bill turned to face her, his familiar features clouded by the shadows of the dim room, curtains pulled over the windows as a minimum effort to keep them hidden, ¡¯¡¯This part was evacuated first because of the road leading away and the less steep hillside. Now listen to me very carefully. They had to forcefully pull Mari¨¦ on the carriage without her consent. Marvy¡ªshe¡¯s by the old Pepper¡¯s house. They wouldn¡¯t let Mari¨¦ go. They say it¡¯s already chaos there.¡¯¡¯


    Sophia covered her mouth in sheer terror. Old teacher Mrs. Pepper and her husband were over sixty years old retirees and would often gladly look after the town¡¯s kids. If the attackers had taken the western side and center, who was to say they hadn¡¯t reached the houses where the Pepper¡¯s lived.


    ¡¯¡¯Then why are you still here?!¡¯¡¯ Sophia grew angry, but noticed Bill¡¯s expression fall heavy. It became painfully obvious. He had been waiting for her. The silence spoke volumes, broken by a commotion somewhere in the distance. Approaching. Breaking off glass windows, harrowing evil yells of orders. Sophia flinched, tight nervous fists coming against the chest and forcing her to become smaller.


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    ¡¯¡¯What would I have done if you came back to an empty cabin.¡¯¡¯ Bill trapped Sophia¡¯s arm in a firm, tight hold after those few sweet words, and without a warning began to drag her outside with a state of urgency enough to force her stumbling behind his huge figure. Outside, by the fence, he pushed her towards the forest enough to make her lose balance and fall on the ground, followed by a crossbody bag which landed directly on her lap, ¡¯¡¯If you go now, you might still make it.¡¯¡¯ He said, grabbing the shotgun with both hands and turning his back on her. Essentially telling her to go. Leave with the stuff you came with and do not return. Her greatest fear of being sent away. She knew that Mari¨¦ had most likely kicked and scraped and hit with all her might trying to get away. Forced to flee and leave her child behind, told that her little child was already unsalvageable. Sophia couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine the agony she must¡¯ve been in that very moment. And as of right now, she couldn¡¯t begin to think of all the possible outcomes once reaching the Pepper¡¯s. Her mind wouldn¡¯t allow to envision, like a shield protecting the crumbling castle.


    Bill heard the unknown approaching, estimated a couple of more turns until they¡¯d appear from behind the Monree-Klonfar¡¯s yard. For the last time he turned just enough to glare down at Sophia, without spoken words urging her to go. Demanding. Sophia¡¯s lips quivered, but she forced herself with gritted teeth, knowing now he wouldn¡¯t be coming with her. Bill had made his choice, to stay behind and buy some time for his granddaughter so she could get as far of sight as possible.


    You know what to do.


    Sophia couldn¡¯t hesitate no more and began to run towards the forest without looking back¡ªand just as she disappeared in the midst of the thick familiar trees¡¯, she heard the firing echo of a single shotgun¡ªand the harrowing silence which then followed.


    The fastest way to the Pepper¡¯s house on the side of Town¡¯s Market was by simply following the side of the hillside forest behind all the alleyways and houses. She would only need to move deep enough to avoid being located, and hope the attackers hadn¡¯t planted men in watch outside the town as well. Sophia was on a higher ground, giving her a much needed advantage. She ran the first couple of miles in the thick forest recklessly, rising higher on the over-grown hill, but as she finally came closer to her destination, she moved with a hunched back above the brick ceilings of the tightly build houses. What made the situation worse was the fact that she had no idea of what she was against with.


    Where?


    Who?


    Why?


    All questions unanswered. Those thoughts nearly pushed her to a nervous breakdown. Would she even know if she came across one of the attackers? And yet still, Sophia found herself running towards the very direction of the danger, fearing that once she¡¯d stop moving, she¡¯d freeze solid on the spot.


    In the distance by the western side of the town and near the Town Square, Sophia saw destruction on the buildings and thinner stripes of white smoke arising.


    To keep herself going and the nervousness at bay, she set goals on the way telling herself until I reach that rock in front of me¡ªuntil these tall buildings move on the side, until the tall buildings hiding her away subsided. The bright sun forced Sophia to squint her eyes, revealing the destruction and more buildings catching on fire as the flames spread uncontrollably in the skyline. The white smoke now gathering thicker. Sophia¡¯s memories tried to push through, glimpses of the old cold concrete house. Flashes of the thick, dark smoke above The Kingdom Capital. Echos of the faint sounds of agony and loss.


    Sophia moved down the hillside, balancing with one hand behind on the ground to prevent her from slipping down too fast. She¡¯d have to cross the small alleyway between two buildings, keep going a little longer and then, she¡¯d finally be by the Pepper¡¯s small backyard porch. She looked both ways and determined the coast was clear, leaped from behind the last tree and straight pressed against the brick-walled building. Sophia held in her breath and listened.


    She moved closer towards the opening between the buildings and peeked carefully. The small gap between the buildings would lead to a larger road towards the Town Square, but nothing could¡¯ve prepared her with the scene which loomed and waited unraveled. At first, it looked like a pile of clothes, shoes and hats¡ªbut within closer look, it was much more than that. Dark, wet shadows against the grey cobblestones. Cold skin on top of one another. Eyes which could not see, gaping mouths which could not talk. Sophia forced down the vomit trying to force its way up. Her skin turned green, nails blue with even her blood running away in pure terror. They had been near.


    Sophia crouched down, suffocating the nausea with one hand and held on to the hoarse surface of the brick wall with another, nearly breaking her skin from dragging down as her knees went weak.


    I can¡¯t do this right now, Sophia pushed herself up. She had to. For Marvy.


    She leaned out from behind the building once and began to run. Kept running and passing a couple of more backyard porches until finally the familiar one filled with gardening tools and other junk appeared. Sophia zig zagged on the small backyard through the buckets and flower pots, got on the two steps of the porch and tried turning the knob.


    Locked from the inside.


    They could still be there.


    Sophia looked up to see if she could perhaps climb through a window, but it didn¡¯t seem possible. The window too high to reach. A fun little game came to mind which Sophia had with Marvy if she was the one to come and pick her from Mrs. Pepper''s care¡ªa secret knock. Sophia raised her shivering fist and knocked the rhythm of four. It echoed frighteningly loud in the silence she sought to keep hold of. But with her desperate attempt came an unexpected reward, when the clicking sounds of a chain lock could be heard from the other side along with an attempt to muffle the small child''s saddened whimper. Sophia felt the relief wash over her.


    Marvy was safe.


    The door opened ajar and Sophia stealthily squeezed through the gap, instantly in the embrace of Marvy who almost jumped from Mrs. Pepper''s arms and nuzzled her shaky tiny nose in the crook of Sophia''s neck, wrapped her small legs around her waist and grabbed fistfuls of her thin shirt. Sophia noticed her shiver like a leaf in the stormy wind, hiccups of cries which had lasted exhausting the small soul. Sophia kneeled down and hugged Marvy close. Her warmth and familiar scent of wooden resin and dried flowers soothed gone the shaking of the child for now.


    ¡¯¡¯Mommy¡ª¡¯¡¯ Marvy could only muster the faintest little whisper, ¡¯¡¯Mommy?¡¯¡¯


    Sophia sighed gently and kissed the side of her head, "I know, child. We''ll get to mom. I promise you." A dangerous thing to do¡ªpromise something one couldn''t be certain of. But her promise was all she had to offer, and perhaps the one thing which gave her some much needed stamina for what was to come.


    While the two reunited, Mr. Pepper stayed by the door in watch, leaning against the wooden arched cane giving him support. He had hurt his back while working by the fields for years on end, leaving him with mostly half-sleepless nights and a limping leg. Mrs. Pepper, the retired teacher had also rushed somewhere, returning already. She dropped beside Sophia and Marvy, holding a white large scarf which she now began to skillfully tie around Sophia and the little one, creating a comfortable sling for the two year old to be carried in.


