I thought my life was ending. I closed my eyes and waited for my unfortunate fate. At a sudden moment, the gods bestow upon my salvation. It was a dark-haired man. His skin was so white and bright in a way that it could be compared to a full moon. He hid under those sad emerald eyes so many dark secrets. My guardian angel was so mysterious and terrifying, still, I felt a little touch of kindness in his heart. He wasn't a muscular big man, in contrast, he was short and frail. Yet his presence was breathtaking.
I asked him for his name but he never answered. I tried to think of a way to make him stay by my side. I gave him my mother's necklace but he refused. That's it, I won't be able to meet him once again. He is leaving, leaving towards the forests. May the gods be ever in his favor for the whole eternity.
I couldn't wait to see my sister's face after hearing my story. I bet she will be interested.
I rushed to the barn's door, passed through the cows, and lighted the place with a candle. I reached the corner with light steps, to not wake the farm animals, took away the straw, and grabbed a key from my pocket. I then opened the basement door and looked for Amanda.
I called her name but she didn't answer. Called a second and a third time, still got no reply.
I was afraid that this day will come. The day when I'll call my sister and won't get an answer.
Amanda was everything I have left. Our father left us when I was born. As for my mother, she was murdered. My sister was taking care of me during all of this time.
I stumbled through the walls and found my sister's body laying on the floor. I tried so hard to chase that dark idea, that my sister's fever took her down. As soon as I put my hand on her forehead, I heard a gentle voice answering me.
" What do you want lord Terric? "
She opened her angelic blue eyes and looked at me.
" Why are you crying? Is something wrong? "
I answered while sobbing:
" I was afraid you'll leave me. "
My sister held me in her arms and chuckled:
" You silly. I will never die, not until you become a lord. "
" Do you promise? "
" Yes, I promise. "
Amanda was so pretty, she took after our mother. Her dark glittering eyes and her brilliant straight hair.
I was always prepared to do everything just to see her blissful smile.
I told her the whole story, about the guards, the strange man with the mark. We continued our night laughing and playing with each other.
Unfortunately, delighted moments never last long. The morning, we heard the villagers breaking into our place. They took us by force and carried us into an old house.
The people we used to eat and share our laughs with are betraying us for the army.
Old man Vincent gazed at us with a sad look and babbled some words:
" I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry..."
He then left us alone in this begrimed room.
After a few minutes, a skeleton-like man entered. He had no hair at all. His eyes were radiating torture and painful death vibes. Amanda, as soon as she saw this man screamed.
" Amanda, what's wrong? "
" Thi-i-i-i-s m-a-a-a-n. "
I've never seen that look on her before. She might be very terrified of that skeleton guy.
" He-l-l-l-l-p! "
The skeleton's face had a wicked evil grin and his black eyes widened.
" I see that you recognize me, slut. "
What's wrong with this guy? And why does he look like that?
" Terric! This man is SIR BALDRIC! "
I pissed my pants when I heard that name. Sir Baldric, the duke's brother and the executioner of the traitors. He is the commander of Zarac's prison and is well-known for torturing people for fun.
I hid behind my sister while trembling in fear.
Sir Baldric approached me and grabbed me by my hair.
" Leave him alone! "
Amanda tried to defend me. Sir Baldric punched her with his left fist.
" You wait for your turn, peasant! "
I felt my head skin is being torn apart and Amanda was spitting blood from her mouth.
" Listen, kid, I will give you a chance to save your ass. I want you to tell me who that dark-haired guy was. "
I answered honestly:
" I don't know him. I swear! Just leave my sister alone please. "
" A peasant dares to lie to his master. "
He punched my stomach. The pain I felt was fatal.
The cruel man released me and pulled my sister's hand. He drew his sword.
" I think you don't need that finger right? "
He cut one of her fingers with his golden longsword. I couldn't stand Amanda's scream and agony. Her blood never stopped flowing.
" One more chance, pig. "
" I was telling the truth, my lord. I swear! "
I begged him so much but he just cut another finger with cold blood.
" TERRIC PLEASE TELL HIM! "
" I will split her arm next. Your last chance kid. "
Please, gods. I can't think of a way to escape this horrifying situation. My sister's fate is depending on my next answer. If I failed, I would have killed her just like our mom. I hate myself, despise myself. I am the worst scum ever.
