When darkness greeted her sight and her chest had gotten tight, she had all the reasons to have a fright.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOR6Y3y6Zk
The air wouldn’t go in, no matter how many times she gasped for it. Instead, dirt and vile stench were all she’s inhaling. Wet earth. She could feel them on her tongue, squirming as she heaved. Some had rolled their way into her throat. Moist and crumbly—perhaps the soil, or worse, perhaps other things. Worms, maggots, anything. Why it’s there in the first place was a mystery to wonder. She coughed it out a few times before it suffocated her any further.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrErG9965t
Her arms flailed, thrashing around only to bump the surface all over her. The surrounding felt familiar against her skin. It was wooden, hard, and thick, enclosing her in like a box. Or a chest. Or a coffin.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg0naQIRHI
Coffin. The mere thought made her shudder.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SxTZwXxCW
I'm not dead yet, aren't I…?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBow34GcbL
Once, twice, three times. She pushed and pushed but the barrier wouldn’t budge. Not even an inch. Soon, came the growing panic, the whirling sensation in her head became overwhelming. Dizzy. She could feel death approaching.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP2GdcwV4d
“Hey!” she screamed. Perhaps anyone would hear her distress call. But to her dread, her voice was stuck in her throat. Again and again, she yelled. No use. Nothing came out except for a wheezing noise of her asthmatic gasps. She began to lay punches, hoping to make a tiny bit of a fracture.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡE66b05IXDk
However, the more she struck the wooden topside, the more dirt fell through. A similar consistency of what’s once inside her mouth flopped onto her face.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvWi1ZnIcy
Soil? Where am I? Am I buried?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRowxBI4xN
Her fear escalated as there’s nothing she could do to breach the casket. Her palm roamed all over the impeding structure, looking for some sort of gap to break away. But there was nothing. No panel, latch, handle, nothing at all.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbTonTt5R6
Except for the rift across her face, right where the ground poured through.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLCm4Emrmy
She slipped her hand. The vertical opening was too small. Only three of her fingers managed to get outside. She could feel the damp earth. Moving up and down, her digits touched something chunky. Something she could not make of.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QqomY052x
The texture was recognizable. There’s only one thing with such twisted fibrous strands—a rope. Someone had laid a rope horizontally across the surface. The supple cord wouldn’t bend no matter how many times she nudged it. This must be the thing that held the casket tightly.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkJMI6Gccx
I need to cut it down!copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCjVZozlQV
Again, her hands wandered around. There must be something she could use. Something sharp. Wood fragments, a stone, a splinter, anything. Unfortunately, there was nothing other than the ragged outfit on her body. Not even footwear wrapped around her feet. Meanwhile, as seconds passed and the walls inside her chest stiffened, she began to panic.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQMkf8igel
No, no, I don’t want to die, not like this!copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7FwTnDAAP
She grabbed the fold of her tabard, loosening the collar in hope to breathe easier. She knew it was futile. Tight or not, clothes or no clothes, it’d be the same. There was little to no air to begin with. Perhaps it’s best to just give into the abyss.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TsrOrQoNG
She was ready to accept the inevitable when her elbow poked something below her garment, a solid object with a definite shape right on her left waist. She pulled it out from its nesting place.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIx52Nel3t
It was a dagger.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRAlouJ24j
A glimpse of hope returned to her. At last. A means of a way out. Whether it’d be favorable or not, she had to try. Clinging into a tiny spark of optimism, she inserted the blade into the gaping fissure.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡScckE1MvpA
Thank Goddess…!copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJiJPkx4FB
It fitted. Clumsily, she dragged the blade back and forth. Hands trembled that she couldn’t even cut properly. Ramming and ramming, the tear on the leash gradually became imminent.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxms8HRDrTH
Come on. Come on, just a bit more…copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLUX6zZS4p
Her grip on the weapon became unsteady. The chest pain was unbearable she could feel her lungs closing in. A few seconds more and she would depart from this life.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg9L0Y6x3M
…now!copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B8BJQtmhm
With her remaining strength, she gave the casket the strongest push she could make. She was prepared to embrace the air, but, to her horror, as the lid tossed open, a heap of soil collapsed through, smothering her altogether. Desperately, she clawed her way out as her throat filled with dirt once more.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ428ZZfzZ8E
