Moving from place to place is common for Sarai Patal, a nine year old girl. Both of Sarai's parents are merchants who sell a variety of seasonal goods. For example, they buy black pepper when it is harvested in the south and then they go north to sell it while stocking up on silk, which is mostly produced in winter. After spring arrived they went to fruit-harvesting areas and stocked candied fruit while selling silk which was sought after because spring was the season of celebration. And that's what the Patal family keeps doing. Maybe if they are calculated in a year, they can move three or four times from city to city. You could say being a merchant is a profession that "explores" the Edetish kingdom. So, when she and his family decided to move to Nova Mesto, for her it was nothing new and special.
"Sarai, have you finished your breakfast?", Mrs. Patal shouted from the kitchen
"Done!" she replied, showing her clean plate.
"Okay now we can go after dad at the market", Mrs. Patal cleared the dining table and when she finished; she folded her apron. They rent a house that is not so big but quite comfortable.
The distance of their rented house is not so far from the market. And today is the first day; they start to open their booth in the market. Even though it was still early, the atmosphere in the market was already starting to get crowded. Several booths have begun to be visited by visitors who want to buy, including Mr. Patal's booth. Mrs. Patal takes Sarai to walk faster. When she arrived, she immediately helped her husband to serve the buyer. While Sarai was sitting near them playing with her doll but she quickly grew bored. She glanced around. Not far from her was a group of Ragamuffin who seemed to be playing together.
"Mom, can I play with them?", Sarai asked, pointing.
"Sarai remembers what mom said. They are Ragamuffin. Don't play with them.", Mrs Patal shook her head.
Sarai let out a bored breath and tried to pay attention to the others. On her left side, two Vanguards were on patrol. They walked and passed in front of her. One of them smiled and Sarai smiled back too. Sarai straightened her legs while yawning. Her parents are still busy selling and the afternoon is getting busier with visitors. Sarai resumed playing with her doll and only stopped playing when her mother called her for lunch. They had lunch in the inside of the booth together. While they were eating, a customer suddenly approached their booth. Sarai's father rushed out to serve. Sarai peeked from inside the booth to take a look. A nun accompanied by some temple knight was seen looking through the merchandise. It seemed that the nun was interested in buying one of the cloths her father was selling. After paying the nun took the cloth to a palanquin. The nun came in and gave the cloth to the person inside. When the palanquin was parted, Sarai caught a glimpse of a girl who was the same age as her. Her beautiful face stands out in the middle of the market. The girl notices Sarai looking at her. She quickly straightened her hood to cover her face. The nun gave the order for the palanquin to move and the temple knights moved to escort the palanquin. Sarai continued to stare at the palanquin until it was out of sight.
Sarai finished the rest of her lunch then continued to play with her dolls; while occasionally looking at the streets until the afternoon ended and they headed back home.
After cleaning up, they ate dinner and chatted at the dinner table as usual. Sarai's parents are busy talking about their sales today. Sarai listened boredly while occasionally joining in on her parents' conversation. After dinner, Mrs. Patal cleared the table and Mr. Patal was busy calculating with his abacus.
"Sarai. Don't sleep too late. Okay?", Mrs. Patal reminds Sarai who is about to enter her room.
"Yes mom.", She rushed in and closed the door to her room.
In the room Sarai was rolling on her bed when suddenly remember the girl who was beautiful like the fairy tale princesses. The girl that Sarai saw today. Then Sarai took her drawing book and tried to draw her. Sometime she stopped drawing, try to remember the girl's appearance. Finally, her drawing is finished. Sarai looked discontentedly. Sarai stretched her sore body from drawing and fell fast asleep on her bed.
It didn't take long for Mrs. Patal to come in to see her daughter. She looked at the picture of her daughter for a moment then placed it on the table. Mrs. Patal turns off the lamp in Sarai's room then goes back to her room.
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The next morning it went as usual. After finishing breakfast, Sarai and her mother followed Mr. Patal who had already left for the market. It wasn't as busy as yesterday and today Sarai brought a storybook to pass the time. Several times Sarai peeked out of her booth hoping to see the girl from yesterday. But there were no nuns, no temple knights, no palanquins or anything that hinted at the girl. Even until lunch, nothing interesting happened to Sarai. The Patals enjoyed the lunch that day in peace.
