Fate Cloaked In Red

Chapter Two: A Struggle for Trust

"Miss, I must ask you again. Where to?" The carriage driver's rusty voice tugged Cynthia back into reality. She desperately brushed her hair away from her sun kissed skin and faced the cranky man who gripped the reins connecting to a gorgeous white and brown spotted horse.

"Sorry, um what's the closest town?"

"Liliath is an hours' ride from here, if that's what you're after?" the man mumbled, forcing Cynthia to strain her ears to identify the short sentence.

"Miss, do you even know where you're going?"

A small laugh escaped her lips, "To tell you the truth, I've had no idea where I've been going for about two days". The man narrowed his eyes, mumbling something incoherent under his breath. With a quick roll of the eyes, he lightly whipped the majestic beast getting the carriage to move.

'Liliath, that's near the docks' Cynthia thought. A warmth spread throughout her chest. It was the first time she actually felt grateful to Nate for forcing her to attend mapping lessons, she always found them tedious and boring, however with her forced knowledge she was able to identify the momentum she was finally making on her journey.

Two days had passed since she had abandoned her childhood home and Fay. She missed that woman every minute they were apart but it was too late to go back now. Aelbush was a day's trip via speed carriage and Cynthia could not obtain the money to rent one. She was currently passing through the bustling and lively town of Krona. The narrow dirt streets were packed with people going about their daily errands and jobs. Everyone wore clothing with a silver section (whether that be a stripe or a pattern); the sign of the Kronians. Every village or town that participated in the legendary Thovarian war were marked with a unique sign or symbol. The Fourth King cherished the army that stood beside him in battle, therefore gifting them with the symbols so their courage would not be forgotten, no matter how many generations passed.

The Kronians wore their clothing with pride and honor, not one outfit seemed unclean or wrinkly. Cynthia stood out like a sore thumb, not only was she the only one in a small broken down wooden carriage (all she could afford) but she was also the only one who wore plain garments with no silver lining the fabric. All the residents took quick glances at the stranger going through town; it was extremely rare that Krona received visitors. Instead of sliding down into the seat to avoid eye contact, Cynthia sat up tall and set her face into an emotionless expression.

'If you pretend to hold authority, people will respond as though you do', her brother used to say that to her every time she would pull away from strangers. Nate's annoying lectures and habits seemed useful to her now. With a small smirk, Cynthia rode passed the residents of Krona and silently made her way to Liliath, the place where she would finally make some progress on her search for her brother.

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The sun was laying low in the sky, preparing for sleep when Cynthia arrived at Liliath. The carriage rider pointed her to the south of town, stating that that was where the renting rooms were, recommending Santé since it was the hotel where all tourists stayed. Unfortunately for Cynthia, her sense of direction was not the best, resulting in her wondering around in the unfamiliar scenery for close to an hour.

Liliath was different to Krona, there was barely any color evident and the town seemed lifeless and dark; the residents appeared to have locked themselves within their little cottages. The only sign of life was the flicker of light coming from the windows of their homes. For a moment, Cynthia wished she was back home with Fay, sitting in front of the small fireplace that Nate built. She missed the hugs and loveable kisses her guardian would shower her in. As of now, she was alone and afraid. This unknown area was big and vast, intimidating her even more.