    ¡¯¡¯There. All done.¡¯¡¯ Mrs. Pepper pressed her reassuring hand on the back of Sophia, her tired old grey eyes glimmering with diamond tears, her lips in a slight, knowing smile. Just as urgently, she helped Sophia carrying Marvy up and led them towards the door where Mr. Pepper already got ready to hold the doorknob, pressing his ear against to listen. Their house was dark, windows covered with closed curtains and lights turned off. Sophia¡¯s eyes had barely began to get used to the dimmed shadows. Only then did she truly see the solemn calm expressions on the two elders. What is this, Sophia had thought. The answer coming on itself.


    Acceptance.


    ¡±Wait¡ªI cannot leave you.¡± Sophia turned while Mrs. Pepper¡¯s hand against her sweaty back kept leading on. Sophia''s lips pressed together, not again. She knew. She knew the unknown was approaching, some already near. She knew there were no more evacuations, no more saviors to come and help. Now, it was everyone for themselves. And Mr. Pepper would not leave his home, while Mrs. Pepper wouldn''t leave her husband. Sophia let out an agonizing huff and hugged the old Mrs. Pepper tightly, placed a kiss on her cheek before holding it, ¡¯¡¯Thank you. May the God''s of Agathen grace thy.¡¯¡¯ She held in the trembling tears as Mrs. Pepper smiled and pressed against her delicate touch.


    ¡¯¡¯Go, my child.¡¯¡¯ Mrs. Pepper gave her a slow and tender push while Mr. Pepper nodded, showing he was ready and opened the door, the bright sunlight gushing in instantly, dancing with the hovering dust. Sophia swallowed hard and squeezed from the gap. She did not look back. Could not, for her heart would not be able to without shattering into million pieces watching the door close and trap the two most gentle old souls inside their awaiting grave. And before she managed to even step out properly, Mr. Pepper had locked the door behind them, shutting the elderly in their most certain tomb.


    As Sophia held Marvy with both arms, hugging her close even though Mrs. Pepper had tied the scarf well enough to support the child pressing against her, Sophia carefully avoided the scattered items on the yard and began to climb up the hill, then run through the forest. The sight of the burning town of chaos spreading behind them, Sophia held Marvy''s head on the side so she wouldn''t be able to witness the destruction of their once peaceful haven. Keeping them both from the heartache. She couldn¡¯t bare to see another cloud of heavy thick darkened smoke, either. Forcing her to leave once again.


    Sophia knew where the road that the evacuees had taken would lead. She knew which direction in the forest they¡¯d need to set on. There most likely were some of those who escaped through the eastern road, but if there were, they probably had reached too far for Sophia to catch up with. Besides, the top priority was to get Marvy united with her worried sick mother. Going through the forest offered shelter and a shortcut without all the curving roads and buildings. She estimated, if further complications shall not arise, she''d be able to reach the carriages and evacuees in a few hours. Some of the people escaped by foot, which meant that the carriages couldn''t go any faster. On top of that, the chaos had erupted without any prediction, thus they were no more prepared than she was.


    Sophia felt her legs beginning to grow tired, but something kept adding determination to each long step. The ground mostly shrubs of berries and dry moss due to hot weather, thankfully, since running on a wet forest soil after rain would no doubt slow them down. Not like the blazing sun above made it any easier, either. Sophia''s sun hat had dropped earlier when everything enfolded, but thankfully Marvy had her lovely lace-frilled white scarf tied from beneath the chin, sheltering her from getting a painful kiss from the sun.


    The sweat dropped from Sophia¡¯s hairline, shirt soaked from the back but she could not stop. Once they came by the ground filled with large rocks, which had hundredths of years ago rumbled down the side of the hill, Sophia was surprised of how far they¡¯d come already. Slower and faster, saving her energy and keeping the breathing steady. Thirst began to tighten her throat, threatening to shut it close if not offered a beverage of easement soon, but Sophia knew that beyond the rocks, a clean, streaming spring would soon come their way.


    Marvy had fallen a sleep tired from crying and worry, the stress too much for her little mind. Her eyelids began to feel heavy in the swaying, soothing motion of being carried. Sophia began to feel the exhaustion taking over. She knew if she''d fall down now, she wouldn''t be able to get up again thus kept her mind sharp with the fear. From her heavy, steady breathing she could soon hear the water splashing gently. She could smell the wet ground nearing, filling her with even more determination to carry on.


    Finally by the side of the quietly flowing spring, Sophia''s tongue felt like sandpaper, her mouth as if she had been eating dust, as she held on to one of the larger rock and let her legs give in, falling on the aching knees, ¡¯¡¯Marvy, child, wake up.¡¯¡¯ Her voice was barely there thus she gently touched the child''s red curly hair. Marvy squirmed against her, opening the swollen, stinging eyes. Sophia washed her own hands first, then leaned over the spring as much as she could and used her own hand as a cup, offering Marvy first. Marvy gladly drank four palmfuls, and shut her eyes with refreshment when Sophia used the fifth one to wash the small face, the cooling sensation of the cold water in all that heat feeling nice. Then, Sophia drank as much as she could, washing her own face and neck as well to keep the heatstroke at bey. If not for the flowing spring, Sophia wouldn''t have been able to go on, thus she caught her breath a second longer and closed her eyes to thank the nature.


    ¡¯¡¯A little longer, sweet child. We¡¯ll be there soon.¡¯¡¯ She patted Marvy''s back gently. Sophia wetted her hand in the chill clear water once more and brushed the hand through the sweaty long locks of the fringe behind, preparing to hoist herself back up, praying desperate whispers that her knees wouldn¡¯t give in. With the left hand under Marvy and right hand high against the large rock, Sophia pulled up with a heavy grunt, leaned against the rock a moment to find the balance and stepped over the stream.


    A few more miles until she¡¯d reach the road, hoping the estimation was correct and they¡¯d meet the evacuees soon along the way.


    With the last efforts, Sophia couldn¡¯t help the right knee giving in as she fell hard against one of the harsh dark brown stems of a pedunculate oak. Groaning in tiresome agony, Sophia tried to catch her breath and leaned the side of her head against the tree, biting the lower lip to distract the pain elsewhere. Her shirt tore from the spot, a small cluster of wounds began to tear with blood.


    Marvy seemed to fidget, sensing something was wrong, ¡¯¡¯It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ll keep moving soon. Don¡¯t worry.¡¯¡¯ Sophia was able to get out with small pauses between heavy breaths. She closed her eyes to calm down, knowing there was simply no other choice. Refusing to fail. Just when her heart seemed to quiet down, breathing back to somewhat normal, Sophia felt a tiny hand land over the wounds making her jolt from the small stinging¡ªuntil the pain all went away. Just like that. Sophia opened her eyes and couldn¡¯t believe the sight, blinking once then twice to make sure it wasn¡¯t a hallucination perhaps caused by the sun above finally claiming her.


    Marvy¡¯s stare was focused on her own small fingers above the wound now losing it¡¯s ache. Her dark eyes began to faintly glow with honey golden.


    ¡¯¡¯Thank you.¡¯¡¯ Sophia said despite her mind racing with questions, and earned an aloof smile from the child. First the bird and now this¡ªSophia thought, well aware of what the child was, of what she could become in the future. Sophia had come across a child blessed with the energy of Yumne Dir. As rare as it was for one to be born, ¡¯¡¯You have given me strength.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled and pushed their foreheads together, ¡¯¡¯We must go. Not long, I promise. Only a little more.¡¯¡¯


    And soon enough, Sophia could see the road ahead, stumbling the last few steps¡ªa shallow trench and up again she came upon the same markings on the gravel path continuing, fresh and noticeable trail leading left. The evacuees had passed the spot already, yet could not be far. Sophia kept rushing, running with all she had left while supporting Marvy.


    Gaze up front when finally¡ª


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 7.