"Mom I'm bored. The story book I read was also finished. May I take a walk?", Sarai sulks at her mother.
"You can go for a walk around the market, Sarai if you want.", Mrs. Patal replied while stroking her daugther's head.
"Oh, not interesting. The market is just like that. After all, wherever the city is, I always spend time at the market.", Sarai's answer remained sullen.
"The two of us haven't had a chance to go around town either since we got here. So, we're not sure how safe this city is for you to explore on your own. And we're worried that you will get lost.", Mr. Patal joined the family conversation.
"Come on let me go around town. It won't be long. I will take good care of myself.", Sarai is whining with a pleading look.
After thinking for a moment, Mr. Patal replied, "Hmm...if I'm not mistaken in the middle of the city there is a city library. It's not far from the main cathedral and not too far from here either."
Sarai's eyes immediately lit up, "Why didn't you tell me earlier Daddy. Can I go there?"
"I didn't know you really loved reading, Sarai. In fact, this is the first time I've seen you bring the book like to--", Sarai's father hadn't finished saying yet. Sarai immediately cut his words, "Come on. Can I go there? Please?!"
Sarai looked alternately at her parents with pleading eyes. She was very bored and if that meant she could be anywhere else (even in the city library which she usually didn't interest her in) other than the market she would.
The two parents looked at each other and sighed before finally agreeing to Sarai's wish. Sarai looks happy.
So, after lunch Sarai immediately walked away excitedly.
"Be careful, dear. Don't get lost, and come back here as soon as you're done.", Mrs. Patal watching Sarai leave worriedly. Sarai waved and immediately disappeared from sight.
"Take it easy, Honey. She was only gone for a while and then she went to the library. Nothing to worry about. She's a merchant's daugther after all. She has to learn to explore too eventually.", Mr. Patal said trying to calm his wife down.
"Yes, you're right. I just wish we could give her a better life. Our job forces us to move around and it makes it difficult for her to find friends. If only we could have a more stable home and business. Sigh…", Mrs Patal complained.
"Patient, dear. We keep trying our best until the gods grant our wishes.", Mr. Patal tries to comfort his wife.
The conversation between the two of them stopped because a buyer was looking at their booth. And they are back busy serving buyers.
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Sarai walked cheerfully towards the center of the city where the main Cathedral was towering. Along the way she looked left and right trying to pay attention to what was happening around her. It didn't take long to get to the Cathedral. Arriving there, Sarai looked for the city library not far from there. She found it easily. The city library seemed deserted, only a few people were present. Sarai wandered around in it enjoying her stroll while looking for a shelf filled with books that interest her. She finds a bookshelf filled with old fairy tales that interest her. For a moment she paused and was busy looking at the bookshelf. Until she decided to look at the books on the higher shelves.
She climbed the stairs which happened to be nearby. When she was about to pick up a book to see its contents; Her gaze fell on the person across from her. A girl the same age as her. Her dress, which is made of expensive fabric and white in color, contrasts with the atmosphere of the antique library. The girl seems focused on reading a book in her hand. Sarai recognized her as the girl she saw yesterday at the market. Sarai hastily picked up a book on the shelf and went downstairs. She quietly approached and watched the girl.
The girl is not aware of Sarai's presence. The girl was busy reading her book while occasionally smoothing her hair down. With a serious face, she read the book to the end then put it back on the shelf. Later, she seemed busy choosing the next book she wanted to read. From afar Sarai watched all her movements from behind her book. For a moment, the girl seemed to realize that someone was watching her. She looked left and right but she didn't notice Sarai who was hiding from behind the bookshelf. The girl continued to pick up a book and read it again.
But it didn't take her long to read her book this time. Because from a distance the cathedral bells rang. When she heard the bell, the girl hurriedly put the book she was reading on the shelf. The girl headed to the inside of the library. She passed through a passage filled with paintings to the inner area where there was a small room; filled with old, messy looking books. The girl looked down and headed to the back of the room. Sarai tiptoed, trying to peek out from behind the pile of books. The girl pressed one of the bricks on the wall. There was a soft creaking sound of bookshelves opening a passage behind her. Sarai gasped in surprise. Even though she didn't scream, as a result, the book in front of her was pushed down. The girl looked surprised. As surprised as Sarai was, the girl didn't expect someone to follow her.
