Intruded Trails (Van Doren Series #1)

Chapter Fifty-three

Last Mark

“I didn't expect you to be here.”

I didn’t know how long was I staring at the vast of Ravenhelm when Glinda’s voice interrupted the silence of wind. Hindi ko na siya nilingon pa at niyakap ang sarili sa malamig na dapya ng hangin. I wished I’ve seen this earlier. I wished I’ve been here before…

The crowning roof of the two castles. Mayroon pa palang mas lalamang sa balkonahe ng silid ko, ang pinakatuktok na bahagi ng mga palasyo. Nakakalungkot isipin na ngayon ko lang nahanap ang lugar na ito sa pagtatanaw. I really love to look at my kingdom from above, and it’s sad that I just discovered this place when it is too late. I wish I had more time here.

Gusto ko pa ng napakaraming oras para maglakad sa gitna ng kumpulan ng mga nilalang sa tuwing maglilibot ako. Gusto ko pang makita lumaki ang mga batang humahawak sa kamay ko sa paglalakad. Gusto ko pang makita ang Ravenhelm na nakikipag-isa sa iba pang mga kaharian. I still want to see so much... I want to see it gain allies and triumph in battles. I want to see it grow.

I still want to see the eyes of many whenever they look up to me with high hopes and smiles on their beautiful faces. I still want to hear them call me ‘Devisee’. Gusto ko pang marinig ang tawag nila… Gusto ko pang ibaon ang sarili sa napakagandang himig ng mga boses nila sa tuwing lumilipad ako. Gusto ko pang maranasan ang mga bagay na iyon sa loob ng mahabang panahon.

“I don’t want to leave…” I whispered while staring at the children running on the terraces below as they chase my feathers dancing above them.

Many believed Ravenhelm is the perfect kingdom any King or Queen could ever have, they would not dare to leave if they this. I learned to believe in that, too. Pero ito ako ngayon, napagpasyahan nang iwan ito. This pains me so much, but Oya once taught me that a great ruler wasn’t renowned by its reign, it is by its sacrifice for the better.

“Kung hindi mo lang sana ako kinulong ng napakatagal… I could’ve prevented all of this, you know.” Umismid siya at lumapag nalang sa tabi ko. “I can’t believe I will see my dear my brother any minutes from now. Mas ngayon ko pa yata kakailangan ang selda ko. I’m not ready for this day,”

“You had so much time in your cell to prepare yourself, Glindazielle. Until now? You’re still not ready to face them?"

Napalingon siya sakin. “So you locked me to let me prepare for this day… Paano nakakatulong ang kulungan sa paghahanda, Devisee?” she outraged.

“Prison did something to you.” Sambit ko bago tumingin sa kanya. “Sasabihin mo na ba sakin kung bakit ayaw mo sa Le Erasauvian noon? Iyan lang naman ang araw-araw kong hinihintay mula sayo para makalaya ka. May hinala na akong may kinalaman ito sa nakaraan mo, pero hindi pa rin iyon sapat. I want you to trust me with your reason because that’s all I’m asking from you. Trust. Ganoon ba kahirap sa ‘yong ibigay sakin iyon?”

Bahagya siyang natigilan at napabuntong hininga. Umiwas siya ng tingin. “Then you should’ve told me you wanted to know. I know I have my doubts when it comes to you but I do trust you, Devisee. Ayoko lang na gumagawa ka ng mga maling desisyon. But I’m happy with this decision of yours. Leaving was never the easiest, but you need to find yourself. This was all I’ve been asking you, go, and look for your memories. Take what is yours.”

Bumalik ang tingin ko sa mga bata sa ibaba. “I will... Pero sa ngayon, gusto ko munang magpahinga. I want to go home." Tahimik kong hinimas ko ang tiyan ko.

Nahagip ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya. "What home?" She exclaimed. "Ligtas ba roon? Paano kung isang patibong ang lugar na iyon?"

I rolled my eyes. "You can come with me, Glindazielle. You're with me today to face the five kingdoms as promised. When I take Astraea's crown and throne, I still need you by my side." Saad ko at tumitig sa kanya.