The sunlight welcomed her sight once she emerged from beneath. Rolling over, she threw herself flat on the ground, coughing and spitting lumps of earthen masses out of her mouth. Finally, she could breathe again. The expulsion had freed her air passage clear. Up and down, up and down. Her chest raised and fell with every breath she took.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBVxnVwttz
Closing her eyes, she began to regain composure. Breathing was never been this delightful. Like a luxury, she did her best savoring all the fresh air she could. She didn’t dare to imagine what’d happen if she didn’t come out sooner. Or if no dagger was there to save her soul.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCapeUfHhx
The dagger.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mzdlzsVyA
She snapped her eyes open. It’s still there within her grasp. She brought it closer to her face. Suddenly, flashes of images started appearing inside her head.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWbuuyq02U
People. People with pitchforks. People rallied with weapons. Screaming, crying, wailing. Fire. Huge fire. Hanging ropes. Bodies on the hanging ropes. People threw rocks at her, people threw rocks at…them. Someone grabbed her by the hair, pouring something into her mouth. Something hit her on the back. Darkness.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjxKILFYtW
Who?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxj4KEEcAc
She shook her head. No faces. She couldn’t see faces in those images. It was a blur all over.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡN99YEDx5DA
What happened? Why am I here?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dTxYCjDAM
She tried to stand up but her legs gave way. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she glanced at her side.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5kTa4yOh8
The shallow grave she just broke through. One amongst many others. Five. There were five of them, laid side by side six feet underground. All of the burials looked recent. The dead seemed to have suffered the same fate as her.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04i93XNB3q
Who are these people?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3D5BCHVfh
Her heart pounded faster.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPm2Jx7hlo
…Why am I the only one alive?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmtIwxGj8J
Holding the flagon closely, she finished her drink in one swig. Her hooded figure observed the whole tavern. The reek of alcohol and meat mixed with old boots and sweat wasn’t exactly unusual to look about. Something else had piqued her interest.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjNooo05jf
The atmosphere. The expressions. The behavior of the patrons. Everything was different than weeks ago, the last time she visited. Men and women, young and elderly, everyone seemed to be in a festive ambiance. They danced, clapped, and sang along with the minstrels, unaware of a pair of eyes watching from the corner.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡn15J3Phb6D
“Not feeling the party, eh?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwZ3fwAWQJ
She turned her gaze to find a man stood by the table, pointing at the stool beside her.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA3tYrSYxc
“May I sit here?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUdkEh9Vtg
The man was holding a decanter in his hand. He wore peasant attire and a felt hat, looking harmless enough. She then nodded.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Ny635HZV
“Want some?” he offered the drink in his metal jug, noticing her empty glass. She flatly refused.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFvu8uW1tt
“So why don’t you dance? Or sing along?” he asked again, attempting to initiate a conversation. The man didn’t seem to catch on her demeanor. This irked her since she wanted to be alone. But then again, she had to keep her calm or risked making a scene around. Perhaps this man could provide information she’s been looking for.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIoq23IcZb
“I don’t know what I shall celebrate for.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyeg7ljc3j
“Huh? You don’t feel happy with our victory?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vZDZ87V9B
“Is this what it’s all about? I keep hearing vampires being spoken.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmjNNmQwzQ
“Ah,” the man clicked his tongue, “not from here, are you? Let me guess, a merchant?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2oWiviCIm
“Yes, from the north. Last week I heard the southern border is open for trade so I came here.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQRUtQ3BMc
“It is. Damn, I envy you traders. Haven’t had a chance to go beyond the outpost myself. My work prevents me from leaving town,” he poured ale into her flagon, “my treat. Enjoy.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbywZlSQRr
“Thank you.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzu4wMAPpj
“Deep Woods is one hell of a trouble. Still, can’t believe we finally open the border. How was your journey?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl93gDUjeG
“Fine, I guess. I got lost so many times.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrS3YRpRHh
“Deep Woods is Deep Woods. Sometimes you can go in but not go out,” he raised his mug to his lips, “no vampire attacks?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoQNtnA3cZ
She shook her head and sipped her drink.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡmokvsA9nTn
“Heh, of course not. Cause we’ve killed them all. Every last one of them.” He smirked, “Still, welcome to Svaros, though. Not much in here. We’re still recovering but hope you enjoy your stay.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pPWsONSFv