"Wh-who are you?", the girl asked with wide eyes.
"I-I'm sorry… I just happened to see you here and I saw how you opened the passage…", Sarai tried to explain frantically.
From a distance, they can hear the footsteps of passers-by. Approaching then away the sound of their footsteps.
The girl said in a low voice, "Please don't tell anyone what you're seeing now.…"
"Wow…but this is amazing. Where is this going?", Sarai replied in an enthusiastic voice.
"Sst..I-I have to leave immediately. Please don't tell anyone", still in a low and panicked voice; the girl tried to run away.
"Can I go in to see where it's going?", Sarai tried to peek into the hallway.
The girl seemed to be squeezing her skirt hesitantly. Concern was looks on her face, "Maybe I can show it…. Tomorrow after Sunday service … meet me here…. you have to come alone. Now you need to get out of here before anyone comes."
"Really? I will come. My name is Sarai. What's your name?", Sarai stuck out her hand but the girl ignored it and walked into the hallway.
There was the sound of footsteps again passing by and going again.
The girl entered the hallway and pulled a hook inside to close the passage. With a pleading look; she said, "Tomorrow. I'll show you where this passage is but promise me you won't tell anyone about this."
"I promise and I hope you will come tomorrow to keep your promise or I will find out for myself where this passage is.", Sarai answered before the door of the secret passage was tightly shut.
Sarai immediately left the place and tried to be as calm as possible as if nothing had happened even though her face was full of excitement. She walked back to the market where her parents were busy tidying up their booth.
At home at dinner, Sarai told that she found an interesting book today and the next day she was going to the library to continue reading it. Her parents looked surprised but enthusiastically they gave permission for Sarai to go to the library and spend time there.
The next morning, the Patal family went to the church of St. Varos for the first time. They were dressed neatly and rushed towards the cathedral in the center of the city. The cathedral looks crowded. After jostling in line to get in, they finally managed to get a seat that wasn't too far back. Sunday service begins. Several times Mrs. Patal nudged her husband, because he was about to fall asleep. Sarai rubbed her eyes trying not to fall asleep either during the sermon. Last night, she tried to sleep fast but her mind was too full of excitement to meet her new "friend" today. So, she just started sleeping a little later than usual. Finally, the priest closed his sermon as well. Sarai breathed a sigh of relief. She had already imagined what she was going to do after this.
After saying goodbye and promising to go straight home after her business was done, Sarai immediately walked quickly to the library. The city library remained quiet as usual. From behind the shelf, Sarai saw the girl who was sitting yesterday waiting for her. The girl immediately pulled Sarai while saying in a low voice, "Follow me."
They headed for a room with shelves and a secret passage. After the shelves opened, they walked into the stone passage. The hallway went up and down and they descended the stairs.
"Where are we going?" Sarai asked, looking around her.
"Soon we will arrive. I'll let you know.", The girl signaled to remain silent.
They walked through an open passage for about fifteen minutes when they finally arrived at an iron gate. The girl opened the gate which led them to a large garden with high ceilings.
"Wow this is amazing…", Sarai looked on in awe as she ran to the fountain in the middle of the garden.
"Where is this? You live here?", Sarai approached the girl and looked at her in awe.
The girl shook her head slowly, "No. This is a hidden area belonging to the church of St.Varos, usually I'm just in my room to study. They didn't let me out of the church area. That's why I didn't want to be caught in the library yesterday…"
Sarai nodded as she raised her hand, "Don't worry your secret is safe. I won't tell anyone."
The girl was silent and looked down.
"Oh, yesterday we didn't get to know each other. My name is Sarai. Sarai Patal. Both my parents were merchants and we just moved to Nova Mesto.", Sarai stuck out her hand.
The girl looked on hesitantly before finally taking Sarai's hand, "My name is Iris…. Both my parents have died. It was the Church of St.Varos that took care of me from birth."
"Sorry for bringing up such a sad thing...", Sarai looked at her with compassion.
