Pierced In The Heart

Chapter 1 Before You

They say love conquers all. It triumphs over evil and unites us all, turning the impossible possible. Well that's just its good side. I'm more into its bad side. You know the type of love that brings out the most ugliest part of us all. It tears away the seams, unclothing the hearts true intentions. Even with its thorn and thistles we still try to hold on to love. Bad or good we cling to it. How poisonous. But the poison itself can also be the cure. Listen to me carefully while I tell you a story. A story of love. Whether its bad or good I cant completely tell. That decision is of your own. So lets begin shall we.

Long ago there was a time when mythical beings roamed the earth. Some stayed hidden while others poured oil on troubled waters. The particular race I'm foretelling of are called Morsals. With their long snow white hair and fair skin they were appealing to the human eyes. These mythical beings possessed abilities like none seen in the human world. Their lifespan was of ten times the normal lifespan of a human being. Also they could heal and attain knowledge at a fast rate. Of course there are how would I say its downfalls. The only way they could sustain these abilities if the blood was kept pure. Any other mix of race would result in weakening of their abilities to eventually losing them. But we'll get more into that later. They lived in the town of Grendelle. A small but prosperous town where mostly food trades took place. The village chief Manson and his officials oversaw everything in the town. He had been eyeing the Morsals every since they stepped foot in Grendelle. The people found no fault with the beings but the chief felt their abilities were a threat to his position. "What if the town's people saw fit that a Morsal should govern them given their abundance of knowledge and skills?" Bothered by this he got the town's officials to come to an conclusion to get rid of the Morsals for good. In the town lived a woman called Ezera. She pertained knowledge of all mythical beings. The Morsals was no exception. "The heart. Their heart heals at a slower rate. Stab them in the heart and immediately burn them." She proclaimed. In the middle of the night while the town was asleep, the officials sent soldiers wielding a sword and torch to raid every home of the Morsals and kill them. One by one the soldiers barged into their homes murdering the adults and children. Many tried to flee but were caught by the fiery arrows piercing their hearts. The town was put in chaos that night for the soldiers could not contain the fire spread by the flying arrows that missed its victims. The town's people quickly fled while salvaging what they could. In one night the whole town was burned to the ground. The only thing that was left behind was the black smoke and the smell of death.
Grendelle's people had all fled to different towns and villages. Some traveling as far to escape the horrid memories of the unforeseen tragedy. Among those who had fled was Winter, the one and only Morsal to escape from the soldier's torches. With a stab wound to the heart, she hid in a barrel put onto a carriage. The journey of the carriage was long and rough for there were rocky roads and harsh weather along the way. Winter would peek through the small holes of the barrel. The only thing she could see was light rays seeping through the top corners of the carriage. Only by that could she tell if the sun was setting and if night was approaching. Three days has gone by. The carriage comes to a long halt. Hours has passed and she decides to take a look. Lifting its covers she takes a peek. There is no one in sight but street lamps that light the darkened roads. Without hesitation she bolts out the carriage. Not looking back she runs as far as her feet can carry her into the woods. The limbs of branches tear away at her dress, cutting the surface of her skin. Exhausted she stops and rest underneath a willow tree. Tears suddenly began to fill her eyes. Her breathing is heavy for the cold air feels her lungs. "I will die here. I have no family. No home. I'm alone now." She suddenly collapse. A blurry figure approach her. Half conscious she mumble the words , "Forgive them." Her eyes close and the blurry figure fades away. Winter is picked up and carried away. Unaware of what beholds her. The night comes to an end. A new day arrives. The morning is as clear as the air. Small beams of light becomes translucent as it comes through the hanging cloth draped upon the window from the side of the bed. The warmth of the light touches her face and her eyes open. Her eyesight is still of somewhat hazy. She lifts herself up to inspect her surroundings. The room has many warm colors to it, given it a cozy feeling. The bed sits a little high off the floor. She puts her feet to the cold floor. As she gets up, her body stumbles to the floor. Getting up she notices a mirror located in the corner of the room. It reveals her body clothed in an short white satin sleeping gown, embroidered with clear crystal beads. The dirt and blood from her vanished cuts and wound has been wiped clean. Winter gets back up and makes her way to the door. As she opens it, a sweet aroma coming from an open area at the end of the hall greets her. The smell guides her into a kitchen. A plate of food sits on a wooden table. "Eat up. You must be starving." Winter looks to her left to see a tall man standing beside the kitchen sink. He is very muscular. His brown hair consists of wavy locks. There appears to be a scar located on his right brow. Below his arched eyebrows are his beautiful green eyes. His lips a tented pink. Taken off guard by his sudden reply and charming features. She began to stutter the words. "W-Who are you? W-Where am I. How d-did I get here?." "My name is Charles. And where, is the Kingdom of Summerth. In the middle of the night I found my fence had been chewed through. Also one of my sheep was ripped to shreds. I assumed a wolf got to it and went in search of it. But instead found a beautiful mistress laid under a willow tree unconscious. So I brought you here. Your dress was of ruin so I also bathe you and put you on a gown. " Winter face goes red. "You bathed me!" "Don't worry I meant no harm. I kept a cloth over you while I undressed and cleansed you. A women's body is her temple and never will I degrade it. My lady never would I do anything to you without your permission. You must eat now and regain your strength. Later we need go to the market to get you more clothes." Winter is amazed by his kindness but is troubled. "You are so kind but I cannot intrude. You have already been so kind to me. I fear I won't be able to repay you." "I ask for no pay just for you to be nursed back to health. And your not imposing. I live alone and own most of this land that you've stumbled on. So stay as long as you would like." Winter is so grateful that she falls to her knees and began to weep. "Please don't cry." He bends down and gently began wiping her tears away. "I'm sure you've gone through a lot. But you're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore. So please don't cry. I'm here." He pulls her in his arms. Comforted by his warm words she tucks her head underneath his neck and her body hugs against his chest. For awhile he embraces her. "Your food will get cold. If you really want to repay me then you must eat your food everyday. Get plenty of rest. Also if you are troubled about something come to me. I will listen to all you have to say. Now please. Stand." Winter goes to eat her food. "Delicious. You are a good cook. May I ask why you're alone. You're very handsome , kind, and gentle." Her words catches him off guard. Shocked by her forward words a smile appears on his face. "I just really havn't been looking. I kind of hoped that if I waited patiently then once I see her I would know immediately that she would be the one for me. I think my patience wasn't a complete waste after all." Puzzled she asked "What do you mean?" "Nothing." He replies. The once full plate is now empty. She goes to clean it when suddenly she trips. The plate falls to the floor and a shard of glass cuts her skin. Charles quickly gets a cloth and puts it over her cut. He then goes to get water to clean it. She Immediately pulls away and yells "Please! No." "Please let me help." He grabs her arm and uplift the cloth. Shocked he says in a startled voice "Its gone. The cut, it disappeared."