V Chapter 1

“Rie, it’s morning. Time to wake up” I was shaken awake. I opened my eyes, and Mama was looking down at me smiling. “You sleepyhead, you need to do your chores before breakfast, so hurry up and get dressed.”

Mama left, leaving me to get dressed. It’s okay though, because I’m a big girl who is now almost seven! I can do things by myself. I got out of bed and then slipped on my dress. I pulled the blankets back up and fixed my bed. Mama will get angry if I don’t. I put on my shoes and walked to the door and picked up the water bucket that was waiting there for me.

First chore, I have to bring water for Mama. I took the bucket and went outside. I took a moment to look at the pretty sunrise. I saw brother and Papa working in the field already. Brother is nine so he has to help Papa. Once I’m bigger, I’m going to help too, but I’m not strong enough yet. I carried the bucket over to the well and placed it under the pump. Using the pump is really hard but I can do it. I grabbed it and pulled down with all my might and the water came out. I had to do it a few more times to fill the bucket.

Afterwards, I had to be really careful carrying the bucket back to the house. It was heavy, but I didn’t want to spill any and have to refill it all over again. I sat the bucket down by the door and opened it before I picked back up the bucket and carried it to Mama in the kitchen. Mama was starting to make breakfast, so I sat the bucket down next to her.

Mama turned and looked at the bucket. “Wow, you didn’t spill any today, Rie. Good job.” She pat my head and stroked my hair and I giggled. “Now you just have to feed the pigs and then come back in and help me finish breakfast.” Mama pushed me back toward the door. I’m not sad about the petting ending so soon, not at all.

There were new buckets by the door filled with the food for the piggies. I could only carry one at a time, so I picked up the first one and walked out to the small fence area where the piggies are. I had to lift the bucket over my head to pour it into the feed box for them but I did it. I hurried back with the bucket and sat it by the house before grabbing the next bucket and returning to the piggies with the next bit of their food. After that I got the last bucket and was now done! I sat down and watched as they ate and made funny noises. I like the piggies, but I wish we had more horsies too. We only have one horsie that belongs to Papa that he uses for trips to town. If I do a good job on chores, Papa will give me rides, so I need to keep doing my best.

I went back inside to help Mama with breakfast. We were having bread and porridge like always so I got the bowls out of the cupboard. When breakfast was almost ready, Papa and Brother came in from the field. I ran to Papa and jumped and he caught me in his arms and lifted me up.

“Oh, there’s my girl! Have you been helping your Mother?” Papa asked so I nodded and he held me tight for a few moments before putting me back down. “Anna, is breakfast done?”

“Just about. The bread is almost ready. Why don’t you all sit at the table and wait?” Mama replied. We all took our normal spots around the table with me next to Brother and leaving the chair next to Papa empty for Mama. A few minutes later, Mama brought our bowls filled with porridge and a slice of bread for everyone. We even had cheese today because Mama had made some from the goats’ milk. We took a moment to pray to the Spirits before eating.

It was so tasty so I was happy! After we finished, I helped Mama clean up the bowls and then we gathered the dirty clothes to get washed. I helped carry them out to the pump so Mama could do that. Mama excused me after that. My chores were over for now, so I ran back toward the field.

Papa and Brother were there holding wooden swords. Papa and Mama used to be adventurers when they were younger and they travelled all over! I loved the stories that Papa tells. Mama always says that Papa is exaber, exageretin, exaggerating? I don’t know what that means, but I don’t care and I listen to all of them. Papa is the strongest and coolest. Papa is teaching Brother how to use a sword and I like to watch. I tried to get Papa to teach me too, but he just tells me I need to get bigger and stronger first. I wish I was older. Mama promised me she’d teach me how to use a bow when I got older, but I want to use a sword. A sword is much cooler!

The two of them practiced for a while and I ran and got Papa a glass of ale when I thought the training would be almost over. Papa just laughed and praised me and gave me a big hug so everything was good. Papa carried me and we went to check on the goats. They were doing fine and Papa let me pet them. I like the goats too, but I like horsies more. I’m not allowed to play with the horsie though, which makes me sad.

After we checked on the goats, Papa and I sat in the grass and blew grass whistles. I wasn’t jealous at all that Papa could do it and I couldn’t. Not at all. I kept trying and Papa would hug me more even when I messed up, so there were no problems. I think there is a trick that Papa isn’t teaching me!