"It's okay…after all they died since I was a baby. So, I have no memory of them. It was the priests at St.Varos church who raised me. They are more like my parents...", Iris replied in a low voice.
For a moment there was a sad look on Iris. Sarai who noticed then took Iris' hand, "Alright. Then take me on a tour around this garden. This place is so beautiful. Many plants and flowers that I have never seen."
For a moment Iris seemed taken aback by Sarai's sudden change in attitude before she finally realized what she meant and smiled, "This way I'll take you to my favorite flower."
Iris led Sarai to walk through the motley crowd of plants while occasionally explaining the names of the plants to Sarai. They walked while chatting until they arrived at a small part of the garden that seemed to be filled with flowers in purple, blue and white colors.
"Wow, that's beautiful. What flower is this?", Sarai looks mesmerized.
Looking shyly Iris replied, "The name is Iris flower. Just like my name."
"Wow, cool. I didn't know there was a flower called Iris.", Sarai replied in awe.
"According to the myth, the Iris flower was born from the footprints of a messenger goddess from heaven. Iris flower also symbolizes faith, wisdom and valor. The Church of St.Varos gave me an extraordinary name even though I am only a human being, not a goddess and an orphan either." replied Iris while walking amidst Iris flowers.
"Could it be the name your parents gave you...?", Sarai walked after Iris.
Iris stopped walking and seemed to be trying to remember, "I don't know. I don't remember. All I know since childhood, St.Varos church called me that. At first, I felt strange but over time I got used to it and liked it."
"Beautiful name. I'm sure that's the name your parents gave you. You're like a princess in fairy tales after all, especially when you're riding on a palanquin in the market accompanied by a temple knight.", Sarai recalls their initial meeting in the market.
"Oh right. I still remember when you watched me when I was inside palanquin. That day I went out… because High Priest Carlos granted my wish to see Nova Mesto as long as someone was escorting me and not being conspicuous. That's why I always have to be behind the palanquin", Iris answered slowly.
Sarai grabbed Iris' shoulder, "That makes you look even more like a noble's daughter. Completely different from ordinary children. So, I didn't think you were an ordinary person. Then… are you going to live forever in the church?"
Iris looked thoughtful, "They once said I would stay at St.Varos church unless someone adopted me..."
Sarai looked at Iris with excited eyes, "Then I will ask my parents to adopt you. I would be very happy if we became sisters."
Iris looked unconvinced, "Really?? Your parents will want to adopt me? I mean is that possible?"
"Of course. I'm sure my parents will agree with me. I mean who wouldn't want to have a child like you?", Sarai holds Iris' hand.
"Yes… all this time the priests at St.Varos church have told me that no one has adopted me every time I ask.", Iris replied gloomily.
"Never mind that it's not important. Now I'll have a sister and we can play together. I'll tell my parents when I get home.", Sarai hugs Iris excitedly.
Iris hesitated but she finally returned Sarai's hug with a happy smile. A bell rang in the distance.
Iris immediately let go of her embrace, "Ah…I have to go back to my room immediately."
They went to the iron gate near the fountain.
"When I get home, I will tell my parents about you. I'll come tomorrow after lunch at the library." Sarai hugged Iris before parting and then disappeared from behind the hallway.
Iris ran to another part of the garden which led her to her destination which was the area near the sanctum where she was supposed to be. She crept into her room and closed the door slowly. But a surprise awaits her.
"Ah, you're finally here, Iris."
There was a middle-aged man in a white robe waiting for him. Beside him was a nun accompanying him.
Iris seemed surprised by their presence but she ran happily hugging the man, "Father Carlos, I didn't know you would be visiting today."
"Iris, where have you been? It's rude to let the High Priset wait-", the nun looked at Iris with a worried look.
"Never mind sister Mel. She might be bored in her room and walk in the garden for some fresh air. Please make tea for both of us.", High Priest Carlos prevented the nun from scolding Iris who was hiding behind him.
"Hmm… alright Father Carlos.", replied the nun in a softer voice as she left the room.
High Priest Carlos then sat Iris on his lap, "Oh my Iris. You look so cheerful today. Did anything good happen?"
Iris happily answered, "Father Carlos, you won't believe it. I met someone…and we became friends! And maybe her family will… adopt me!"
