5 years later….
It was a very cold day and the snow making everything look white. Including the towering castle of Altamire. Yesterday's blizzard was over but the snow was still falling heavily. Doesn't look like it's going to stop. The cold, piercing atmosphere made people reluctant to wake up even though it was already noon. Altamire Castle stood firm and at first glance there was no visible sign of life. But all that was changed by the shouts at the gate.
"The Count is back! Open the gate!"
The gatekeepers shouted at each other to announce their master's return. It didn't take long to hear the sound of horses approaching. There was a group of people wearing armor racing horses that looked tired. They were Count Garan and the knights under him. They returned home after completing routine inspections at the western border gate.
They were all greeted in the castle courtyard by Countess Amara and her maids.
"Dear, welcome home.", Amara bowed gracefully.
Count Garan immediately got off his horse and hugged his wife.
Suddenly a man approaches them while removing his helmet. His handsome face matched his silver beard even though he was dirty.
"Brother...", Amara looked stunned.
Raul who was now a full-time knight looked different. He looks mature and dignified. Raul served at the western border gate.
Amara saw him about five years ago. Not long after he joined under Count Garan's knight, he offered himself to be assigned there.
"Nice to meet you again, sister. I want to take supply of goods as well as visit you.", Raul bent down and kissed Amara's hand.
"You can talk another time. Now I will rest with my wife.", Count Garan put his arm around Amara and invited his wife in.
Raul nodded politely as he watched Amara and her husband leave until they disappeared from his sight.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The blizzard was raging outside and showed no sign of abating. While at the Altamire castle, Raul tried to fill his time by walking around the castle. Just to look around or even read a book in the library. Sometimes he would also be in the practice room to practice his swordsmanship as well as to warm up.
Until a few days later the blizzard was still going on. Raul delayed his return to the border gate because of it. But that's not all, he hopes to meet Amara before leaving.
But Raul still hasn't met Amara. During the time he spent in the castle, Amara was nowhere to be seen. When there's a chance he saw Amara, she seemed busy accompanying her husband. And Raul could only look at her from a distance.
Today Raul decided to walk in the castle garden because the blizzard had stopped. The snow seemed to be falling slowly making the white garden look majestic. Raul sat in the frozen fountain. He looked up as he took a breath and tried to enjoy the atmosphere.
"Indeed a quiet place is most suitable for you, Brother.", a soft voice greeted him.
Amara seemed to come over to him. She looks elegant in an emerald winter coat that makes her silver hair look strikingly beautiful.
"Finally, I can meet you.", Raul turned his head.
"You look like you've changed, Brother. With the look of your beard, I almost didn't recognize you when I met you.", replied Amara while sitting next to Raul.
"On the other hand, you haven't changed, Sister. Looks beautiful and elegant as usual. Even you still like to read," said Raul, pointing to some books beside Amara.
"Amara just smiled and tidied her hair, "So..how are you? How long were you here for?"
"I didn't think you would be interested in my news, Sister. Because the letter I sent, you never replied to." Raul looked surprised.
Amara didn't answer and turned her face away.
"Is she still upset that I offered to serve at the western border gate?", Raul muttered in his heart.
"I am doing well…perhaps I will return to the border gate if the weather does not worsen again.", Raul continued his words.
"Oh, I see...", Amara sounded disappointed.
Silence between them.
Raul looked at Amara. He watched Amara carefully and patiently. His sister looks a bit skinny though that doesn't detract from her beauty. Her long wavy hair flowed beautifully. At that time, Raul finally realized that he had been fascinated by Amara for a long time. No matter how many times he dodged it, denied it and no matter how high the walls he built. Instantly collapsed and crumbled like dust when he met Amara.
Raul imagined how happy he would be if he wasn't her brother. He could marry her, live together and spend the rest of their lives together. But Raul knew that couldn't happen. Just to see Amara happy, even from a distance. It was enough for him.
"You smile. What are you thinking?", Amara asked softly.
"I just remember when we were little. We played the goddess and her knight not long after we met. And my first duty as a knight was to fetch magnolia flowers. However, I was too short to reach it from below so I tried to get down from the balcony to pick it up. Even though I fall and get hurt but see you smile. I felt it was worth it."
"Yes. I remember. At that time, I thought that I killed you because you didn't move for a while. You have no idea how relieved I was, when you woke up. Most of our childhood was spent playing the goddess and her knights. We play together every day. Explore the house as well as the garden at any time of our free time. I hope ... we can go back to those days …", Amara looked at the falling snow while stroking her hair.
