Diana speaks
We finally crossed the borders. And If by any chance, you are worried about my condition. I am completely fine. My body fully recovered; my mentality is still recuperating though. Lady Aurora did a great job fixing me.
After the battle, General Joseph awarded my future husband a 100 golden coins for his effort in the war. He told me it was the normal salary for any Backstabber that took part in that battlefield. The man also walked with us an extra mile. And sent some men with us till we crossed safely to the other side, and that was the last time we saw Joseph and Aurora.
For me, to think of my prince and how he went through whatever that battle was. Just to get to me, to set me free.
Each time I look at his sad face. I see his head bowing to the ground. Like a defeated warrior despite his triumph. He didn't speak about it. But I know he is still angry with himself. And that was it! I always felt safe around him no matter what, my love to him was never changed one bit from its place. I loved him even more when he came to save me, it proved to me what am I to him.
"Hon, easy on the animal", I patted my fingers on his tensed back. We were on a horse that was moving full speed towards Endora. The fastest way towards home.
"Oh, right" He pulled the reins, and the horse speed was lowered to jogging. We were traveling on a flat road in an open area.
"You ok, you seem...Bothered."
"About your father...". He tilted his head towards me.
"My dad?". I looked at him with a queried face.
"Yep. Your absence made me wonder what effect a year and a half must have had an on him. If I couldn't handle 4 days. Then It made me marvel how he was holding up during all those months"
"I just hope I am not too late to save him from his tormented self". I said, knowing my father very well.
"I doubt it..."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What makes you say that?"
Louis halted the horse, as his voice became more serious and grimmer.
"A year and a half are a very long period, my love. That man could have...Changed. Didn't you tell me you are the last one left of his family known alive to him? Try to understand, to comprehend what did he felt when the final part of the family got...ripped away from him"
I couldn't find a response to his words. My Louis got it right. A broken man is like a cracked Jar. It will keep leaking its content till there is nothing left and that's when the soul begins the successions of its own self-destruction. If this process had already begun months ago, then...
"Let's just hurry". I said clicking my tongue.
"Now look who's Bothered now". He smiled with a Cheeky face.
The horse yelled and we were on the run again. And after 2 Mornings and nights. We finally reached it in the late morning of the third day.
*****
Endora
My home
The city that suffered the most
When we reached the town, I gasped at that sight and I was left speechless.
From a far, I spotted them sleeping eternally under the numerous symbolic crosses.
Massive tombstones everywhere, marking the tragedy that happened here 2 weeks ago [https://img.wattpad.com/ab56e4a947fc79ee629d058edc506d6a102a8c0f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f763959754746446e397257654f513d3d2d313334343433343235392e313736323063306130353061666331313238353731353230343933382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Massive tombstones everywhere, marking the tragedy that happened here 2 weeks ago.
I felt the past haunting me again. The memories of the fire and destruction of my home were still delineated at the back of my exhausted mentality. The sensation of rot lingering in the soil beneath my feet.
However, beyond the grave-stones. There was a promising sight.
Those who survived that day managed to rebuild most of the town.
I looked around with impressive eyes as most of the houses were in decent shape, and the people who returned did a great job rebuilding what was left.
But...as I advanced forward. The people's faces were identical to those of ghosts. No one had the ability to smile anymore. And honestly, I don't blame them. Every house was still missing a daughter from the raid of the tradition or was still mourning those who died at that black day.
I furtherly examined their faces. All of them were strangers. That meant that most of my friends were long gone except for Maria. My faithful sister that my mother didn't provide.
"Hey, How are you hanging back there?". My Louis talked to me.
"Barely" I whispered.
As we marched onward. My eyes bolted as a certain structure popped out of all the rest of the houses.
I gasped. I couldn't control myself anymore. I felt the air changing around me. It became a nice breeze that tickled my already messed hair. It felt like...
"That's your house...No?". My Louis stopped the horse right in front of what was left of the house.
"Y...Y...Yes, Hold on. How did you guess that?!"
"From your nails that punctured my back"
"Oh! Sorry". I pulled my hands back. Clumsy me.
He smiled at me then he looked back at the house.
It was one with the ground. The only thing that remains was two half walls made of wood while all the content of the house became ashes.. All my parents' heritage become as flat as the earth. Nothing survived
I noticed the hands of Louis tightened. "Those imbeciles! They had already committed a mass massacre in this town. Why destroy the houses!?"
