The Aconitum Flower

38

ALORA EMBRY

My anger subdue when I convince the priest to take me to the capital first, well, if he didn't that would be a huge problem because it was a hassle for me. I won't be able to make it to the capital on my own, I have no money and won't be able to defend myself since I have no weapon and the restraints are still on me.

"Then have a good rest, My Lady."

"You too, Priest Kael."

When we travel once again, I notice that the thugs last night were following us. They didn't attack us but if they do I bet that the knights can't take them down for they are well-armed and they are a large group.

I didn't tell this to the priest so he won't panic.

When we are now finally entering the capital, the knights that were guarding there didn't ask for our identification id and let us enter. The capital that looks lively before was now gloomy. Back then you will see kids running in the streets, the nobles walking proudly around wearing their best clothes and accessories. But now the streets were empty.

"This is the result of war, people got scared to go outside and see corpses." I look at the priest before looking back outside. It was pretty bad, now I know why they suddenly announce Leticia as the new saintess.

"We are already here." I step down out of the carriage and saw that there are knights that is going in and out of the church. The ones that they were getting were bodies that were wrapped in a white cloth. When the priest noticed that I was watching the knights he said that we should head inside.

There I saw bodies of knights that were being blessed by the priests.

"Why are they blessing the dead bodies?"

"There is a myth, that if a dead person wasn't blessed by the priest he will turn into a beast." I nod and there is a room in the church and there I saw Leticia healing the wounded persons.

She was wearing a white veil that covered her face, was wearing a pure white dress and behind him was two priests. I watch her mutter prayers and when she opened her eyes our eyes met.

"Priest Kael, Lady Alora."

"I see that you are a saintess now."

"Ahem." I raised my eyes on Priest Kael and he hesitantly smiles at me before he bows his head. "I-I will take my leave now and help the other priests. Saintess Leticia, My Lady."

"Mm."

"Thank you for bringing her here safe, Priest Kael."

"That was nothing, then I will leave you two now."

"Yes."

"Even though I already get out from that place I am now good at everything. I am still pissed and the fact that you still haven't told me who is the person that put me in there. And last is this damn bracelet."

"I know that the lady was mad but please don't curse, we are inside the church." She said in a soft voice and I almost rolled my eyes. She lead me into a room and made me sit as he order the priest there to fetch the sorcerer. "Do you want tea?"

"Anything. Can you tell me what happened for the past three months?"

"It was heartbreaking. The commander, the imperial knights, and everyone who was assigned to protect the port, they were almost annihilated. They almost take over on the village but a miracle happens, Sir Hayes together with knights fights them and they save everyone. The savior who suddenly showed up and defend the port."

"And why did he suddenly show up when he was on the borders?"

"I'm sorry but I do not know the answer to that. Who is now assigned to the port?"

"It was the sons of Lord Lorenzo. Sir Ryker, Sir Damien, and Sir Matteo."

"I remember you said that 'I can't, I made a promise.' Tell me who is that person? You said that you won't let me go but you still did it, why?"

"Yes, I made a promise to that person that I will not let you out but I just can't take it. I just feel it you have a plan that can make us win this war, I feel that you can make the war stop as soon as possible. I know you can do it. Am I being selfish? It feels like I was putting this burden on your shoulders, telling you to have a plan when I do not know if you have." I just stared at her and then she suddenly laugh. "I am speaking nonsense things right? I also don't know what I am saying right now, forgive me."

"I say that you did the right decision."

"I did?"

"Yes." She smiled and then I was surprised when she held my hands. I saw tears on her face, she kissed my hands and put her forehead on.

"You have a plan right My Lady? I know it coz it is you."

"Tell me what is it?"

"The Crown Prince was in critical condition; my powers can't heal him nor the sorcerer. I heard from them that it was a black magic and the only thing that we can do to save him was to kill the person who put the spell on him. I just feel useless, I can't save him."

"How did that happen?"

"It happened when he was sleeping in the barracks and this sorcerer suddenly showed up and put a spell on him. It was immediately activated and before they catch him he suddenly vanished. When they found out that the crown prince collapsed they sent him to the palace and called me. But I can't heal him, the Imperial Sorcerer says that all can he do is to stop the magic from spreading so that it won't eat him alive."

"And no one saw the face of the sorcerer?"

"They said his face was covered but they saw that person has green eyes." Our talk was interrupted when someone knocked. Leticia composed herself first and plastered a sweet smile before opening the door. And there Leticia welcomed them it was a priest and beside him was a sorcerer.

"Release the restraints."

"Yes, My Lady."

He remove the bracelets and went back to the palace again but before he leave he said something to me.

"You must go to the port first." It was a royal order and when I finally use my magic once again I asked for a sword and I was confused because if I am not mistaken this is the sword of the Crown Prince.

"He gave this to me before he fell into a deep sleep, use this sword Lady Alora."

"Are you sure, what if I lost it?"

"Well, how come a knight left and lost her sword behind?" I nod at her and accept it. I swing the sword first and felt satisfied. The handle of the sword was gold and when you look closely at it you can see the insignia of the Imperial Family.

"The golden sword will not rust, for you have a brave heart and a noble soul."

"Did you say something, My Lady?"

"Oh, I just read the quote that was engraved here." I showed the sword to her but she shake her head.

"Are you sure? I don't see anything."

"You don't see it? But it was clearly engraved on the blade."

"No."

"Let's now forget it, I will leave now."

"Yes, take care. I pray for your safe arrival at the port, may you bring light to everyone."

"Thank you."

-IAmRoseee