He grabbed her arm and was ready to cut it.
" STOP! " I screamed.
He looked at me with his demonic eyes waiting for a proper answer.
" I can get you to him. "
" And how would you do that? "
" I gave him my mom's necklace. I can find him with it. "
I knew I was lying but I couldn't help it. I had to save my sister.
" Does that pendant have some sensory abilities or what? "
" I have a bond with it. Also, it is very unique. "
" I see. Follow me, kid. "
" But my sister. "
" She will stay as a prisoner. "
" Terric, don't leave me. "
" Guards! Get her to the carriage. "
" Please, don't harm my sister. She has nothing to do with this. "
" That depends on your credibility kid. "
" Please I will do anything for your favor my lord. "
" Do you use Aether? "
I didn't know what he was talking about. I never heard that term before.
" Fuck me. Why am I asking a peasant that? "
He gave me a shining stone.
" Keep this with you. It will help us communicate. Also remember, if you lose or break the stone, your sister will be killed instantly. "
" I will keep the stone all along my journey, my lord. "
" Great, now piss off! "
He kicked my butt with his foot. I didn't know where to start or how to find that guy. I just lied. What if I escaped? They will kill Amanda. But am I able to find him?
I took my luggage and while I was leaving, the villagers were watching me with down eyes. I wanted to swear at them but I remembered my promise to Amanda, to never swear again. Actually, who cares? Those people are scums:
" Fuck you all. I hope you all get burned and die with pain. "
I felt great satisfaction, it's like a burden was released from my chest.
My next destination will be Greenhand. I felt tired and couldn't continue. I tried to look for a house in the forest. Luckily I saw smoke behind the massive trees.
I was right, it was a house. I could've smelled grilled pork.
I knocked on the door, I wanted to ask politely for shelter and food and if things got worse, I will trade the necklace. Unfortunately, no one answered. I took a turn around the house and found the windows opened. If I don't sneak in, I will be eaten by wolves at night.
I entered the house, I saw a long table with delicious food and drinks on it. There were many paintings on the wall but one of them caught my eyes. It was the same table with many kids sitting on the chairs and eating, however, their faces were blurred. An adult was sitting next to them. He had a very long beard and very thick and hairy eyebrows. He also had very long and pointed ears.
After taking a detour at the house I decided to eat because I was starving. The food was delicious and warm. I poured wine into my glass. No one is looking and I don't care anymore if it is not appropriate. I'm living alone now, this is my chance to try many grown-up things. I drank the wine and it tasted good. I thought wine's taste is usually bitter but this one is sweet.
Suddenly, something strange happened when I finished my glass. The wine appeared from nowhere and so the food. I had the urge of eating once again and no matter how much I eat the food was popping up and I was still starving. I couldn't stop and I was getting fat. I heard a masculine voice from the strange painting and saw myself drawn beside those kids. Only my face was not blurred.
" What a wonderful feast for today. "
The same man appeared from the painting, long beard and thick eyebrows. I tried to run but my body was heavy. I wasn't used to this fat body so I fell. The man on the other hand grabbed a long kitchen knife and licked his lips in appetite.
" Those kids in the painting. Did you killed them all?"
" I digested them. But you boy, you sound very delicious. "
I finally recognized that man. I thought it was a myth Amanda made up so I won't run in the forest again. The ogre of The wretched forest. He eats runaway or lost kids.
I'm screwed. If I die now, Amanda will die as well. I tried begging for my life.
" Salty food is the best. " That's what he answered.
Now, no guardian angel will save me, and I can't make any lies to escape this situation.
I found broken glass on the floor. I took it and threw it at the man. Bingo! I hit his eye. The man turned angry while I jumped from the window. Suddenly and out of nowhere, he appeared in front of me and slashed my eye.
" How do you feel now when your eye is hit, kid. "
I couldn't see anything but felt the knife tearing my leg. Screamings of agony won't help me. I lost my leg and crawled into the nearest cliff. My last hope of surviving was to jump into the river. I threw some sand to his eyes and crawled with all my strength to reach the cliff. And the moment I tried to jump, I felt an arm pulling my remaining leg. I felt the same pain again and my left leg was cut.