A third breath comes to play as a man's voice sneaked from behind us. "Because they wanted to ensure that our fall would be irredeemable".
When I looked around, I saw Protector Sebastian, limping using some crunches. He looked in better shape than I last met, but I knew that deep down , he was still fighting his personal grief.
"Welcome home, blonde fella". He spoke.
I smiled faintly at him. "Thanks, Sebastian. It's good to be home too."
"And you are?" He looked at Louis.
"Louis, pleased to meet you, sir". He bowed his head a bit.
Sebastian blinked. "Oh, right. You are the son of that Captain."
How...You and your snitching mouth, Uncle!
"Correct, But I assure you, Mister. I will never harm Endora in any way. Not when I am about to marry one of her Divine and beauteous girls". He looked at me with one of his loving looks
I...I... blushed. I hugged his back while my head rested on his right shoulder as a reward for his sweet talk but also to hide my reddened cheeks.
Protector Sebastian put his hands on his hips, with a small side smile. "Well, I hate to be the one bearing the news but as you can see , your wedding nest is still in ashes. Those slavers kicked us back into the stone age. And you still need to talk up to her father...that is...if you actually managed to find the bastard"
Louis grabbed the reins of the horse. "We will make do without the house, just appoint us to a nearby inn to rest for now and tomorrow we shall ride to Shan"
"That's said then. All you have to do now is to follow me closely," Sebastian said.
We spend most of the day separated. While Louis was helping the men rebuild the lost houses at some points, I went to the market to pick what little food they can offer for us and the horse.
When the night came, we rested together in our room at that inn. Exchanging stories and gossip.
For him and me. The other was everything. If I was taken, he would fight the whole country just to reach me, If he fell, I would be more than happy to give him every ounce of my soul just to see him pleased. With that in mind, I cuddled warmly between his shielding arms that night. Taking his powerful heartbeat as a sleeping lullaby, and his heating breathes as a breeze preparing me for sleep.
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*********
The next day
My Louis packed up everything we needed. Including our two daggers, Just in case.
We left Endora at dawn on horse. And according to Protector Sebastian. Shan or widely known as "The Holy city" was a Day far to the south.
During the journey. My thoughts are ravaged every time I think of this Vivan Personage. How did she take advantage of a broken man to use him however she sees fit? Women are not that evil by nature so what's up with that particular serpent?!
"If that woman resisted, I swear. I will carve my name on her neck!"
"She probably would be dead before you finish though". He looked at me sarcastically.
I chuckled. "I won't cut deep, Promise"
"How about another promise? To be careful. Hon, we don't know anything about this woman. She could be a boss of a notorious gang or another secret net of criminals that we don't know about. There are a lot of possibilities we don't fully acknowledge. Let's gather more info before we act"
"Right". I nodded, but just because I promised Louis something, doesn't mean that I would abide to it. This woman is as good as dead if she tried to be a smart ass.
On the morning of the next day, it appeared on the horizon. With its walls made of stone and guards all over them. There wasn't any gate for this city because there were at least 20 other guards manning its entrance, not to mention those who survey from above the walls.
"Louis, There are a lot of guards and you still had that bounty"
"Not in this city. Violence here is forbidden. That's why those guards are there to spot any fights and commotions and toss the troublemakers out, besides there is something heavenly about this city that you don't know"
"Oh?". I exclaimed
"Shan is famous for its welcoming to all atoning sinners. My mom always told me about the rumors that stuck to people of the city. They work with smugglers to ensure the escape of picked criminals to the city. And after atonement, they are freed once more to join the society again. Yet, till this day no one knows how this process is done or who manages it. Even the dictator Wain doesn't have any piece of idea of what's happening behind the walls of this city...or so my mother used to tell me"
I forced myself to believe my prince, I always heard about this city but I never really visited it, So I pretty much know nothing about it.
As we drew close, One of the guards stopped us.
"Morning couple". He bowed his head a bit with a smile.
"Morning sir" Louis began.
"Oh, right I forgot to tell you". Louis tilted his head to me. "They are taking our daggers," He said as he got his dagger out and handed it to the guard. I did the same afterward.
"State your business. Please". The guard talked as he received both of the blades.
Louis responded. "Visiting a relative, His name is Richard Onakran"
The man nodded. "I see. A'right. Come in"
I felt relief as we entered the city with a good start in our common quest.
"So Where do we start looking?". Louis asked me.
