Seeds of The Seven (Rubia)

24. A Mastermind Behind the Corruption

The sky was a canvas of deep oranges and purples as the sun dipped below the horizon, surrendering to the rising moon's pale glow. Eliya and Mori trudged along the dirt path, their silhouettes casting long shadows in the fading light. Ahead, the Eastern Rose Farm stretched out, its fields dotted with various bushes of fruits and red hued flowers swaying gently in the evening breeze.

Eliya adjusted her cloak as the temperature dropped, her eyes scanning the farm for any signs of activity. Mori walked beside her, silent but alert, her presence a comforting assurance.

As they approached the farmhouse, they could see a few farmers finishing up their day's work. One of them, a stout man with a graying beard, looked up and noticed them. He set down his tools and walked over, curiosity and caution etched on his face.

"Evening young healer, and madame." the farmer greeted them, wiping his hands on his apron. "What brings you to the Eastern Rose Farm at this hour?"

Eliya stepped forward, her expression serious but kind. "Good evening. We're here to ask about a young man who was injured and found walking the townsville. We were told he might have come from this area. Do you know anything about him?"

The farmer frowned, his eyes narrowing in thought. "A young man, you say? Injured? Can't say I know much, but let's see if anyone else does." He gestured for them to follow and led them to a small gathering of farmers near a bonfire.

"Hey, everyone," the farmer called out, drawing the group's attention. "The young healer is looking for information about an injured young man. Any of you know anything about that?"

An elderly woman with a basket of red hued flowers stepped forward, her face lined with concern. "I heard about a boy matching that description. Young, bluish hair, looked like he’d been through a storm. He came through here a while ago, yelling about our crops being deadly."

Mori nodded, encouraging her to continue. "Did he say where he came from or what happened to him?"

The woman shook her head. "No, he was too angry to talk. We gave him some food but he threw it. Then left. Last we saw, he was heading towards the old mill by the river."

Eliya exchanged a glance with Mori, then turned back to the woman. "Thank you. You've been very helpful."

The woman thought for a moment. "He mentioned something about 'the shadows' and 'protecting the village.' It didn't make much sense at the time, but maybe it means something to you."

Eliya's eyes narrowed, the pieces of a larger puzzle starting to come together. "It does. Thank you again."

As Eliya and Mori made their way back towards the path, the moonlight now fully illuminating their way, Mori spoke up. "The old mill by the river. Sounds like a good place to start looking."

Eliya nodded, determination in her eyes. "Indeed."

The night air was crisp and cool as Eliya and Mori approached the old mill by the river. The sound of the water gently flowing over the stones mingled with the rustling leaves, creating a serene yet eerie atmosphere. As they drew closer, they noticed a bright luminance ahead, shifting and glowing softly through the trees.

"Do you see that?" Mori whispered, her eyes narrowing.

Eliya nodded, her hand instinctively moving to the glowing orbs she made. "Let's proceed carefully."

They moved quietly through the underbrush, the glow becoming more pronounced with each step. Finally, they emerged into a small clearing, and there, bathed in the ethereal light, stood a handsome old man clad in white armor adorned with golden linings and a flowing red cape. He held a staff that emitted the brilliant light, illuminating the area as he searched for clues.