I see. I wished a painful death to the villagers but the painful death was my fate. All the little life I lived, playing with kids my age, returning home and hugging my mom, losing her, and losing my remaining sister. All those tragic events were just a trailer for my agonizing death, being cut part by part and getting eaten alive.
In the end, fate always takes everything away from me. It's always like this. I get a grasp of hope and then it comes back to me.
With my remaining eye, I saw the erection look at the man's eyes as he was ready to strike my heart. My fate is finally catching up with me. I have to repent for what I did to mother and Amanda.
Before the man could end my life, I heard a feminine and gentle voice coming from his mouth:
" Are you alright, boy? "
I woke up and found a pretty lady with grey eyes and red hair looking at me. She was wearing only sleepwear. I could see half of her boobs and her intimidating snow-white legs.
I regained my senses and thanked the gods it was just a nightmare.
The young lady was waiting for me to answer.
" I had a nightmare. I'm sorry if I disturbed you, my lady. "
" You are well-mannered comparably to other peasants kids. "
" My sister taught me ethics. "
" I see. "
" Can I ask where are am I? "
" You are at my place. "
" How? "
She looked at me with a perplexed look that only made her look even prettier.
" You broke into my house and begged for food and shelter. At first, I refused but then you began crying until you passed out. "
I smirked because I knew I would have done that. She asked me:
" Why a boy like you is going alone in the woods? "
" I'm looking for a family friend. "
I had to lie because I didn't want to reveal his identity or mine.
" So, you are running through the woods alone, looking for a family friend. "
" Yes, I'm not lying. "
" I see. "
" Yes. "
Fuck, why am I terrible at lying? She gazed at me for a moment and spoke:
" So, where are you headed? "
" To Greenhand. "
" Great! I am heading there too. Wanna come with us? "
" Us? "
I heard a strange voice from behind the door.
" Lady Aerith, is everything alright? "
" You can come in. "
A grey-haired butler and multiple maidens appeared in the room.
" Don't be scared. Those are my servants, they are here to assist us. "
" Who are you? "
" Oh, my manners. My name is Aerith Weinberg. I am a Marquess. What's your name, boy? "
" I am Terric. "
A Marquess. How I end up with a Marquess, the second most powerful title after a duke. Plus, she was so cute. If only she was my age, I would've asked her to be my wife.
" What's with that look, boy? "
" Nothing, nothing. "
The old butler opened the doors of the marvelous carriage.
" After you, my lady. "
" Oh, let lord Terric go first. "
I couldn't get my feet on the carriage, it was so massive.
" Can I, my lord? "
He requested to give me a push and I accepted. After we sat down, he gave me a cold juice.
" Do you like the juice, lord Terric? "
I remembered Amanda because she was the only one who called me that way.
" Yes, I love it. Thank you very much, my lady. "
" Glad you liked it, my lord. " She chuckled.
" Why are you laughing? "
" It's just, you're so adorable. " She played with my cheeks while I put her hands away.
" Please, stop. "
After a long journey, we reached Greenhand. The city was big and flourishing. I could hear the sound of drums and flutes. The people were living happily.
" Welcome to Greenhand, lord Terric. "
Her smile was attractive so much. I wonder how a cute lady like her is not married or is she?
" It is so beautiful. "
" Well yes, it is. It's a city for the commoners and nobles. You see that giant statue of a hand. "
" Is that a statue? I thought it was a tree. "
" It was so old that plants are grown on it. "
" So that's why the city has its name: Greenhand. "
" I'm afraid my lord this is not the only reason. "
" Really? "
" The statue was built by the first men 5000 years ago. It was an homage to Uius, the god of nature and harvest. Sadly only the hand remained after all these years. "
" Woah! It was a gigantic statue. Just look at how huge the hand is. "
" That is the power of the human race. We can achieve anything we want. "
I was surprised by her saying:
" The human race? "
" You didn't know? There are other races besides humans. "
" And where are they? "
" They were banished from our continent in the second great war. "
" Are they good? "
" I don't know, boy. No one knows because we didn't leave in that era. But one thing I'm very sure of it is that you will always find evil and good in life. "
" You are very kind, my lady. You can't be evil. "
" I���m not sure about that either. And boy, you can call me Aerith. We're friends now right? "
" Of course. " I smiled at her.
