The Red Rose

Chapter XIX

Both Dad and I examined both objects in great detail as I prepared my bags to return to Europe, where Grandpa had bought me an apartment that seemed to be in the city center.

"I really wonder what could be hidden inside these objects. Could it have some secret message? Something else?" I murmured aloud.

I could only think about getting on a plane again and traveling for miles. My skin crawled just thinking about it. If the first time hadn't seemed very dramatic, I think I was starting to develop anxiety about flying.

"You seem nervous, Miguel. Don't worry, well I mean, worry and be prepared for what you might find, but keep in mind that every experience is a learning experience, no matter what happens," Dad said.

"I'm fine. More than scared, I think I'm really anxious to see what I'll find there, I get the impression that I'm entering a labyrinth," I replied, looking towards the forest.

"I understand, son. About that, what bus will you take?" he asked.

I pointed to a large backpack I was carrying with me and smiling said: "This is all I'll take, I won't use suitcases. I'll go on foot, running, I think running will take less time than going by bus, and I'll save a lot of money." I smiled.

"Oof. That backpack is really heavy. Won't it break?" He asked.

"I hope not," I said, looking at the backpack.

After packing everything, I took the sword, the bow and arrows and put on my backpack. I was ready to go, I had to get to Santiago de Chile, to the airport, and then take the flight that would take me from here to Vienna, once again.

I said goodbye to Dad and checked that everything was secure, and I started the journey at full speed. I avoided the road as much as I could so as not to collide with any pedestrian or car and be seen, so the forest gave me the best opportunity.

Feeling the wind on my face, the aroma of the plants, and seeing how the sunlight fell in thin rays, illuminating even the smallest insects, was something truly beautiful, and I could imagine how entertaining it must be for beings with senses like mine to be able to appreciate nature, I really missed the forest after spending too much time in the desert.

I began to slow down once I reached the urban area, already starting to approach the airport and went through baggage control. I had to leave all my belongings in the baggage area, especially my weapons, and I was left with a small bag that contained a pair of headphones, chargers for my smartphone, and a tablet that I used to read books and view documents.

I downloaded several novels that Dad had recommended to me, who had become a staunch fan of the Victorian genre, especially after comparing my experiences with Carmilla and the original work, which narrated the events in quotes "original", and made us theorize about how my presence in her past did not change the original novel at all, but did change the reality on which it was based.

I also downloaded several books on mythology from various cultures, you never know what could have been reality and what was simply a myth, like aliens myths, and as I browsed the books, I tried to see what I could read:

"The Song of the Nibelungs, Carmilla, Beowulf, The Vampire, La Morte Amorouse, The Odyssey..."

"Ahh right! One of the ancient users of this sword was Siegfried, and he has almost the same invulnerability as me." I thought as I reviewed the first book.

"Eww, bathing in dragon's blood..." I made a face as I turned to the next book.

I watched the stewardess walk slowly towards my cubicle, while distributing blankets and drinks to the passengers, and what I saw was between comical and incredible.