The Bearer of the amulet

Chapter 7: On the road

"Ugh...". I moaned like a dying dog. I felt an exhaustion that no sleep could ever replenish. All of my limbs were dull. My mouth was holding a dessert inside, and I couldn't shake that creepy taste off my tongue.

"Richard, she is awake!". Alfred's voice stunned my tired eardrums. In response, I heard a movement all around me. My eyes were too weak to open them all up, so my vision was blurry, but I managed to witness the outlines of the 4 protectors staring at me with concern.

"Wanda. Are you still here? Nod to me if you can hear me"

"I...I a..I am...ok". I barely formed a coherent phase.

"How do you feel?". Alfred talked to me. His uncommon tone was unlike how we first met. It was gentle as if I was his sibling, not Richard.

"My...Wh...B...Body...is...ac...aching"

The 4 men exchanged a glance that made me feel a little safe that someone was actually looking after me after what I had just done...

... like my father would do...

"Rest then. Our journey had just started". I think that was William. I didn't get hold of their names yet.

Just before I succumbed back to sleep again. I embraced the wind that patted my body and eased my corrupted mind. it was temporary but comforting. As the lasting fragments of sight fade away into darkness.

~ ~ ~

I woke up again, feeling my nerves that had wreaked havoc hours earlier, now more rested and calm. As my eyes snapped open, the blueish shapeless clouds greeted me like an anonymous angel dancing in the sky.

There was something soft under my head. Soft like a pillow but hollowed with a rough material that was puncturing the back of my skull.

My head shifted up to see Richard. His tranquil posture matched the rhythm with his silent snoring.

I lifted myself up as I realized I was sleeping on his lap. I blinked more to check my surroundings. I was in a big cargo cart, in motion by two horses, led by protector William.

To my left, Walice's muscular figure was barely moving as he lay asleep on my left. His fist was supporting his sleeping head, a pose that will surely create scar sacks on his face when he wakes up.

And then... there was that set of blazing sightings that belonged to Alfred. I spotted him staring at me, holding that tin can with a narrow opening at its peak that probably held his favourite drink.

"Better?". He said as he took a fair gulp of his drink creating two balls inside his mouth

I nodded weakly. My hands crept up, feeling my neck as I tried to check on the artefact. But it wasn't there. I wanted to feel responsible for losing it, after all, that was my duty. But no one told me what such a simple piece of jewellery could cause. First, the death of 6 sisters and now a group of elite king's soldiers. How am I supposed to protect the source of my anguishment?!

"The amulet...". I asked with an shaming head

"In Richard's pocket. But if I were you. I would not touch it"

"Right". My eyes glanced at Richard.

"Say". Alfred began. "That was a really dumb move you did back there, offering them that amulet like a gifted wedding present"

"I didn't see you suggest any other option. Besides, you attacked the guards as well!". I said with much fury. If the slaughtering wasn't enough, now I am being patronised by a drunk man.

"I used a sword! You cleaved that man's head with your own hands! Hell, you didn't even give them a chance to scream. With such power, I don't know who's protecting who!"