ROYALTY

Chapter 64

You are late Patricia I told the elderly woman, she smiled. She still had her youthful glow about her. My lady not everyone can saddle a horse as quick as you. She was climbing down her horse handing her ruins to the boy that had about over ten horse to tend to. Good get back on your horse we have a farm to inspect. She nodded before climbing back on. Our horses trotted side by side as we passed the many bathing basins that were set aside for washing the soiled clothes. I have never seen anything like this. She said, holding her hand to her heart as she took in the great mess and smell before her. And neither have I, Der farm, I have never heard of that, as Tom said, it has been out of business for over the years. A small smile played around her lips. Ah, yes, the first place I was deflowered from. She giggled a girly giggle almost falling off her horse.

You know it? I asked, she gave me a knowing smile with tinkles in her eyes. Of course, I do, it was where I met my first love and we shared many nights under the dark sky. I do see him sometimes, he is married and has two daughters. The smile on her face reducing a fraction of an inch. Do you miss him? I asked as I held onto my necklace, the last piece of material that belonged to my late love. Her eyes took in my movement and her smile grew even wider. of course, I do, but what can I say, we were young and the feeling was new, something we wanted to explore. I always knew it would not last long but I enjoyed every single moment. I do miss him, but not as a lover. I could never come in between his wife and him, but I miss him as a friend. Their first daughter was named after me. She finished with a smile. I looked at her, no matter how hard she tried to smile or look this way and that she could not hide the pain that filled her features. I knew her story, I had heard it one to many times and she had told me herself. Every woman wanted a family, a husband, a home, but she was deprived of all. I placed my hand on her shoulder as she wiped at a tear that slipped down her cheeks.

We both got down walking towards the old dilapidated farm house. Overgrown grass filled the area but a path had been long made making a walking path for those who wanted a visit. We walked to the back of the old building where the door to the entrance stood. The walls were covered in black stains and the glasses were more than broken and shattered. Taking a careful step, I walked into the many rooms. They barely had any light but the little that came through the blackened windows helped in a way.

What happened to this place? I asked. Brushing some webs off her shoulder she said. It ran out of funds and one of the farmers children tried to steal from the farm. The whole family got separated and the farm forgotten. The owner had long died. I see, I said inwardly. I continued walking, looking into every room, taking note about what could be of interest that would bring the children in here.

A scream erupted from the room down the hall and I was met with a tear faced Patricia holding a dead child to her arms. I stood in shock as the child in question was blue from head to toe and had numerous green lines all over her body. And in her hands held tight were vegetables. Walking further into the room I heard noises. I stood in front of a big box with a black blanket covering the top. Pulling on the sheet I saw what had brought the children here, but who would do such a thing?. Taking note of the luxurious cage I ran my eyes along its edges and walls looking for anything that could help.

My eyes widened when I found what I was searching for. Patricia? The woman stopped her crying, Fetch the horses and bring some men to this grounds, have it set ablaze and burned to ashes, we are going into town, and I would advise you drop that child, you do not want what happened to her happen to you.