We finally returned to the house for lunch. Brother was still swinging the wooden sword so Papa scolded him for overdoing it. I left them behind and ran inside. We were having a big lunch with sausages today. I couldn’t wait and I sat in my chair and swung my legs. Mama just smiled at me as she finished cooking.

I was confused when Papa came inside with a serious look on his face, and he went to Mama and whispered something in her ear. Mama looked serious all of a sudden too. I wonder if something was wrong? I wanted to ask but Papa smiled at me and told me everything was okay, so I sat and waited at the table like a good girl. Brother came and sat down next to me too. Papa went back outside though and he was carrying his real sword. I wish I knew what was going on.

Papa wasn’t back even when we started eating, but Mama told us to eat anyway so we did. I was feeling worried when Papa still wasn’t back even by the time lunch was over. Mama looked nervous too, so I went over to her and she pulled me into a tight hug. Hugs make everyone feel better.

It was a bit later when I heard strange sounds outside and something burst into the house. I was afraid, but it was only Papa that came into the house. He looked tired, his sword was all dirty and he was holding his hand against his side. Did he have a stomach ache? I tried to run over and hug him, but he stopped me with his hand and then looked at Mama. “Anna, you need to take the kids and get out of here.” Papa told her. Papa looked really sad.

Mama looked sad too but she nodded before saying “We’ll wait for you at the old tree.” Papa tried to speak up but Mama just repeated it with an angry look on her face! I never saw Mama like that before!

After that Papa bent down, pulled me into a very tight hug and whispered, “Rie, listen to your mother. It’s very important that you do exactly what she tells you, alright?” I could only nod. “Good girl, I love you.” Papa kissed me on the forehead and then stood up. He pulled Brother into a hug and whispered something to him too. Brother nodded as well. Brother was now looking at me with a serious expression, but I don’t know why.

Huh, why was there a big red spot on my dress? Oh no! Did I spill food on it again? I was so careful when I was eating too!

Mama was packing things into a bag and Papa went over to her and kissed her. I’m not sure why but Mama was crying. I don’t like it when Mama cries so I ran over and hugged her. Mama picked me up and I saw that Papa was also crying. I don’t like this, I’m scared. I’ve never seen Papa cry before. Papa went back out the door and left holding his sword. Mama took a moment watching the doorway before she went back to packing. Afterwards she picked up her bow and quiver from where she kept it and we went outside.

I saw smoke in the distance of the town and there were spots of smoke closer too. Is there a fire in town? Was Papa helping put it out? There was a fire last year and there was a lot of trouble because of that! Mama picked me back up and started hurrying away from the town. Brother was following her and carrying his wooden sword. I kept my head turned back in the direction of the town and wondered where Papa had gone.

Eventually we reached the old tree that Mama said we should wait at. It was quite a distance away from home but I like the tree because it was nice and big. Papa usually brings me here on our horsie rides.

We waited and waited, but Papa didn’t come. Mama was crying really hard as it got closer to nighttime. She stopped though and wiped the tears from her eyes before looking at Brother and I. “Come on you two, we need to get moving. We have a long way to go.”

“What about Papa? You said we would wait here!” I said.

“It’s alright Rie. Papa said he’d meet us at the city if he didn’t come here, so we just have to go to the city and wait for him.” Mama answered.

I nodded. Going to the city sounded fun. I’ve never been there before. Brother didn’t look happy though, so I was confused. Papa will come meet us at the city and we’ll have a big meal and maybe go to shops and play. I was happy thinking about it. Mama smiled at me and then picked me up again and we left the old tree and kept traveling through the woods. I heard Mama whisper something but I couldn’t hear what she said.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The distance to the city was really far! We’ve been traveling for days and we still aren’t even there yet! I miss Papa, but Mama keeps telling me I’ll see him at the city so I don’t worry. Mama is never wrong after all!

I’m worried about Mama more than Papa. Mama looks really tired every day and she’s getting thinner. I don’t know why since she eats just as much as Brother and I. I make sure to cuddle extra tightly with Mama every night because she’s always cold. Mama just smiles at me and sings to me gently every night to help me sleep. It’s scary sleeping outside, but I’m okay as long as Mama and Brother are here.

