The Sun was calm today. His warmth was showering with love on everyone. Maybe he was ecstatic to see someone on the earth enjoying her day.
There was a girl of around thirteen years of age, with skin as fair as snow and hair as dark as thunder clouds are seen running. Her pale blue robes made of cotton seemed talking to the winds.
"Renea… Renea… Where are you?" An old lady of around fifty years of age, having a tired expression on her face shouted.
Renea chuckled, but she didn't stop. She was still running along the rows of flowers chasing a red-colored butterfly.
"Renea come back. I have cooked your favorites." The lady once again shouted hoping that this time maybe she will return.
Hering her favorites, Renea's feet stopped. She turned around and her purplish-blue eyes widened in excitement. She lifted her skirt a bit so that it would be easy for her to run and she ran. But this time towards her house.
When the old lady saw her running towards her, she sighed and a smile formed on her tired-looking face.
Renea stopped at the gates of her house and sheepily smiled at her the old lady. Tucking her hairs beside her ears she said, "You know mother, it was Lily that made me come late or else I would have returned home sooner." She pouted a bit putting all the blame on the tiny butterfly.
"So, it was Lily's fault." Her mother nodded her head pretending to be satisfied with her explanation.
"Ok. Whatever it is, next time come home on time. Now wash up." Her mother said, shooing her away.
After washing up Renea entered the dining hall and saw her father sitting on the wheelchair. He looked much paler than usual. But Renea can see a hint of a smile on his pale dark lips and bony cheeks. Usually, he would have his food in his bedroom. It was too difficult for him to get up from his bed. His lower portion has been paralyzed four years ago. However, today was a special day for the family. It was their daughter's birthday. So, he decided to join them for breakfast.
Upon seeing Renea he smiled and gestured to approach her. Renea happily went towards him and sat on the chair beside him. He ruffled her hair and said, "My princess has grown up so fast."
Renea chuckled and said, "Yes, now I am thirteen years old."
Her father sighed and said, "I know. But somehow I am a bit afraid."
"Afraid but why?" Renea asked.
"Because..." "Because you will soon grow up and one day marry someone else and then you will leave us." Douglas was interrupted by his wife Beth who secretly held his hand to stop him from saying any further.
Renea chuckled and held both of their hands before saying, "Even though I will marry someone someday, I promise that I will never leave your side. We will live together, forever."
Hearing this Douglas and Beth gave a sad smile to her and patted her hands for reassurance.
"Renea, would be a dear and fetch water from the outside," Beth said, when they completed their breakfast.
"Yes, mother," Renea replied, and hurriedly went outside to finish her chores.
After Renea left the room, Beth turned towards Douglas and said, "Please not today. Let her enjoy her birthday. If you want, you can tell her the truth tomorrow."
Douglas signed and patted her hands. He said, "You have always been stopping me from telling her the truth. Beth, she has to know her fate. This way we can protect her."
"I know. But please not today. She is just a child Douglas, I want her to enjoy her childhood as much as she can. I know we have to tell her the harsh truth. And I also know that it is going to break her heart." Beth said wiping her cheeks which were now stained with tears.
"She will not break Beth. Our daughter is a strong girl." Douglas said taking Beth in his embrace.
*********
"Renea come with me to the infirmary. We are going to buy some medicine for your father." Beth hollered making Renea run from her room.
"You can rest mother, I can go fetch the medicines." Renea offered.
"No, It's alright. The doctor has prescribed new medicines. I have to explain the symptoms to the healer so that he can give the correct medicines." Beth explained.
Renea hastily put her coat over her dress and exited with her mother towards the infirmary.
*******
"Alright, you take these medicines with you and go home. I will buy some bread and come back later." Beth said handing the pouch of medicine to Renea.
"Go home directly. Don't wander around." She said seriously reminding her again.
"Yes, mother." Renea pouted.
As Renea started walking towards her home, she saw few houses in flames. She can hear the cries of children and mourning of the women of her village. She was dumbfounded. How can this happen so suddenly? The children were running around, giggling just a moment ago. And now all Renea could see was their corpses.
She watched as a woman carrying her dead child and passing by her side. She wanted to ask her what is going on, but the woman's eyes had lost focus. She was just going on without any thoughts. As the woman passed her, Renea could see a long blade pierced at the back of the woman and blood was oozing from her wound.
Renea gasped in horror. She turned around and started running towards her house by taking another shortcut passage. The attackers haven't reached to her house yet. But they were close and can reach them at any time.
Renea hastily entered her house and latched the doors from inside. She swiftly walked towards her father's side and woke him up.
"Father... Father..."
"What is it dear?" Douglas said groggily.
"The village is under attack father. They are burning houses and killing children. We have to hurry father." Renea said everything in one breath. She stood up to collect the necessary items with her.
"The Masked Troupe," Douglas muttered under his breath.
He looked at Renea with grave eyes and said, "Leave everything Renea and run."
"But father..." Renea wanted to protest but something in her father's eyes stopped her.
"Run," Douglas called out once again.