C21 Elizabeth

Fort South,

As I walked in, I noticed an older woman standing there. A long scarf was draped over her face. Her fingers are noticeably longer and thinner. Her skin is quite thin. “Do you want something, lady?” I asked as I approached her.

She jolted and moved a little when she heard my voice. I tightened my eyes and asked her again, “Do you need anything, lady?” She didn’t say anything, just a faint nod. I made a gesture toward the knight. He nodded and told her, “Lady, you need to do it quickly.” Strangers are not allowed here. “That old lady coughed heavily.

Is she okay? “Are you okay?” I asked. While coughing, she shrugged and said, “Where is Lord Wyiner?” Her tone was trembling. She appeared to be so frail that she couldn’t even speak. I dropped my sight. What am I supposed to do now? My uncle gave me the fort's responsibility. I’m not sure how I’m going to manage everything. And now this mysterious lady. Will it be a good idea if I tell her to stay here a bit longer?

“I guess you’re not feeling well.” “Do you want to take a rest here for a while?” I asked. “I want to meet Lord Wyiner,” she remarked with a quick shake of her head. “It’s important.” “I’m here on behalf of him,” I responded after a long glance at her. “You are free to inform me.” He’s my uncle.“ She raised her head slightly when she heard me, but after a minute, she murmured, “his nephew?” I replied, “Yes.” When I responded “yes,” she slipped her scarf away a little from her face, but I couldn’t see her entire face. “So, you’re the one,” she said. She mumbled as she coughed. Am I the one? What is she really trying to say? “What exactly do you mean?” I asked. She began cautiously approaching me after hearing me. Suddenly, the knight stepped a little and ordered, “Lady, stop right there.” She stopped and said, “You are the devil.” We are suffering because of you."

“Lady, what are you saying?” I asked, my eyes widening. “Give me permission to imprison her, my lord,” the knight said. That lady began coughing heavily all of a sudden. She crouched down in front of us, in the center of the hall room, coughing, and a bit of blood came out of her lips after a while. “Someone help this lady,” I shouted as I saw her like this. “Call a physician”. I started to shout, and in the meantime, I spotted the old lady falling to the ground. She fainted there. I approached her with an anxious grimace on my face. I crouched down and stretched my hand to uncover her face. Evan and everyone else in the room were astonished to see her when he uncovered her face. That old lady’s face was partly charred, which was horrifying to see. “Lord, please don’t get too near to her,” one of the knights pleaded as he approached her. “We don’t know if it’s an infectious sickness or not.” “Yes, my lord, we must be cautious,” remarked another guard. I turned my eyes from them to her. And I’m thinking about what she said to me. Devil? Why?

The opposing viewpoint.

It’s been pouring cats and dogs. Strong winds dropped rain and lightning. I returned home drenched.

‘Pattering‘

The sound of rain gradually became audible. My horse swiftly stamped on the muddy ground. My horse eventually came to a halt in front of Alex’s house.

‘nicker’.

After dismounting my horse, I left him in the horse stable. I approached the door swiftly and knocked. I took a peek around as I knocked on the gate. The thunder was constantly booming because the storm was so intense. I knocked on the door once more. But then I noticed Kazia was opening the door. It shocked me when I saw her face.

Her face was flushed, as if she had been sobbing, and she appeared stiff and frightened. She began twitching her fingers to communicate something as soon as she opened the door. I drew my gaze within and entered the home. I was completely drenched.

Kazia was shivering, and just as I was going to ask her a question, a thunderclap erupted from behind a house tree. Damn! Why has the weather changed so drastically?

The lamp in her hand trembled as well, then I urged her, “Kazia, what’s wrong?” With tearful eyes, she attempted to convince me to accompany her. In a low tone, I murmured, “Kazia.”

I followed her as she rushed upstairs. I think something happened.

My heart started racing when I saw Kazia hurrying towards Elizabeth’s room. I dashed after her and entered. As soon as I walked in, I noticed Elizabeth on the bed. She was quite pale. Mr. Alex stood close to her. “What’s wrong with her?” I asked, my brows narrowed. I approached her closely. However, when I got closer to her, I saw Elizabeth’s hands. Her veins could be seen, and they were black. As I knelt next to her, my eyes widened. I called her name while holding her hands in mine. I said, “Elizabeth, can you hear me?” but dammit! Her hands were freezing. I returned my gaze to Mr. Alex and asked, “What happened to her?” Mr. Alex, on the other hand, did not say anything and instead moved his attention away from Elizabeth. He doesn’t appear to be normal either. His eyes were wide, and he trembled. I noticed a look of fear in his eyes. I called out, “Mr. Alex,” but he bolted out of the room.

“What the heck is wrong with him?“ I said out loud. I sat close to Elizabeth and took her in my arms. I covered her with a thick blanket. “Kazia, bring hot water,” I remarked as I stared at her. Kazia instantly shook her head and bolted away. I locked my gaze on Elizabeth.

Maxilin’s aside.

What’s the matter with her? She had been well all day. What happened to her unexpectedly? I held her hands and immediately noticed something. Those dark veins were steadily moving up, I noticed. I focused my sight on her hands and then gazed down at her legs, as though thinking about something.

I narrowed my eyes and said, “What the hell?” “How is it even possible?” My heart began to race, and my hands trembled as well. What’s going on with me? I pressed my lips together and forcefully gripped her little, frigid palms.

Kazia appeared out of nowhere and placed a silver bowl on the wooden desk. Maxilin was trembling as well when she looked at him. Kazia didn’t hesitate to start making noises to communicate with Maxilin.

Maxilin’s viewpoint

So, what should I do now? Is it entirely my fault? Is this child suffering due to my actions?

That jerk’s voice rang in my head at that time.

“Maxilin, you won’t be able to save the girl.” You can’t help anyone. ‘

Did he mean Elizabeth? I gritted my teeth and stared down at her sweet face. Her face had become pallid.

If this is true, I must take a chance to save this child. I was startled to hear a sound, and it was Kazia. I shifted my gaze to her. She brought a bowl up here. I made every effort not to cry in front of her. I got up after placing Elizabeth down.

“Kazia, please clean her entire body. I went out of the room as I said, “I’ll be here in a second.” I quickly rushed to my room and changed my clothes.

Maxilin was intently thinking about something while changing his attire.

Maxilin’s aside.

I know it’s impossible as long as somebody else offers her something. Kazia remains by her side. She seemed to adore Elizabeth. She can’t do this with her.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. Whatever it is, I will not allow her to follow in those footsteps. I know she will be okay again, but it will be extremely dangerous. If I can’t find out who did it to her, my treatment may go awry, and she might die. I let out a sigh and opened my eyes. But I need to confront someone.

Thunderbolts rumbling...

to be continued..