I got to watch Mama catch a rabbit for dinner and we ate it and it tasted so good. I secretly thought maybe bows are cool too. Mama ate but she let Brother and I have seconds. I wanted Mama to eat more, but she said she was full.

More days passed and Mama continued to get worse. She tried to hide it but even I could see that she was sick or something. Yet she still kept on carrying me every day when I got tired.

It’s okay, I told myself. Mama is strong. Mama is fine. We’ll meet Papa in the city, we’ll play there and then together we’ll go home and everything will be back to normal. That’s definitely what will happen.

We finally got to the road and Mama was so happy. She said it would only be a few more days until we got to the city.

A few days passed and Mama was right! We finally saw the city walls. They were really tall! I never saw walls that tall before! Mama smiled and I was happy. Mama had barely smiled the last few days. We got up to the gate and Mama showed her pass to the guard. The guard looked it over before waving us in after Mama paid the fee. She looked relieved and pulled Brother and I into her arms. I felt something wet hitting my head, I looked up and Mama was crying again. I hugged Mama back tightly, but was surprised at how thin she was. I wanted to ask something and yet I couldn’t. Somehow, I knew that I can’t ask that question.

Mama hurried us along. I asked her where we were meeting Papa, but she told me I had to wait and see. I was excited. I couldn’t wait to tell Papa about the adventure we had had getting to the city. Papa will praise me for listening to Mama and hug me lots! I was smiling widely just at the thought.

Brother wasn’t smiling though. He was holding Mama’s hand and walking closely by her side. Brother should be happier since we’re finally going to get to see Papa!

Mama led us to a church. Papa is meeting us here? I had only gone to a church twice in my whole life so I was puzzled. Mama took us inside and the priest came to meet us. She talked with the priest quietly so I couldn’t hear her, but the priest looked at us with a weird look on his face before nodding.

Afterwards, Mama took Brother and I in her arms again. She whispered to me. “Rie. Be a good girl and listen to your brother Daran. I don’t want you two to fight. Never forget how much I love you. You have lots of talent just waiting to bloom so I know you’ll do great things.” She kissed me. Now I was even more confused. Why was Mama saying all this?

Next Mama spoke to Brother. “Daran, look after your sister. I’m so sorry that I have to leave it to you. But I know you can do it, and I know my faith in you won’t be wasted. I love you.” She kissed Brother too.

The priest was still standing there with that weird expression on his face. I wish I knew what was going on. Mama just continued hugging us, but I felt her arms get looser and she felt even colder. The priest came over to us, pulled Mama gently off us and then picked her up in his arms. She looked like she was asleep. Now that I think about it, did Mama ever sleep during our journey? I don’t remember seeing her sleeping.

The priest told us he was going to take Mama to a room so she could rest, but that we should stay here for a few minutes to wait. After the priest returned he took us to a big dining room and a cook brought us some soup. I asked the priest to make sure to take food to Mama too. He nodded and said he would take care of it.

After we ate, the priest led us to a room with two small beds and told us to get some sleep. I wanted to see Mama, but he told me I couldn’t right now. I didn’t like it. I want to see Mama. Why can’t I see her? Where’s Papa? Mama said he’d be here. I started crying but Brother pulled me into a hug and then took me over to one of the beds with him. We laid down and Brother just kept holding me and stroking my hair until I fell asleep. I wish I knew what was going on.

After I woke up, we were given some breakfast and then the priest told me and Brother that we needed to follow him. I told him I wanted to see Mama but he just said that I couldn’t again. Why can’t I see her? Does she not want to see me? Is she still sick?

The priest took me and Brother from the church and to a big house. When we went inside, there was lots of other kids! I was surprised. There was a few adult ladies like Mama here too. The priest talked to them about something and then came back and told me and Brother that we would be living here for a while. I didn’t understand. I don’t want to live here. I want to go back to our house! I want to play with the goats and watch the piggies and ride the horsie with Papa! Where is Papa and Mama!? Why aren’t they here with us!? They promised!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The heavy blow sent me sprawling to the floor. I clutched my face and looked up into the eyes of the currently very furious man.

“You worthless brat! Can’t you do anything right? All you had to do was move some small boxes and you couldn’t even do that properly!” The man yelled at me.

“I’m sorry Boss! Please give me another chance!” I pleaded with him. I had to keep this job!