"Oh really? That's very good news, Iris. Who is your friend? I'd like to meet your new family candidate.", High Priest Carlos replied with a patient and gentle voice.
"Hmm… about that… I met my friend Sarai at…", Iris seemed hesitant to continue her words.
High Priest Carlos smiled patiently, "Iris, you can tell me anything. I won't scold you… in fact maybe I can help you… just like yesterday when you asked permission to walk around Nova Mesto."
Iris nodded slowly then she told how she met Sarai at the library and how Sarai promised to ask her family to adopt her. High Priest Carlos nodded with a smile while listening patiently.
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Sarai rushed back to her house. Her parents looked at her in astonishment when she arrived home out of breath.
"Mom, can I have a sister? I have a friend who is very very beautiful, I want us to adopt her.", With an out of breath Sarai spoke.
"Slow down. Try to explain from the beginning what happened.", Mrs. Patal came to her daugther with water to drink.
Sarai explains everything that happened. How she met Iris and they spent time in the garden.
Her parents listened carefully and looked at each other after Sarai finished the story.
"So, how's Mom and Dad? Can we adopt it? Please finally I have a sister who can be my friend too. Please???", Sarai looked at her parents with a happy look.
"Honey...adopting isn't that easy...we don't know where she came from and we haven't even met her...we can't possibly adopt her...", Mrs. Patal tried to explain gently.
"Come on, Mom, Dad. She's a good person. I beg her to wait for my answer. Isn't there anything you can do?", Sarai looked at her parents.
"Sarai we can't adopt people who are obscure and we don't know. This is different from caring for a wounded bird you have ever done. We can't afford it anyway…", Mr. Patal tried to help his wife explain.
"Then give it a chance, how about you guys meet her first? Please???", Sarai ignored her parents' explanation and started to whine.
Both of her parents sighed and looked at each other.
"Okay...you bring her here and then maybe…we can talk about it.", Mr. Patal raised his hand in surrender.
Sarai jumped happily, "Yay!"
"Remember Sarai we just want to meet her, see what kind of child she is. We don't promise to adopt her or promise anything. Remember that.", Mr. Patal reaffirms his words to Sarai.
Sarai nodded, "Okay Dad. Tomorrow I'll go see her and tell her what Dad said."
"Well, that's that then. You take a shower first Sarai and after that we will have dinner.", Mrs. Patal ends their conversation.
The next morning, the sun shone brightly. Sarai and her family are doing business as usual. After finishing her lunch, Sarai said goodbye and walked briskly towards the library. Sarai can't wait to meet Iris and convey the news that her parents want to meet Iris.
But her cheerful steps stopped because the library that day was not as usual. The library door was closed tightly. There was no sign of anyone around. Sarai tried to open the door. But the door was locked tightly and didn't budge one bit. Sarai looked around and asked passers-by, hoping to find an answer. All she got was a shake of his head. No one knows why the library was closed that day and when it was reopened.
Sarai walked back to her parents' booth in the market with her face down. Full of disappointment. Her parents tried to comfort Sarai and said maybe the next day the library would reopen. Sarai nodded and smiled hearing that. But only disappointment she found. Because the next morning, she came back to find the library still closed. And the day after tomorrow and tomorrow and the next day the library will remain closed. Sarai hoped to find a message or anything that implied Iris's existence. But there was nothing there but a tightly closed door.
It had been a week since her meeting with Iris and Sarai never missed a visit to the library. Even if it's just passing by to check if the library is open. And it was Sunday, the second Sunday for Sarai and her family to attend at the Cathedral of Nova Mesto. After Sunday service, they walked around the Cathedral area which was crowded with people who had finished worship. Sarai followed her parents unenthusiastically. Her parents seemed to stop to chat with their acquaintances. Sarai looked away from the closed library while dreamily recalling her encounter with Iris which now felt like a dream. Her daydream was shattered when she heard his parents scream happily.
Mr. Patal swung Sarai up, "You heard that, Sarai? Dad just got a business offer and we're finally going to Beverlem. More precisely we will live there! We don't need to move around anymore. Because Daddy is going to open a shop there!"