    The like-minded silence could be felt louder than any rattle of the large wooden wheels against the path leading far enough to connect the horizon of forest into one. Some walked on the sides with slumped necks towards the cloudless sky, skin beginning to burn with red. Some sat in the open roofless carriages face to face, side by side yet all connected by the same emotionless expression hidden away. Particularly one amongst them, distinct head of red curls held in both, childless palms of hands with a throbbing headache from the relentless cry of loss. They moved slow, far enough from the town to feel safe and reserve some energy for the journey ahead. The next Town of Lufin would be nearest, and a messenger had been sent ahead on a horse to ride through the night with no rest and give them a heads up of what had taken place, and that a group of few tens of men, women and children would soon seek refugee in any vacant building that they had to offer with a roof on top.


    The sun was still high up in the sky, as if no chaos had engulfed their whole entire close-knit world a whole. Their paradise consisted of simple everyday routines and familiar faces. What was meant to be a day of celebration had unexpectedly turned into a burning purgatory surfaced from seemingly nowhere.


    Mari¨¦¡¯s head was filled with voices, relentless wailing which wouldn¡¯t stop. You failed to protect, you left her, how could you, how do i face them? Call yourself a mother how dare you¡ªI should¡¯ve stayed behind and¡ª Words which kept repeating and overlapping. Filling her head momentarily louder and then again quieter like waves in tide peeling and un-peeling over and over enough to cause physical pain. A sensation which she welcomed with open arms. Deeming to deserve every last bit of it. Before her whole entire world fell apart, Mari¨¦ had been earnestly cleaning the cabin from every corner. Long awaited deep cleaning before the beginning of the one-hundredth celebration. She had taken Marvy by the old teacher Mrs. Pepper¡¯s so she wouldn¡¯t have to feel guilty about forcing her to play alone, allowing Mari¨¦ to completely immerse into the task so she could get everything done on time. Never did she imagine such insignificant choice would become her most selfish, unsurpassed mistake to bear. Husband on the road, certainly unaware of what had unfolded. Father Derrik accompanying sick mother Vivian by the Town of Lufin¡¯s hospital. Mari¨¦ had been by the sink, wetting a cloth and humming a gentle song when the loud bang and a force which followed shook the windows, making them jingle visibly as the unknown washed through each object on its way. She could still remember vividly woodcutter Bill¡¯s slight reassuring nod by his doorstep, holding the old nearly rusty shotgun as she was reluctantly carried in the carriage by the rushing evacuation.


    Each and every person heard the same noise around them without listening. Every person had something, or someone left behind. Their homes, their lives, their whole entire reality now shattered. Mari¨¦ took in air, her tight throat shockingly letting it through filling the lungs as she finally lifted her head up and let it drop back heavy against the railing of the open carriage. The bright sun burned her tear swollen eyes, forcing them nearly shut. Her lips were dry and pale, her complexion turning grey when a woman next to her¡ªan acquaintance who consistently visited the Mona family bakery each Monday morning, her regular order still perfectly in Mari¨¦''s memory ¡ªleaned over her to take a look. It seemed as if she was about to say something, ask if Mari¨¦ was okay and could handle going on without a break, when she instead gasped with a sharp tone.


    ¡¯¡¯There¡ª¡¯¡¯ The woman pointed a finger over Mari¨¦ which she did not pay attention to at first, ¡¯¡¯Look, there.¡¯¡¯ The woman now shook Mari¨¦¡¯s shoulder to force the unwilling attention.


    Mari¨¦ closed her eyes shut, used every drop of last energy left and turned her head right, feeling the heavy movement until her cheek would press against the shoulder on its own simply because of gravity. She saw faces tired from sadness. She saw no belongings, no family jewels saved, no food nor water. Not a single hint of conversation. Those simple words by the woman the only one there had been for who knew how long. Mari¨¦¡¯s eyes kept traveling through the crowd¡ªfar behind¡ªuntil the woman¡¯s pointing finger finally made sense.


    ¡¯¡¯Isn¡¯t that Miss Sophia¡ª¡¯¡¯ The Monday acquaintance couldn¡¯t finish her sentence when Mari¨¦ suddenly came upon a strike of enormous blast of strength out of nowhere. She jumped up standing and immediately down from the back of the carriage, falling on the exhausted knees but forced herself up despite the ache. Her desperate pleading eyes set on the familiar figure not far away, guiding those out of the way who did not pay attention to her coming through. Gaze set on the golden hair and slim figure¡ªthe white scarf around her now beginning to open and loosen up revealing a child¡¯s lovely fiery red hair and those sweet dark brown eyes as the child began to turn her head.


    Sophia had made it.


    Succeeded.


    Done what she must¡¯ve.


    Sophia had ran until a group of slowly moving crowd could be seen far beyond, knowing it could be non other. She had carried on with searching eyes, and found the destination. When she could see Mari¨¦ in the middle of everyone else now jump from the carriage and momentarily go out of sight, she reached underneath Marvy where the knot tied by old Mrs. Pepper comfortably stayed. She began to loosen the knot until it was only a small pull away from opening, just in time, as Mari¨¦ leaped the last steps towards them, and Marvy immediately launched herself in the arms of the sobbing mother, horrified relief controlling each muscle over the expression and those wide eyes Sophia had ever seen before. She felt the scarf fall on the ground from around her, the slight cooling sensation of losing an extra layer and weight in the heat offering some much needed alleviation. The loving reunion did not go unnoticed by others, either. A warm reunion in the midst of sorrow and undeniable suppressed chaos forced mournful smiles on their faces.


    Sophia felt she had reached the sought finish line. Seeing Mari¨¦ helplessly squeeze Marvy against her soft curves, finally together, sobbing uncontrollably and those pleading cries of I love you, I¡¯m sorry. Sophia¡¯s mind opted it to be the ultimate goal, and after that, she had nothing. Now, after all the fear and agonizing anxiety of reaching Mari¨¦ and those many tiresome miles rushing through the forest, not knowing whether she¡¯d actually be able to reach them¡ªSophia began to feel the last drop of senses leaving the completely used limps. Seeing everything double until crossing together, and before her knees gave out, two men whom happened to be near hoisted her up from beneath the armpits and carried her in the carriage with the lead of Mari¨¦ whose voice echoed worried. Everything sounded muffled and the surrounding blurred through the last crack of eyelids until Sophia finally gave in and closed them entirely.


    As if no time had passed, Sophia could feel relaxed seemingly lying on her back. The warm breeze twirled some loose strands of hair tickling the eyelids, now beginning to twitch from all the lost senses coming back. She heard little Marvy blabber on the background, easing the atmosphere because of course she did. A cold sensation rested on top of Sophia¡¯s forehead as she slowly blinked the eyes open, faced with the lovely curls of Mari¨¦¡¯s hair above, head resting over her soft thighs.


    ¡¯¡¯You¡¯re awake.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ tried to smile but it appeared as sad, quivering while the eyes filled with tears which now began to drop on Sophia¡¯s coral cheeks. She covered Mari¨¦¡¯s eyes with her own hand, wiping away the tears or else she¡¯d break down right there and then. Although mutely begging her to stop, she kept her fingers against Mari¨¦¡¯s eyes and let them catch each tear. A silent mutual understanding. Once Mari¨¦ seemed to calm down, Sophia got up and looked around of all the exhausted betrayed familiar faces. Her gaze came upon Madam Trus¨¦ hugging a suitcase most likely containing all her sketches for the upcoming seasons of fashion. Madam Heredina with her layers of silky garment and both of her boyfriends on each side. And lastly, Harry Ohara holding the sleeping Dorothy Ockerland in his arms on a high horse.


    ¡¯¡¯While you were out, some of them went by a lake nearby.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ handed a filled bottle, ¡¯¡¯This is from a near stream, flowing down the hill. It is safe to drink.¡¯¡¯ Something about her way of speaking while averting eye contact concerned Sophia.


    Mari¨¦ was sorry.


    She felt guilty.


    She probably blamed herself for everything they¡¯d gone through, which was not true at all. Who could''ve predicted such vileness to occur, and if they did, they would¡¯ve obviously done things differently from the very beginning.


