After finishing our breakfast the kids went outside to explore the grounds, Talon went on to clean the mess in the halls. I had other plans, William offered to take me into the town and introduce me. Tired as I may be, my curiosity is too great and sleep is not in the foreseeable future.
I walked outside to find William mounted on a horse, there was another beside him for me to ride.
"Milady, your horse is ready to ride."
It had been my father's horse, a beautiful ebony with a black mane. The saddle adorned with custom leather work and bits of silver and gold. It was truly stunning.
"Are you willing to answer my questions once we make our way into the town?" I asked, making my way on top of the steed.
He stared into my eyes and said, "The answers you seek are not for me to divulge, but I can lead you to the answers."
He began to ride out of the gates and waited till I made my way outside before shutting them. I followed him since I am to be introduced, many do not remember my face. A stranger in these lands ought to be treated with suspicion and its not ideal if I am to find its secrets.
Some time passed as we made our way through the dirt road, the sun glistening in the sky and the wind caressing my skin. It was lovely weather, there are sure to be more people active in the town. I could now see the wooden walls and grassy roofs from this distance, we were very close and a thought occurred.
"William, why is the town not prospering if the taxes report a high yield?"
His face did not reflect confidence as he instructed his horse to go a little faster.
"Why won't you answer such a simple question." I asked as my horse began to match his pace.
William pointed at the houses within site and said; "Our town is more than meets the eye, those humble abodes are not an adequate representation of our prosperity."
This was puzzling, since this town looked to be somewhat rural yet their infrastructure was not reflective of their income. Why are they living as if this wasn't a prosperous town? Well, its a question about to be answered as we made our way inside it's walls.
A short and stubby man walked over to us and greeted William; "Good afternoon Will, who may this beautiful maiden be? did you finally find a woman to settle down with?"
William seemed uncomfortable by the question and replied; "This is Master Emerson's daughter and she wishes to be introduced to our town, my elder."
The elder rubbed the back of his head with his hand and laughed nervously, obviously embarrassed.
"I apologize for my tactless comment my lady, its not often we see William with a lady." He cracked a smile, obviously trying to make light of the situation with a joke.
YOU ARE READING
Elisia Emerson: Goddess of the Damned
FantasyEvery beginning... She was found as a newborn in a dragon's nest, merely a newborn with mesmerizing emerald eyes. She was saved by a brave knight, a man who became her father, the only parent she's ever known and who gave her a name nobody will ever...
