Sera continued to analyze the new information she received from Emma.
‘Aldric Ravencrest. The hero who earned his title of Count during the unification war of Aetheria. He was supposedly a just ruler.
‘With whom did he make this pact? If that entity is capable of keeping the monsters of the forest at bay for so many years, it definitely cannot be a human. It might still be alive. A very powerful entity. Or is it a group?
‘A pact is similar to a business deal. It is all about give and take. Just what are the details of this exchange?
‘What did Aldric Ravencrest exchange for the safety of the entire country?’
‘It seems the Ravencrest family is not as simple as it seems.’
‘Is it because of this pact that Benedict did not interfere with the Ravencrests?
‘Maybe he might have held back thinking that the safety of an entire nation is more important than a small Baronet.
‘Maybe an order from his superiors?
‘Maybe he wanted to clearly investigate the pact and the forest before he could take action and cause any damage to their lineage?’
‘Maybe all.’
‘......’
‘... Bloodline of Ravencrest...’
Suddenly, Sera thought of something. ‘Wait, Emma said that the pact would be valid as long as someone of the Ravencrest bloodline rules this land.’
‘.....’
‘....’
‘I think I killed everyone who inherited the Ravencrest bloodline on that night. While I am the current Baroness, Tia and Vina do not have even a single trace of Ravencrest bloodline.’
Cold sweat dripped down Sera’s back as she slowly realized, ‘I did not do anything to violate the pact, right?’
‘I did not start a country-level disaster, right?’
‘Right?’
‘If someone asks me? Pact? What is that? Never heard of it. I have nothing to do with it’
“Haaa. calm down Sera. Think again carefully.” She tried to placate herself.
‘The Ravencrests are such lecherous bastards. I am sure they sowed their seeds here and there. I think in this village itself, there should be a few who are their bastard children.’
‘To begin with, how does that entity ensure that someone of the bloodline is ruling the land?’
Sera exhaled deeply, ‘I am so glad I am building some escape routes through the tunnels. It is always good to have an escape plan.’
‘Maybe I should try to find out more about this pact as early as possible.’
While Sera was anxious after gaining unexpected information, the party continued.
The joyful cheers echoed through the castle lawn, marking the end of the grand farewell party. Music played, and laughter filled the air as the villagers danced under the colorful sky. The night concluded with a sense of fulfillment, leaving behind cherished memories that would linger in the hearts of the villagers for years to come.
*****
The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the village. Crisp air carried the scent of grass as villagers gathered around the modest shrine, its stone walls glowing softly in the sunlight.
Priest Benedict, with his silver hair and gentle eyes, stood outside the shrine, a weathered leather satchel by his side. Kevin stood beside him, unusually solemn.
Villagers, young and old, approached Benedict to offer words of gratitude and small gifts. Mrs. Thompson handed him a pouch of dried herbs, children clung to his robe, and elders bowed their heads respectfully.
A quaint horse-drawn carriage, adorned with modest carvings and draped in a simple cloth bearing the shrine's emblem, awaited him.
Sera, Vina, and Tia stood by the carriage, their expressions a mix of gratitude and sorrow.
Benedict approached Sera, “Sera, your request for additional support at the clinic has been approved. Although they can’t send full-fledged healers or doctors, soon, trainee priests like Kevin in the field of nursing and healing will be sent as part of their training for a brief period of time, rotating among various countries. Raven’s Crest is added to their list.”
“Thank you for everything,” Sera replied, her voice emotional.
“Take care, kids. I hope we meet again.”
“Grandpa Benedict, come back often. Take care,” Vina and Tia said earnestly.
The villagers, having formed a corridor of respect, watched in silence as Benedict ascended the carriage.
This shows just how much Priest Benedict is revered in people's hearts.
With that, the carriage door closed, and the driver gently urged the horses forward. The carriage rolled away from the shrine, the cobbled paths giving way to the dirt road that led beyond the village. As it moved, the villagers watched until the carriage became a distant figure against the rolling landscape.
Copyright © [June] [2024] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
***********
A year had passed since Priest Benedict departed from Raven’s Crest.
During this time, Sera is entering mid twenties. Subtle changes had graced her youthful countenance, infusing it with a newfound grace. Delicate lines now traced the contours of her face.
Vina, now ten years old, had transitioned from childhood to preadolescence. The round cheeks of her infancy had yielded to a more defined facial structure, while her limbs had elongated with her growing height.
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Tia, now seven, had undergone noticeable physical changes – he had grown taller, his limbs more defined.
Throughout the year, Raven's Crest had witnessed subtle shifts in its economic landscape. Trade routes had expanded, ushering in new goods and resources to the village.
Initiatives for new structures and improvements to existing ones had been launched to meet the burgeoning needs of the community.
One morning, in Sera’s baronial chamber, Kevin paid her a visit while she worked alongside Emma.
“Hello, Priest Kevin. What brings you here?” Sera greeted him with a polite smile.
“Greetings, Madam Sera. Hello, Miss Emma. I've received a missive from the diocese.”
“Oh! Is it regarding the Awakening Ceremony?” Sera ventured.
“Yes, indeed. We are tasked with collaborating with local nobility to assemble all children above the age of nine who wish to awaken their magical potential. We are to escort them to the Aetherial Nexus Spire.”
“Very well. I shall issue a proclamation across the entire Ravencrest territory.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Well…” Kevin hesitated.