    ¡¯¡¯Thank you.¡¯¡¯ Sophia took a short sip, not wanting to waste more than was necessary, letting the refreshing sensation twirl and regain the moist in her mouth before swallowing. The best thing to do was to act normal. Nothing good would come from trying to convince Mari¨¦ otherwise. It was Mari¨¦¡¯s own internal battle, and one day she¡¯d forgive herself, too. Besides, Mari¨¦ wasn¡¯t the only one living with such emotions. Who was Sophia to tell her to think otherwise¡ªstop blaming herself and pull herself together when she herself wanted to scream in agony for those truly left behind.


    Sophia remembered the crossbody bag which Bill had thrown at her, pressed against beneath Marvy as they escaped. It was lightweight. At first glance seemed empty, until the father''s notebook peeked from the bottom, with the unique ink pen still attached.


    Grandpa Bill.


    All the suppressed emotions came in flooding like a tsunami from an endless ocean. Demanding the utmost from Sophia¡¯s soul to push back and calm down. A wrath of a pounding heart creating an unbreachable stone cold wall. Ultimately she managed, for one more thought and she¡¯d broken down sobbing the eyes out¡ªand then what? Getting Mari¨¦ and Marvy to safety was still her number one task.


    The empty Town¡¯s Hall mostly used for typical public events now hosted a cramped camp for the evacuees. Thin mattresses scattered on the floors and colorless emergency blankets from the large hospital of Lufin offered one per each family. The walls were creamy white and plain, but the ceiling reached high with lovely carved statues of ancient mythological creatures said to watch over Agathen back in the olden days. Those creatures were majestic Centaurs, said to roam the forests of green Agathen many centuries ago. Half-human half-elk with large antlers and huge, powerful frames. They were a mixture of scary and enchanting, Godly even, and many songs and stories in Agathen¡¯s folklore were centered around those beings. Sophia stared up towards their detailed, serious stone faces. For the first time in her life she felt like praying to those folklores. The camp would once again be a temporary solution¡ªjust like the cold corridor when she had been a ten year old child.


    Mari¨¦ and Marvy visited the hospital where Derrik and Vivian stayed as soon as they reached the Town of Lufin¡¯s gates. Meanwhile Sophia took care of the preparations in the hall, helping others gather supplies which Lufinian folks rushed to scrape and donate. The news of what had happened in Brifena came as a huge shock.


    Late at night, once Mari¨¦ and Marvy came back from the hospital visit, since it was far too crowded to hold extra visitors over night, the mother and child slept soundly among everyone else sucked from all energy. Except Sophia, who instead could not dare to close the eyes fearful of what''d loom behind the closed curtains.


    With a heavy sigh Sophia got up and avoided stepping on anyone while stealthily sneaking outside. Walking through the simple yet marvelously gleaming white path of pillars on each side she reached a garden with a small fountain in the middle. Sophia sat on the edge of the fountain and dipped her bare feet in the cooling water reflecting the loving shimmers of the almost perfectly round moon above, yet not a single star on sight. Summer nights were always filled with light even after later evenings, hiding those beauties for only the moon to enjoy.


    Sophia felt the fountain water distract her from all the intrusive midnight thoughts and concentrated on breathing in and out as the overwhelming anxiety sought to overcome her senses yet again. How could she escape this? How could she suppress, win and go on? As her head began to throb, eyes pressed tight beginning to lose the fight, a sound of men having a somewhat heated conversation and their footsteps emerged from the other side of the fountain. Sophia snapped out of it and instead tried to listen.


    ¡¯¡¯Commander. I presume you do not remember me¡ª¡¯¡¯ A voice of a man said hastily.


    ¡¯¡¯I do.¡¯¡¯ Another one, the Commander presumably cut him short, ¡¯¡¯Where is Fior?¡¯¡¯


    Fior¡ªThe name struck Sophia as familiar, fumbling with memories until from the depths of the files she remembered¡ªRescuer Fior. Could it possibly be the man from that awful day, the man whose actions showed more empathy towards her pity situation than any other would¡¯ve graced. A man whose encounter on her path had been short lived, yet left an impeccable impression. The name itself sparked curiosity enough for Sophia to move slow and behind the decorated statue of the fountain, only enough to hear a bit clearer.


    ¡¯¡¯Fior is¡ª Commander, are you injured!? There is blood on your shoulder.¡¯¡¯ The other man raised his voice and earned an annoyed click of a tongue from the person he kept referring to as Commander. Sophia peeked from behind and noticed them wearing the dazzling deep emerald green military uniforms, one of them with more gold, more detail, and the dashing military cap which others weren¡¯t high enough on the status to wear.


    ¡¯¡¯Keep your voice down¡ª¡¯¡¯ The Commander held his shoulder but did not seem to be in too much agony, ¡¯¡¯A simple gun wound is nothing. Lead us somewhere private, this shouldn¡¯t be discussed in the open.¡¯¡¯


    The men saluted with a straight back, perfect posture from years of training before they began to disappear in the nearest alleyway.


    Sophia weighed the saying curiosity killed the cat, but ultimately the curiosity won either way. She found herself wanting to learn the reason why The Royal Military had come to a small town like Lufin, strangely enough, since it must¡¯ve been related to what happened in Brifena. A whole lot of curiosity to be killed, thus she supposed it¡¯d be fine to be a little sneaky.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Sophia began to slowly follow them, keeping an appropriate distance. Moving without shoes helped with the light delicate steps against the streets made of stones. She leaned from behind the wall which she now pressed against and saw the men turn through a thin wooden door, entering a tall building. Sophia looked both ways before going down the empty alleyway with a dead end awaiting. The alleyway was thin and bare, only a couple of barrels to gather rainwater falling from the roof chutes, nearly empty from the days of drought. With the ear pressed against the wooden door, Sophia looked behind her to make sure no one saw, and opened the door ajar. Luckily it didn¡¯t make a sound, as it was always a gamble with old wooden doors. Would they make an immense sound of a clank or would the rusty hinges squeal with a haunted welcome. This one seemed to be rooting for her success.


    Sophia immediately came upon stairs going underground in a cellar. She had imagined the stairs going up, or being a backdoor for an apartment, but the underground wasn¡¯t on her bingo card. With a hint of hesitation quickly subsided, she slid through the cranny and quietly closed the door as much as possible. The stone stairs were cold against the bare feet but allowed her to move gracefully, quietly and most importantly¡ªunnoticed. The air felt colder and reached a new peak as soon as she reached halfway down, endowing Sophia with the bliss of feeling slightly more refreshed after struggling through undoubtedly one of the hottest days in the whole entire year. Beneath the stairs she could see a gleam of yellow light from a lantern shining from the other side of the cellar, thus she stopped against the wall by the last stair to lean against, pressing her hands against it on both sides in case she¡¯d have to flee, push some much needed boost for beginning speed and make a run for it. Sophia saw more barrels against the stone cold wall at the back of the cellar, most likely containing potatoes and other root vegetables loving their chilly, dark chamber. Presumably owned by someone fairly wealthy.


    ¡¯¡¯Any survivors?¡¯¡¯


    Sophia¡¯s heart dropped as the silence was broken seemingly out of nowhere. A voice of a young man, cutting through the air inside those cold concrete walls.


    ¡¯¡¯Not a single breathing soul.¡¯¡¯ A deep, smooth tone of the Commander answered, his voice breathy and oddly comforting, ¡¯¡¯Though it seems some residents had enough time to evacuate. I noticed traces of a rushed escape.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯A group of them has reached here not long ago. Lufin has offered them the Town¡¯s Hall and helped organize supplies and healthcare.¡¯¡¯ Another man explained, ¡¯¡¯Do we know any more than we did a few days ago?¡¯¡¯


    Sophia¡¯s ear twitched with curiosity. She had a feeling it might¡¯ve been a mistake to follow, undoubtedly about to witness a conversation which she was not allowed to hear, and could be even punished for her actions of deliberately eavesdropping. But she did not care. Those words of no survivors stabbed her a million times, cruelly reminding of the people she left behind.