“Those vampires, I thought they’re extinct already?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZT0MmnmqA
“They are. Not their sodding spawns, though. You know the halfbreeds?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNZGjshsPb
“I’ve heard stories. They can walk in the daylight and all those things.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTAFP3uDW9
“Well let me tell you. The southern border was closed for a long time because of those animals,” he eyed the barmaid behind the counter, “what’s worse, they could be anyone and we never knew about it.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85925VotiP
He finished his drink and poured for another.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EC3lVvDnk
“Those…abominations. Mating with humans. How disgusting,” he growled, “first thing they’re your spouse, your friend, your neighbors, next thing they’re beasts. Draining your herds dry and kidnapping your children. That feeling when you had a traitor among your own people…”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOddpT3tnGp
She kept listening.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPvGRBCg4U
“Every month,” he looked at her in the eyes, “we sent search parties to the woods. None returned. Grieving widows and widowers everywhere. Took my Gonzo too last year.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58yIcUDHx1
“Your family?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2legL8jfv0
“My goat,” He gulped another glass, “sodding bloodthirsty demons preying on us poor folks. I raised that thing for years and it’s gone in one night!”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3PaKHLmXQ
"Why didn’t the king send his Paladin Knights? They used to hunt vampires long ago."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3ZQLbKpTh
“He doesn’t care about us, young lady. He doesn’t care about southern lands. Hell, nobody does except for peddlers like you. Bet he doesn’t even know our messengers never made it to Irkalla! Bah, have to fend for ourselves all the time.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWDFdpNwEj
His eyes started to turn red as his speech became a slur. All those shots had finally taken control.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjnnu74gu2
“But tell you what, that doesn’t matter anymore, eh? You merchants are here. We rebuild. People are happy. And those things are sodding dead.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L66BSimhc
“How can you be sure? You said anyone could be a halfbreed?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI9hnmHaTl
“Did you pass by the gallows? There we hung their chieftain and his underlings,” he said, “joined the militia myself. Drew them into our trap like a blind fish they’re.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqFRNaYSqs
“All of them?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxe0EPSXca
“Some escaped. But we followed them to their camps. Burned them to the ground. Left no one alive,” he said again, “now it’s been two weeks and still no attack. We did it, you see. We won.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PSi7fEOqy
She left the tavern after putting a few bronze coins on the table. The man had gotten even more intoxicated and started to make his way to the barmaid, leaving her alone in her seat. It didn’t matter. She’d heard enough. The plan had worked. Effortlessly so. Knowing that nothing she did for the town of Svaros was in vain, she could finally go back to her research, to her cure.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUYQLM0KEq
Nothing can stop me now.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzYrAChtzt
Food…water…copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJjw1qMGfd
Four days. Four days she dragged her feet through the forest, or so she thought. She remembered witnessing four sunrises without a drop of water. The riverside path she took was as dry as a desert. It's as if this barren land was left by humans long ago, leaving it untouched and desolated. On top of that, not a single animal could be seen. Even insects seemed to have migrated somewhere else.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq7dgT0gEF
She had lost any sense of direction. First, she went to the north when it turned to be nothing but wilted jungle. Another time she decided to walk east, following the sunrise, again it was all lifeless trees. This bleak woodland appeared to be endless no matter how far she ventured. After the fourth sunrise, she just stopped counting as her body became weaker and her mind grew emptier. She was like a walking vessel with death lurking closer.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡHReFiPiAjS
She stood on a ledge overlooking the whole woods. The darkness limited her already feeble eyesight. Only dense, desiccated ground as far as one could see.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XBmtDNgk3
Where am I?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡtztBMJvN09
The night air pierced her skin. She trembled when the wind blew slightly. Cold. Her tattered clothing and barefooted state provided no warmth to her body. Her grip on the dagger loosened as she shivered. She could only watch as the knife fell out her hands, hit against a rock and came off the ridge.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI0HnjwGTP
No…!copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWM9jgN7x7
Her body reflexively jumped forward, attempting to catch the only thing she had. However, without grasping anything to hold on, she failed to keep her balance and slipped off the edge.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0GDCtn7go
Then, everything happened so fast.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI6hpuAWat
The woods rustled as she tumbled for what felt like forever, rolling down hitting trees and branches along the way. She lost control of her own body. It’s as if she wouldn’t stop falling through the air.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJqzSJQFQn
Halfway down, the trees gave way and before she knew it, she was hurtling over the dry grass, earth, and rocks, until her body run into a large tree stump and she finally fell into darkness.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1otF1X28d
She woke up by the sounds of anvils and hammers. An unfamiliar view greeted her sight. The stained walls, wooden furniture, and those bookcases were nothing she’d seen before her eyes.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpWxHm1hjc
What…?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5VcEOWvuM
There’s that sound again. The clanging metals. She looked around. The windows were open wide. Curious, she tried to sit up. A cracking noise of her bones could be heard somewhere in her back.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡShOhLtiIwq
I’m still alive…?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXQSuxewPx
She stared outside.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBDEOitKNX
There was a metalworking shack across the street. An old man with a lavish beard was giving instructions to the three teenagers before him—a girl and two boys—seemingly to be his apprentices. He was praising her for hammering the iron right and asking the others to follow through.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFflW1OeJk
Where am I?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFiwyM4NjU
The neighborhood was full of mercantile establishments. She could see the forge, armorer, potter, tailor, butcher, and so on. People went back and forth with their carts and baskets. Children were playing in the street, chasing after each other with what appeared to be wooden sticks. She heard them saying ‘My turn! My turn to be the Dragonbane!’ While some of the adults yelled for them to move out the way.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3wYHkgb44
How did I come here?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BJoXGpLV9
She swallowed. The last thing she saw was the massive stump before the blackout. She didn’t remember being near any civilization before. There must be someone who’d come to her rescue.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BPo7nbcav
Who brought me here?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wyCugWLr1
While she was deep in thought, suddenly the door creaked open. She turned to find a brunette woman in white smock under a brown kirtle. In her hands were a book and a sack of something unknown. They looked at each other for a few seconds before her brows creased in shock,copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡPADzZAgpmc
“You shouldn’t be up yet…!”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡysNoRVL37W
She didn’t know where to begin.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyes7QXnNJP
Laid on the table was an amount of food one would expect to be several days’ worth. At the sight of what appeared to be some roast her mouth watered. On the side, plates of potatoes, cheese, sausages, and pickles with a basket of bread stared back at her. The wafting aroma kept luring, calling out her famished soul. She couldn’t keep her hands any longer.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzqs9q2qPo
Without hesitation she grabbed the pork leg, ripping a chunk off with her teeth.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoRqMJlyMt
The brunette stood by the bookcase with her arms folded, watching in amusement. No words were exchanged. Only glances. She didn’t care if the woman would judge her in silence. She didn’t even care being watched gnawing clean on the bones. Everything, even the grease and pickle juice flowed through her fingers were ambrosial. As if losing control, her body moved on its own, stuffing her face like it’s her last meal on earth.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlHXsxVQlE
“I wonder when was the last time you saw food,” the woman spoke after a long silence. In her voice was a mix of awe and wonder. Meanwhile, she only looked at her wordlessly while munching on another handful of sausage links. The brunette continued to stare at her, hand on her mouth, obviously holding back her laughter. Perhaps she was still thinking about the loud stomach grumble she heard moments ago.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGae6CnxENm
A clump of meat got stuck in her throat as she moved onto the next plate. Along with the surging air, the pressure pulled the muscle of her chest. Weird noises started to come out of her mouth.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qLUQyDb7q
“Good lord,” she saw the woman rushed to the door, “I’ll get you more water.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCLmAeUv4g
Dropping the bread, she snatched the napkin nearby. Eyes winced every time her body jerked in a spasm. She regretted having eaten way too fast like that.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLqpS3MpIA
“Here, hold your breath and drink slowly,” she returned with a metal carafe. She could feel the woman’s hand stroke her back lightly as she drank.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡML0yGQ6k2d
Only when the hiccups died down, she realized the disaster on the table. Plates, bowls, scraps, grease, and carcasses spread everywhere in a disarray manner. Guilt washed her. Hunger had taken over her conscience that she’d forgotten she was in someone else’s home.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHQw4qKYWP
“Do you wanna eat more?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7BFwtIjSq
She shook her head. Her stomach felt full by just looking at the ruins before her. That was a lot of food. No normal person would satiate such amount of helping in one sitting. Sick and amazed at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel disgusted with herself.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFcTdSJkdM
“Alright, then,” she began taking the plates, “I’ll be back in a minute.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYtovxPfwL
“Wait.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LTGrqa9J3
To her surprise, her voice had returned. Though it’s still hoarse and somewhat inhuman, it was strange to finally talk after what felt like forever. She made a sound in between a cough and a sharp inhale in attempt to clear her gorge.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡADIMwVFgfT
“Let me help, please.” She said again, much clearer this time.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NRwcm41CB
“I don’t think you’re able to walk just yet,” the woman nodded towards her legs, “you didn’t notice the bandages?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡNImGpN7zXQ
She immediately looked below and found beige cotton fabric wrapped neatly around her right knee. A brownish stain could be seen in the middle, presumably dried blood.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxtkk0g0hw
“Wh—what happened…?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkkLQw8VxK
“I don’t know. Did you trip and fall or something? I found you here with your ligament torn already.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡwktT1SH8rF
Her lips parted in a daze, “That…that bad…?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4dtpxuFyL
“You’re technically crippled right now.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs5wdW2lSA
She could only watch in silence as the brunette continued to wipe the table. And in that moment, instead of being a helping hand, her body decided to release a reflex, expelling a blob of foul gas in the form of a very loud belch.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pVzjWr15T
“S—sorry!”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5YTznr330
The woman shook her head in disbelief. Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to crawl back into the grave. copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfsVMFSO1L
"You’re in Ceville.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7akHth9vn
She turned away from the window and found the woman stood at the bedside, looking at her with a smile.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bs152px6s
“My name is Morgana.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVIZRuFJjG
"Morgana..."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJOF3v9kFE
“You’ve been staring outside the whole time. Figured you must be wondering where you are.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIQaKVd9sj
“No, I was just...well, yes. Yes, I was,” she blinked in confusion, “how…how did I come here?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZelZ6QEQa
“To my house? Elder Nerida wants me to look after you.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkT90WF9hk
“Elder Nerida?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ2EaMznW2
“The village’s elder,” Morgana sat down, putting her palm on her forehead, “hmm, your temperature is normal.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy1WT02KFS
“Is something wrong?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZdN8dKNn1
“No. The opposite even. It surprised me that you woke up a day earlier than I expected.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b1aQbXpzU
“A day earlier? How long was I asleep…?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgstdmuf69
“Two days. You’re unconscious when the villagers brought you to my door.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ709lOiyy6W
“Ah…” she looked at her leg again. Slowly, she tried to move it around. Painful. She bit her lips. The ache made her eyes begin to water. Morgana noticed what she’s doing and stopped her right away.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe8BpYNnnn
“Don’t. Unless you want to make it worse,” she adjusted it back up, “you’ll be able to walk in several weeks.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPEKjR6O6d
That sounded like a really long time. She sighed and looked at Morgana again. Her eyes—green eyes were examining the bandage closely. Faint dark circles rested below those eyes. She could see tiny freckles across her turned-up nose and high cheekbones from this distance. Her downturned lips were of the light shade of red sandstone. She wore her hair in a side braid, loosely hung around her shoulder. Her pale skin was a little reddish, possibly from being outdoor working under the sun. The woman was fairly thin—her collarbones were prominent against her skin. If she had to guess, Morgana probably was around the same age as her, if not younger.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡYee8z3q8Bx
“How did you end up in Ravaged Woods?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bMdNbbAzz
“Ravaged Woods?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQpCAJtHxA
“They said they found you there lying on the ground.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwPaEpd4xO
Ravaged Woods. So that’s the place she was lost in. No wonder it bore such a dreadful name, suitably so. It did look like something had pillaged and caused such extensive destruction to the whole forest. To find a civilization such as Ceville beyond the area was like a mirage, like an oasis in the middle of a wasteland.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC0oQNz1o8
“I…” she mashed her lips together, not knowing what to say, “…I broke through my grave.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmZZYAIsig
“Excuse me?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dMSnqhAvP
“I woke up inside a casket. I think—I think I was supposed to be dead or something…”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7spvic5jB
