With a sword in his trembling hand the old servant walked to the house, his wife was trembling right behind him. They saw that the gate was closed so they decided to enter through the back door that would lead into the kitchen.
Alana didn't know how to take out the wood to stop burning, so she sat next to it and kept herself warm thinking how she would survive, she had all the freedom in world, but nothing good would come of it if she just starved.
As they entered in the kitchen they saw a shadow crouched next to the stove. As they slowly came closer they seem to recognise the clothes.
"Young Master" the lady sighted in relief.
Alana was already alerted and turned around aiming her bow at them.
She frowned when she saw the old people , who were boldly invading her house.
"What are you doing here? I have nothing." She said strongly.
"We are the ones who should be asking that, what are you doing in our masters house? We are no longer afraid to die if you insist to fight" said the old man in a trembling voice.
'Their masters? So they must be the servants' . "What kind of servants leave their master house unattended and in this state, have you no shame" said Alana in a strict voice.
"Miss we don't know who you are, you are surely not from here but.." Alana interromper them. "Surely I don't know you, but I still can recognise that the servants didn't care for this place in their master absence."
"Miss..." Said the old man in a cracking voice, tears were starting to form in his eyes, his voice sounded hurt. " I beg you to leave this place, we may not be strong but we will die protecting it no matter what"
"Well me too." Said Alana with firm voice.
The confuse old lady asked in a trembling voice. "Who are you?"
"I am... " Alana paused for it was the first time she would introduce herself with her late husband name " Alana Lockhaart, the wife ... widow of the late Master of this house. "
*
After clearing the misunderstanding the two old servants Mrs. Clair and Mr. Theodor Dodwells, explain what had happened a few weeks ago, some bandits heard that the master had died and the guards and knights of the manor and town were away, so they attacked the entire town taking and breaking everything where they passed.
The two servants only left the master house because they had been injured and had to receive treatment.
In the town was mainly children and women, some young lads who weren't yet of age. They couldn't defend the town on their own. Their Master was not a reckless one to leave the town unprotected however remaining guards started to be ruthless trying to take over their late masters town, and when the bandits arrived they ran away leaving the town folk completely at mercy of those lawless people.
Alana was saddened to know how much the people have suffered and had little to no food, to their possession.
"That master was very reckless to take the knights with him, to go hunt a dragon, and then to die. Did he not care at all for the people who depended on him" said Alana irritated.
"No my lady don't say that." Said the old maid Clair not wanting for the lady to have a bad impression of her late Master. " Our Lord was very kind, and strong he didn't want to hunt that dragon for fame and glory, but he noticed that some monsters were coming closer to the town because they were fleeing the dragons aura. "
"Even so, leaving to fight the dragon and leaving the town with noone to defend it while he was gone was very reckless, what if instead of humans, monsters attacked?" Said Alana coldly.
The servants had cold shivers down their spine, even so they didn't dare to talk or think anything bad about their Master.
After a silence that seemed deafening a growl was heard coming from the servant old woman. Mrs. Clair was embarrassed and looked down.
Alana promptly got up and prepared a bowl for the two servants.
"Is nothing special is mostly water and herbs but will help cheat the Hunger." They were both embarrassed having the young lady of the house serving them. " It cannot be helped so please drink while is still warm."
"My lady" whispered the old woman emotional. After drinking the old woman started organising the kitchen as before putting things in order.
The old man theodor, turn to the lady and bowed. "You may think we are old but if it is to your liking please let this oldman serve you untill his last breath. You may find me useful even if is to fetch water, or to gather wood. "
Alana looked at all the wood she already had gathered this morning and the water, but she was lost for words in spite of wanting to be alone and explore her freedom she didn't want to send this two away, 'they may not have any place to stay', she thought to herself.
"Alright I may need your help in discovering all places of this house, put the furniture back together.I also would like to find the warmest place of the house."
"The warmest place my lady?" Inquired Theodor.
"Yes I plan to start growing food."