" Let's ask about your guy. "
" Sure, Aerith. "
Mr.Alan, the butler helped me get off the carriage and we began questioning people: A dark-haired young man with emerald eyes and a mark on his left arm.
After long searching, we never got any pieces of information. Suddenly, when I nearly lost hope a young man came to us.
" Sir Alfred: the hotel owner wants to talk to you. He recognizes your guy. "
Finally, some good information. I was so excited to talk to this Sir Alfred.
We entered and there was a fascinating scene unfolding before me. High-quality furniture and huge ceramic walls contained several paintings and sculptures. That is definitely a noble's hotel.
As we passed through the rooms, we crossed a giant door made of ruby and had crimson curtains on it.
The young man knocked on the door.
" Sir, I brought the strangers. "
A voice answered from behind the door:
" Yes, come in! "
The giant door was opened and an old man with a stick was sitting on an argent chair. He could see the whole city from his balcony.
" So, you were asking about a young man, with dark messy hair, green eyes, and a mark on his left arm? "
I jumped:
" Yes, exactly sir. "
" He rented our finest room for three nights. Only he stayed for one and left. "
Three nights in this fancy hotel? That young man must be so wealthy. The old man added:
" He also left this black coat. Do you want it? "
I affirmed:
" Yes, please. "
We took the coat and left the hotel. As I searched the coat for any useful thing I found a piece of paper.
I opened the paper and found a text written on it:
<< The reunion of the two lovers >>
And there was a small word on the bottom of the paper:
<< Moonlight >>
" What's this? I can't understand it. "
Lady Aerith suggested she see the paper and yes, she solved the puzzle successfully.
" He means the story of the forbidden love of Tice and Sona. "
" Tice and Sona? "
She unfolded a map.
" Look, those are the two neighbor lands: Tice and Sona named after the most famous couple through the history of Nuabya. "
" I don't know them. "
" Before Nuabya became unified by The Great Salamander. There were conflicts and alliances between separated lands. And from those conflicted lands there were two. Those two lands were in a long war that lasted for two decades until two of their people fell in love with each other. Tice and Sona. Thus, they were the son and daughter of the two leaders. They both committed suicide as they were surrounded by enemies from both sides. They died while holding each other's hands in the sea. This scene awakened the hearts of the people and encouraged them to stop the meaningless war. As a tribute to those two lovers, they named the lands after them: Tice and Sona. They also named the sea that separates the two lands by the forbidden sea. "
I enjoyed the story. Lady Aerith does know a lot of interesting things. She continued explaining:
" Tice and Sona's crossing is the seaport of Landnor. "
" And what is the meaning of midnight. "
" It's the time where the man will be there. The couple ended the war after two decades. That means we will find him there, after two days from n-. Now, it's been already one day. We will find him tomorrow at Landnor's seaport when the moon rises. "
" Can we make it on time? "
" Leave that to me, boy. Come on, hop in. "
The carriage departed. As I was tired I wanted to sleep and lady Aerith gently pulled my head to her lap.
" Now try to get some rest. "
She had a familiar warmth in his hand. Same one as my mother's. I'm glad I met her.
I got waked up by a gentle voice once again.
" Lord Terric. We reached our destination. I hope I didn't disturb your slumber. "
" Oh, no. You didn't Aerith. "
She looked at Mr.Alan while speaking:
" You can leave us, sir Alan. "
" Very well, my lady. "
The carriage left. What does she thinking? Is she serious? How can we stay in this silent place alone in the night?
The evening occurred as the moon rose. On top of a hill, I could see a young man sitting and watching the moon. He had dark hair and was wearing a black coat.
As soon as the man noticed us he rushed towards us and in a blink of an eye, I found myself carried by him while his shoulder was hurt.
I saw Aerith's facial expression changed into a scary one as she was grabbing a sai*. The young man shouted:
" STAY BEHIND ME. "
He drew his red stone dagger and added:
" Do you want to die that badly, Emma? "
*sai is a Japanese traditional melee weapon used for stabbing.