As Sasha grew up, the weight of societal expectations and the whispers of her relatives grew heavier on her shoulders. The prospect of being trapped in a life filled with house chores, demanding in-laws, and the responsibility of raising numerous children made her heart sink. She longed for the carefree days of her childhood, where she could roam freely, play with friends, and explore the world around her.
In the midst of Sasha's contemplations about her future, a storm of chaos erupted within her family. Word had spread of her sister's secret affair. Panic set in as relatives clamored to salvage their honor, desperately seeking immediate marriages for both Sasha and her sister to restore their tarnished name.
Sasha watched as her mother, consumed by the fear of societal judgement, grew resolute in her determination to find suitable grooms for her daughters. The weight of expectations pressed upon Sasha's shoulders, threatening to suffocate her dreams and aspirations. One morning she found her sisters note confessing about her affair with the son of a noble and how she and him are running away from their families for true love. Sasha hid the note and lied to mother about whereabouts of elder sister that day. Now that her sister is gone, this news will put Sasha's head under water even more. It became clear to her that if she wished to avoid a fate that would strip away her individuality, she had to follow in her sister's footsteps.
With a mixture of trepidation and determination, Sasha made a decision that would alter the course of her life. She chose to embrace her sister's audacity, finding inspiration in her courage to break free from the suffocating expectations of their family. Sasha recognized that by following her sister's example, she could reclaim her own agency, asserting her right to determine her own fate.
Yet, her sister's elopement and the subsequent secrets she shared lingered in Sasha's mind. The notion that marriage need not be a frightening prospect if one found a trustworthy husband, perhaps even a prince, sparked a glimmer of hope within her. The idea that she could still pursue her passions and retain her independence with the right partner began to take hold.
Though the allure of playing with friends and discovering new places still held a strong appeal, Sasha began to realize that a good husband might not be as limiting as she once believed. If she were to find someone who respected her dreams and supported her aspirations, marriage could become a partnership that allowed her to flourish.
Uncertainty tinged Sasha's thoughts as she deliberated the path ahead. Her sister's insistence that every woman must marry echoed in her ears, but deep down, Sasha knew that the decision was ultimately hers to make. The idea of trusting someone with her future, her happiness, and her freedom was both daunting and exhilarating.
With a renewed sense of agency, Sasha vowed to explore her options and search for a partner who would value her as an equal. She would not succumb to societal pressures or settle for a marriage that stifled her spirit. Instead, she would listen to her own heart, trusting her instincts to guide her towards a future filled with love, respect, and the freedom to be herself.
As Sasha navigated the intricate dance of love and independence in her mind, she understood that finding a good husband was not the sole purpose of her. It was about discovering her own identity, cultivating her passions, and building a life that resonated with her true self. Whether she found a partner or chose a different path altogether, Sasha knew that her happiness would ultimately come from trusting herself and embracing the possibilities that lay ahead.
The day went by, the pressure intensified. Sasha felt as though time was running out, pushing her toward a path she did not choose for herself. The walls closed in, leaving her with a sense of urgency to escape becoming another casualty in her family's pursuit of respectability.
As fate would have it, Sasha's desperate situation took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with a nobleman who appeared to be unaware of the local language. Adorned in foreign attire and exuding an air of wealth, he presented a fortuitous opportunity. Sasha's mother asked to go check in on her sister, she went outside came back after some time and told mother that elder sister will be staying with her friend for the night and will return tomorrow. The following morning, he signaled to Sasha, gesturing for her assistance in procuring a carriage to the nearby city.
In that moment, a daring idea sparked in Sasha's mind. She realized that if she could convince the nobleman to share the carriage with her, she could escape her current predicament. The thought of leaving alongside him, despite her lack of funds, enticed her to engage in a small deception. Rationalizing that the nobleman's wealth would render him oblivious to her slight misrepresentation, she decided to quote him the price for two passengers instead of one.