Unbeknownst to them, their hands were holding each other. They held hands while watching the snow falling more and more. they were enjoying the moment.
"Your Excellency, you are here apparently. Count Garan is looking for you.", a maid rushed over to them.
They both let go of their hands at the same time.
Amara immediately got up while carrying her book, "Sorry, Brother. I have to leave immediately."
"Sister, wait. When will I see you again? I want to meet you one more time before returning to the border.", asked Raul while grabbing Amara's arm.
Amara seemed to be in pain and the book she was holding fell.
"I'm sorry. I accidentally surprised you.", Raul hastily picked up the book that fell. But he was surprised when he saw the book that Amara brought. One of the books Amara brought with her had a cover with a skull on it with ancient Latin writing around it. Raul recognized it as a Dark Grimoire.
Amara hastily took it from Raul, "I will try to see you again before you leave. I promise you."
Then she immediately walked away quickly followed by her maid.
Raul looked at Amara's departure with a feeling of trepidation.
"Sister, what are you doing? Why did you bring such a terrible book?", Raul muttered in his heart. His heart was filled with worry. His feeling said Amara was hiding something.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amara rushed to the bedroom. After hiding the books she had brought, Amara prepared to meet Count Garan in his study. But just as she was about to leave the room, Count Garan entered the room.
"Husband, I was just about to meet you..", Amara answered nervously.
"Where have you been?! I've been waiting for you ever since! You know I don't like waiting!", Count Garan approached Amara with a scary face.
"I happened to meet my brother and chat for a while... so I'm late...", Amara walked backwards in fear.
Count Garan violently pushed Amara onto the bed and tore off her dress.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raul was walking back and forth in the library. He tried to find out what Amara was reading while hoping he could meet her. He waited for Amara to contact him again, but for the past two days there was no sign of Amara. Raul bit his lip. He was impatient and decided to secretly visit Amara in her room.
Slowly he opened the bedroom door. Amara was seen pacing in her room while reading the Dark Grimoire. Raul walked towards her.
"Brother...", Amara immediately closed the book and placed it on the table. She didn't dare look at Raul.
"Tell me, Sister, why are you reading that Grimoire? What are you going to do?", Raul asked seriously, holding Amara's shoulder.
"It's..it's nothing.", Amara replied while holding back the pain. This time Raul realized the pain on Amara's face.
"Are you okay?"
"It doesn't matter. I hit the bed when I woke up.", replied Amara still with a face in pain.
Raul held Amara's arm again. Amara covered her mouth to keep from screaming. It was obvious that she was trying hard to endure the pain.
Raul immediately tried to open Amara's sleeve.
There were bruises on Amara's arms. The bruise extends all the way to the shoulder.
Raul looked surprised. Amara looked away, not daring to look at Raul. Raul immediately checked the other arm and found the same bruise.
"Who did thi-..", Raul did not continue his words. He immediately realized who did it.
"That bastard! I'm going to kill him.", Raul looked full of anger.
"Please, Brother. Don't do it...let me explain first...", Amara tried to hold Raul from going. Her face looked terrified.
Raul looked at Amara sharply, "Tell me…Since when?"
Amara fiddled with her fingers nervously, "Not long after you moved to the border gate...He started to show his true nature. No one would have thought that Count Garan was such an abusive husband. Because at the beginning of our marriage, he was like a good husband… everything seems perfect and…normal."
Raul held Amara's hand, "Why didn't you tell me, Sister? You know I would do anything for you."
Amara took a deep breath, "He knows that you are my weakness…He threatens me if I tell you or anyone else…he will harm you. I…can't bear anything bad to happen to you. He's a Count, a commander in chief… he could make you lose your knighthood or… maybe have someone hurt you… I can't let him do that to you…"
Amara approached the Dark Grimoire on the table, "I studied Dark Magic secretly. I'm desperate and I hope I can find a way to kill him…because I'm afraid that at any time he could harm you…that's why I beg you, Brother…don't do anything reckless."
Raul brought Amara's hand to his mouth and kissed it gently, "Sister, I don't care about my position. I'm willing to lose everything to not see you suffer like this. You're the only one I want to make happy."
"Brother...", Tears seemed to drip down Amara's cheeks.