    ¡¯¡¯Caught one but he wouldn''t spill. Apparently had some sort of a poison capsule in his mouth. All i know is useless details. They did not attack The Kingdom Capital for obvious reasons, The Southern harbor of Emr¨¦la since it is too close to The Capital, Eastern Wrethn for it is against sheltered Berullian trading borders and Northern Delmaer for¡ªneedless to say¡ªwe have the largest military base and warehouses filled with weaponry. Thus left The Western Brifena as safest, or should I say the only choice.¡¯¡¯ The Commander explained in a soft, deep calm voice.


    ¡¯¡¯Cowards.¡¯¡¯ Sophia could hear a man scoff ill-manneredly.


    ¡¯¡¯Or smart enough to know better. That, or this attack was orchestrated for the sole purpose of sending a message.¡¯¡¯ The Commander seemed to breathe in as frustrated as the others although with more grace, ¡¯¡¯I doubt this is all they¡¯ve got, whoever we¡¯re dealing with.¡¯¡¯ It soon became clear to Sophia that the military had scary little to no information of what had occurred, and the thought of it sent Sophia¡¯s mind spiraling. She had hoped for more. She had hoped for clear answers. She would¡¯ve taken Agathen keeping information any day compared to this level of uncertainty.


    ¡¯¡¯Do you think it has something to do with the recent disappearances?¡¯¡¯ The man with the clear voice wondered, perking Sophia¡¯s interest once again.


    ¡¯¡¯It needs more investigating to make any sort of connections. We¡¯re missing a larger picture here.¡¯¡¯ Answered the Commander.


    ¡¯¡¯With that being said, Commander VonGehall. That wound does look nasty. You should check yourself in the hospital.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Who got you, Sir?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Did not ask.¡¯¡¯ The Commander had a distinct deep voice yet sounded indifferent to the circumstances he¡¯d found himself in. As if getting shot through the shoulder was somehow an everyday occurrence.


    ¡¯¡¯Figured that much.¡¯¡¯ The other man answered, ¡¯¡¯But look at those dark, purple veins. That must¡¯ve been one hell of an impact with just one bullet. Never before have I seen anything like that. Why are those lines separating into many from the wound itself? Could it be infected?¡¯¡¯


    In that moment, looking down Sophia noticed a blood covered bullet on the edge of the stairs, mixed in a small pool of blood. She slowly lowered down about to pick up the bullet but hesitated just inches from touching it, for it was covered with what seemed like slimy deep purple essence¡ªand she noticed a small cut in the cuticle of her fingernail, thankful she managed to stop herself on time.


    Purple veins growing around the wound, thick purple slime¡ª Sophia remembered those descriptions and wasn¡¯t sure if she should be impressed by the said Commander pulling out the bullet by himself mid walking, or the imminent decision whether to show herself now, since judging by their cluelessness her choice could possibly determined whether he lived or not.


    And thus Sophia reached inside a small pocket of a simple long tunic she was wearing, tied shut with a belt on the waist. A change of clothes offered by Lufin¡¯s folks to the evacuees, resembling a hospital gown, and pulled out a clean pristine handkerchief also gifted.


    ¡±You¡¯re not dealing with a simple gun wound, Sir.¡¯¡¯ Sophia slowly began to step out from the hiding, holding the bullet on the now soiled and stained handkerchief careful not to let the grimy essence touch her skin, ¡¯¡¯Just as i feared. It travels through open wounds.¡¯¡¯ In the dim flickering light of the lantern she saw enough to recognize the wounded man with his white shirt pulled over half undressed, showing the arm and firm chest and the darkened haunted veins branching off of each other already, starting from a blood dripping hole through the right shoulder.


    ¡¯¡¯Who are you?! Speak before I¡ª¡¯¡¯ One of the four soldiers Sophia heard talk in turns earlier shouted, about to take a step forward when stopped by Commander Ren VonGehall who raised an arm in front of him, preventing the young soldier from approaching Sophia. Very obedient.


    Ren wasn¡¯t the type to lower his guard easily, but chances for an enemy to be mad enough to walk out in the open¡ªin a secluded area alone with top trained soldiers ready to be killed in an instant were slim. Still, he looked from underneath the heavy eyelids which then gently softened, but only the faintest way once the stranger came and fully showed herself without the slightest drop of fear in those summer-forest-eyes, twinkling with gold as did her long hair in the flame of their only lighting.


    ¡¯¡¯Since you went through the trouble eavesdropping, Milady, mind telling me what i''m dealing with?¡± He said, feeling abnormal for some reason. Was it the fact that he was wounded? Was he about to be hit with the fever of a century and die right there and then? He took in the sight of whom must''ve been the most purely beauteous human ever witnessed with bare human eyes as his tongue pressed against the back of his teeth, clenching the jaw. Unexpected. Not like him at all to bask in the un-jeweled charm of a maiden''s presence. It took him off guard.


    All valid questions yet he solely could not look away.


    Ren noticed her wearing the clothes worn by other evacuees, a plain piece of fabric, thus was able to quickly determine her origin. Her golden luscious hair had gentle waves reaching the bottom of the pelvic bones and the slight v-neck of the tunic revealed the delicate skin above the collarbones. Ren couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of her own, round yet hooded with mysterious worry along with the curved eyebrows. Was she perhaps worried for him? A mere stranger to one another. What an intriguing thought, indeed. Her soft, deep pillowy autumn lips seemed to press together for the tiniest moment before separating.


    ¡¯¡¯Yes.¡¯¡¯ Sophia¡¯s answer was straightforward much for Ren¡¯s liking, ¡¯¡¯I was eavesdropping. And i happen to know that you¡¯ve been poisoned by an essence made out of winter berries.¡¯¡¯ Sophia carefully handed the handkerchief to another soldier beside Commander Ren VonGehall. She had seen his black and white photograph on the newspapers numerous times before¡ªand remembered that particular gaze which always seemed to hide behind a thick wall, yet in her opinion held away the deepest desires.


    ¡¯¡¯Did you say winter berries? How does anyone make a poison out of winter berries in the middle of summer?¡¯¡¯ The youngest soldier, William Pierce, held his head with both hands.


    ¡¯¡¯It can be presumed for months. You need an antidote, as soon as possible or it¡¯ll only keep spreading.¡¯¡¯ Sophia crossed her arms and leaned closer, concentrating deeply thus forcing the man to take in all her delicate beauty, enough to make the muscle on his chest jolt from the sudden closed distance, ¡¯¡¯How long has it been? Twenty-four hours?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯You know your poison.¡± Ren tilted his head, sharp almond eyes taking the sight of her in from another angle.


    Sophia¡¯s eyebrows furrowed from unhidden trouble as she straightened her back once more without taking her glare off of his wound, ¡¯¡¯I would say more interested in the cure of such trickery.¡¯¡¯ She had read the chapter about the usage of winter berries countless of times from back to back. Memorized each illustration and level of progression. Winter berries grew from the stems of winter flowers and could bloom through each season, though preferred only grounds where winter stayed longer. She found winter berries interesting, or rather mystical, for their complicated nature. Tasty, sweet purple berries that could take one''s life in a painful, faithful waiting game¡ªand beautiful flowers with a hint of crimson mixed in which instead could save from the faith created by non other. Like pitiful soulmates attached, one born to cease anyone who¡¯d devour them and another one to undo the damage already done.


    ¡¯¡¯Even better.¡¯¡¯ Ren hardly blinked to avoid averting looking into her innocent and serious hazel gaze, ¡¯¡¯The antidote. How is it made?¡¯¡¯ Ren leaned against a table behind him, his legs open and relaxed as he raised the chin showing the thick veins of his neck. Sophia noticed a healed long uneven scar traveling through and ending behind the right ear, a wound enough to kill an unlucky victim, thus proved him to be one of the lucky ones. Could his luck extend? Or was it all used up in this lifeline.


    ¡¯¡¯It¡¯s fascinating, actually. The cure is made out of the flowers of said berries. The berries are extremely poisonous, but the winter flower contains many natural components to, in a way, suck in the poison and dissolve it! I find it remarkable how¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sophia explained rather excitedly sharing her passionate knowledge from one of her top interests, when suddenly noticing the men¡¯s expressions. Sophia had always been self-aware enough to read the room, thus began hiding the enthusiasm while lowering down her head a little embarrassed. Ren minded not, quite the opposite. Dare one say intrigued.