To her relief, the nobleman nonchalantly handed two gold coins to the coachman, seemingly unaware of the discrepancy. The plan was set in motion, and Sasha seized the opportunity. Requesting a brief delay from the coachman, she swiftly gathered her belongings, stuffing some clothes into a bag, and discreetly retrieved a modest amount of money from the cash register.
Returning to the carriage, Sasha settled into the women's compartment, the weight of her decisions and the speed at which events unfolded weighing heavily upon her. The whirlwind of the past few days had left her reeling—her sister's sudden departure, her mother's relentless pursuit of a hasty marriage, and now, her own daring escape. The carriage rumbled forward, carrying her away from the life she once knew, propelling her toward an uncertain but hopeful future.
As the landscape blurred outside the carriage windows, Sasha's heart raced with a mix of anxiety and exhilaration. The road ahead promised freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to redefine her own destiny. She knew the challenges that awaited her, but the taste of liberation fueled her determination.
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With each passing mile, Sasha's confidence grew. The rhythm of the carriage wheels echoed her newfound independence, reminding her that she had taken control of her own narrative. The world outside beckoned to her, its vastness filled with possibilities and untold stories waiting to be written.
In the women's compartment, Sasha found solace in the camaraderie of her fellow travellers. They shared stories, laughter, and whispered dreams of their own. It was a respite from the tumultuous events that had transpired, a sanctuary where they could nurture their hopes and aspirations.
As the journey continued, Sasha allowed herself a moment of reflection. She was grateful for the chance encounter with the nobleman, recognizing that his presence had become a catalyst for her escape. Although her deception weighed on her conscience, she believed it to be a necessary means to secure her freedom.
The carriage rolled on, carrying Sasha toward largest city in the kingdom. With each passing mile, she embraced the uncertainty, embracing the belief that her courage and determination would pave the way for a future where she could shape her own destiny.
While travelling she thought about her mother, her sister and the guy who she just swindled. And now the thought of being homeless and searching for food in the city was haunting her. She had an idea, that maybe she can become an assistant to the noble or he can give her some maid job at his mansion. But if he were to find out she swindled him, he would loose trust. During night when everybody was taking a break and eating dinner Sasha decided to go and meet him. She tried to talk and apologize, but he had a very agitated expression on his face so she decided to leave him alone, go to sleep and worry about her future later.
Under the cover of night, Sasha was fast asleep inside the cozy carriage parked at a camp site nestled amidst a dense forest. The crackling of a camp fire had provided a warm ambiance as she drifted off into dreams.
Suddenly, she woke up to faint and mischievous laughter she could hear coming from outside. Her eyes fluttered open, her heart pounding in her chest, as this wasn't the first time she head these kinds of sounds. Panic quickly took hold as she realized the camp site might be under attack by goblins.
With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Her survival instincts kicked in. She clutched her blanket tightly, her eyes darting around the dimly lit carriage. The soft glow of the moon seeped through the window, casting eerie shadows on her face.
As she stood up in the carriage, the wooden floor creaked beneath her weight. Sasha's eyes flickered with a mix of fear and determination as she surveyed her surroundings. Upon looking outside, camp fire crackled and hissed, casting an eerie glow on the nearby tents and scattered belongings. But her attention was drawn to the menacing figures darting through the camp, their grotesque features illuminated by flickering flames.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Sasha knew she had to act quickly. She reached for a small bag near her feet, containing a few essential belongings. In the dim light, she rummaged through it, her fingers searching for something that could aid her escape. Rest of the people in carriage were still sleeping.
Her hand closed around a small, sturdy dagger—a memento of her adventurous spirit. She gripped it tightly, feeling a newfound surge of determination flow through her. The weapon, though small, felt like her only defense against the impending danger.
Sasha knew she had to find safety beyond the confines of the campsite. With her heart pounding, she put her head outside carriage again to look where are those goblins at. The girl's senses heightened, she scanned the surrounding area for a path to escape. She pulled her head back in to think of a plan.