“Not even if a Spirit came on your behalf brat! You’ve already done enough damage to my store! I shouldn’t have ever accepted that request from the orphanage to give you some work. All the other store owners had already warned me about you! How do you even manage to fuck up so much? I want you out of my store now.” He picked me up by my shirt and tossed me out the backdoor and into the alley. I landed in a puddle of water and trash. Then he slammed the door leaving me alone.

Brother is going to be angry with me. I managed to lose another job. Maybe he’ll be proud of me that I managed to work two days without being fired this time? I placed my hand back on my face. It really hurts. I tasted blood in my mouth too.

All of sudden the door opened with another slam and I flinched back away from the sound. It wouldn’t be the first time I was beaten for doing a bad job. I was used to it. To my surprise, the man simply tossed some coins at me and then closed the door back. I hurriedly gathered the coins off the ground. One, two, three, four, five copper! Yes! I managed to earn some money! This is great! Brother will be happy for sure! He might have enough to take more blacksmithing lessons now!

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

My brief moment of happiness rapidly disappeared as I caught sight of my reflection in the puddle. Before I knew it, I was slamming my fists into the puddle. I hated my appearance. It was repulsive and detestable. It was a reminder of loathsome things.

I finally stopped after I removed any further possibility of the puddle showing my reflection again. I was breathing hard and had beaten my hands bloody. That stupid woman was going to be mad at me again.

I picked myself up and started heading back to that place. I really didn’t want to, but I didn’t have a choice. If I wanted to eat, it was my only option. I hadn’t eaten since yesterday evening and it was already past midday. As I walked, I felt something in my hair and reached up to pull a piece of trash out of it. Not like it really mattered though. What was one more piece of trash when compared to the rest of me?

I criss crossed through the alleys on my way to my destination. I saw some thieves, but even they left me alone. After all I’m just the useless brat from the orphanage, I definitely wouldn’t have any money as far as they’re concerned. Their disinterest was good for once though, I was absolutely not giving these five copper to anyone but Brother.

When I finally arrived at my destination. I just blankly stared at it for a moment, wishing I hadn’t had to return so soon. I hated this place. I had lived here now for almost five years and I hated every moment of it. I made my way to one of the side doors that would be a shortcut to the kitchen. If I was lucky I’d be able to sneak some food without the stupid woman seeing me.

Of course, I was never lucky. She was in the kitchen preparing some tea. She looked surprised when she saw me. “Rie, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be working until later?” I turned my head away from her. “You got fired again? It’s a good thing that you’re here early though, a very important man is here to see you and since you’re here early we can get you cleaned up to meet with him.” She walked up to me. She took my hands and looked at them and then looked at my swelling face. “You really need to take better care of yourself. Your pretty silver hair is filthy. It looks brown.”

I pulled my hands out of her grasp. “Brown is fine. It’s better than my normal hair color.”

“None of that today, Rie! We don’t have time to fight over this. Let’s get you healed and cleaned up. I already sent someone to get your Brother because he’ll need to be here.” She dragged me in the direction of the water pump.

When we got there. She took my hands and I felt a warm light and the pain in my hands disappeared. Then she put her right hand on my cheek and the pain there followed suit. After that I was stripped of my rags and scrubbed until I was clean. Then she had to fight with me to let her wash my hair. I didn’t want to see my hair go back to being silver. It was disgusting. I couldn’t compete with the stupid woman adult strength though and eventually my short hair was back to its natural color. Joy.

Following that I was dragged back to the room I shared with seven other girls and was put in one of my cleaner dresses. Then I was rushed off to the office to meet with the person that had come for me. I planned to refuse whatever they were here for so it’s not like it mattered any.

On the way, we ran into Brother. I instantly smiled upon seeing him. I ran up to him and hugged him. Brother hugged me back but then spoke to the stupid woman. “Matron, is something wrong? I rushed back when I got the message saying something important had happened with Rie.”

The stupid woman tried to answer Brother but I cut her off. “Brother, that doesn’t matter. Look, look!” I held out my hands to him. I had managed to keep hold of the five coins. “I managed to earn some money! You might be able to get more blacksmith lessons!”

He patted my head. “Good job Rie. I’m very proud of you, but you shouldn’t interrupt people. It’s rude.” He scolded me.

I hung my head. “Alright.” I grumbled.

“Good girl.” He patted my head again. “So what happened?”