"The wealthy districts. If that woman can afford to buy salves then she must be rich"
"Alright, that should be easy. Districts like these are the closest to the Cathedral"
"C-Cathedral?! Here in Shan!"
"Why of course! The city is centered around it, We will probably find Vivian lurking there". He said. Before the horse came alive again as we moved further toward the city center.
Along the way, we tried asking right and left about that Vivian woman but we found no leads. However, when we drew closer to the center of the city. My eyes witnessed a beautiful and marvelous historical figure coming into our sight.
My eyes witnessed a beautiful and marvelous historical figure coming into our sight [https://img.wattpad.com/11024aea72d4e022150c8955fbdfe686e380ea2f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f50733161703379764a5f4a6941513d3d2d313334343433343235392e313736326462356662643935663938643334333835393936383539392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
It was massive, like super big. The back of my neck hurt when I tried viewing its summit.
"Did the last king build that?!". I asked in awe.
"No, this cathedral was built 100 years ago. A religious and kind king built it. Back when faith was strong enough to move mountains. This cathedral is his legacy"
"Wow. How do you know all that?!". I inquired with excitement.
"Gossips, some history books. And a lot of free time"
"I have to tell my father that you are a historian, plus being prince then". I chuckled
He chuckled back. "Let's just hope he doesn't kill me when he knows who my father is"
As the horse kept moving. We had to first pass by a market about a mile from the cathedral where hordes of people were walking beside us.
Our eyes kept roaming while looking at any wealthy figure walking around.
"Any luck?". I asked Louis.
"Nope. Still nothing. Lets try asking the merchants". He said as he stopped the horse in front of one of those stands.
"Excuse me, madame". He addressed a woman in her mid-40s. "Do you know a woman that goes by the name (Vivian) around here?"
"You mean Father Vivian?". Suddenly, A man on the opposite stand interfered in the conversation.
I looked at Louis with a gesture that contained more questions than answers...
"W-Who is that?" I asked.
The woman responded, "What do you mean by 'who is that?' He's one of the seven fathers!"
We both blinked sheepishly.
"Sorry, we are not from the city". Louis smiled awkwardly.
The man in the opposite stand began to speak again.
"You don't need to be from the city to know the 7 fathers. These are 7 of the most humble and good-hearted men this city has. They undergo a mass every day in the cathedral and __"
Louis interrupted. "Where do we find this father, please?"
The woman continued. "Head towards the cathedral, look for his room in the basement of the western wing"
This man lives in a basement?! I thought.
"Thank you!" I said as Louis punched the horse again as we headed towards the cathedral.
"Ok, that's one twist of events, Don't you agree, my love?".
"I am confused myself, why would a man of God enter a business with those slavers in the first place?!"
"I think we will find out now". He said the same instant he pulled the reins of the horse again, making him halt in its place, while viewing the front door of the cathedral.
"Go ahead, I will tie the horse and join you later"
"Alright". I gave him a small cheek kiss before I disembarked from the horse.
I entered the big building through the front door. And not only was it huge, but it was also so...peaceful. I felt the coloured glass windows shining an assuasive rays of light. I felt my soul so light in that comfortable area. And the quietness...it's almost unbearable that my random breaths were disturbing such a holy place.
"It's so beautiful!" I said, sensing Louis's footsteps coming from behind me.
"His former majesty had good sense of art". He said as we allowed our eyes to feast upon this glorious church. While we advanced slowly between the empty chairs.
"There, let's ask this man". Louis pointed at a man all dressed in black and had a black round hat on his head. He had a small black beard and an ordinary body. He was holding a bible while reading in silence.
We approached the man from his right side...
When something Extraordinary happened
No No No, why now!
My necklace exploded with amazing lights. The color was...
"That's rainbow!" My Louis gasped in fear [https://img.wattpad.com/4292ce91fb762cfd38ebd181f208d74ec3e9f640/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6b676462633355755a644b3333773d3d2d313334343433343235392e313736333663316234343330376666393837303837363637353936342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"That's rainbow!" My Louis gasped in fear. And so, did I.
Why A rainbow?! What does that suppose to mean? Had my amulet malfunctioned?! If not, what would my mother would want to tell me?
"It resembles Hope". The man said. The lights must have got his attention.
"H-Hope?" I imitated his last word in confusion.
I looked up as I realized the man was speaking to me, and strangely. He wasn't surprised at all by the glowing majestic necklace around my neck. It could be that he saw one of those amulets before. That I will never know.