Port City of Beverlem is a town that Sarai and her family had visited as merchants a few months ago. She and her family really like the atmosphere of the city and plan to live there someday because the city is very lively.
Sarai widened her eyes in disbelief, "Really Dad?"
Her father and mother smiled at each other and looked at each other, "That's right dear. We'll go there tomorrow."
For a moment Sarai was happy to hear that but she remembered she had not yet reunited with Iris. Sarai sighed, "But… what about Iris? I promise to meet her…"
"Oh dear… we have to go as soon as posible because of work…", Mrs. Patal stroked her daugther's head.
Sarai looked at her family, "At least I want to say goodbye to her. Can we meet her? Iris said she lives with the priests at St.Varos church."
Her parents seemed hesitant and confused to fulfill Sarai's request.
"I'm sorry. I overheard your conversation. Are you Sarai Patal who is also Iris' friend?", a nun approaches Patal's family.
"Right. That's me. How's Iris? Can I meet her?", Sarai immediately answered enthusiastically.
"Forgive me. But Iris was currently living with her new family in Lindheim. The day after she met you, her family's relatives were looking for her. They had been looking for her for a long time and had only been able to find her whereabouts now. Her new family hastily brought her back to her hometown. She asked me to pass on this news and an apology for not being able to say goodbye to you Sarai.", The nun answered softly.
Mr. and Mrs. Patal looked at their daugther with pity. Although disappointed to hear that, Sarai smiled with relief, "Thank you for conveying. I'm glad to hear that Iris found her family. Now I can calmly move to Beverlem."
After saying goodbye to the nun; Sarai took her parents' hands and they walked home. Her mind was filled with excitement because they were going to live in the port city of Beverlem.
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The bells in the church rang every morning signaling the time of morning prayer for priests and nuns. Even though Iris is not a nun, every morning she is required to pray in her room accompanied by a nun. After finishing praying, Iris usually spends time in her room by going to school. What is meant is home schooling. Study subjects in general with specially appointed priests or nuns as tutors.
Iris's home schooling usually finished before lunch. After lunch was free time for Iris unless there was an assignment given by priests or nuns. That day, Sister Mel, who was in charge of taking care of Iris, asked Iris to help her tidy up some things in the warehouse. Iris looked out the window for a moment, she wondered if Sarai was still waiting for her in the library. But the voice of Sister Mel broke her thoughts and she was busy helping Sister Mel again until the afternoon. Once finished, Iris went straight to the undercity garden. Her steps however stopped when she arrived at the door near the fountain. Because in front of her appeared several priests who were laying bricks to close the passage.
"Father, what's wrong?", Iris approached to find out.
"Oh Iris. Inside this old passageway something collapsed. We had to close it down.", He replied while still laying bricks.
"Will it reopen? Or is there anyone in it?", Iris asked with a pale face.
The priest shook his head, "We've checked. No one. But because there is a possibility it could collapse again and be dangerous so we have to patch it up and close it."
"I see…", Iris's face went limp.
Her hopes were dashed to be able to go to the library. She walked to her room and lay down. Her eyes stared at the ceiling of her room. She remembered High Priest Carlos' words that if there was a problem, she could tell him. Hope comes back. But High Priest Carlos was an important figure in the church of St.Varos. Not every time he can be found at will. And he didn't come regularly to visit Iris either. Suddenly an idea popped into Iris' head. She remembered that she had written a letter of thanks to High Priest Carlos when he bought her a new book and that Sister Mel had told her that High Priest Carlos was very happy to receive her letter. Iris immediately got up from her bed and her hand started holding the pen. Iris fiddled with her pen for a moment then she started to write. Iris expresses her wish to meet Sarai and hopes to be allowed to go out to look for Sarai and visit her at the market. The bell rang just as Iris finished writing. She put the letter in the envelope neatly. Iris looked at the letter for a moment, silently praying that High Priest Carlos would grant her wish. Iris then leaves her room looking for Sister Mel to hand over the letter.
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It had been five days since Iris wrote a letter to High Priest Carlos. Although there was no news every time she asked Sister Mel about it, she tried to remain patient. Iris believed Sarai was still waiting for her in the library. And this morning at breakfast with the Sister Mel, she was going to ask again.
