Lost Ones - A False King

Chapter 3 - A Strange Connection

Lina had some time to think about it as the streets grew quieter.

And there's a good reason for that. They have now reached the first stop on their daily schedule - the Park of Rilgohin. 

They cross a narrow alley formed by two closely standing houses, and although they are still in the city, Lina feels as if she has arrived in a different place at the end of the alley.

Her face lights up as she begins to smile involuntarily.

In her excitement, she tries to wake her mother, who only mumbles and turns over. Joane may have had one too many drinks, but it seems unlikely that she could have fallen into a coma as a result. Known to occasionally indulge in an extra glass within the castle walls to cope with the monotonous political life, it is unusual even for her family members that it has gotten so out of hand so early today.

'Never mind,' Lina thinks and tries not to dwell on it.

They cross the Jade River over the arched bridge.

Like all other access points in the park, this one is guarded by soldiers.

The paths in the park are well-maintained and much smoother than the cobblestone streets of the city.

The Jade River meanders through and around the entire park.

It is a harmonious blend of water and land, creating the feeling of a green oasis.

Due to the variety of plants, this place has become a large playground for smaller animals.

After the war, it served as a place of relaxation and retreat for the people, as the city was nearly completely destroyed at that time. This purpose has not changed to this day. For the stressful everyday life, the park serves the same purpose now as it did 15 years ago.

Sunlight filters through the bright green of the young leaves and the dense treetops. In the tree canopies, Lina spots a mother bird feeding a worm to her newly hatched chicks. Other birds chirp and fly joyfully through the park.

The variously designed meadows of different sizes and shapes invite picnics, although one must be careful not to have one of the friendly moles create a hill under the picnic blanket.

On the meadows, one can relax, listen to and observe the animals, and ideally enjoy the sunshine at the same time. If a cooling down is needed, there are plenty of opportunities to sit by the Jade River, dangle your legs in the water, or even wade up to your hips.

The source of the Jade River is located in the center of the park.

Along the paths leading to the source, many seating areas have been set up.

There is also a small playground for children.

However, despite the beautiful weather, no one is visible in the park today, as access is denied to the citizens.

The carriage stops at a water basin for a first short break.

Edmur and Vyncent get out and stretch.

Edmur takes a bit longer, while Vyncent is already waving to the people outside the park who have followed them.

Lina follows them outside, leaving her sleeping mother alone in the carriage, and finds herself a few meters away from the carriage, in the shadow of a natural stone statue. It is an upright woman gently holding a dove in her open hands.

"Is that..." Lina begins, her face lighting up, "... Mother?"

Her father approaches her.

"She bears a certain resemblance, that's true," he says with a smile, "But please don't mention that I said that," he whispers afterward.