"Through roads lost in the dark of night, farewell my light."
.
A loud pounding on the door jolted Belladonna awake. She rolled over, hoping the knocker would vanish. But the knocking persisted, growing louder and more insistent. "Lady Bella!" and then "Belladonna!" echoed through her chamber, each call more urgent than the last.
Groggily, Belladonna threw off her covers and shuffled to the door, her red eyes blazing with annoyance. She flung it open, ready to unleash her wrath. But her scowl softened as she took in Mister Headstone's stern expression.
"My goodness!" she exclaimed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As her vision cleared, she smiled, still sleepy-eyed. "Gud... Good... Morning, Mister StoneHead... HEADSTONE!"
Headstone's gaze lingered on her sleepy expression before asking, "Have you packed?"
"Definitely!" Belladonna replied, her voice still laced with drowsiness.
"Good, head to the Town square," Headstone instructed before turning to address the small group of hunters in front of her doorstep.
Immediately after shutting the door, Belladonna retreated to the sofa, leaving the commotion behind. She had already packed the essentials – five leather boxes for her and Aunt Mae's belongings. The fireplace, extinguished hours ago, had kept the house cozy, the charcoal pile's gentle smoke wafting through the chimney.
As she curled into the chair, Belladonna yawned, "Five more minutes..." But before she could drift off, Headstone's booming voice shattered the calm. "LADY BELLADONNA, I DON'T WANT TO WALK INTO THIS HOUSE AND SEE YOU SLEEPING!"
Her eyes snapped open.
*******
Belladonna made her way through the bustling town, she had wore a warm, mocha-heud gown having a high turtle neck and long sleeves, suitable for the winter morning. The dress a humble town folk attire, but its intricate lace details around the back added a touch of elegance. Her blonde hair had she pulled back into a practical ponytail, revealing her rosy cheeks and nose, flushed from the cold. She wore a pair of knee-high, brown leather boots, perfect for the chilly winter weather. A delicate, cream-colored crochet belt cinched at her waist, adding a subtle touch of warmth and texture to her outfit.
Passing some children drinking hot soup, she realized she had some hot tea as well as half a loaf of bread and jam for breakfast, Yes, the Jam she was to give to Mrs Rosemary. When she got home, she saw the basket of berries (which few had been taken away) and Jam on the table. She however wondered who might have dropped it.
Headstone's voice echoing through the streets: "Take only essentials! Clothes and important items. Food would be provided on the way.
"Leave those furniture behind; Mr. Woody will recreate them when we get to Ashwood.
"For heaven's sake, How the heck are you going to carry those through the journey?.
"Please, call Mr. Ernest. I'm sure he should handle the hunters distribution.
"Who the hell is that stealing our last loaves!."
The town was alive, despite the early hour. Belladonna had already loaded her boxes onto a wagon and was now headed to the town square to meet Headstone.
"Good morning, Mr. Jackson!" she greeted while passing the old farmer she spotted ahead, who nodded in response. His two boxes, practically the only thing he carried, were neatly packed, and he seemed to have everything under control.
Beside him, a friendly brown dog wagged its tail, enjoying Belladonna's presence and some scratches she gave it. "Morning to ye'r," Mr. Jackson replied, his eyes warm with concern. "Stay strong, child. Your Aunt Mae will recover soon."
Smiling and appreciating his words, she watched him move ahead.
"Come here, boy," Mr. Jackson called out, and the dog darted towards him. "We've got a long journey ahead."
As Mister Jackson departed, Belladonna's expression brightened. She recalled the elderly man's story - his wife's passing two years ago, his son's move to a distant town, and the dog's unwavering companionship. A pang of loneliness struck her; she longed for a similar emotional support, fearing Aunt Mae's potential poisoning would leave her isolated.
"I must think positively!" Belladonna slapped her cheeks, shaking off the gloom.
While rushing to the town square, she joined the gathered crowd, each laden with luggage, horses, and cherished belongings.
Headstone stood at the center, surveying the crowd. "Ensure you've packed everything vital. We can't afford to leave essentials behind. Think wisely, and check your surroundings during our four-day journey. There's no turning back..."
The crowd murmured in agreement, nodding in unison.
An elderly man posed a question, "Headstone, will we return to Evergreen?"
Headstone reassured them, "We're only seeking refuge in Ashwood for the Three Months of Winter. Once the seasons change, we'll return to our beloved Evergreen. As its name suggests, our town remains fresh and fertile during summer and rainy days. Well, we all know that's true." The farmers, led by Mister Jackson, nodded in agreement.
Headstone continued, "We depart in minutes. Let's move swiftly!" Just as the crowd began to disperse, Julius Peppers emerged, taking the spot at the centre.
"Mister Headstone," He called out, his voice laced with suspicion, drawing the crowd back together. Belladonna rolled her eyes, anticipating the priest's concerns.
Headstone took a deep breath before responding, "Peppers, what now?"
"I've heard rumors about Ashwood," Peppers began, his voice dripping with doubt. "Not that I'm suggesting we shouldn't flee the hunger, but... Some Holy men in the Church of Ashwood speak of a Vampire beyond the bridge. They claim he's the lord of the land."
The crowd erupted into murmurs, their fears and doubts resurfacing. Headstone raised his hands, seeking to reassure them.
"Are any lands truly safe? Are there any lands untouched by Vampires? We've heard rumors from everywhere, yet have we seen these Vampires attack or destroy our land?"
Some nodded in agreement, while others remained skeptical, influenced by Peppers' words. Headstone pressed on, addressing the priest's attempts to sow discord.
"We've lived here since my father's time, and rumors of forest Vampires have always circulated. Yet, has anyone seen them? Even Maeve, living at the forest's edge, has never reported any incidents. And what about the half-Vampire hunter? Has he harmed anyone?"
The crowd nodded, acknowledging the truth in Headstone's words. He locked eyes with Peppers, whose face betrayed his discontent.
"We leave in minutes for Ashwood," Headstone declared, his gaze searching the crowd. "And I assure you, we will be safe throughout our journey."