~ I noticed this patio Amelia wanted to show me. Was beautifully decorated with planters and different flower species colored in reds, yellows, blues, purples, whites, lilac, silver, gold and so much more. It also had a comfortable cushion swing, hanging from above the lowly placed baloney.
I looked around as Amelia continue speaking. "You smiled so brightly when I rocked you in the swing. You loved looking at this white purple tree flower that blossoms weekly."
The tree was short but when you sat down, I guess, it would appear tall to an infant's eyes. Two small trees sat between the swing on both opposite sides. The flower tree looked like a small tree yet flowers of white and purple dazzled it, while it grew in arch formation. It was lovely, I thought and walked up to the flower tree. Instantly I took in the scent of the flowers.
Right away the scent of this flower tree smelled familiar to me. It was like a long-lost memory had suddenly hit me. My surroundings suddenly felt hazy. The flowery scent passing into my nose made my head feel like it was spiraling out of control. I was starting to feel lightheaded and slightly faint enough. That I had to step myself back from it. This was too much for me right now. I felt completely lost like my real life was stolen from me.
But I pushed that thought away. I just need to stay focused here. It has to be a trick to try getting me comfortable enough, so I trust everybody. This way I will stay here for whatever unknown reason. With Cory keeping me locked in his room. Who knows when I'll be allowed outside again, I speculated would be slim.
I looked further out into the gorgeous meadow and woods. "What about beyond the garden?" I innocently asked Amelia, "I've never seen a meadow or forest. From being confined to limited spacing and hardly ever allowed to look out windows."
First, she gives me a look of sadness, "Soon that is going to change." Amelia said, "Once Cory feels you are already."
I just nodded.
Then Amelia added with a smile, "It is beautiful out there but there's nothing out that way." She explained, "Sometimes the boys will play sports in meadows. Our family has owned so much territory over the time periods. We have so much property, buildings businesses, Mansions, and Palaces the list goes on. Cory even gained us new property.
With a curious tone, I asked, "How does he do that?"
Amelia replied, "He either bought it, traded for it, or goes to Battle. By the code, there are two forms of Battles."
"What are the two forms?" I asked kinda wondering.
As she further explained. "First form is just attacking another enemy on their land to either take it or the ones living on it. Sometimes it's not always about claiming the land but rather about capturing the women and children."
"That sounds trouble," I said uneasily.
As she continues, "Yes it is but for the claim of the territory. If the attacker wins then they claim the land and whatever is on it. If the ones who were attacked win. They get to keep their land. The second form of war is for a whole take over. That can last a lifetime until someone falls or forfeits."
I was rather speechless on this one. I couldn't imagine the horror to go through it.
Then Amelia said sadden as she took a seat on the swing, "Me personally, I don't like Cory going to battle or attacking any Kingdoms. Yet, it's the thing Kingdom men do. They train the boys to be warriors and it never stops. We weren't always the Highest Ranked Kingdom. For us to keep the Highest Ranked Kingdom attacks are required. I come from the Highest class Kingdom which is considered to be weaker. We are more into competitions and competitiveness."
"I'm sure it must be hard," I stated with care from seeing her sadness. "Which form of Battle are you in now first or second?" I asked partly nervous to even ask.
Amelia replied leaving out her son's true horrid nature. "The first one Cory attacks for sections of land. The last war we had was after Cory was born. It continued and that's how we lost you." She paused in her words for a second. Then said pretty much weeping in guilt. "I never would've placed you in that nursery. If I would have known someone plotted to kidnap all the infants."
I didn't know what to say. It took me a second to gain my thoughts to see her sorrow. And took a seat beside her on the swing.
"Did you ever find out who took me?" I somehow managed to choke up.
Amelia softly replied. "No my husband and our Primary King at the time, known as Grandfather Phil never did. To this day that is an unknown mystery."
Again Amelia looked deep into my eyes. "Sally, you should know we looked for you. You have no idea how much joy it's brought me to have you back home with us."
I said nothing because there wasn't anything I could say. I only gave a faint smile, remaining silent. Until Amelia's phone rang as she pulled it out of a tiny pocket from inside of her dress. I saw her pull out a thin rectangle shape pink device. She then tapped the screen and the phone folded out into a larger rectangle shape.
Looking at the screen, Amelia said smiling. "Give me a second to let me take this call, it's my husband. I'll just be a minute."