"Yes, you see Noah, the messenger of God, saw this sight in the sky after the great flood. A mark that points to incoming peace after what was thought as never lasting storm."
That priest...his voice...its tone was so soothing. It touched my heart. I looked at his eyes and saw only kindness and purity. And...to be honest, I didn't know if it was the amulet doing or his influence, but I felt the same vibe that would come of my dearest father.
"My lambs, who do you seek?". His lips shaped into a humble smile
The same smile alone erased any sign of anger inside me. I stuttered. For a fleeting instance, I forgot what I was here for.
"V-Vivian...Ahem...Father Vivian" Louis led the talk.
"Oh, I see. Look no further, my child. You are talking to him now."
My soul jumped in triumph. This is it. My father is linked to this man somehow. He was the one who bought my father out of the Red Castle. I finally found him!
I tried my best not to panic. "F-Father. Please forgive me for interrupting your reading. I am looking for a man that goes by the name Richard Onakran. Does the name look familiar?".
The man's smile vanished the moment I mentioned my dad's name. Definitely not a good sign.
"Right, the protector. But what___"
"WHERE IS HE!!?". I shouted with an open mouth and wider eyes as my voice dispersed throughout the halls of the cathedral.
I didn't realize that the Satan inside me was freed
Louis noticed my vulgarity and soon grabbed my arm. "Diana...lower your voice, we are inside the house of God! ". He tried but my heart was already bumping at double its usual rate.
Father Vivian, however, was calm like... exceedingly calm.
"It's not the question of ''where''. it's a matter of 'how', you are asking. But before I answer you, my child. First, tell me who would you be to him?"
"His daughter". I said as I gripped my fist impatiently.
"OH!" His eyes widen in happiness. "The one that was taken by the captain, I presume?"
I flinched. "T...T... That's correct!".
"I see. Would you please forgive my heavy request for you to listen to me for 2 small minutes?". He said most modestly.
"And why should I trust a person who made deals with slavers?! How many slaves have you bought, Ha? Tell me! How many broken souls did you and your twisted money buy!"
"26"
"What!". Both of us were taken by the number.
"26 man. All free thanks to the good people of Shan"
"Hold on, Father. Do you free them after the transaction?!". Louis asked.
"Of course! No soul should ever be chained in any way, my lamb. It's the good and kind people's money that they willingly donated to the cathedral that was used to free those men...
Once every last day of every month. One of the 7 fathers goes to the Red Castle and tries to release as many people as the small charity can break out. Richard was one of those desperate spirits that I happened to free...
However, your father was an... exceptional case. For him freedom had no taste, that man's soul was ruptured the day you left Endora. He didn't stop thinking and talking about you all the time. Life was colorless to him. Nothing mattered.
When I tried to ask him to leave, to get back to his town. He told me it was already in ruins and... He began crying hysterically, I... I couldn't just leave him homeless like that. And for that, I granted him a job as my apprentice and shared my inappropriate house with him"
By the time he finished, something had changed inside of me. I couldn't hold my tears any longer. As my knees crashed on the ground and water dripped from my eyes.
My sin was great. How did me dare to shout at this rare angelic figure when he saved so many people including my father?! If not for him, my father would have starved to death, sleeping in the most freezing and dust-filled streets, turning into a beggar who no longer owes anything, not even his family. He would have been washed away by so many toxic memories of me.
My sobbing began.
"I am begging you, please. Forgive me, father. For I don't deserve your kindness and gratitude"
Father Vivian jumped of his place, put his bible aside as he hurried towards me, using his hands to lift me up. "Now, why would you say such heresy?! Stand up, please. For you are not mistaken to start with!"
I felt Louis's arms hurry to wrap me in his protective body. "We Apologies, Father. She had gone through a lot. And 'a lot' here is an underrated expression."
"You mustn't say that twice, son. I know it all."
"There". He pointed at a door far to the right side of the cathedral.
"He is taking care of the the garden as we speak. If you are really who you claim to be, then go return that Protector the reason he was living his life for!". He said suspensefully while still maintaining his cute smile.
Louis smiled with a nod. "Thank you, Father... for everything"
**************
A\N: If you reached this point in the story then, I am deeply in gratitude to you. Dear reader. For You are one chapter short from the end...
Yes, Chapter 41 will be the last chapter (within narration). Thank you from the core of my heart