I took the list and the money from Mrs. Flinch, and I nodded. I didn't want to argue with her, or make her more angry.
I left my room, and I walked to the stables. I had to take a carriage to the capital, where the market was. It was my first time going out of the castle, and I was both excited and nervous. I had never seen the outside world before. I wondered what it would be like, what people would be like, what things I would see.
I reached the stables, and I saw a carriage waiting for me. It was a simple wooden carriage, with two horses and a driver. The driver was a young man, with brown hair and green eyes. He smiled at me, and he helped me get on the carriage.
"Hello, miss. I'm Tom, and I'll be your driver today. Are you ready to go?" he asked me, sounding friendly.
"Hello, Tom. I'm Leora, and yes, I'm ready," I said, smiling back.
"Alright then, let's go. It's a long ride to the capital, so sit back and relax. You can ask me anything you want, I'll be happy to answer," he said, as he whipped the horses and the carriage started moving.
I felt a jolt of excitement, as I saw the castle gates open and the carriage rolled out. I looked around, and I saw the green fields, the blue sky, the white clouds, the colorful flowers. It was so beautiful, so different from the castle walls. I felt a breeze of fresh air, and I breathed deeply.
"Wow, this is amazing," I said, in awe.
"I'm glad you like it, miss. This is the countryside of Loria, the town we live in. It's a peaceful and prosperous land, thanks to our masters. They are good and wise , and they care for their employees," Tom said, proudly.
"Really? That's nice to hear. I don't know much about them, to be honest. I only work in the castle, as a maid. I don't get to see them often," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"That's a shame, miss. They are very kind and generous, especially to the castle staff. They treat everyone with respect and dignity, no matter their rank or status" Tom said, with admiration.
"Wow, they sound amazing. I wish I could meet them someday, and thank them for everything they do," I said, sincerely. Tom was right, they had employed Leora even with her red hair.
"Maybe you will, miss. Maybe you will. You never know what fate has in store for you," Tom said, mysteriously.
I wondered what he meant by that, but I didn't ask. I decided to enjoy the ride, and the scenery. I saw many things that I had never seen before, and I asked Tom about them. He told me about the different villages, towns, farms, and forests that we passed by.
He told me about the different animals, plants, and people that lived in them. He told me about the history, culture, and traditions of Loria. He was very knowledgeable and informative, and I learned a lot from him.
We heard a loud noise. We turned our heads, and we saw a group of bandits on horses, blocking the road. They had swords, axes, and bows, and they looked fierce and dangerous. They shouted, and they charged at us.
"Bandits! Hold on, miss, we're in trouble!" Tom said, as he grabbed the reins and tried to steer the carriage away.
I watched as Tom jumped off the carriage and drew his sword. He faced the bandits bravely, trying to protect me and the carriage.
"Stay in the carriage, miss. Don't worry, I'll handle them," he said, as he blocked a bandit's strike.
I nodded, but I felt helpless. I wished I could do something to help Tom, who was outnumbered and outmatched by the bandits. He was risking his life for me, and I felt guilty and grateful.
I looked around, and I saw a sword lying on the floor. It must have belonged to one of the bandits who had fallen. I felt a surge of courage, and I remembered my previous life.
I had been a skilled fencer, who had won many tournaments a. I had loved the thrill of the swordplay, the elegance of the moves, the satisfaction of the victory. I had been confident and proud of myself, not afraid of anyone at that time.
I grabbed the sword, and I got out of the carriage. I ran towards the bandits, who were too busy fighting Tom to notice me.
I slashed at one of them, who turned around and saw me. He laughed, and he mocked me.
"Look at this, boys. A little red-haired girl wants to play with us. How cute. Let me show you how to play, sweetheart," he said, as he swung his axe at me.
I dodged his attack, and I parried his next one. I was faster and more agile than him, and I used my fencing skills to my advantage.
I stabbed him in the chest, and he fell to the ground, dead. I felt a rush of adrenaline, and I thought to myself: That's one less scum in the world.
I moved on to the next bandit, who was also surprised and amused by me.
"What's this? Another one of the master's toys? You think you can fight us, doll? You're nothing but a pretty face. Let me make you uglier," he said, as he aimed his sword at my face.
I blocked his sword, and I kicked him in the groin. He groaned, and he dropped his sword. I slashed his throat, and he collapsed, bleeding. I felt a surge of anger and adrelanine fencing is so great.
I continued to fight the bandits, one by one, with grace and skill. I was like a whirlwind of steel, cutting down anyone who stood in my way. I felt a sense of power.
The bandits were shocked and scared by me. They had underestimated me, and they had paid the price. They started to retreat, and they ran away from me.
I chased them, and I shouted at them.
"Come back, you cowards! Come back and face me! I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget!" I said, as I waved my sword. I was actually really good to be strong.
Tom watched me, and he was stunned. He had never seen anyone fight like that, especially not a maid. He was amazed and impressed by my performance.
He ran after me, and he caught up with me. He grabbed my arm, and he stopped me.
"Leora, stop. It's over. They're gone. You did it. You saved us," he said, as he looked into my eyes.
"Where did you learn that?" he asked with great curiosity.
"Hmmm, let's just say I learnt to defend myself." I said, scratching my head, he'd probably think I was crazy if I told him I'd come from another world.
My movements weren't as good as they used to be, but with a bit of practice they'll get better. It's just now that I realized what I had done. I had killed several men, and I had enjoyed it. I felt a mix of emotions, and I didn't know what to say. It was really great, I can't wait to do it again.
Even if I was no good at magic, at least I could fight with a sword.