Estes' POV
The day was slowly ending, the sky was somehow brownish rather than orange as the sun slowly take its time to hide. So much things happened, which I wish to be forgotten, or perhaps be just a dream. It was getting colder as the sky gets darker. The day was ending. I inhaled deeply and sighed, no matter what, I must be strong.
'There are still things that I must finish, and someone that I must capture.'
I have my mind resolved. I took off and left the Cat behind, whether he follow me back or not, does not matter. The day was long and tiresome, I must rest to welcome another day. I walked a few moments and a carriage came unto me. The carriage was rather old, but it was sturdy, the same goes to the coachman, the horse was quite healthy and docile. I petted its head and prepared to listen to a question I knew was coming.
"Young lad, I saw that you needed a ride. Where might be your destination?" The old man's hoarse voice made me look up at him, he seemed to have just cried. He averted his gaze, his eyes were red and so are mine(I knew). I stepped inside the carriage and opened up the curtain behind him which is behind me too, as to have a small conversation. He started to lead the carriage without my guidance as to where I was meant to be going.
"Someone died because of me..." I said, I felt my lips trembled and my eyes lowered to my clenched hands. "I was to blame.... I trusted that they were strong enough to hold out for long.... It was a mistake.... My mistake... I didn't mean to do it, but I do want them dead(Ms.C)..... They died, I killed him..." I was crying.
"Don't cry young man, this old man too have made mistakes, big ones, ones that cannot be forgiven, I cannot be redeemed for this sin. You see, I have a friend..... And I, as evil one can be, has betrayed him. I had asked for forgiveness, and he did accepted so, 'as long as you feed me supper every night' said he. Driven by guilt I have accepted, and thought it was kind even. However! Oh goodness no....(Sighs) It was a trap...(Sobbing) He had taken advantage of my daughter... And I...(Sniffles) Am oblivious of her suffering, she suffered at times where I am away and place where I cannot see... I....(Sighed in relief) Am tired..... HAHAHAHAHA!!!" The old man laughed, hysterically. "But it's alright now...." The old man looked over his shoulder and meet my eyes, his eyes were full of misery, I could tell.
'Ah... He confessed his crime.'
He smiled.
'What a sad smile.' I thought. "Could you please send me to the the Ruthley Manor." I asked politely, smiling back.
"The Ruthley Manor? By any chance, are you a child of the Baron Ruthley?" Surprised, the old man asked.
"Oh, I am Jobert. You may have heard of me from the rumors, I often knock on the doors of Ruthleys as representative of many people in his territory." I introduced myself as I wipe my tears. Making my introduction be formal, sadly, I might have just half-failed an attempt. "I have heard from the old couple residing near the lake that a drought may happen soon, I would like for the Ruthleys to take an action before many might suffer from hunger." Although what I said was true, two weeks already passed since the couple told me, and two weeks since I have old my father that news.
"Perhaps... My! What a pleasure!" He said cheerily with a heartily smiles. "You might not have known, but I , including my daughter were once healed by your kindness! When many of us had started feeling sick after the blistering rainy days, you have sent medicines adequate enough for us to last for months of consuming!" He expressed his gratefulness, and I truly felt it. However, I too felt the bittersweet smile that followed. I was silent, I often experience people thanking me all of the sudden, yet I felt stunned, like a bad premonition, it shook me to the bone. I wonder why...
"Which is why I apologize," he said with a respectful bow, again... I was stunned.
"Wh-"
"OH! Have you not noticed? We have arrived long ago ever since the carriage have stopped moving." He looked at me with eyes asking me not to question more... I closed my opened lips and took a step outside the carriage. "Time passed by when we were talking. If you do not mind, may I know your name, so that I could proudly say that it is nice meeting you." I said as I face him for one last time.
"This humble coachman is named Fol." He extended his hand towards me after getting of the boot. We stared at each other's tired eyes and smiled before turning our backs. As though mutual, it was a silent goodbye.
***
Before I knew it, I was in my room, I was staring blankly at the ceiling that I cannot see, it was dark, and no candles were lit. But I knew for sure, that I am not alone in this room. I cañot feel another presence, but it's stares were rather uncomfortable.
"...It IS night, and it IS dark. However, if you think I would be scared.... Y-you're deeply mistaken." I tried staying collected, but alas, I stuttered. I gulped as cold sweats runs through my back.
"....tell me that when your pupils are no longer shunk and shaking." His voice was familiar, oddly so.
"Cat?" I asked.
"Yes?" He answered.
Oh... I sighed in relief. The fact that there is no evidence that ghost do not or do exist is enough to make me shiver, pathetic, I know. But as long as there is no concrete proof that it does not exist, already proves that there is a chance that it exists...