Haven And Chaos

50) How's Maya?

The dusty road had snaked a small green hill before it faded as I walked past the village gateway. Fog Valley. Was there a lot of fog in the village? I wondered curiously while dragging my worn-out and limping foot. I had endured almost an hour of this prickling pain.
Dammit!
Why did I have to run my mouth at such a delicate moment? I should have waited until I healed. Now I probably would have my wound infected from the dust that must have made its way past the already dirty bandage.

As the small old building began popping into my sight, so did life. A dog here, a little child over there, a curious adult over there.
I ignored them all and made my way to the nearest public spot I could sing...a diner.

I felt a rush of cool air run past me the second I stepped foot in there. It aided my boiling brain and refreshed my thinking.
In the diner was at least five customers busy eating. But they halted to stare at my disheveled state as I dragged my body to the closest table.

Their questioning eyes didn't leave me, not even when I put on a friendly smile.

The hostility was surfacing by the second, making me aware of my intrusive presence.
Some even murmured at each other, pointing at me with their chins as if I was too disgusting to do it with their fingers.
A woman who I supposed was the waiter came from behind the counter and rushed over to me, a nervous look on her face.

"We-welcome to-"

"Water," I breathed through my dry throat. "Hell me with some water, please." 

Her lips parted to say something that looked unwelcoming from the worried expression she had on but held it in after inspecting my pitiful state.
I looked like a beggar from the woods in need of education about the current era. But in reality, this village was the one in need of it.

It looked like a picture from the nineteenth century but with a few modern yet old buildings. The only thing that had captivated my heart was its serene green fields that stretched out of sight as I came down the hill. The people themselves were full of hostility even towards a harmless and unarmed girl like myself.

The waiter rushed off back to the counter and grabbed a jug and a cup before coming back to me.
"Where are you from?" She asked pouring some water into the glass. "What's your name?" She asked, side-eyeing the other customers to her right as if telling them that she'd get rid of me as soon as possible.

"I'm Maya. I'm from..." I trailed off as my thoughts rearranged themselves. Giving away my real identity might create a wall between us. Even though I was the daughter of a mere baron, I was still a noble after all, and the common people had some kind of dislike for nobles.

"Where am I?" I diverted the conversation. "I was kidnapped and dumped outside this village.

The girl immediately gasped, almost dropping the metallic jug but regained control just in time. "That's, that's horrible. We have to report this to the chief!" She half squealed, drawing in more unwanted attention.
Shit! Should I have gone with a simpler answer like getting lost in the woods while camping? But I had no idea what kind of forest it was or if people came out here to camp.
Argh! This was getting more complicated.

Now I'd have to fabricate a believable scenario of my kidnapping as well as my background.
I had no one to call even if they gave me a phone. My family had practically abandoned me for their political gain, and the only friend I would call for help was six feet under the ground.

I cursed myself internally as a few customers approached, forming a small crowd in front of me.

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3RD POV
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The evening heat beat down on Gale as he took in the sight of the green valley unfolding in front of him. Even when under a tree, his skin could still pick up the needles of uncomfortable heat.

"My Lord?" Chris called from stopping by Gale's right side.

"About Maya...?"

"She's already in the village. Currently in a diner but as expected, the villagers are on high alert."

Gale chuckled amused.
"She asked for this. Let her suffer a little to realize that freedom isn't all one needs in life."

Chris held his silence and observed Gale's face. He noticed the usual loathe that always filled his eyes whenever he talked about Maya was no longer present. What had changed? Chris wondered. And yet, he still couldn't read Gale's mind.

Why bring Maya out here when he was on official duties?
Why abandon her among strangers without helping her?
And why was he following up on her?

"Is the house ready?"

"Yes, My Lord. But we'll need to recruit a few maids since we didn't bring any with us."

Gale cocked his head to the side with a flat expression. "How many do we need?"

"At least three."

Gale frowned slightly. "That many? Recruit just ONE."

Chris read through Gale's instructions, or so he thought and put up a single name on his list... Maya.
Maybe this was why he had brought her.
Though unsure, Chris made up his mind to try and fulfill Gale's plans without having to ask unnecessary questions about what kind of maid he needed.

He walked down the hill to meet his subordinates who were waiting for them.
"Any orders from Lord Gale?"

Chris nodded.
"Recruit Maya as a maid. And do it discreetly. Do not reveal where she'll be working. Also, get one more maid to teach her. I doubt she has any experience with such work."

One of the men nodded firmly before he tore himself from the group.

Chris faced the hill and sighed. He had to admit it to himself, Gale had grown less inhumane recently. Which could only mean that he was getting better.
He wondered how he would act if he finally found a partner to keep him company and talk to instead of bottling his emotions and unleashing them on others.

Thinking about all that made Chris's heart tug, making him miss his loving partner... Lisa.

He fished out his phone and without hesitation, made a call.
Two rings and a soft feminine voice answered. "Hey Chris, how many I hel-"

"I'm by myself," Chris informed, letting her know that they could be themselves.

A sigh of relief came from the other end as excitement bubbled in her voice. "How are you? Is Maya doing okay? I'm so worried over here."

Chris chuckled walking down the road, enjoying the voice of his lover as well as the calming breeze blowing about. "Has she become your little sister all of a sudden?"

"I wouldn't say no to that you know. She's been through so much. I wonder if she'll cope well in that place."

"Relax, babe. I don't think he intends to harm her."

"I'm not talking about harming her. He's been... Argh! Never mind. I just feel so upset with what he's doing to her. She's too young to be put through all of this."

"Lisa," Chris called with a tinge of seriousness. "I asked you not to get too involved with them. They'll sort out their issue. And I promised you to protect her whenever I can."

Lisa sighed from the other end, "Okay. But, how long will you be there?"

Chris rubbed his temple as he slowly came to a stop under a tree by the road. "Honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe a couple of weeks."

"What?! Why didn't you tell me before-"

"Calm down love. If you need to see me, we can make up a story so you can come over. How's that?" He hoped to appease her anger.

"Hmph! I won't come!" Lisa pouted, leaving Chris in a hearty laughter.