Raul hugged Amara gently so as not to hurt her bruised body. Raul's heart ached. He thought all along he had done the right thing by keeping his distance from his sister. He thought it was the best way. But what happened the other way around. The more he distanced himself, the more he saw his sister suffer.
Raul looked out the window. It seemed that the sky was clear and no snow had fallen that day. Raul let go of his embrace and both hands held Amara's hand.
He looked at Amara seriously, "Amara we both are going to run away now. The weather is sunny today. This is our chance."
Amara looked doubtful, "Where did we run off to? He will hunt us…"
"We are going to infiltrate the Edetish Kingdom. We go through the western border gate. There we can make a fresh start."
The western border gate where Raul served, was the border between the kingdoms of Edetish and Sisilyra which had a less harmonious relationship.
"But isn't that dangerous… I don't want anything to happen to you, Brother…"
Raul shook his head, "I don't care. Imagining you here being tormented. I won't calm down without doing anything."
Amara was silent, looking confused what to answer.
"Or do you prefer me to confront him?", Raul urged Amara.
"Don't do that! Alright… I'll run away with you...", Amara finally gave up.
Amara puts on her coat. Her eyes glanced at the Dark Grimoire that was on the table and decided to take it.
They quietly went towards the stables. Raul hid Amara in the wagon among the piles of things. Then he led the wagon to the gate; acting as normal as possible, so as not to arouse suspicion. Once they were away from Altamire castle, Raul accelerated his wagon.
They arrived at the border gate at dusk.
The knights on guard recognized Raul and allowed him to enter the border gate. Raul spurred his wagon towards the stables and immediately closed the door.
Amara came out of hiding. Raul put the saddle on the horse and told Amara to ride it.
"I will burn this place down. While they're busy putting out the fire, I'll open the gate and we'll run. Now we're going out. Be as normal as you can and use your hood to cover your hair. They may never meet a countess, but if they see your silver hair they might recognize you.", Raul gave instructions.
"Are you ready?"
Amara nodded as she pulled her hood up. Raul lit the torch that was in the wagon and tossed it into the corner of the room where a lot of hay was piled up.
Raul then walked out while pulling the horse that Amara was riding. They walked towards the gate. There were several knights passing by.
"Wait here."
Raul headed towards the side where the gate lever was.
Suddenly from outside came the sound of horses galloping loudly. He peeked through the window. It seemed that several new knights had arrived and one of them was Count Garan.
"Damn. They arrived faster than I thought.", Raul mumbled in frustration.
At the same time a knight shouted from a distance.
"Fire! Fire in the stables!"
The knights immediately ran towards the stables including the guard near the gate. Raul immediately turned the lever of the gate as fast as possible. He put all his might until the handle couldn't turn anymore and hurried away.
Amara seemed to be waiting for him anxiously.
"Count Garan is here. A tight grip.", Raul mounted the horse that Amara was riding and spurred it fast.
They fled as quickly as possible disappeared into the darkness of the forest. Don't know how long they rode the horse. But Raul didn't stop until he decided they were far enough away and arrived around the river. Raul got off the horse and looked around. He narrowed his eyes, trying to find a place for them to take shelter. Not far from there is a cave. Raul tied the horse nearby.
"We rest here."
The cave is not large, just like a basin. Raul collects wood trying to start a fire.
"Let me help you.", Amara cast a spell in a language that Raul had never heard.
Black sparks appeared on the pile of wood. Slowly burn the wood.
"So, this is the result of you learning dark magic?", Raul sat down while warming his hands.
"Funny. I'm still learning. This fire can be useful for everyday life but…not strong enough to kill Count Garan…", replied Amara with a gloomy face.
Amara opened the spell book she was carrying, "I found a spell to summon phantom and can make them kill people. But the spell was very difficult. I can't use it yet. My magic is still weak."
"After all, where did you find a grimoire like that, Sister? Books like that, don't just exist."
"I found it in the treasure room. It seemed that Count Garan's family had always liked to collect ancient and mystical items. But Count Garan never cared. So, he didn't notice when I took it secretly."
Raul took the Dark Grimoire from Amara and closed it, "Don't push yourself too hard, Sister. Rest. You need it. Tomorrow we still have to continue our journey."
Amara nodded and laid herself down. Raul sat at the cave door looking out. He tried to keep watch. But his eyes felt heavy and he slowly closed them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sound of water ripples wakes Raul up. He opened his eyes slowly. It seems morning has arrived. He looked around. Amara is not there. Raul panicked out of the cave.