    ¡¯¡¯Oh, great. In the middle of summer.¡¯¡¯ William, the young soldier mocked sarcastically and threw his hands in the air with a tendency to show his emotions gestured quite dramatically, ¡¯¡¯You don''t happen to have some of those around, have you?¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Unfortunately no. And i am sorry to say this, but that wound is only going to keep spreading the poison through blood until it reaches your heart, liver and brain. Which one the fastest doesn¡¯t change the outcome much.¡¯¡¯ Sophia said with all seriousness, biting the skin of her inner lip and knowing she might as well be right in front of a noble dead man standing, ¡¯¡¯But I¡¯ve read they grow near the Northern Delmaer¡¯s forests with all certainty.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯You are correct¡ª the forest of Agrom. So, how long shall I last?¡¯¡¯ Ren asked while one of the soldiers brought him a clean cloth to wrap the wound beneath and stop the bleeding. His indifference drew Sophia off the railing a little. How could someone be so calm with the news of death approaching, chasing him this very moment.


    ¡¯¡¯I''d estimate one weeks. Maybe a half more since you¡¯re young and seem¡ª strong.¡± Sophia answered yet shook her head, letting them know she had no exact knowledge. No one would.


    ¡¯¡¯Do you happen to know how to prepare said antidote?¡¯¡¯ Ren raised an eyebrow and finished with the precise bondage around his shoulder, crossing through the chest and enjoying her lowered gaze over his body. Ren¡¯s eyes traveled down until he noticed the woman¡¯s bare feet. Scattered beneath them laid many dried sharp twigs of spruces which she was rather dangerously standing on top of. Having those all over a cellar floor was nothing sort of unusual, since Agathenian¡¯s enjoyed making spruce tea and using the tree in many cosmetic products. They¡¯d soak their hair and body in a bath with a few drops of oil made out of spruces, making their skin soft and youthful, thus many preferred warm baths enhanced with the aromatic scent of the tree. Some even used spruce water to wash their face each morning as a beauty treatment.


    Sophia hesitated a moment with his question lingering, but eventually offered a gentle nod, ¡¯¡¯I¡¯ve read about the subject, sure. But preparing would¡ª¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Well, then.¡¯¡¯ Ren got up and rolled the injured shoulder back one round, ¡¯¡¯My apologies for doing this, Milady¡ª¡¯¡¯ He was tall, too tall as he hunched down only inches apart from the bewildered Sophia who didn¡¯t have enough time to grasp the situation, reached behind her thighs and with a swift strong pull he hoisted her up over the healthy shoulder and watched the pointy twigs let go and fall from her bare feet. Fortunately looked like she hadn¡¯t been pricked by them yet, ¡¯¡¯You must¡¯ve not noticed, but the floor of this cellar is filled with dried twigs of spruces. Watch it. I need you healthy and well for our long journey ahead. Having your feet hurt before we even begin would be unfortunate.¡±


    ¡±Excuse me?¡¯¡¯ Sophia had shrieked by the sudden gentle force but had no time to feel much embarrassment because of the words he¡¯d spoken, ¡¯¡¯No, I cannot go! I told you what you need, and i am needed here¡ªthat should be plenty enough!¡¯¡¯ She couldn¡¯t help but hold fistfuls of his shirt from the upper back, being carried towards the stairs as the soldiers followed behind, sharing confused looks of questions from one and shrugging a silent answer by the other.


    ¡¯¡¯What could be more important than saving a life?¡¯¡¯ Ren stopped in the middle of the stairs, looking up towards Sophia, his hand placed on the back of her thighs holding strong for she seemed to shiver from the height over him and the stairs. Should she fall down now, it would hurt a lot more than sliding down the hill like she did earlier. Ren made sure for one more time that non of the pointy dry twigs had attached on the bottom of her feet and began to lower her down, slow and with care.


    ¡¯¡¯People I cannot leave behind.¡¯¡¯ Not again I cannot¡ªSophia¡¯s thoughts continued silently, ¡¯¡¯Surely those around Sir can read the same instructions I have?¡¯¡¯ She locked eyes with him just as her toes touched the cold surface of the stairs, for a moment their faces only the distance of a thumb and little finger apart. Sophia hadn¡¯t noticed before, but his almond eyes were most certainly the most delicious shade of amber enough to be devoured.


    Ren could sense something else on the shoulders of the beautiful stranger. It was in the way those shoulders tensed, the look of worry over others¡ªnot oneself. It might¡¯ve been a sense of responsibility which he¡ªif anyone¡ªknew the best how carrying such a heavy load could feel like, ¡¯¡¯My time is short, is it not? You seem more knowledgeable out of all the people I have on hand right now.¡¯¡¯ His tone shifted into something much more tender, ¡¯¡¯I need you, Milady. Besides, I shall reward you. Handsomely.¡¯¡¯


    Sophia¡¯s irises twitched from those words. Her mind slipped back to Mari¨¦ and Marvy soundly sleeping on the thin mattress against each other. She pressed her lips together and let the eyelids hood over the hazel. A quick yet careful consideration after, a mind finally made, ¡¯¡¯Then. I have a request.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Anything.¡¯¡¯ His answer merely a calm, sure whisper, ¡¯¡¯You have my life on the line.¡¯¡¯


    ©¤?~???~?©¤

 Vol 1. Ch 8.

    Sophia stood behind one of the tall, thick decorative pillars by the entrance of the Town¡¯s Hall, and in the distance watched with a tender gaze the soft embrace between her dearest friend through many years and the little bundle against her, both fast asleep. Everyone else seemed to be resting as well, only the moon above gifting a ray of blue hue of light through the ceiling-high windows behind them.


    ¡¯¡¯I won¡¯t take long.¡¯¡¯ Sophia turned towards Ren leaning against the wall behind her. For a moment the bewitched nightly halo tracing his wide shoulders and the dark brown hair, the waist snatched by the leather belt over his flawlessly fit uniform made her suck in the tremendous need to gasp the escaping air around her, ¡¯¡¯I cannot leave without bidding farewell.¡¯¡¯ She averted her near blushing gaze as if caught staring red-handed.


    ¡¯¡¯I understand.¡¯¡¯ Ren crossed his arms and closed the eyes darkened by a few sleepless nights from many miles of un-cut travel and the awaiting battle which did not offer much challenge. The most difficult task of the operation had been reaching their destination of Brifena while holding on to the fools hope of being on time, ¡¯¡¯Take your time.¡¯¡¯ He lowered his chin to take the moment as a much deserved break.


    Sophia tilted her head in curious wonderment, ¡¯¡¯Sir, with nothing but respect, time isn¡¯t favorable towards you as of right now. You shouldn''t offer it away with such ease.¡¯¡¯ She couldn¡¯t decide whether he was being over confident or just a fool of a man, but his slight smirk answered well and clear. Sophia began to feel lightheaded as if the floor beneath beginning to soften, about to swallow her whole and drown in nervousness, knowing now that this man must¡¯ve been placing the same amount of confidence over her shoulders, and just like that, the cruel reality truly came into full realization. A man with his power and status had in fact entrusted his whole entire life on her small, not very significant hands. For her to salvage. Those hands of mere her, what could they do? She had never actually prepared the antidote now demanded from her, only read about it nonstop. Was she truly enough and up for the task? She could not help but worry.


    And what if her effort should become unsuccessful?


    What would a noble family with such power over Agathen and its officials do to a lowly young woman with nothing but her name, except throw her in a prison cell to rot for the bitter regretful remaining time or place her beneath the blade of a sharpened guillotine in front of a crowd as punishment for the failure of not being able to keep the only Heir of The North alive. She swallowed hard with that exact thought.


