Captured Love

Chapter 26

She eventually calmed down enough to start explaining about the stories passed around among the village. I listened intently only because she was so adorable I wasn't sure why. Her name was Sarah, and she was the only child among her family. She told me of the most famous story of the village's history and of how she was able to tell who I was. 

"My mother said I'm a special apostle because you saved us. She told me to keep it a secret, but she saw you when you came to visit her."

 As she spoke for some reason, I could actually see vividly the events unfolding in my mind's eye and see the memories of this little girl as if I was her.  I said nothing and let her continue as I watched in amazement of the truth in her words.

"Mother said when you saved us, we connected and in return we repay our debt with devotion. We are the origin village of your temple." She seemed so proud and the more she spoke the more her enthusiasm grew.

"I thought you said it was a secret, how are you able to have a temple for me if no one can know?" I teased her in jest, but she took my words to heart.

"Oh no don't worry goddess as you are our queen and savior, we have made sure to keep your existence known to only true believers to worship and benefit from your blessings. Our village itself is hidden away as we continue to protect you as you slumber." She bowed her head after the declaration. 

"So, what are the stories then of my husband?" Just speaking of him gave a bitter taste in my mouth, but I was curious how he was seen considering they spoke so highly of myself.

"He is still celebrated by many though our teachings oppose his." Her tone was hesitant and timid different from the excitement of before. 

"What do you mean?" Her words left me confused.

I didn't expect anything about me to even be known other than missing, but here in this world these people who I only ever helped once made these grand legends surrounding me, I couldn't help but wonder how it was that the actual person who started it all was seen as any different. 

"To our village his ways are seen as a tyrant king after you came down in search of solace." I tried to keep my composure at this new shocking information.

"We once followed him like all the others until he changed once you came to our plane of existence. We have been told you descended in order to find sanctuary and it was our duty to keep your existence hidden away from prying eyes. My mother is the priestess who leads our community. She is said to be the next person closest to you after me. We felt your pain and could hear your cries for many nights. We made sure your forest was never to be disturbed until you were at peace enough to accept being approached. To accept us even if we had to wait for an indefinite amount time." She smiled softly her sweet face allowing me to find warmth in the comfort of it. 

"So, what is it that is expected of me now that I'm awake?" She shook her head.

"Nothing is desired of you other than your own content and peace. It is our job to care for you as you have done more than enough by just being here. Your presence is a blessing of itself."

I sighed beside myself unable to accept doing nothing. 

"How about I head down into the village then or your mother can meet me here if that's more convenient for her. I appreciate you telling me so much, but I think it's best now for the adults to meet." I stood up and outstretched my hand toward her to help her up.

"I'm sure the villagers would be delighted to have you among us, however knowing my mother I know she would prefer to have a grand gesture in your honor prepared in advanced so I will go to let her know to come here first." She meekly bowed her head before trying to hurry off. I didn't even get the chance to tell her goodbye and then I'm left with my own concerning thoughts on what's to come next or even what's happened to Amias in all this time though I'm no longer enamored with him I can't help to still worry.