Driven by their malicious intent, a group of goblins sprang into action. As Sasha was thinking what to do she felt a sudden, sharp tug on her ankle. Startled, she stumbled forward, her grip on the dagger tightening instinctively. Looking back in horror, she saw a snarling goblin, its clawed hand wrapped tightly around her leg.
Panic surged through Sasha's veins as she fought against the goblin's grip, desperately trying to free herself. But the goblin was relentless, its strength surprising for its small stature. With a fierce yank, it pulled Sasha backward, causing her to crash onto the wooden floor, waking up rest of the people in the carriage.
The impact knocked the wind out of her, leaving her momentarily dazed. The goblin cackled triumphantly, its jagged teeth bared in a malicious grin. Sasha's heart sank as she realized that a small horde of goblins have climbed up in the carriage. Struggling to regain her composure, Sasha gripped her dagger tightly, ready to defend herself against the impending threat. But before she could make a move, the goblins swarmed her, their nimble hands overpowering her attempts to fight back.
With a mix of fear and frustration, Sasha found herself being dragged away outside of the carriage. The goblins' grip was firm and relentless, their sharp nails digging into her skin. She tried to resist, clawing at the ground and kicking her legs, but their combined strength was too much for her to overcome.
As she was forcibly pulled away, Sasha's gaze lingered on the cabin, her hopes of a better life now dashed. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of fear, anger, and determination flooding her thoughts. She vowed silently to keep fighting, to find a way to escape this nightmarish ordeal.
She tried to hold goblins hand to make them loose their grip over her legs, a goblin swung his axe against her arm, digging deep into her arm, paralyzing her. She couldn't believe what just happened to her, an axe is now deep mid way into her arm. All the goblins let go of her legs, but now she was too shocked by the sight. The goblin with the axe held her hand and swung the axe out of her arm and back in again and again in different places turning her arm into minced meat. Sasha was in shock with disbelief over the sight of her arm. Another goblin stuffed piece of cloth into her mouth, after which they dragged her and tied her up on a wooden apparatus with other people. She has lost all her energy, paralyzed completely, she fainted.
Sasha's eyes fluttered open just before the break of dawn, greeted by a wave of intense pain, throbbing headaches, and a profound sense of weakness. Attempting to sit up proved futile, but her efforts didn't go unnoticed as a compassionate woman who told her name Salem helped her. With gentle assistance, Salem helped Sasha to a seated position and offered her a water, explaining that it contained medicine to alleviate her pain.
Taking in her surroundings, Sasha's gaze fell upon her bandaged arm. She could still feel the presence of her hand and the remnants of her arm, but when she looked at it, a profound sense of loss washed over her. The limb she had known all her life was now gone, replaced by an empty space that evoked feelings of despair. She remained in a state of shock, unable to fully process the magnitude of her situation.
Salem, sensing Sasha's turmoil, revealed that she was an experienced nurse who had made the agonizing decision to amputate Sasha's arm. Explaining the severity of the injuries—a shattered bone and the imminent risk of infection spreading throughout the body—Salem had acted swiftly to safeguard Sasha's well-being.
Once more lying down while Salem attended to the needs of others, Sasha, although drained of energy, mustered the strength to rise and seek solace under the shelter of a nearby tree. Her mind was consumed by an overwhelming numbness, her body aching in tandem with her thoughts.
After some time passed, Sasha sensed a presence beside her. It was the very man she had swindled, silently occupying the space next to her without uttering a word. Gazing into his eyes, she apprehensively recoiled as he reached out towards her injured arm. Pain surged through her being, causing her to instinctively resist, but the man persisted, his conviction unwavering. Overwhelmed and without fully comprehending the implications, Sasha relinquished resistance.
In an instant, a vibrant blue square plate materialized in the air near the man—a sight that triggered a distant memory from her childhood. Faint recollections of colorful designs suspended in mid-air, portals through which wondrous things emerged, flickered through her mind. The man extended his arm through the enigmatic square, retrieving a small vial. Suddenly, he collapsed, leaving Sasha stunned and perplexed.