CHAPTER TWO: A STRANGE ENCOUNTER
1009 Words
The cries of the innocent still echoed in Elena’s mind as she ran through the darkness. Every rustle of leaves made her turn, reminding her of the soldiers who had destroyed her home and captured her sister.
Her sister’s final words remained buried in her heart.
You are our hope. I believe in you.
Elena tightened her grip on the small piece of cloth she had carried from home. It was all she had left of the life she once knew.
The forest seemed endless. Thick fog covered the narrow path, and exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her. She had not eaten for hours, and her legs could barely carry her any further.
Just when she thought she could go on no longer, a faint light appeared through the fog.
Hope stirred within her.
Perhaps she had finally found somewhere to spend the night.
She followed the light until a small wooden house emerged between the towering trees. Smoke rose from its chimney, and a warm glow escaped through its windows.
Gathering her remaining strength, Elena knocked.
“Hello? Is anyone home?”
For a moment, silence answered her. Then footsteps approached, and the door creaked open.
An elderly woman stood before her, wrapped in a dark shawl. The moment her eyes fell on Elena, her expression changed.
She stared at the young woman as though she had seen a ghost.
“Good heavens,” she whispered. “It cannot be.”
Elena stepped back.
“Please, ma’am. I mean no harm. I only need somewhere to spend the night.”
The woman barely seemed to hear her.
“Those eyes,” she murmured. “That face…”
“Do you know me?” Elena asked cautiously.
The woman reached for her hand, but Elena pulled away.
“Forgive me. I did not mean to frighten you.” The stranger studied her again. “What is your name, child?”
“Elena.”
The woman closed her eyes briefly.
“Truly, the daughter of Theodore.”
Elena froze.
“How do you know my father’s name?”
The woman stepped aside.
“Come inside. You are freezing.”
Although suspicion warned her against trusting strangers, Elena had nowhere else to go. She entered the house, where a small fire burned in the hearth.
The room was filled with old books, clay pots, and strange objects she could not identify. The scent of herbs hung in the air.
“Sit down,” the woman said. “I will bring you something to eat.”
Moments later, she returned with warm soup and bread. Elena hesitated before accepting them.
“You have nothing to fear here,” the woman assured her.
“How can I trust you when you know my name but refuse to explain how?”
A faint smile crossed the woman’s face.
“You are just like your father. Always questioning everything.”
Elena’s heart pounded.
“You knew my father?”
“Long before you were born.”
“That is impossible. He never spoke of anyone living in this forest.”
“Perhaps there were things he wanted to protect you from.”
Elena looked away, struggling with the pain of remembering her family.
“My father is dead, and my sister has been taken. My home is gone. What more could anyone want from me?”
The woman’s expression softened.
“I know what happened to your village. I know about the soldiers and the people they carried away.”
Elena immediately turned toward her.
“Then you know where they took my sister?”
“I do not know where she is now.”
Disappointment washed over Elena.
“But I know why your village was attacked.”
The room fell silent.
“Why?” Elena whispered.
The woman walked to a wooden chest and brought out a small leather-bound book. She placed it on the table and opened it carefully.
On the first page was a name Elena recognised.
Theodore.
Beneath it was another name.
Elena.
Her hands trembled.
“What is this?”
“Your father was not an ordinary man. He possessed knowledge that powerful people wanted to control. Before his death, he made certain that something important would survive through you.”
Elena shook her head.
“I do not understand. I am just a girl who has lost everything.”
“Perhaps,” the woman replied, “but there are people who have waited years for you to arrive.”
“Who are these people?”
“Those who remember your father. Those who believe the truth must finally be revealed.”
Before Elena could ask another question, three sharp knocks sounded at the door.
Both women froze.
A man’s voice came from outside.
“Open the door! By order of the royal guard!”
Fear gripped Elena.
The woman quickly closed the book and pushed it into her hands.
“Whatever happens, do not let them take this from you.”
“Who are they?” Elena whispered.
The woman seized her wrist and led her toward a narrow passage hidden behind a curtain.
“Your father’s enemies have found you.”
The knocking grew louder.
“Open this door now!”
The woman pushed Elena into the passage.
“Stay here. Do not come out until I call your name.”
Before Elena could respond, the hidden door closed, leaving her in darkness.
She clutched the book against her chest as footsteps entered the house.
“Where is the girl?” a man demanded.
“What girl?” the woman replied calmly.
“The daughter of Theodore. We know she came here.”
Elena covered her mouth, struggling to keep quiet.
The stranger knew her name. The royal guards were searching for her, and someone had been waiting for her arrival.
She had escaped the destruction of her village believing that survival was enough.
Now she realised that her journey had only begun.
And whatever secret her father had left behind, someone was determined to keep it hidden.
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