"Amara! Amara! Sister!", Raul shouted.
But there was no reply. Only the ripples of the river can be heard.
Frantically Raul shouted once again calling for his sister. But when he looked around, he saw that the horse was still there.
"The horse's still there. It's impossible for Amara to get caught.", Raul muttered.
He decided to wait in the cave. Suddenly, someone hit Raul from behind and he fell down.
Raul tried to get up but both of his hands were held by knights.
"Finally, I found you. Where is my wife?!", Count Garan got off his horse and approached Raul. It seems that he and his knights managed to catch up with Raul and Amara.
Raul looked at him with anger, "A bastard like you doesn't deserve Amara!"
One of the knights punched him in the face.
Count Garan held Raul's head, "It's fine you didn't tell me. Your sister will definitely come for you."
Then in a loud voice Count Garan shouted loudly, "AMARA, MY BELOVED WIFE! GET OUT! IF I NEED TO GET YOU, I WILL BREAK HIS HAND. HE WILL NEVER HOLD THE SWORD AGAIN!!"
"DON'T GET OUT, SISTER. WHATEVER HAPPENED. HE WILL NOT RELEASE ME EVEN IF YOU GIVE UP YOURSELF!", Raul shouted with all his might.
"Shut him up!", Count Garan ordered.
The knights beat up Raul.
"YOU SEE THAT'S MY WIFE. IF YOU DON'T GET OUT, YOUR BROTHER WILL NOT SURVIVE!", Count Garan shouted back.
For a moment there was silence.
"Tek, tek."
There was the sound of a twig snapping and Amara coming out of hiding.
"Don't do it...", Raul shook his head when he saw Amara. Raul felt he was so weak and failed.
"Let go of my brother. He's innocent. I forced him to take me.", Amara said with a trembling.
Count Garan immediately raised Amara who was not resisting.
Before leaving, he glanced at Raul.
"Let him live, but break his arm so he can't hold the sword anymore. When you're done, go back to the tent.", He ordered his men.
"No! Don't hurt him! You said you wouldn't hurt him.", Amara struggled trying to free herself. Count Garan mounted his horse and carried Amara away.
Raul tried to get up. Before him stood two knights. His head felt hot and his heart beat fast with emotion. But he must calm down in order to defeat them and save Amara.
Raul immediately attacked and pushed the nearby knight then kicked with all his strength the knight's hand until it released the sword he was holding. The knight gripped Raul's leg tightly. Raul immediately took the sword and swung with all his might until the knight's hand cut off. The knight screamed in pain. Raul did not give a chance, directly pierced the knight's chest. At the same time the other knight also attacked and managed to injure his body. Raul moved back while enduring the pain. The knight swung his sword blindly until Raul stumbled down. The knight swung his sword towards Raul's head. Raul held him back with his sword. They fought each other, pushing their swords. The knight was seen off guard by kicking Raul, Raul drew his sword until it pierced his neck. The knight died while holding his neck which was nearly severed.
Raul caught his breath for a moment then got on the horse. He spurred his horse at full speed in the direction Count Garan went. Raul followed the trail of the horse in the snow. The trail led him to a small campsite.
It seemed to be where Count Garan and his knights stayed last night.
Raul peeked from a distance. Count Garan was seen pushing Amara into his tent. Then Count Garan called his men.
"The three of you check the area around. Make sure it's safe while waiting for the others to come home. I need time with my wife,", Count Garan ordered.
The three of his men nodded and then left the tent area.
Raul sneaked. After making sure there were no knights, he entered Count Garan's tent.
Count Garan was seen tearing Amara's dress, trying to rape her. Amara tried to fight it. But it's useless.
"BASTARD!!" Raul shouted with anger and swung his sword. However, Count Garan swiftly picked up his sword and parried Raul's attack.
"You're still there?! Looks like I underestimated you. I'll take care of you myself.", Count Garan seemed surprised.
They clashed swords for a while. But Count Garan was a formidable knight commander. He attacked Raul steadily and didn't give Raul a chance to breathe. They didn't stop attacking each other and injuring each other even though their attacks weren't fatal. After a while they attack each other and defend; there was no sign of Count Garan weakening. Instead, Raul started to feel tired and his attacks slowed down.
"You are weak! I don't need any help to finish you off!", Count Garan looked at Raul in disdain.