"Sister Mel is ther-" but before she could finish, Sister Mel raised her finger and told Iris to calm down.
"Iris, I remind you that we are still having breakfast. Finish your breakfast first. And… about your letter. Father Carlos would like to see you after lunch in his office."
"O-Okay Sister Mel.", Iris tried to answer as calmly as possible but she couldn't deny that her heart was jumping with joy.
After breakfast, Iris hugged Sister Mel and thanked her. Sister Mel looked surprised then smiled before leaving the room.
That afternoon Iris sat in front of High Priest Carlos' study with Sister Mel. It seemed that High Priest Carlos was still not done with his guests. They didn't wait long because the door opened and a young married couple came out of the room. And before long the voice of High Priest Carlos called them in. Iris sat nervously, this was the first time she had specifically come to see High Priest Carlos. She felt like an important guest. For a while High Priest Carlos sighed before finally breaking the news.
"Iris about your letter…. I'm sorry Iris I couldn't fulfill your wish to meet Sarai…to be precise…she couldn't meet you.", High Priest Carlos says with a regretful face.
"Why can't she, Father Carlos? Did something happen?", Iris looks worried.
High Priest Carlos sighed, "She and her parents have moved away from Nova Mesto. Yesterday the temple knights went to the market to arrange your meeting, they found their booth empty and according to information from the surrounding merchants they had moved from two days ago."
"I see…", Iris tried to hide her disappointment. There were tears in the corners of her eyes that were about to fall but she quickly wiped them away.
High Priest Carlos and Sister Mel looked at each other. They noticed Iris' sadness. High Priest Carlos came over and stroked Iris's head while Sister Mel held Iris's hand.
"Perhaps this is St.Varos' will. Don't be sad Iris. We at church are also your family."
Iris forced a smile, "I'm fine…you're right…. This might be the best."
"Tok-tok". there was a knock on High Priest Carlos' door.
"Please come in.", High Pries Carlos replied.
A gallant-looking temple knight entered the room. His handsome countenance was accompanied by a dashing physique that was clad in a shining armor.
"Forgive me. I have a guest now. Maybe later in the afternoon I'll visit you again, Iris.", Answered High Priest Carlos while signaling Sister Mel to leave.
Iris and Sister Mel took their leave and left the High Priest Carlos' room. The temple knight glanced at their departure with a cold gaze.
"High Priest Carlos, I brought a report. I've confirmed with my own eyes that the Patals have left Nova Mesto this morning. The Thompsons have also confirmed that they have reserved a place in Beverlem.", The temple knight replied in a deep voice.
"Good, very good. Make sure the Thompson is properly rewarded. It's not wrong for me to entrust this matter to you.", High Priest Carlos replied with a satisfied smile.
The temple knight nodded respectfully and left the High Priest Carlos' room.
In another time and place...
That afternoon Duke Barrington was sitting in the library. Nearby was a cup of tea that was still warm, visible from the faint puff of smoke. Duke Barrington was gazing out of his window when there was a knock on the door as someone entered.
A well-groomed man entered with a husband and wife and their child.
"Your Grace, this is the family I spoke of. Sorry for the delay due to bad weather during the trip.", The well-groomed man replied respectfully.
"It's okay, Dumar. Thank you for escorting our guest all the way here.", The Duke replied in a hoarse voice.
Duke Barrington invited his guest to sit down and Dumar brought some cups of tea for his guest.
An awkward atmosphere pervaded the room.
"Okay. Thank you for accepting Duke Barrington's invitation to come here. You can start the story by introducing yourself,", Dumar opened the conversation.
"Thank you for inviting us. We didn't expect a Duke to meet us. It's never happened before and it's an honour.", The husband replied, turning his head in confusion to his wife. They looked confused and didn't know why they were invited by Duke Barrington.
Duke Barrington took a thin sip of the nearby tea while looking at Dumar.
"Ehem..Please introduce yourselves.", Dumar replied as if he understood the meaning of Duke Barrington's gaze
The husband nervously replied, "Ah yes. My name is Abe and this is my wife, Esther. This is our thirteen years old daughter Sarai. We're the Patals. My wife and I opened a shop in Beverlem."
-end-