The Merchant and Tavern Master

Savior: Hero

Disgusting sound and odor on the back of my neck..

I'm scared..

I'm scared..

Father.. Mother.. Help..

Their hands are all over me.

Their bodies pressed against me.

I tried to fight back, but I was powerless.

I cry out, but my pleas fall on deaf ears.

I attempt to scream, but their filthy hands muffle my voice.

Disgusting tongues trace my skin.

I'm trapped, limbs and hands held captive.

I daren't open my eyes.

My body was a toy for them..

I was torn apart!

Dirty! Sticky! Stinks! Pain! Pain! Pain!

Prayers and begging prove futile.

Even as hope dwindles, I keep praying.

I can't bear it any longer.

I can't breathe..

"AAAH!" Finally, I managed to release a scream.

Sweat coats my skin and my nightclothes cling to me. Sticky dampness surrounds me. My breath comes in ragged gasps. Tears streak my face, soaking into the bedding. Slowly, I realize I'm safe, lying in a soft bed. The torment was confined to the realm of dreams. I sob in a mix of relief and frustration, grateful for my escape and yet cursing the nightmare that held me captive.

As I calmed myself, I remember, we're all in a room booked for us three. We were in the middle of a journey to return to Goldkorb. I took a deep breath, just as I was taught to do when I was taken care of at the safe lodging on Harbour City. Taking solace in the practiced rhythm of my breathing, I cast my gaze upon Amanda, peacefully asleep in the bed beside me. How remarkable it was that, despite enduring similar horrors, she could now slumber so peacefully. I couldn't help but chuckle at her endearingly ungraceful sleeping pose. Sliding out from my own bed, I gently rearranged her posture and smoothed the blanket over her.

However, a sudden realization jolted me—the other bed remained unoccupied.

It was the bed that Takahiko used.

Panic started to consume me. Where.. Where is he..

No.. No.. Takahiko was not like that bastard Lysander..

But.. but where he could be..

I hasten my step to reach the door..

An empty long hallway stretched with little illumination.

I ran. I ran to the lobby.

Fear began to grasp my heart.

What if.. What if.. What if.. No.. Stop it!

Don't think about anything else!

I found myself in the dimly lit lobby, with only the innkeeper present, his surprise evident as he observed my sudden appearance.

"Um, excuse me, have you seen the man who was with me earlier today?" My words came out in a rush, my attempt to regain a semblance of composure evident.

"Oh, you mean Sir Takahiko? Well, I'm not entirely certain. I did see him step outside, but he didn't mention anything to me..."

Without delay, I surged forward, my steps hastening as I emerged outside into the night.