    Sophia carefully avoided the sleeping families whom gone through too much for their deserved rest to be interrupted now. She smiled gently at the sight of a small child kicking the blanket, landing on a starfish position with all fours pointed opposite directions, one landing over his mother¡¯s face yet still completely out of it. The hall felt warmer now with the heavy breathing and snoring of exhaustion. Despite the circumstances, the closeness of Brifenian''s side by side had miraculously transformed the empty space into something that felt like a tender, comforting hug.


    And once Sophia reached Mari¨¦¡¯s side, she kneeled down and tapped her shoulder lightly, resulting into Mari¨¦ squeezing her eyes shut tight once before opening them.


    ¡¯¡¯Sophi¨¦¡ª can¡¯t sleep?¡¯¡¯ She asked with a whisper and pressed her forehead against Sophia''s knee. For a moment Sophia could see Mari¨¦ as the little girl she had met ten whole years ago. The way they¡¯d always have each others back no matter what, them against whatever fictional opponent.


    Not this time.


    Sophia hesitated for a moment, feeling the need to suck in the lips as if barricading the words inside, though she knew that wouldn¡¯t do. As much as she had to say, all the many things she¡¯d like to discuss, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough all while hanging from a ticking clock where each silent moment would be a nail on possibly two coffins already being prepared should she¡ªone¡ªfail to safe the Commander and¡ªtwo¡ªlose her head with the result of such failure.


    ¡¯¡¯Mari¨¦, I have to go.¡¯¡¯ She managed to get out as faint as a whisper. Mari¨¦ resisted the urge to get up with the sleeping Marvy closed in her embrace. She did not have the heart to do so after everything they¡¯d gone through.


    ¡¯¡¯Go where?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦¡¯s expression was laced with uncertain emotions which were harder for Sophia to recognize due to sleep still lingering in Mari¨¦¡¯s tired eyes, the confusion. Sophia stared down and closed her own fingers together on the lap and watched the fingers intertwine tightly, feeling unpleasant.


    ¡¯¡¯I found myself a job.¡¯¡¯ Sophia wasn¡¯t lying, although leaving the nit-picky important details out. After all, getting a job and finding accommodation would be the number one priority to anyone¡¯s survival after losing those essentials. She figured Mari¨¦ wouldn¡¯t ask much either if she simply kept the conversation light, ¡¯¡¯I have to leave immediately. But before that, I managed to make a deal¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sophia reached inside the pocket of the colorless and shapeless long tunic and pulled out a dark brown leather pouch, heavy for its petite size.


    ¡¯¡¯What is that?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ furrowed her confused eyebrows and raised her head off the thin mattress, the only part of her body she could to get closer, while Sophia placed the pouch on Mari¨¦''s empty palm, moving as if hiding a secret treasure from any prying eyes.


    ¡¯¡¯I got paid in advance. This should be enough for few months to come.¡¯¡¯ Sophia smiled softly. She had asked for enough money, diamonds, cold or copper¡ªshe did not care which¡ªas long as it would be enough for a family of five to get back up on their feet, buy a decent house or apartment and survive until they could work again. Surprisingly, perhaps since Ren¡¯s life was on the line, even if many wouldn¡¯t agree to such bold propositions that easily, Ren simply shrugged like it was the smallest deed to grant and arranged the valuables in a matter of minutes.


    Sophia leaned closer to Mari¨¦¡¯s ear as she closed her friends fingers to try and hide the treasure beneath them, ¡¯¡¯Do not let anyone know you have all this. Keep it safe and hidden. Use it well.¡¯¡¯ She kept her voice down and shifted her gaze through the sleeping people making sure they weren¡¯t being stared at.


    ¡¯¡¯You¡ª I know that look of yours.¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ whispered, ¡¯¡¯It is the same look you had when the bridge we made out of sticks and branches in the forest as kids snapped in half after i crossed it and you were forced to jump. There is absolutely nothing i can do nor say to stop you now, is there not?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ smiled gently but with a hint of gloom, admitting her silent defeat as she lowered her head back resting on the mattress, ¡¯¡¯And for that very same reason I cannot take all this. It¡¯s too much.¡¯¡¯ She could estimate the inside of the leather pouch without looking in for the hefty weight of it.


    ¡¯¡¯Toss them away or donate it, then.¡¯¡¯ Sophia¡¯s eyes turned crescent from a sneaky smile, ¡¯¡¯It is rude to return a gift.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Then, let me know where you¡¯re going at least?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ continued after a long faint sigh and a few calm silent seconds which followed without Sophia answering. She couldn¡¯t, after all, there would be no possible way for her to give the desired answer which Mari¨¦ sought. They both knew that. Somehow.


    ¡¯¡¯It¡¯s a good job, i swear. And I¡¯ll try and find you all as soon as possible once I¡¯m finished.¡¯¡¯ Sophia let go of Mari¨¦¡¯s closed fist now that she would not be able to hand the pouch back. No more objections to make. Sophia¡¯s hooded eyes began to gently gather moisture as they turned to look at the puffy cheeks of sleeping Marvy, glad that she was able to calmly rest now against her mother¡¯s softness, but a hint of sorrowfulness for she wouldn¡¯t be able to hug the child once more before heading out.


    ¡¯¡¯It¡¯s not anything¡ªwrong? Is it?¡¯¡¯ Mari¨¦ raised a suspecting eyebrow, making sure Sophia understood the graveness of the question, to which Sophia offered half of a smile. All she could muster.


    ¡¯¡¯No, and do not worry of such matters.¡¯¡¯ Sophia answered, ¡¯¡¯Please.¡¯¡¯


    In the distance, Ren still leaned against the wall, kept his curiousness on Sophia and watched her kneel beside a woman holding a child in a gentle embrace. He could not read their lips since they were too far away in the dim darkness, barely saw them move at all. Then, he noticed Sophia reach inside the pocket and take out the leather pouch he had prepared only moments ago. The payment. The request. Now given away just like that. All those valuable small items worth a few hundreds. Nothing much for him, but undoubtedly significant for any commoner. Pressing his upper back against the wall, he huffed out a curious hum as he watched Sophia pull herself up and make her way back through the crowd of people laid on the floor.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡¯¡¯A family of five, huh? Your family?¡¯¡¯ Ren asked. He wasn¡¯t particularly surprised by her asking enough for a family of five, but rather for the fact that she willing gave all that away not keeping a dime herself. He had become accustomed to people blatantly wanting his assistance financially, taking advantage of his resources¡ªif he was up for such charity¡ªbut not once had he seen someone gift away his generosity thus voluntarily. It seemed, as of right now, since the very moment they first met he could never entirely predict her next move at all. A strategic mind of a man now completely lost.


    ¡¯¡¯Might as well consider them as one.¡¯¡¯ Sophia walked beside him and gave no further explanation. Ren kept his lowered gaze on her serious expression which showed the rabid racing of her mind. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªif only he had a nickel from each of her thought¡ªhe¡¯d probably earn everything given away back by the upcoming dawn.


    But as the shadow they faced kept growing, he watched as slowly it wasn¡¯t Sophia¡¯s eyelids which only shivered, nor the hidden sadness in them, but rather shoulders going stiff and fingers pressing together against the chest. In the early summer, those nights could still become quite chilly with the sudden change in temperature between the difference of a blazing hot midday sun and the shadowy nights.


    On the western side of the Town¡¯s Hall, the Commander¡¯s men were loading and organizing supplies in the saddlebags on both sides of his horse. Once Ren came from behind the corner and entered the sheltered spot keeping away any curious set of eyes, the men dropped all their tasks and offered a strong salut at his way.


    ¡¯¡¯You¡¯re all staying here.¡¯¡¯ Ren walked by his midnight black horse, one which had been on his side since its very birth. The men did not relax their positions but glanced at each other with confused side eyes, ¡¯¡¯We¡¯ll go just the two of us. These people here need all the additional help they can get. And it¡¯ll be more efficient to move with less.¡¯¡¯ He reached high on the saddlebags and adjusted the harness with a tight tug as one of the soldiers came beside him and offered back his long coat with all the valuable badges, medals and ribbons attached on the chest of it, shoulders decorated with silver shoulder pads and tangling epaulettes, like shiny scales underneath the cold shade of the moon.