Raul looked exhausted but tried not to be provoked. He realized that what Count Garan had said was not completely wrong. Their levels are indeed different. Raul knew that if he was provoked by his emotions and made a mistake. It wasn't just his life that ended. But the life of someone he loved very much. Raul is determined to win and free Amara from her life of suffering.
Raul picked up his stance and tried to focus. When Count Garan attacked again, Raul rolled away and managed to knock his opponent down, knocking Count Garan's sword out.
Raul immediately swung his sword realizing this was his chance.
However, the calculation is wrong. Count Garan nimbly rolled over and kicked Raul until his sword fell off as well. Count Garan took Raul's sword and immediately attacked Raul.
"Got you!", Count Garan smiled with satisfaction. Raul couldn't dodge.
"I'm sorry, Sister… I'm really useless. I disappointed you…", Raul thought this is his last moment.
!
But suddenly Count Garan's attack stopped and his hand stopped in the air motionless for a moment. Raul didn't waste his chance and hit Count Garan to the ground.
"Magic?!", Count Garan looked around in confusion. Trying to find out who cast the spell on him.
He immediately realized it was Amara who did it.
"You bitch!", He shouted as he got up but his movement was stopped because Raul stabbed him in the shoulder.
Count Garan stumbled backwards and fell with the sword stuck in his shoulder.
Raul fell to the ground.
"Brother.", Amara immediately approached Raul who fell down exhausted.
Raul held Amara's cheeks which were teary with her tears while stroking Amara's hair, "Sister, are you okay?"
Amara nodded and hugged Raul.
"Ha..ha..ha…HAHA!" , suddenly Count Garan laughed.
Raul and Amara looked at Count Garan in surprise.
"Why didn't I notice?! Oh God...I thought it was just family love, affection between brother and sister...But your relationship is more than that, isn't it?! You guys are lovers! That explains why Amara was willing to sacrifice everything for you. Disgusting!", Count Garan spat.
Raul looked furiously "That's better than you! An abusive husband!"
"My relationship with Amara is official! Blessed by the church and sanctioned by many. As for you… no one will acknowledge your relationship!", Count Garan sneered.
"SILENCE!!!", Raul stood up with anger and and dragged his sword. About to approach Count Garan but something stopped him.
A voice was heard outside the tent.
"Your Excellency, we heard a commotion. Are you alright?!", came the voice of a knight from a distance. Accompanied by approaching footsteps.
"Here! I'm hurt! The assailant is here!", shouted Count Garan.
"Brother, we have to leave before they arrive.", Amara asked Raul to leave that place.
Raul nodded and immediately turned to leave. They immediately took the horse and rode it.
"YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ANYWHERE! I WILL HUNT YOU! I AM GOOD FRIENDS WITH THE KING AND I WILL ASK HIM TO CAPTURE YOU AND PUNISH YOU SEVERELY! YOU CAN'T LIVE IN PEACE WHEN I AM STILL AROUND!!", Count Garan shouted as loud as he could.
Raul and Amara raced their horses as fast as they could. They kept on galloping their horses until they arrived at the border gate belonging to the Edetish kingdom.
Like the kingdom of Sisilyra, the border gates of Edetish were tightly closed. But not only tightly closed. At the gate of Edetish there were several guards around him. Raul sneaked up on a guard who was farthest from the others. Raul quickly covered his mouth and stabbed him then pulled him behind rocks and snow. But Raul's body had already reached its limit. He fell to the ground breathless. Amara checked Raul's condition. Raul's body was covered with wounds and bruises. Although there were no fatal injuries, there was bleeding on his body which needed to be treated.
"He's already very tired and that makes things worse… I have to do something,", muttered Amara.
Raul groaned softly trying to get up.
"I can still move ... don't worry, Sister...", replied Raul as if he knew Amara's thoughts.
"Wait.", Amara prevented Raul from standing.
Amara sees the knight Raul injured. Even though the knight didn't move, he was still breathing. The knight is dying.
Amara raised her hand and cast an incantation on the knight. While the other hand she pointed to Raul's back. There was energy coming out of the knight. His eyes were white and his body was aging. Soon it shrank and became dust in the wind. All that was left were his clothes. The life energy flows out towards Amara and ends in Raul's body. During the spell, Raul's eyes were black and he was in a semi-conscious state. Raul's condition only returned to normal after Amara finished chanting the incantation. He felt his body not as tired as before. His condition seems to be improving even though he has not fully recovered. But at least he was able to hold on than before.
"Feeling better?", Amara checked Raul's condition.
