Meeting Fezo
Upon arriving in Camelot. I was immediately greeted by the noise and scent of the vibrant marketplace. The city of Camelot is known for being a center of power and culture. It is a major part of the kingdom of Aethelred, a kingdom that has been stable and prosperous since ancient times. As far as I know Camelot is ruled by a Duke. I can barely remember the last time I saw so many people. The crowd, the shops, and the carriages felt like a labyrinth a good opportunity to hide.
But I couldn't shake the memory of the man with the cold voice I saw last night. He was probably the feared Duke of Camelot. "If he's the ruthless Duke." I whispered to myself, "I can't just show myself." I just need a break after I regain my strength I'll leave this place as soon as possible.
I slowly walked along the edge of the market trying to ignore the weakness in my body. I observed the people scrutinizing every face and movement. I needed to find temporary shelter a place where I could rest and think about where I would go next.
In a corner of the market I noticed an old woman selling old items and clothes. I hesitated before approaching her. "Ma'am, do you know of any place where someone like me can stay?" I asked trying to control the nervousness in my voice.
She looked at me for a moment her gaze as if she knew what I was going through. "On the edge of the market there's an old building. No one lives there and it's close to the shops. If you're not looking for a comfortable place to sleep maybe you can stay there." She replied with a hint of pity in her eyes.
I thanked her and quickly walked towards the indicated place. Before I could reach my destination someone grabbed something from me. I saw the child running away. I quickly grabbed my ornaments. S**t! I was robbed! I couldn't see the child anymore because of the crowd.
I just sat down beside the road. In the silence I remembered Josefa and the cruel things she did. I wouldn't let that happen to me or anyone else like me again. I had to find an ally here in Camelot but how? Would anyone help me?
After a few minutes I stood up and tried to find the child. He was too quick so even though I saw him earlier I couldn't find him anymore. I took a deep breath and cursed the child in my mind but I also laughed at myself. Despite all the hardships I've been through a mischievous child still found a way to trick me.
In the middle of my search in the market I saw people gathering.
As I got closer I immediately saw the child. He was in the middle of the scene being held by the collar by a fat man. The man's face was red with anger as he repeatedly scolded the child accusing him of being a thief.
"You stole my things you little brat!" the man shouted shaking the child in anger. But the child didn't back down instead he pointed at me. "I didn't steal it! It's from my sister," he yelled.
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to me. People's eyes were doubtful as they looked at me. I knew I had to think quickly so the situation wouldn't get worse.
I approached the fat man. "I'm sorry but that's mine," I said trying to calm the situation. "If you're going to accuse him make sure you really own it."
The man furrowed his brow. His nose seemed to be steaming with anger. "Ah... you have the nerve to lie!? You're with this kid right?"
"I don't know this child but that thing it really is mine. And I can prove it." I said calmly showing no fear of the intimidating fat man.
"If what you're saying is true how can you prove it?" he shouted.
I took a deep breath trying not to show my nervousness. "The ornaments you're holding have a Chinese character engraved on them," I began. He quickly looked at the ornament he was holding. I saw him swallow.
"Yes! I know! Because it's mine." You could hear in his voice that he wasn't sure.
I raised an eyebrow. I started walking back and forth as if I was conducting an interrogation.
"Really? Okay then what does that character mean?" I asked with a smirk.
The man couldn't answer.
"Tss... 雅 (yǎ) This character means "elegant" or "exceedingly beautiful." And that's my name came from. Anya." I said proudly. Because of the man's nervousness I quickly grabbed it from him.
I held it up in front of him and pointed to the engravings on it marks that only those of noble lineage could understand. "Look... these symbols are rarely used. If you're unfamiliar with them it's best to seek advice from a blacksmith or merchant who knows about these ornaments."
People looked at each other and the man scratched his head. He didn't seem to expect my answer and he was clearly confused. "Uh... " because he couldn't answer he released the child and backed away embarrassed by the people watching him who were already making fun of him. He quickly walked away.
I swallowed feeling my chest loosen. The child beside me was grinning seemingly delighted with our victory in that situation.
I looked at him and smiled slightly. "You're too mischievous." I said. "But remember sometimes you need to be careful about what you choose to do."
Our eyes met and I saw joy in his eyes. "Thank you miss," he said. "I thought you were going to betray me too."
I sighed. "But next time, be more careful. In a place like Camelot we don't know who can be an ally or an enemy."
"Sorry again." the child mumbled turning to leave. His small figure seemed to shrink even further as he shuffled away.
I reached out a hand stopping him. "Wait," I said my voice barely a whisper. "Where are you going?"
He turned back his eyes wide and innocent. "I'm going home miss. I just wanted to say sorry for stealing your things."
"It's alright," I said trying to smile. "I'm just a little surprised that's all."
He seemed to relax a bit but then his face clouded over. "Miss... don't you have a place to go? You look lost and this is the first time I've seen you here." I saw innocence in the child's eyes as he asked.
"Hmm... I left home," I admitted my voice barely a whisper. "The people there were cruel so I ran away." I opened up to the child. He seemed kind and I felt a strange urge to confide in him.
"You're pitiful." he said his eyes filled with genuine concern.
I couldn't help but laugh. "Really? I'm the pitiful one now? You're skinny and raggedy you look more pitiful than me you know." I said with a smile trying to lighten the mood. But I saw sadness flicker in his eyes and I felt a pang of sympathy for him.
"If you don't have place to go you can come with me if you want.." he offer his voice gaining a little more confidence. "...you seem nice. It's just me and my little sister at home. By the way I'm Fezo." He flashed a smile.
"I'm Anya." I couldn't help but smile back.
Even though I was hesitant I agreed to go with him. Maybe I could take some rest there.