The mountain was the safest place to hide from the numerous enemies I had acquired during my several tasks.
I hated being on the run but I wouldn't lie, the adventures were amazing.
In contrast to my chaotic life, the mountain was quite peaceful.
If you managed to escape being eaten or mauled before sunrise, the peace and abundance of fresh fruit was enough to make you forget about civilization.
My vacation was short lived as Dassy's bright light came shining through the tall trees.
"I hope I don't have to kill anybody this time," I sighed as I rolled out of piles of leaves I had made into a bed.
"You don't have to," she said with a hint of sarcasm.
Dassy waved her hand slowly and a small portal appeared.
On the other side was a rundown cottage in the middle of a large farm. Small animals moved around freely and children ran around in their mud-stained clothes and worn out sandals.
"Who is that?" I asked as my eyes caught a blonde haired girl sitting on the porch with a large book in her hand. Her eyes were fixed to the book and she occasionally looked up to yell at the children.
"That is Karina Weybridge, daughter of Lord Aldermot Weybridge," Dassy replied.
"She's strange," I muttered under my breath.
"Fierre was headed to sell the Mask of Kratos to Aldermot. He's a middle man and a junior member of the Sorcerer's council," Dassy explained. "That cottage has been around for ages. It and its inhabitants must be destroyed before the new council messenger arrives to replace Fierre."
"I'm not killing innocent children," I said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
"My master's orders," Dassy shrugged.
"I have already murdered 3 people, I'm not doing it again," I protested.
"You have 3 days before the messenger arrives, fail your task and face the consequences," she said before vanishing.
"Dassy!" I screamed.
"Get back here you annoying fucker," I cussed as I kicked a tree stump angrily.
It was no use. She wasn't coming back. I was stuck with a task that seemed impossible and morally wrong.
There was so much at stake, I had gone through a lot already, I also could not murder children. I would never forgive myself.
"Heaven help me," I sighed heavily as I stepper through the portal.
Time seemed to slow down and everything around me warped as my body got transported to the other side of the portal.
I fell to the ground with a loud thud and dirt and dry leaves flew into my mouth.
I lay still on the ground, taking deep breaths to relax my heart and slowly observe my new environment.
"Where did you come from?" A soft feminine voice sounded from above me.
I turned around and my eyes locked with the most piercing blue eyes I had ever seen.
Her soft pink lips parted as she waved her hand in my face and shouted a loud 'hello'.
She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Her blonde hair colour and pale skin made her look like a goddess from a children's story book.
"Are you deaf?" She screamed as she continued to wave her hand in front of my face.
"I'm not deaf," I replied.
She stared at me confused for a hot minute before extending her hand to help me to my feet.
"My name is Marcella. I was running from some men and somehow, I wound up here," I lied nervously.
"You're safe, Marcella," she assured, wiping my arms with her small towel.
"My name is Karina. My father owns this property and nobody has trespassed in years."
"Come, I'll take you to him," Karina announced as she dragged me towards the cottage.
For an old building on its last legs, the inside of the cottage was tastefully decorated. It had large paintings and carefully crafted furniture that matched the curtains and bear skin rug in the middle of the living room.
"I've warned you to stop bringing strays into my home," Karina's mother, Nadia, yelled as she smacked her daughter on the cheek.
"Where did you find this one?" Her father interrogated as he stared at me with disgust.
"She was being chased by some dangerous men," Karina replied.
"She has to go. My home isn't a refugee shelter," Lord Aldermot declared, tapping his staff against the wooden floor as he spoke.
His wife nodded in support and pointed to the door.
"Leave immediately!" She yelled impatiently.
"I thought you wanted a kitchen maid, Feliz and Maude will be leaving soon, the kitchen work would become overwhelming for you," Karina chipped in, trying to find a way to make me stay.
"We don't know her," Her father frowned as he eyed me suspiciously.
"She looks harmless and she will work for half the minimum pay," Karina said.
"Yes, I will. Or no pay at all. Just food and bed," I nodded I'm agreement.
"Fine, she can stay," Lord Aldermot declared.
I clapped for joy and thanked him for his kindness.
His wife on the other hand seemed upset with his decision.
She tried to protest severally but he turned her down and returned to his study.
"You!" Nadia screamed as she grabbed a chunk of my hair.
"You've managed to slither your way into my home and seduce my husband into letting you stay, " she said angrily.
"But be warned," she threatened as she strengthened her grip. "If you mess with me, I'll rip out your throat".....