The stupid woman finally got to speak. “A visitor came from the capital for Rie. He’s here to make her an offer. With how she is though, I knew she wouldn’t talk with him so I wanted you here to do the talking for her.”

“I understand. Is he in the office?” Brother asked.

“Yes, I was just taking Rie there now. We were going to wait for you there.” The stupid woman answered.

“Ok, let’s go together.” He took my hand and he walked the rest of the way to the office. When we opened the door the stupid woman came in with us and I got to see the man that was waiting there. He was sitting on one of the sofas and drinking something from a small cup. He looked like a noble! He was wearing very fine clothes. What would someone like that want with me? I hid behind Brother. Brother dragged me to the other sofa and we sat down across from him.

“Ahh, if it isn’t Valerie Winterfall. So good to finally meet you. I believe this is your brother Daran as well?” The man asked.

Brother answered him. “That’s right sir. My sister is a bit shy so would you mind if I did the talking for her?”

“That would be no problem at all.” The man smiled. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Count Casca. I am from the capital. I am here to offer Valerie a chance to attend an academy that I am affiliated with.”

“An academy, my lord? We don’t have the money to afford that.” Brother replied.

“Oh no, this would not cost you anything. Have no fear on that point. The academy I am affiliated with is a charitable foundation that offers orphans like yourself a high quality education.” The Count explained.

“And what academy would that be, my lord?” Brother asked.

“Forgive me. The academy is the Divine Airin Institute.” I heard a gasp from Brother and the stupid woman. Is that name supposed to mean something?

“Are you really from the Divine Airin Institute, my lord?” Brother’s voice was wavering.

“Yes. Feel free to examine my credentials if you are worried.” He pulled out some paperwork that had a large seal. The stupid woman took them, examined them, and then nodded at Brother.

“Why did you come for my sister, my lord?” Brother asked.

“We feel that she has the sort of talent that the institute is most interested in fostering.” The man answered.

Talent. Talent. Talent. I hated that word. I don’t have anything like that. Why do people always say that I have talent? It’s because of my cursed hair that they say it. ‘Oh, you have a blessing, that means you’ll do great things!’. I’m tired of hearing crap like that. Before Brother could stop me I jumped up and escaped from the room.

I waited on the other side of the door for a moment and heard Brother talk to the man. “I’m sorry about my sister, my lord. Could we have a day to consider the offer before we decide?” Why does Brother have to apologize to him?

“I understand. This is a large decision to make after all. I will return to my lodgings for now and return around this time tomorrow.” The Count responded.

I didn’t wait to hear anymore and fled to my hiding spot in the attic. I didn’t want to go to some school in the capital. I wanted to stay with Brother. Adults can’t be trusted anyway. I can only trust Brother.

Brother came to my hiding spot not long after. “Rie, we need to talk.”

“No! We don’t! I’m not going! I’m staying here with you!” I shouted.

“Rie, this is a big chance for you. That academy is famous in the empire for how capable all the students are after they graduate. If you go, you’ll be able to work anywhere!” Brother tried to convince me.

“I don’t care! If I go, then I’ll be alone and I don’t want that!” I complained.

“Rie, I just want what’s best for you. This kind of offer won’t come again if we throw it away.” Brother said.

“Why are you trying to make me go so much? Are you tired of me just like our parents were!? Want to get rid of me too!?” I yelled.

I felt the blow across my face as Brother slapped me. “I’ve told you before not to speak like that about our parents. Our parents loved us. They didn’t abandon us.”

“If they didn’t abandon us, then why aren’t they here now!? They let themselves die when they should have stayed with us. They promised to be with us! They were just liars like all adults!” I shouted.

Brother sighed. “Rie, that noble said that I can go with you if necessary. He said he can pull some strings to make the school accept me too. He said it’s not the best option but he’s willing to do it, if it will convince you to go.”

“Why would he do so much for us? I don’t trust him! It’s too suspicious. He’s obviously just trying to sell us off or something! We should just stay here. Brother can continue taking blacksmithing lessons and I’ll keep working as hard as I can and then Brother and I can go to a new town and start a blacksmith shop. Wasn’t that our plan?” I replied.

“Yes, but any good plan is subject to changes if new options present themselves. This is a new option. A better option. It would take years for us to save enough money for all my lessons and then all the other money we’d need to open a store. This could be a shortcut to that!” Brother answered.

