"Midnight is almost coming." The old herald was looking up the dark sky as she heaves a heavy sigh. After a few more minutes of losing herself with the breeze of the cold wind, she stares at her sleeping grand-daughter. Then a hint of sadness creeps on her face.
"I'm sorry Sarah, I cannot change nor alter what the heavens wants to do. though I know that I chose this path but a sacrifice must be done to make a path for the light to shine." She caresses the lady's hair.
"You'll gonna be alright, darling…You just need to trust your gift… I'm sure it will lead you to the right people." a tear drops from her eyes as she continues caressing her hair. "I and your parents will surely watch over you from up above." She kisses her forehead then rose from the bed and went outside.
She also took the items used for her rituals. She needs to perform one last ritual before the time of her arrest takes place. Though the king didn't issue such commands but her prowess as a herald reveals what must be done on the coming days.
Then she went at the top of the hills with an open sky and set up an altar. She lights up three candles and knelt before the heavens and prayed. After an hour, the ritual was completed. She then wrapped all the items used with a clean cloth and buried it on the ground. It symbolizes the end of her ministry as a herald.
However, the book passed down to her by her ancestors was not among those that was buried. she needs to pass it on to her granddaughter as well. As soon as everything was settled, she went back to the village. It was already past midnight when she reached her small house. She needs to pack Sarah's things in preparation for whatever comes their way.
"Grandma?" it was Sarah's voice. guess she woke up due to Milcah's rushing footsteps.
"Sweetheart?!" the old woman yelp. "Go back to sleep, it's too early for you to wake up." She motioned the sleepy lady.
"Aren't you going to sleep?"
"I will…" she smiled. "I just need to finish something for later."
"Ah, see… make sure to sleep grandma, okay?"
"I will, sweetheart… now go back to sleep." As soon as the lady went back to sleep, the old herald continued.
****
On that same night, Liam and the rest decided to camp on the mountainside since the night is dark. They need to be extra careful since who knows what's awaiting them along the road. Bandits are everywhere and since they have two ladies with them, their protection is their top most priority.
"Everyone, let's rest for the time being. Asher and I shall be your guard until past midnight." Liam announced. Then he glanced at Cole and Gideon. "You should rest too since you'll take the next shift after midnight."
"Not a problem." They answered in unison.
The men set up the tents and made sure the women are comfortable as they sleep. While everyone was fast asleep, Liam and Asher were having a coffee while watching the bonfire they created. However, Asher seems to be sleepy just like the others.
"Wanna join the others?" Liam glance at the drowsy guy. "Don't worry, I can manage. I'll wake you up if I need you here."
"You sure you're okay? Alone?" Asher raise his brow.
"Yeah."
Asher wanted to join him but he needs to rest. He didn't have a proper sleep for the past two days since he's been busy monitoring the young missy's horse riding progress.
"Then wake me up as soon as you felt something is wrong."
"I will. Good night Asher."
Meanwhile....
I had been tossing to and fro. I couldn't sleep for the first time since I came to this strange land. Is it the hard bed? Or the owls at the surrounding? maybe the unknown creatures making a creepy sound? Not sure…
I woke and sat up on the mat and saw Grace sleeping soundly beside me. Now I envy her. I hope I could sleep soundly and gracefully as her. I smiled before glancing on the bonfire's shadow dancing on our tent. Maybe I could sit with them for a while. I stood up and walk out but I couldn't see anyone, no Asher and no Liam. did they fall asleep? I thought.
Anyway, I think being alone right now is a good thing so I sat on the rocks facing the fire. It's kinda cold so all I could do is inch closer to the fire as I hug my knees. There you go, I can feel a little warmth around me.
My eyes were focused on the blaze but my mind drifted to somewhere else. I think I'm missing my home, my country…. And my mom.
Mom… I muttered, my heart is filled with grief. I could feel my tears about to fall when I jerked in surprise. Something fell on me!
I got scared for a little while but when I look behind me, I sighed in relief. If looks can kill, then Liam should have been dead already. He scares the hell out of me.
"Why are glaring at me? did I do something wrong?"
Ah, that kind of expressionless face, how I love to punch it.
"You scared me!" I yelp. "Don't you know how to speak?" I picked up his Jacket that he threw at me. I think he saw me shivering a little. But doesn't he know how to properly put it on me? that's way more romantic than tossing it on me! tsk!
"I was calling you but you ignored me."
"Eh? You were calling me?"
"I just said that."
Eh? Really? Am I that engrossed with my own thoughts that I didn't hear him? dang!
"I'm sorry." I apologize before facing the fire once again.
He didn't response but I know he sat beside me. we were silently staring at the blaze for a few seconds before I heard him speak.
"Missing home?"
"Maybe? I guess." I saw him glance at me for a second before he turns his gaze towards the sky. I followed his gaze. there were no stars at all, not even the moon. "I miss home but I couldn't even call it home anymore. The person who's making it a home is gone." I spout unknowingly.
"Have you ever felt alone? Empty perhaps? That feeling where you don't know your place in this world any longer? you can't even distinguish dream from reality …. I wanna go home but I don't know where it is now. all I could see right now is a lonesome wanderer not knowing where to go and what to do. I feel like a walking dead, trekking an unknown path. I don't even know where I'm going. I suddenly wanted to..." I don't want to utter the last word in my mind.
Looks like death is the most suitable thing to happen to me right now. A life that lost its purpose… isn't it worse than death? I think I lost the will to continue living and I need to find the reason of my existence once again. I suddenly got tired travelling the world…. But dang, why am I being sentimental right now? this isn't me! -_-
"Why don't you try to find yourself again? I think you've been into a lot of things that made you forget who you truly are…" I heard Liam voiced.
Find myself….? That's kinda appealing in the ears. But when did I ever lose myself? I don't know but I'm starting to get bored about my life…