2. "Before the storm"
Proper pronunciation: Crouxberth (kru-bert)
It was the last night of spring before the winter came, the cold wind penetrates deep in the skin, but the people seem that they don't mind it at all. in a small country called Crouxberth located in the heart of the gypsy forest. The citizens are busy preparing for a feast, lots of people are dancing and having fun at the city's center. The town's children are watching a puppet show, in a booth set up near the stage.
"long time ago the mankind was enslaved by the golems under the rule of the demons. Many are killed, starved and eaten by the creatures of the night. The goddess of the sun pitied the humans; thus, she created the beings called the witches of the dawn. They saved the humans in the hands of the demons, help the old kings build the cities and the countries where we lived today. Everyone taught they were good, but they secretly prayed for a witch that is so powerful to ruin the mankind. When the kings find out about it, they created an alliance and killed every witch, from the highest coven to the lowest. until they are totally wiped out from the world!" the puppet show ended with a big fire exhibition making the children gasps in horror and amazement at the same time.
"that is why children must not trust a witch, if you seen one quickly report it to the soldiers or kill it directly" the city mayor who was watching from the sidelines told the town's children.
"but why would they want to ruin mankind? Didn't the goddess of the sun created them to save the humans?" a young child around six year said.
"yeah"
"he's right"
"yeah, why would they?" the children around him agreed and ask the same question.
"now children listen well, maybe the witches wanted to rule the world. Luckily, we have our merciful and wise kings, they are prepared ahead of time and eliminate any possible threat that we may face in the future." The children seem to believe on what the city mayor had said, and they all agreed.
"Liars! You are poisoning the minds of the children!" the old beggar on the street shouted at the city mayor. his clothes are dirty and torn, they are more passable as rags than clothes. The city mayor looked at the old beggar scornfully before he shooed it away and went to the stage to prepare for the king's arrival.
· · ·
On the other side of the city, inside the glamorous castle filled with marvelous paintings and furniture's. The king of Crouxberth was sitting in his throne drinking such wonderful wine that is made from year's harvest. In his side was the queen wearing an arrogant look on her face, her body is adorned with extravagant pearls, fine silk clothing and a head filled with diamonds.
"Your majesty!" the king's adviser rushed to the throne room and went to the king's side.
"The highest king gifted you a chest filled with diamonds for a job well done." Hearing what his adviser had said, the face of the king was filled with happiness, his eyes can't hide the greed and joy that he was currently feeling. The whole room was filled with his joyous laughter.
"I may say, the highest king was very generous my love. If the witches still exist, we cannot mine and have such precious gems." The queen said to the king, her face was also filled with happiness when she heard the good news.
"heh! Those witches are useless, thinking there were all mighty and powerful, but a bottle of poison can kill them all!"
"hush! We can't afford for anyone to hear that." The queen said before a child around eight years of age came running in the throne room.
"Father! Mother!"
"princess Xashie! Be careful! Don't run!" shouted by the nursemaid of the princess while she seems to catch her breath.
"what is it our dear daughter?" the king asked.
"father lets hurry! I really wanted to go to the town right now, I'm very excited" the princess said while holding the hand of her father.
"alright, lets go." The king said before he finally rose from his sit and accompany his daughter, while the queen sighed before she elegantly stands from her seat.
"that child, she's a princess who doesn't act like one" she said before following her husband and daughter to went to the town.
