Begin Again

Prologue

The wheels of the carriage continue to operate as we made our way to Cerro Mountain which serves as the boundary between the Hadera forest of Entrinnia Kingdom and Crestine Temple. The sun had already set before we reach the mountain, the two ladies who were my company on this journey are already on the verge of falling asleep. Scatter showers were softly heard that soothe them to sleep. Not until the carriage we are on suddenly halted and they were jolted awake. The knights running and shouting were heard. A knock was heard through the closed window of the carriage.

"Your Grace, no matter what happens, don't go out. Just stay here inside the carriage with your attendants. The Knights of Castell will protect you." Kieran, a knight from the Castell Grand Duchy.

"Sir Kieran, can you please tell me what's going on?" I inquired.

"Our carriage is under attack! The coachman was shot in the chest and died. That's why the carriage was suddenly abrupted." he said and quickly close the small window between us.

The sounds of the swords jarring is heard while the knights keep on shouting to protect the carriage.

"Your... Grace." Ada, my attendant softly called. Just based from her expression she is just stopping herself from crying.

I patted her hand softly like a child and smile at her. Giving the feeling that everything will be alright. Even though there is something in myself that tells me that I will not likely survive this night.

A few minutes passed, Ada manage to calm down. That contrasts the deafening silence outside the carriage. The silence is terrifying enough but I need to calm down and think. I need to protect my people.

"Elora, Ada" I called

"Yes, Your Grace." Elora, my other attendant and Ada bowed and replied.

"I need you and Ada to get out of here and go to the nearest mansion owned by the Castell Grand Duchy. I think Sir Olivier will be there. Tell him that the party that is supposed to go to Crestine Temple were attacked and the knights were injured. We need reinforcements and the doctors." I requested

"But what about you, Your Grace?" Elora asked

"I'll stay behind and distract them so both of you can go. I also need to check on our knights."

"But Your Grace, as your attendants, we need to be on your side always and we should be the one protecting you!" Ada exclaimed

"Ada, I will be fine. I promise to the both of you, that when you returned with the reinforcements, I'm  unscathed and I will be able to hold the fort until you come back. So, please both of you also need to be safe and unscathed, okay?" I promise and assure them though the chances of me being alive until they come back is literally low.

They both nodded at me and I hugged them and patted their backs as my reply. I muttered a few words softly so they won't hear it. To bless their bodies with protective spell and prayed for their safety.

"Use this carriage or use the knights' horses so you can reach the mansion faster. I know that both of you can protect yourselves, so armed yourselves in case of danger. This carriage has weapons under the seats."

I took my sword and reminded them of our plans for the last time.

"Be safe. I'll check the surroundings first to confirm if it's safe for you to go out. If it's safe, I'll knock twice. Then both of you leave this place quickly and go to Sir Olivier." At my command, the two nodded obediently.

"Your Grace, please be safe. We will be back as soon as possible." Elora reminded me, looks like they are still anxious to leave me but they have no choice.