The Witches' War : The Five Warriors

Chapter 7

I thought that I could find some answers in the dream, but I woke up again.

Maybe my head was still recovering from the shameful incident that almost cost my life yesterday. What's worse is that I put the other girls in danger too.

I looked around the room and noticed that the others already left. I walked to the window and opened it slowly to avoid the creaking sound from the old and rusty window. The sun was starting to rise and I saw a clear view of the knights training. I immediately spotted my friends in the middle of the field.

Apparently, the knights treated the girls badly and made fun of them. I calmed myself down and tried to stay patient. I don't want to repeat yesterday's mistake all over again. If I did, we would be outcasts.

The girls told me to have some rest and Sir Raymond forbids me from coming to the training grounds. I'm only allowed to train after I've fully recovered.

My head is still in pain but I couldn't just sleep all day. I got nothing else to do, so I guess a tour in the castle won't be such a bad idea...

After I took a bath, carefully not letting a single drop of water on my wounded head (which would be extremely painful if I did so), I walked out of the room and started my journey in this mysterious castle.

I put my bow over my shoulder and wore a belt with my quiver attached to the side of it. I may not need it, but it feels more comfortable being fully equipped with my weapons.

I had to leave the dagger behind though. It might cause me trouble again.

I walked along an empty hallway which we passed by last night, and took a right turn instead.

As I continued walking, I noticed that the hallways look the same. The carpet is dull blue with yellow flower prints, the tall windows with the same coloured curtains, dark blue walls, brown doors everywhere and the same flower vases near every window makes it all more confusing.

Suddenly, a lady wearing a white long-sleeved dress under a dark blue apron went out from one of the doors behind me and walked past me. I called her and she turned around to face me.

"Yes, may I help you?" the lady asked with a sweet voice. I called her without even thinking of what to say.

"You're new here, so you must be lost. Where are you heading?" the lady seemed to have noticed my confused face.

"I'm not sure where to, but do you know a place where I can go to? A place where I can find something to do?" I asked, hoping that she would bring me to an amazing place.

"Hmm, let's see... There are several rooms and places that you are allowed to enter. There's a library, knight's canteen, maybe perhaps the Royal Garden?" the lady asked. The Royal Garden?? I've always wanted to visit one.

"Can you show me the way to the Royal Garden please?" I asked.

"Certainly! Follow me." she replied cheerfully. We walked through several long hallways, took multiple turns and finally arrived in front of an elegant light green door.

It's really amazing how the people around here can find their way through the castle easily while I can't even find the toilet(which is very near to our room according to Sir Raymond, but NOT to me).

"I'm guessing that you won't be able to remember your way back. So, here is a map that Melissa have prepared for you girls." the lady guessed correctly and handed me the map.

"Thank you." I said gratefully as I took the map from her. The maids are the only kind people in this castle.

Well, apart from the prince. If he weren't there, we might've ended up in the dungeon for life.

The lady waved me goodbye and walked away.

I turned towards the door and touched the smooth carvings on it. It is a carving of many types of flowers, spreading all the way up the door. I hold the brass doorknob and opened the door. I gasped in amazement as I saw the beautiful scenery of the Royal Garden.

It looks magical and is filled with colourful flowers decorating the stone path to a big white gazebo in the middle of the garden. The bright light from the sun perfectly lit up the whole garden through the transparent glass ceiling.

It's more than what I expected. I could still feel the remnants of magic flowing around the garden.

As soon as I entered, I made a decision to stay here until night falls and spend my time with the breathtaking view and lovely flowers.

I just hope that no one else would come to this garden.

"Hello, young lady! Enjoying the view eh?" an old man's voice startling me to death.

"Y-yes!" I replied in shock and turned around to see an old man dressed in a dark blue jumpsuit. Unfortunately, I tripped over a green hose and fell into the flower bushes.

Luckily, it doesn't have thorns.

"I apologise for startling you. I am Richard, the royal gardener. You seemed to be quite a nature's lover eh? Not many people would want to spend time here." the old man stated as he helped me to stand up.

"It's okay, sir. I do love nature, I hope that I wasn't disturbing your work here and I'm truly sorry about the flowers." I apologised.

"Nah, it's fine! I was just sitting in the shed when I saw the door opening. Perhaps you are interested in helping my gardening work, eh?" Richard asked.

"I would love to, sir." I replied delightfully. Being able to help the royal gardener would be really amazing. Maybe I can learn new tips in gardening from him.

I spent the whole day doing gardening work with him. After a short lunch in the kitchen with him, he taught me how to take care and grow beautiful roses in the correct way. I had also helped him to fix the flowers I had just ruined.

Before I left the garden, he gave me a red rose as a present. He told me that I am always welcomed in the garden. I thanked him repeatedly and left the room.

I opened the map the lady gave me and started searching for the way to the Knight's Canteen. I walked along the hallway and noticed a slightly opened wooden door at the end of it.

I got a really strange and eerie feeling that the door was calling me and forcing me to enter it.

I searched for the door on the map but there was no sign of any door or passage at the end of the hallway.

As always, my curiosity gets the best of me...