Raul nodded while moving his hand that was very stiff before, "What are you doing, Sister?"
"I took that person's life energy. And give it to you. If I strong enough, I can suck the energy directly without needing to weaken the person first.", Amara wiped the sweat from Raul's face.
Raul peeked out. There was a small door through which the guards who were on guard came in and out.
"We will enter through that door. I tried to get in first. Once it's safe, I'll call you. I'll change clothes first.", replied Raul while taking the knight's clothes earlier.
Amara helps Raul change clothes.
"Brother, can I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
Amara was lost in thought, "Do you think Count Garan is still after us…?"
"He won't be able to catch up when we're at Edetish. There we need a new identity to eliminate our identity as nobles from the Sisilyra kingdom."
"I do not mind. I think…I know what name I want to use."
Raul chuckled, "Really? That quickly you threw away your name?"
Amara nodded, "My name will be Morrigan…you remember the fairy tale characters we played as children? I took it from there."
Raul choked and laughed a little.
"You're laughing. Is it strange?", Amara looked hesitant.
Raul who had finished changing clothes, approached Amara.
"No. Whatever you choose, as long as you like it. I don't mind.", replied Raul while holding Amara's cheek. Trying to convince Amara's decision.
"What about you? Do you want to change your name?"
Raul pondered for a moment, "Hmm… I guess, I will use my mother's family name."
"I'm not surprised. I think it suits you brother.", Amara smiled meaningfully.
Raul smiled to hear that. Then they walked over to the door.
Raul sneaked inside after making sure no one was around. He gestured for Amara to follow him.
In the hallway it looks deserted. Only occasionally did knights pass by. They immediately entered an empty room whose door opened and closed the door. Raul peeked out the window. Seems like there's a lot going on outside.
"I'm going to go out and have a look. Hide here. I won't be long."
Amara nodded, "Be careful..."
Raul was about to open the door but he paused for a moment and turned to kiss Amara's lips slowly. Raul slowly let go and looked at Amara.
"Is it weird? Do you not like me kissing you?"
Amara smiled. She noticed Raul's nervousness, "No. It's just… it's the first time you're the one who kiss me first."
Raul smiled and this time he kissed Amara's forehead and left the room.
Raul circled around there while watching everything. It wasn't much different from the border gate in Sisilyra Kingdom. There seemed to be some priests who were visiting and doing healing and blessing services there. That was why the knights seemed to be gathering there.
Raul's gaze fixed on the top. There was a wooden crate on the second floor that was about to fall onto one of the priests.
Raul's reflex pushed the priest. While swinging his sword.
The wooden crate bounced.
For a moment Raul was surprised because he did not expect his strength to be able to do that.
"Thank you for saving one of us. It's amazing what you did.", a priest who seemed to be senior to the others approached Raul.
"It doesn't matter. I happened to see it.", Raul nodded as he walked away
"I've never seen you before. Are you new here? Interested in joining our temple knight? Incidentally we need someone like you.", the priest followed Raul walk.
Raul didn't answer and kept walking.
"It's a waste if you just become a knight and only to guard the borders. With your abilities you can have a better future.", the priest continued his words.
Raul stopped walking and turned.
"That offer…can you explain in more detail. Like what and who do I work for?"
The priestess smiled broadly, "May I know your name in advance, Young One? Just to make it easier for me to explain."
Raul was silent for a moment before finally deciding to answer, "Raul…Raul Lenzales."
But they had not had time to continue their conversation, when suddenly a scream was heard not far from them. Raul immediately recognized the screams.
"There's an intruder here! Say who you are!", an Edetish knight roughly pushed Amara down.
Raul immediately ran and tried to protect Amara with his sword. Soon the two of them were surrounded by the Edetish knights who glared at them furiously. One of them tried to attack with his sword. Raul parried him and knocked him back.
"Please this is not necessary! Let us go from here. We are nobody and we don't have any malicious intent!," Raul shouted while pointing his sword but didn't attack.
Several Edetish knights appeared to start attacking. But Raul managed to fend off every attack. He was desperately trying to defend themselves.
But in the end, he also lost in the face of mob attacks from the Edetish knights. His sword let go and he was beaten heavily. Amara screamed at the sight of her but she couldn't do anything because the Edetish knights held her.
"Who are you? Are you a spy from Sisilyra? What are you doing here?", an Edetish knight asked after being satisfied with beating Raul.
With a cough full of blood, Raul tried to answer.
