Dazzling Dust

Bad Side

The second after I glared at Alfred, I instantly regretted it.

"Dauntless as I may say", he said as he grabbed my hair. He conveniently pulled me near him. His body inches away from mine. I heard the sound of metal against metal as he takes out his sword.

"P-Please. I'm sorry, I did not mean to disrespect you", I said. My heart starts to throb. Our proximity makes it even more fearful. With my position, I could not see his face but I am sure, he's enjoying this scene

"What happened, Lady?", he asked menacingly.

"Less than one hour since we met but you have already apologized to me twice?", he continued.

I could feel tears formed in my eyes. Any minute now, I would be crying from terror.

"What's wrong? Am I scaring you?", he added. He moved the sword near my face, I could see my reflection on the shiny silver blade.

"Shh shh shh", he said. The tears are now falling to my cheeks. I could not say anything. The rising and falling of my shoulders is the only movement I make.

Then Alfred said something on my ears, the hotness of his breath sends chills to my entirety. He gripped my arms tighter.

"I will let you go now but one more time of your rude behavior, I swear, you will be miserable", he said then released me from his hold.

Unable to form words, I just nod.

"Good. Now, we're clear", he said in a friendly tone. Before, I thought that Rankies are just cruel and heartless officials supervising the field. Until now. I realized that they are also crazy.

"Shall we?", he said as he offered his hand. I hesitated for a moment whether to take it.

"Oh sorry. I forgot", he said, taking his hand back to his pocket.

"I was just trying to be nice", he added.

Well you failed, I wanted to tell him but my instinct is now better than my mouth.

I started marching again, moving a little faster to distance myself as far away from him as possible. The surrounding is beginning to get dark though the skies are still in pink and orange shade.

The rest of the walk is silent. Only the chirping of the birds, the rustling of the leaves in the tree, and the stomping of our boots to the mud were the only sound.

Finally, the hut came to the view.

I look back to face him. "We're almost there", I said plainly. He just nodded, flashing a smile.

We reached my hut just before the sun completely set. Opening the door, I was startled when Alfred grabbed my arm, turning me to face him. His expression is soft, almost bright.

"Reminder. If you try anything--", he said, tightening his grip. No threat or menace is visible from the way he speaks but his hold says otherwise. "Anything at all--", he continued. The numbness of my arm is overwhelming. "Just know that my sword here--", he said, motioning his head to his left where his sword hangs. "--is very happy to serve you", he said, grinning.

Unable to think of what to say, I just nodded. Then satisfied with my response and the scared look of my face, he eventually free my arm from his firm hold.

"You have a nice place", Alfred stated as I pushed the door open. I don't know how to respond to that so I just smiled at him.

He stayed outside for a second, scanning the inside of the entire house. "A nice almost-empty place", he added.