I pulled my knees up and hugged them with my arms. “I’m scared Brother. What if he’s lying? What if more bad things happen? What would happen if I lost you too? I don’t want it. It hurts.”

Brother hugged me tightly. “Nothing bad will happen, Rie. I promise. This is our chance! We’re going to go to the capital together and become the absolute best at that academy. We’re not going to be bound by any nonsense about talent or anything like that. That isn’t important. We’re going there to take advantage of them, not the other way around!”

“Alright, Brother. I’ll go, but only if you can come too. Otherwise, I’m absolutely not leaving you.” I stated.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Splendid. I will send a letter to the capital saying that you have accepted and that your brother will also be attending as well. One extra student will pose no problem for the academy. I will be sending a letter here about the travel arrangements once they are established. It will likely arrive in a few weeks.”

“Thank you for your consideration, my lord. We are in your debt.” Brother bowed his head. I followed suit.

The Count laughed. “Nothing of the sort. Traveling around the various cities of the empire is a fun diversion, rather than all the politics I have to deal with in the capital. I consider this something of a vacation to be honest. Ahh, but please don’t mention that to any of my associates in the capital. Anyway I will be leaving you now. Please expect my letter in a few weeks.”

The Count left the room and Brother let out a sigh of relief. “Well, let’s try to save up some money for our time in the capital for now Rie. It looks like we have at least a few weeks to do that.” I nodded.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sure enough, a letter came for us about a month later. It detailed the travel plan for getting us to the capital. We’d be riding with a merchant caravan that would be going around the empire. It would be picking up one or two orphans in each city. The entire trip would probably take almost two months for us to get to the capital. The caravan would be arriving in this city in about two weeks, if they kept to their planned travel times.

After we received the letter, we began our preparations in earnest. Brother used the money he had saved up to buy us some better clothing and some blankets and some packs to carry it in. According to the letter, the caravan had been paid enough that it would be taking care of other supplies like food for us, so we were now prepared.

When the caravan arrived, I was surprised by the size of it. There were at least ten wagons. It was the largest merchant caravan I’d ever seen come to this city. The stupid woman came to see us off and we handed over the letter with the seal to the merchant in charge of the caravan. He showed us to a wagon we could stay in. There was already some other kids there about my age. They had blue and green hair. We settled in with our packs and got ready for the long journey to the capital.

Not much happened on the journey. There was a large number of adventurers that had been hired to guard the caravan so any monsters that attacked were quickly taken care of. The best part about the travel was that whenever we stopped in a city or town, the merchant would rent rooms for all us orphans. Having a nice big bed for a change was comfortable.

Eventually we reached the city of Knightvalley, which was our last stop before we’d reach the capital in another four days. The two cities were very close together when compared to the distance between some of the cities we had passed through. The number of kids like us had climbed to twenty-one. All of them had hair colors that implied they had blessings. Various shades of blue and green, one with a bright red, but none of them had the shiny silver hair like I did. Brother stood out as the only one of us that had normal brown hair.

It was while we were leaving Knightvalley that I saw something odd. It was a person with a long dark cloak with the hood pulled up over their head. That wasn’t that unusual so far, but the person looked like they were on fire. There was this weird blue flame around their head. “Brother, look that person over there is on fire!” I pointed to the person.

“What are you talking about, Rie?” Brother looked where I had directed him. “I don’t see anyone like that.”

“You don’t?” I looked too. I didn’t see that person anymore either. They must have disappeared in the crowd. “Sorry Brother, I must have been seeing things.”

He ruffled my hair. “Don’t worry, Rie. We’re finally almost there!”

We left the city, traveling along the highway to the capital. It was around evening of the second day when the peaceful trip came to a violent end. At the time, we were passing through a forested area.

“Bandits!” One of the adventurers shouted.

The adventurers fought valiantly, but there were just too many bandits for all of them to handle. They were overwhelmed. Most of the other kids were all trembling as the bandits looked into the wagons and found us.

“Hey boss, this wagon has a bunch of kids.”

“This one too.”

“Kids eh? Tie em up and let’s bring em along with the female adventurers we managed to capture. We can sell em all off. Some of you lot handle that, the rest start unloading these wagons. Swipe any bags of holding you can find on the corpses too. After you’re done, push the wagons, horses and corpses off the cliff. Wish we could take the horses with us, but no matter. Don’t want anyone noticing anything. Roy, Neil keep watch on the road. Don’t get spotted and follow us after a while. It’s not going to be safe to raid anymore here. We need to abandon the area and move back to our hideout.” A rough, commanding voice yelled.