"Please let us go…. we just want to start a new life here….At least let go of my sister…I'm willing to do anything…even become your slaves…", replied Raul in a weak voice.
The Edetish knight was about to swing his sword but the senior priest who had been talking to Raul earlier stopped him.
"Are you willing to do anything? Whatever it is? Even betrayed Sisilyra, your birthplace?", the priest asked in a serious tone.
"I no longer have a relationship with Sisilyra. Even to be your dog, I am willing. I give my word. As long as… both of us can live. At the very least….let my sister alive. She deserves a better life in Edetish.", replied Raul weakly before finally fainting.
Amara tried to free her grip from the Edetish knight's hand. With tears in her eyes, she tries to reach for Raul who has fainted.
Amara used her black flame magic. Even though it was only a small flame that momentarily formed, it made the knight who was tightly holding her hand startled and loosened his hold. Amara immediately approached Raul and hugged him.
"Y-You what.. what did you just do?, The knight shouted while pointing at Amara.
"All right. Tie them both. I'll take them away. They now belong to the church of St.Varos. I need some knights to accompany me.", The priest said in a firm voice.
"Bu..But..Father Carlos...they..", a knight seemed to protest hearing the priest's decision.
"Do you dare defy the voice of God? Against the church of St.Varos? Have you forgotten what we did for you?", the priest replied fiercely.
The Edetish knights remained silent, not daring to argue and they immediately carried out the priest's order.
Raul and Amara were handcuffed and put into the prisoner's carriage. The carriage carried them away from the border gate. Amara tried to peek out from the bars of the window. But because the windows were too small, there wasn't much to see other than the trees and snow. Amara looked at Raul who was beside her. It seems that Raul is still unconscious. She then tries to clean up Raul's wounds. The carriage running at a steady speed took them away in a westward direction.
In silence, Amara prays…with all of her heart....so that they both can go through everything and stay together forever. Inseparable
A few years later…..
There was a sound accompanied by the sound of a sword slashing. Over and over again. The temple knights were training that afternoon. Exercises that are held regularly; to train the Temple Knights' discipline. After the main training was over, the Temple Knights were given the freedom to train on their own. Some of them practice with a training dummy or practice with their friends.
A group of knights seemed to be resting and chatting. They talked about the hot news at the time.
"They said the prince of the kingdom of Sisilyra would come to visit Edetish..."
"Is it true? Does that mean that Edetish and Sisilyra's relationship will improve?"
"After a long break up and closing the border gates for years, Will it be reopened?"
"I heard that it wasn't the Prince who came but the nobles who represented the Sisilyra kingdom..."
"Some say the royal family asked the church of St.Varos to help this peace process run smoothly."
Yes, news or rather rumors about members of the Sisilyra kingdom visiting the Edetish kingdom on diplomatic matters is in full swing. However, all of them are still overlapping, and the truth cannot be ascertained.
"Instead of you guys talking about uncertain news, it's better for you to go back to training.", someone approached the group of temple knights earlier. That person was Raul the temple knight commander of the St.Varos church.
"Yes Sir!", the temple knights immediately bowed respectfully.
Raul glared at the temple knights before finally walking away. Raul's daily tasks that day were actually finished. He just monitored his troops before going home. Raul walked to the north towards a tower. That is where he lives. When Raul opened his room which was at the top, he saw a beautiful silver-haired woman looking out the window. Raul approached her from behind and embraced her affectionately while kissing her shoulder.
"You've returned. Have you finished your business in Lindheim?"
Amara sighed while still looking out of the window, "It's just a normal business that my patron asked."
"Is there a problem? It seems that something is bothering you.", asked Raul while still kissing Amara's shoulder.
"Not really. But…I heard something."
"Tell me.", Raul brushed Amara's hair and kissed her other shoulder.
"The rumors about the representative from kingdom of Sisilyra visiting Edetish seem to be true...It is not known who will represent. It seems...that the feud between Edetish and Sisilyra is coming to an end and their visit is to discuss the peace agreement and their plans for cooperation. Including… the possibility of opening the border gate between the two. Although don't know when it will happen."
Raul stopped kissing then walked to the table to pour a drink.
"Are you worried?"
"I was thinking…is he still alive? Is he still hunting us?"
Raul sipped his drink until it was empty. He walked to Amara's side and held her hand, "I definitely won't let anything happen to us."
Amara turned to Raul while holding his cheek, "I know."
They then share a passionate kiss.
-end-