Dawn of the Unknown

Chapter 7: Tragic Memories

After leaving Adelia and Avril to relax and bathe in the tavern, Mathilde wandered the town, acquainting herself with its winding streets and unfamiliar corners. As she strolled, lost in the sights and sounds of this new place, a young girl approached her.

"Hey, miss, where do you come from? Are you really from the surface?" 

The girl asked with curiosity.

"I come from a land far away, a beautiful place." 

Mathilde replied warmly, smiling at the girl.

"Is the surface really dangerous? Many of us haven't been allowed to go up there." 

The little girl continued.

"Why is that?" 

Mathilde inquired, genuinely curious.

"The grown-ups never tell us why; we just have to listen to them. They say it's for our safety," 

The little girl explained earnestly.

Mathilde paused, contemplating why the townspeople were restricted from the surface.

"See you around, miss. I have to go now; my mom wants me home before dark." 

The little girl said, beginning to leave.

"Take care, little one." 

Mathilde called after her, a touch of concern in her voice.

With that thought still in her mind, she continued to walk around the town. She stumbled upon a guard patrolling the streets. Eager to ask about what she had learned from the little girl, she called for the guard's attention.

"Hey, excuse me?" 

Mathilde spoke up.

"Oh, aren't you one of the foreigners from the surface? How can I help?" 

The guard responded, curiosity in his voice.

"I was just wondering why the townspeople aren't allowed to go up to the surface?" 

Mathilde inquired, her interest piqued.

"Oh, well, you see, I haven't gone up there either. Frankly, it's because I'm just a cadet. My duties are only to patrol the town until the commander calls for me and says I'm eligible to be a squire."

The guard explained with a hint of deference.

"I see. Do you think I could have a word with your commander?" 

Mathilde requested, hoping for some answers.

"You can usually find him at the training grounds near the town hall, but he's a very busy man. Everyone in the town looks up to him. He's kind and strong, although they say he's very strict in training."

The guard answered, pride evident in his tone.

"Thank you. He must be a formidable warrior." 

Mathilde commented, impressed by the description.

"I really need to continue my duty." 

The guard said, a sense of duty coloring his voice.

"Good luck with that." 

Mathilde said warmly, acknowledging the importance of his task.

Mathilde started to make her way to the training grounds, hoping she would find the commander there and ask him her questions. As she got closer to her destination, the ambiance of the surroundings changed. It was quiet, but she could hear the sound of clashing wooden swords.