All of us were dragged from the wagons and our hands were tied together. The bandits pulled us along into the forest. I looked back at the adventurers’ corpses as they were thrown off the cliff. They had been nice to us during the travel. Brother had even gotten to spar with one of them, which reminded me of when him and Dad had trained years ago.

“Move faster brat.” I felt a quick blow to the back reminding me to keep walking. It’s like the Spirits have decided I’ll never be happy. Everything always goes wrong.

When the sun started falling, the bandits stopped and made camp. The female adventurers and us kids were tied together and put off to the side, but there was no chance of running since the bandits brought out shackles for our ankles too. I wondered if they would even spare food for us. At least Brother and I are still together and weren’t separated. That’s the only bright side of this.

The bandits were in a full blown joyous mood as they celebrated the hauls that they had acquired today. Apparently, they had managed to raid one other caravan along the highway earlier in the morning.

It was while they were celebrating that an enchanting voice rang out from the woods. The words it spoke were at odds with the beautiful voice. “Filthy scum located.” Every word was spoken with a cold fury raging behind them that made me shiver.

I was surprised by the person that came out of trees and revealed themselves to the bandits that were scrambling to their feet and drawing their weapons. It was a young girl. She didn’t look much older than me. I got a second surprise when I saw the blue flame that seemed to float around her head. This was the person I had seen in the city! She looked to be dragging something in each hand. I couldn’t see what it was though.

The bandits were prepared for an ambush, but no one else appeared. The young girl seemed to be alone.

“What? Did you come just to get captured. You’re a pretty thing. I’m sure you’ll get a good price.” The bandit leader laughed.

“No. I’m just here to eliminate scum that doesn’t deserve to exist. Nothing more or less. Oh, you can have your sentries back.” She tossed the things that she had been dragging into the crowd of bandits. They tried to evade, but some of the bandits were hit.

The bandits saw their former companions and some of them looked disgusted. “What in the Spirits did you do to em?”

The girl tilted her head and replied. “I merely asked them some questions until they told me what I wanted to know. It’s their own fault for being stubborn about it.”

The bandit leader gestured to one of the bandits next to him and ordered in a quiet voice. “Grab one of the kids. Our wannabe hero won’t be able to do anything then.”

It was when the bandit turned toward us that the scene erupted into a nightmare. The bandit took only a single step before he was yanked off his feet into the air and then his body was mangled horribly and he dropped to the ground dead. The other bandits freaked out in surprise at what they had seen, but the largest change was due to what had caused the death.

The young girl now had giant wings of flame. Their long thin feathers fanned out in all directions as they waved behind her. An angel had come to save us. The many feathers stretched and surrounded all the bandits, but didn’t take their lives like they had the one that attempted to hurt us.

“Brother, she’s an angel!” I whispered to him.

“Rie, what are you talking about?” He whispered back.

“You don’t see her brilliant, flaming wings?” I asked, puzzled.

“No. I just see a girl that looks younger than me.” He replied.

Huh? Why can’t Brother see them? They’re huge!

The angel spoke again and I made sure I heard every word. “You scum have only one option. You have to try to kill me. If you make a single step toward the kids I will kill you, just like I killed that one there. So please at least attempt to entertain me with your last pitiful moments, trash.”

The next few moments were bloody and horrifying, but I watched on eagerly all the same. The angel tore the bandits apart with her flaming wings, while also dismantling them with her fists and knife. Some of the bandits ignored her warning and attempted to take us hostage but the wings never failed and they were brutally killed just like the first one.

The fight was over almost before it even began. The angel calmly walked toward us while kicking the corpses out of her way as if they weren’t even in her sight anymore. Like she had said, they were just trash. That was the whole extent of their existence to her.

Despite the bloodshed she had just caused, the angel was still spotlessly clean.

As she came closer, many of the kids crawled away from her with screams of fear. All the angel did in response was smile. It was a warm and gentle smile. A smile that said that everything was alright. A smile that promised happiness. For the first time in years, I was reminded of my mom without the feeling of hatred.

“Hello children. I deeply apologize that you all had to witness that, but I’m here to rescue you. Let me just remove those shackles and ropes and then we can get away from this dreadful place.”