    Ren accepted the coat and noticed how Sophia hugged her own sides with stiff shoulders and cautiously looked around of all those gruff looking strangers that clearly made her oddly nervous, almost too evident by the way she kept switching on their unfamiliar faces. Ren kept his movements slow when facing her, careful not to startle her any further, and before Sophia could even acknowledge his attention he swung the coat behind her, hem almost reaching the ground and placed it on those cold shivering shoulders. Sophia blinked a few times, fingers pulling the collar of the Commander¡¯s coat closer against the chest. It was warm. It felt expensive. But above all, it had a very pleasant scent lingering to it which Sophia could not distinguish nor put to words.


    ¡¯¡¯Does Milady know how to ride a horse?¡¯¡¯ Ren reached his hand gently and slowly behind the neck of the coat to fix the collar down as Sophia looked up towards him with slightly gaping lips.


    ¡¯¡¯Yes.¡¯¡¯ Sophia nodded while Ren pulled away taking a step back, his gaze falling down on her like a waterfall once again. How she seemed to nearly disappear beneath his coat, ¡¯¡¯And please, I¡¯m not near the status of Milady. My name is Sophia¡ª Sophia Dilamor.¡¯¡¯


    ¡¯¡¯Fine then, Miss Dilamor. Forgive me but I need to make sure¡ª is that truly all you''re taking?¡¯¡¯ He asked while adjusting his own sleeves.


    ¡¯¡¯This?¡¯¡¯ Sophia moved the coat from the way enough to show the dirty creamy-colored, seemingly empty looking crossbody bag, ¡¯¡¯There wasn¡¯t much time to pack belongings.¡¯¡¯ Her answer forced a difficult dilemma upon the soldiers not knowing whether they should laugh as insensitive as that would be or stay awkwardly standing there trying to mind their own business. Ren did neither, huffing out a breath of air agreeing with the undoubted truth of the situation. Curious of what she had to leave behind, and what was worth enough to take.


    It comes without saying that one will learn the most about another when living or either traveling together. What felt like many hours of silence, observing needed no spoken words. With anyone else the prolonged silence would¡¯ve perhaps felt uncomfortable to Sophia, but strangely enough, not with him. It eased her nerves, not having to overthink for pointless small talk. At first she wondered why, but then realized it reminded her of the company of grandpa Bill, which then led to a sudden bittersweet sting that rushed through her heart along with the reminder.


    They barely had breaks here and there, only when absolutely necessary, crouching by a stream opposite from each other filling their water bottles. Sophia used the palms of her hands as a cup to fill in with the refreshing crystal clear water while Ren ran his long wetted fingers through the black hair, making it both endearingly messy and well put together¡ªhowever he managed to do so remained a mystery.


    He noticed the water dripping down from her wrists, and the pleased gleam on her cheeks as the thirst subsided.


    In return, she noticed his habit of tilting his head on the left while deep in thoughts, which happened often.


    Ren amusedly noted how, even while eating a tasteless canned meal, Sophia still observed the nature around her, touching petals of a flower while squinting her eyes and puckering the lips as if having an inner debate. The way she sat there with her legs crossed beneath the long tunic, then abruptly raised her eyebrows as if winning the assumed debate or perhaps remembering a sudden key point. Sophia sometimes had to endure Mari¨¦ joking about how she sometimes let the mad lady out while freeing all her thoughts in the open through her demeanor. She simply couldn¡¯t help it. The muscles on her face were far too honest.


    When it was time to finally rest, Ren set up a small camp on a solid ground in the forest with a simple open tent and placed the sleeping bags beneath it with an appropriate amount of space in between the two. Ren never claimed his long uniform coat back despite it carrying all those valuable, almost sacred trophies demonstrating all of his hard work. Sophia had neatly folded it in one of the two saddlebags that her borrowed horse carried. The light-grey beauty belonged to the young soldier William, who reluctantly yet not opposing agreed to the Commander¡¯s wish. Of course he did. It was a command after all. Sophia felt bad nonetheless, thinking the young soldier must¡¯ve been missing his trusty companion that very moment.


    The first two nights they went on without setting a camp, and on the third Sophia could not fall asleep despite them going forward without much breaks if any through those sleepless nights. She heard the faint reassuring deep breathing of Ren two arms length away and decided to give up on the thought of having a shut eye any time soon.


    She squirmed her way free from the sleeping bag and crawled out on all fours. She got up and raised her chin to look towards the tree branch framed midnight sky, letting out a soft huff from the surprise as the summer-blue was embellished with many stars as beautiful as ever. Sophia had read somewhere that the closer towards The Northern Town of Delma¨¦r one got, the clearer the stars, even those visible through daytime.


    Without looking away nor as much as blinking, Sophia sat down on the dry soft grass and hugged her knees tight. In that moment, with the still forest surrounding without any wind, Sophia¡¯s gaping mouth began to slowly tremble, cheekbones rising up gushing out the forceful tears running through. She did not know the reason for why now out of all the possible moments leading up to it, but she hadn¡¯t stopped¡ªnot for a second¡ªto process any of the events which led her into that charming scenery above.


    Suddenly Sophia understood why she couldn¡¯t sleep assured. Although, where else would she get to sleep in the scent of flowers and nature itself¡ªit wasn¡¯t the same as with those withered flowers above her bedroom ceiling. Their ever changing scent concealed in her room.


    And above all¡ª


    Sophia gritted her teeth together, enough to suffocate the need to wail from the excruciating paincrushing her heart. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Bill. How he simply pushed her away without much worry in his eyes. The sound of his shotgun, only one bullet, still echoed in her clear memory. She tried searching for him through the evacuees in Lufin¡¯s Town¡¯s Hall as they set the whole place up, but no one knew of his whereabouts. Non had seen him. If grandpa Bill would¡¯ve ran after successfully encountering those approaching, he should¡¯ve reached the evacuees before she and Marvy did.


    Sophia had to crush her mouth with a hand from the impulsive whispers of apologies, remembering the Pepper¡¯s closing their door behind her and Marvy leaving. She couldn¡¯t shake the thoughts of would she perhaps been able to convince the elderly to leave with them. Maybe she could¡¯ve supported Mr. Pepper enough to help him move with ease. There must''ve been something more she could have done for them.


    ¡¯¡¯I¡¯m sorry¡ªI¡¯m sorry¡ªI¡¯m¡ª¡¯¡¯ Sophia whispered over and over, her eyes now nearly shut without a vision behind all the unstoppable waves, the edges of those stinging tears gleaming with the stars, when she felt a heavy weight landing over her shoulders. The warmth and now familiar scent of it. Then, she sensed Ren¡¯s hands retreating after enveloping her beneath his uniform coat. Sophia¡¯s tears stopped immediately, a small hiccup of air filling her lungs enough to last for a little while held in, she dropped her head on the knees and pulled the coat around tightly from the collars.


    Hiding away the shameful emotions. Even though she had no reason to do so. Ren did not stay nor did he ask any questions. He had simply noticed Sophia¡¯s absence only moments ago and intended on making sure she hadn''t ran off breaking the deal, yet found her in such a vulnerable state of mind. Seemingly needing some space, not someone to come and invade. Despite that, Ren couldn¡¯t entirely ignore the thin fabric of her tunic, making a mental note to get her more layers as soon as possible.


    Thus Sophia pushed her eye sockets against the knees careful not to let the salty tears ruin his expensive coat. The fact that she had time to think about the coat amongst all other almost made her laugh for how utterly silly it was. And not in a good way.


    Once Sophia calmed down, eyes sucked dry left with nothing and all the pend-up emotions out in the open, while hearing the sounds of the nightly forest she sneaked back beneath their open tent and gently flopped on top of the sleeping bag, body exhausted from the relentless cry she didn¡¯t bother crawling in. Not like she needed to.


    Her sleeping bag for the night a rather expensive one, still wrapped inside the dazzling uniform coat.


    ©¤?~???~?©¤