Tainted | Disdained Diadem: LOST

01| Beginning

ONE: Beginning

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   Finally, the rain stopped pouring and the dark clouds making the day gloomy are moving away.

   As the sun is slowly showing its rays in the sky, the people begun to appear in this high street again. Merchants unload their carriage; storekeepers arrange their products; women with weaved basket hooked on their arms roam from store to store and men carry heavy sacks.

   Many carriage passes by but people cannot help but stop and look at this carriage I am riding on.  I know this carriage is magnificent. It is wide. It is simple. It's curtains may be plain but are noticeable for a known weaver and tailor made it. Though it is dark in color, its metal body still shine and dazzle the watchers eyes. Guards riding on a horse are also guiding this carriage.

   Yes, this carriage is eye catching but I cannot understand some people looking at me with their furrowed brow. Some even gape and follow me with their eyeball almost popping out.

  I shift my gaze from them to not to mind whatever they are thinking.

   Wherever I place my eyes, those tower-like mountains dominate. They rise high up in the sky and those clouds surrounding them made them looks as if they are floating.

   The wind blows carrying the strong smell of this place. The rancid smell of fishes and those workers' sweat irritate my nose. The perfume of those loitering noble women along with the smell of those flowers makes my breathing difficult. Nevertheless, this is a sign that we are already in our destination, the center of this high street.

   The horse stop galloping and this carriage stop shaking. I need to go down.

   I immediately jump off the carriage and fix the large cape and hood I am wearing. Those people’s stares are still the same. I just rode on top of the carriage so why are they staring at me like that. . . but — I really need to go!

   I was about to step my foot but I froze when a sharp end of a sword was placed atop my right shoulder. The other guards then instantly surround me.

   Those people around starts whispering. With the look in their eyes they seem to be muttering a prayer of peace for my life and soul.

   The guard at my back slowly walks in front to face me while still pointing his sword.

   I still did not move. I did not even raise my head to face this guard. I just stare at the sharp end of the sword waiting for him to talk. But what is this? I can feel his composure different . . . why?

“If I ask for your name, will you say it? If I ask the reason why, will you answer it honestly?”

What?!

    My lips parted and my eyes blink in shock. Did I heard it right?

“What is happening?” an old man voice ask softly.

   The guard in front of me withdraws his sword while looking at me carefully.

   I slowly turn around to face the real owner of the carriage and the emerald eyes of the old man caught my attention first. He has a long and white hair and beard. A simple brown, ankle-level dress draped his body with a golden sash wrapped on his waist.

   One guard stepped forward, “Duke! This person suddenly jumped off the carriage. It is possible that he was the thief who was secretly stealing the food from our travel.”

   I know this was an official’s carriage but never did I expect that the one riding was a Duke!

Did I just rode in a big trouble?

   The old man look at the guard who pointed his sword at me. The guard did not speak but he just bow his head and walk to his master’s side. I am still quite taken aback with this guard's action.

   Not receiving any words from his guard, he lay his eyes on me.

   I pull my hood and breathe deeply, “Forgive me, I did not know. I have been walking many days without any destination in mind and purely by chance, I saw your carriage. Because of tiredness and hunger I rode without thinking about the consequences.”

   His eyes widen and his brow furrow. Even the guard on his side, I noticed his brow creased. He stared at me, trying to look at my face under this large hood. And I have no intention to remove it.

    His face suddenly brighten, “My. . . my. . . a wandering child!” he exclaim. “Come closer.”

   I did not move, I can still feel the deadly stares of the other guards.

   When I did not move, he step closer to me. I immediately step back when I saw him raise his hand towards me.

   He stop, put his hand on his back and smile, “What is your name?”

   I look at him in his eyes. Even in old age, his eyes is still bright and clear. I can feel his scrutinizing stares at me but I do not feel any malicious intention from him.

“Sahhar. . . that is my name.”

“So brave for lady to be wandering in nowhere.” he said. He face his guards, “I will defer my business here.” He face me again, “I know you have nowhere to go. Come with me, my residence is open for you.”

“I cannot say no to your kindness.” I immediately said. What he said is true I have nowhere to go and I have no money, not even a single cent, so I immediately agreed.

   Upon hearing my answer, he move to the side and raise his hand leading the way to his carriage.

   I went inside his carriage first and sat closely to the window.

“Are you comfortable?”

   The ends of my lips curve upwards, “Yes, thank you.”

   With still the smile on my lips, I shift my head and look outside the window thinking what I saw earlier. When he stepped closer earlier those three small slits near his collar did not escaped from my eyes. . .

My nerves are getting excited . . . No!

   I erase whatever thoughts forming in my mind and focus my eyes on those tower-like mountains. A smile forms suddenly on my lips again while looking at the scene.

Those high mountains are just proof that I am really in Ultheors, the prosperous and most famous nation.

The sun in the sky making the droplets of water on those plants glitter seem to say I am really inside Valeswein, the capital of Ultheors.

So. . . what can I see here?

Beautiful sceneries? Of course, that is what I am seeing right now.

The officials? Yes, one of the officials is sitting in front of me right now.

Their new ruler. . . Whom ignited the desire of those rebels and other countries to bring this country down?

Or will I see the dragon playing outside its cave?

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