“Please, speak freely,” Sera encouraged him.
“It's regarding the expenses. The spire always conducts the awakening ceremony for free as it is a duty assigned by the Gods since ancient times. But it can't bear the expenses related to travel, lodging, convoy and mercenary etc.”
“The parents have to bear the charges or they themselves can travel with their children”
“You mean to say that, the villagers won't be able to bear the expenses.” Sera said.
“Yes. Usually, people do not let their children attend the ceremony because of various reasons. Such as, traveling might be dangerous. The expenses are beyond their means.”
“During the period of the awakening ceremony, the spire arranges a convoy at various points. All the priests who are in charge of bringing the children, will have to reach the convoy. As long as we reach the main convoy, it will be a peaceful journey.”
“It is also a known fact that, if any thiefs or bandits or any faction, attacks the convoy, it will turn the churches of all the gods and royalty to their enemy. And they will not stop until they are exterminated. Thus no one had ever dared to attack the convoys.”
“So, the primary issue lies with the expenses,” Sera concluded.
After a moment of contemplation, she spoke, “Very well, I understand. I shall also announce that all expenses will be covered by the baronet.”
“Thank you for your generosity,” Kevin expressed his gratitude.
“It's nothing. If there are children with promising talents, it could benefit the village in the long run.”
“Emma, please make the announcements and provide an estimate of the expenses. Then, furnish the necessary funds to Priest Kevin.”
“Understood,” Emma acknowledged.
“Additionally, select some guards and willing adults to accompany them. It may be overwhelming for Priest Kevin to oversee the children alone.”
“Agreed,” Emma nodded with a teasing smile as she looked at the young priest.
“Hehe, thank you. I hadn't considered that,” Kevin admitted with a hint of embarrassment and relief.
Soon, announcements spread throughout the territory. Kevin's reputation for strength, stemming from the Demon summoning incident, coupled with Sera's offer to cover expenses, persuaded many parents to allow their children over the age of 9 to accompany Kevin.
On the day of departure, Sera and Tia helped Vina pack her luggage. Sera kept nagging on what to take care of, how to behave and what not. But Vina listened obediently.
“Finally, Vina, give me your hand.” Sera asked.
Vina stretched her hand to Sera without any questions. Sera took out a metallic ring which is in the form of a coiled winged snake. Similar to an Ouroboros ring. Its eyes have a red shade and its tail is in its mouth.
"What's this, Mother?" Vina asked.
“It's a ring sent by your grandmother. It is a lucky charm. It will support you on your journey. It is precious. So don't take it off and don't give it to others. Once this trip is complete, we have to return it to her. So, You can't lose it, Okay?”
"Okay," Vina nodded.
"Take care, Vina. Come back safely," Tia and Sera hugged Vina tightly.
"I will," Vina hugged them back.
On this trip, Vina, Ron, Julian and his minions, Olivia and many other children from other villages, joined Kevin. The rest of the gang did not join due to age restriction or due to their parents still afraid of them being still too young. So Tia and the rest who were unable to go have to wait for the next awakening ceremony that will be held again after 10 years.
*****
A few days after Vina's departure for her awakening ceremony, Sera sat in her Baronial chamber, reading a letter from the countess while Emma attended to paperwork.
"Emma".
"What is it, Sera?"
"I have a favor to ask of you," Sera said, smiling.
“Oh! That’s a first. You never asked for any favors before.” Emma is pleasantly surprised.
“That’s because, this time it is personal. I am asking you as a friend, not as your employer.” Sera chuckled.
“Oh! What is it?” Emma got curious.
“I just received a letter from the countess. I need to leave Raven’s Crest to deal with some matters. It might take about a month or so.”
"What's going on?" Emma inquired, feeling odd.
"I can't say just yet. Please understand,"
"Alright. What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to take care of Tia while I'm away. The maids will handle her meals; you just need to keep her company until she falls asleep. Tia can manage bathing and dressing on her own. She is very shy, so let her bath on her own"
"I'll have Alaric station guards during this time. Is that okay?"
“No problem, it's easy. I will live here till you return.”
“You don't have to stay.”
“It's fine, I am not married yet. I don't have any husband or children to take care of. At Least for a month, i can be free from all the nagging about marriage from my parents.`` Emma shrugged
“Then, thank you.” Sera Chuckled.
"Also, could you look into the Pact made by Aldric Ravencrest?" Sera added.
"Huh? Sure," Emma confirmed.
*****
A few days later, a carriage with escorts sent by the Countess awaited Sera outside the castle. Inside the bedroom, Sera delicately placed an Ouroboros-shaped ring on Tia’s finger. As soon as it settled, the ring resized itself to fit snugly on Tia’s finger.
“Tia, promise me you won’t take off this ring until I return. And listen to Aunt Emma,” Sera instructed gently.
“Okay,” Tia replied, his voice tinged with sadness.
“What's troubling you, Tia?” Sera inquired.
“Mother, why can't I go with you? I'll be so lonely here,” Tia expressed his sadness.
“I wish you could, darling. If it were up to me, I wouldn't leave you or Vina for a moment. But this time, I can't take you with me,” Sera explained softly.
“I will return in a month. Please bear with it. Okay?”
Tia nodded with a heavy heart.
“Good girl,” Sera enveloped Tia in a warm hug.
Soon after, Sera departed in the carriage, leaving Tia in the care of Emma and Alaric.
----------------------------------------
Copyright © [2024] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
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