Morgana stared at her with her forehead wrinkled,copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTXeTWOBp6
“You’re actually serious.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡSskEkH5CiA
“That must’ve sounded crazy,” she sighed, rubbing her temples, “I wish I was joking. I don’t understand what happened myself.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHIU6ecjkw
“Why would you be dead?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzpRNjOBVd
She shrugged, “I’m not sure. So I just kept walking. Next thing I knew I was in that…dead woods.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡINF2s0KxD2
Suddenly, she remembered the second before her body fell off the edge. The reason why she lost her balance in the first place.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85JQZQ5b9p
The dagger!copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3Y7VMrKom
Her fingers immediately crept into her pockets. Nothing. Moving inside her robe, again, nothing. The fold of her girdle, the backside, everywhere. Nothing. Nowhere. That thing must’ve lost somewhere, laid deep in Ravaged Woods.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡX79D9BEU9h
“Hey, hey, are you alright?” Morgana saw her mumbling to herself in a state of distress.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhnG8mweyG
“…no way.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgJDnFpOpN
“What is it?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnUl14XFZ6
“I lost it!”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVokCwH9Kf
“What?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpvz2TfrIE
“My dagger…”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT2ae3ebJd
As if realizing something, Morgana bolted from her seat and walked to the corner of the room—towards a wooden dresser. Fumbling around a little, she returned back to the bed.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG9G1MdIVY
“You’re looking for this?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKnskplzR3
There, in her hand, a short knife with some sort of strap served as an extension on its leather scabbard. Nothing remarkable with the grip, a few scratches could be seen on the surface. The crossguard shaped like a two-headed serpent. Her eyes widened.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6Xggbjvn2
“That’s…! Wait, how did you get that…?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGJTmLFAtA
“The elder asked me to keep it before some scoundrels exchanged it for a few silvers,” Morgana handed it over, “he said they found it near your body.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqlWTFlffc
She rubbed the weapon nervously. Not believing it would return again. It was what kept her sane. As if she had any belonging worth saving.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtjgJzs35Q
“Thank you. Thank you for everything…”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OwQHTBmt4
“Not me. You should thank those children if you must.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2vjYpZkEe
“Children?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYHQfrqHvv
“You were lucky they frolicked in the woods.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBk4r2Y3os
“I—I see…” she said, “…but still, I wish there’s something I could do in return.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mvDFu2EOH
“You’ve helped me clean the pantry though,”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmFBdU3DCy
Her cheeks reddened.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aaufCweFV
“I’m—I’m sorry…”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMhcqXGsCv
Morgana chuckled, “I only patched your leg and give you my bed. It’s just part of my job.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vRP64K9In
“You’re a physician?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡISxSmNuS19
“Unregistered one. Elder Nerida is the only physician here. I’m his apprentice.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIW5Um2BOE
“What does that mean?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YaXOh2zrK
“What, unregistered?” Morgana arched her brows, “It means I can’t perform a surgery or charge you a coin.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9Dt1ZhwSj
“That’s too bad. Why do you need to be registered?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG1CLWYOxN
“Wait a minute,” the brunette shifted in her seat, “are you a foreigner?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDMDBBUDal
“…huh?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6v1Aw1R3T
“You speak like an Irkallan though. Are you a Kelredano? Gailanese?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIAcll8jaG
All those words sounded alien in her ears. She didn’t understand anything Morgana was saying.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DjTgVuayE
“I…I don’t get it?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXK1Zky1cB
“You don’t seem to understand the Alchemist Guild system here.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmkvzFRHZ1
“Alchemist Guild?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6EH0UCv5b
The way Morgana stared at her as if she had two heads. Suddenly, her expression turned serious.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B9UD8fbas
“Who are you?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5P7AoNr5M
“Who…am I?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡstS6bS1Nn6
She stared at her hands in horror. No names. No places. No familiar faces. Nothing came up in mind. The only thing in her head was the vague images of the angry mob in an unknown place.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxI8smhIyr
Who am I? What’s my name?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡalwZt6ngxt
“You don’t remember who you are,” Morgana looked at her in the eyes. It was a statement, rather than a question.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20XV68O8Wc
Her grasp on the dagger tightened as her sight began to spin. She wanted to dig deep into her memories but the effort was in vain. The harder she tried to remember, the more throbbing the headache became. It’s as if her mind rejected any attempt to reach self-cognitions. Morgana scooted closer, pushed her backwards gently, helping her lie back in bed.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVKX3cjkVR
“You must’ve received quite a blow in the head. You should rest.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5di5GptWX
“It…hurts…!” she groaned. The dagger was dropped in an instant. It knocked onto the floor, its sheath disengaged. Morgana paused for a moment as she noticed something off. She picked it up, examining carefully.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZXUU43JcZ
“Hestia?” the brunette muttered the carved letters on the blade.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrUFoYSIiN
The woman’s voice went straight to her head. Another flash of images rushed before her eyes. Like sequences. She heard people saying that name again and again; different voices yet still no faces. Eventually, she began to understand.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5TNnZuNtr
“Morgana,” she swallowed, clutching her head, “That…that’s my—I think that’s my name…”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqqHllLo4Y
Irkalla. 120 days ago.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0piFOgywz
Duchess Geneive had requested an audience with Grand Paladin Irvine, the kingdom's most renowned warrior for his achievement slaying a dragon in Cadaver Hills. The meeting was not to be attended by other than the two, for it was supposed to be clandestine.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7EgU2fpPI
"Your Excellency, Her Grace is expecting you. Please, come in." the duchess' personal servant bowed before disappeared, closing the door behind her.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz9hhuD3TH
Irvine looked around. Not the first time he entered her bedchamber, yet everything never failed to amaze him. The drapery, carpets, furniture, paintings, and the fireplace. Not to mention some of her personal collection of statues and figurines. The aura of femininity with a sense of class and royalty, the place gave him a strange sense of serenity as well as chivalry. Deep down he wished the Paladin tower was as stunning with less reeks of misery.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gIqzoePWL
"Good to see you again, Grand Paladin Irvine."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡojS3zN5OcV
"Your Grace, at your service," he bowed, lowering his hood. His silver hair was a contrast with the dominant red velvet of the room, shining like a sword on a bed of roses.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3vGkMbXP4
"Smuggled as a nurse again, aren't you? Varna is most genius indeed."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRlnhUMwJI
"She is certainly an amazing servant, Your Grace."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡh82abBXhq9
"We don't have much time. People are going to talk if you linger for too long. I want the report on the halfbreeds."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXcIExvPul
"Preparations are complete.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaceyu8k1S
“I don't want things to get to His Majesty before it’s time. Are you sure your soldiers won’t be suspicious?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j15tdGrv6
“Worry not, Your Grace. I did not tell them the true objectives. I’ll make sure your seal is delivered.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI4NrIlXxQ
“How can I have your word on it? I have spent so much on this expedition, Grand Paladin.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡir0vGy0PS1
“I believe there’d be uproar if we told these soldiers what they’re facing against.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWlJ1PWHgr
“Yes, people would always jump into conclusions,” the duchess sighed, “very few people understood the significance of my family’s legacy.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR9SFBA0y8
“And I’m honored to help you continue it, Your Grace, for the better future.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRARmgpn5i
He saw her smiled.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNfKxgztYQ
“Eight garrison soldiers—new recruits. A small squad,” he said again “they will depart by sunrise.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMH4FnGgoe
“Will that be enough?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe5Y6sfwPl
“I don’t advise to send a platoon, Your Grace. It’s best to masquerade as a small pilgrimage.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe94ZGkz9j
“I see. Have one of your Paladin Knights guard them. I believe it doesn’t hurt to have a little protection.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4679LuP1S
Irvine cleared his throat in doubt.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q79pdCEKs
“Paladin? I—I don’t think I can provide anyone from my rank, Your Grace. That’d be too risky. I humbly apologize.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zG9DGQYfZ
“No, you can. I have someone in mind.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE4oMe9g3b
“And who that might be?”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97Cgh1uUGe
“I believe there’s someone named Hestia. She’s as naïve as you think could be.”copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGN3QrJGpY
Cause she never disobeys orders, just like Adonis.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHDK5pYfF2
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