Moonlight on the Roads

Doors Open for Return

After a long winter that weighed the earth with its imprint, spring finally appeared,

the most beautiful season of the year, spreading its warmth in the surroundings.

The flowers bloomed, and the fields turned green, although the past wounds still bore the marks of ancient breaks that time could not erase. Along the path, Rose walked with careful steps. She was no longer that small child left behind by time, but her spirit had grown before her body did, so she carried in her chest a weight heavier than her age.

During her usual round to check the fields, she noticed a flicker nearby on the ground.

She approached cautiously, and a figure emerged from the grass in front of her, lying still.

She wondered in astonishment: Who brought him to this place?

He must belong to a noble knight, for she had never seen anyone like him in the vicinity. Moments later, the silence of the place was torn by a fitful cough, emanating from deep within the field. She turned in fright and shouted:

— Who's there? Come out now!

She stepped forward hesitantly, gripping the stick, ready to defend herself. Suddenly, she faced an old man, worn out by fatigue, and his features showed signs of long pain.

— What are you doing here? Are you injured?

— Yes... more than you think.

— This stick suits you. Would you like to keep it?

— Is it yours?

— It was... as everyone abandoned it. I will give it to you if you help me before I abandon it.

She took a step back and said firmly:

— I cannot. Take your stick and get away from me before I call for help.

— Your help? Are you a servant?

— You could say that. Do you see that small castle over there? That is the slave's refuge, and I am one of them. So leave.

The man smiled bitterly and said:

— What do you think of me teaching you to duel in exchange for your help?

— The land. — Is this the end? I will help you escape too. Haven't you… just agree… I am about to lose consciousness… and he did not complete his sentence, as his body fell to the ground. Rose muttered sadly: What a pity. With difficulty, she dragged him to a wooden cart, covered him with straw, then took him to a nearby cave, where she treated his wounds before leaving with the dawn.

When he woke up, he was overwhelmed: — Am I? Did I really do that? Time passed, and the stranger kept his promise,

so he began to teach Rose the art of fencing. She was learning diligently, and day by day, she grew until the sword became an extension of her arm.

However, the years weighed heavily on her body, and one day,

she stared at him, a man, and said: — Will I die before I manage to defeat you?

—

I made a losing deal with a foolish girl… I will not break my promise. I taught you more than your body can handle, but…

— Who are you? And where did you come from?

— You will know when the time comes… do not rush fate.

He handed her the sword and the dagger, and said in a low voice: — As soon as possible, and do not look back. From now on, this is your fate. And this dagger is a farewell gift. Run. — Can I really? — You must. For fate cannot be bargained with. And take the horse standing over there, I bought it yesterday… it is like you, unique.

She looked at him for a long time and said: — Why are you doing all this? What will you gain? He laughed and said: — Did I make a failed deal? Didn't I tell you that…

Rose

A pure smile, and he burst out laughing, until the tears flowed from his eyes, and for the first time, it was drawn on his lips that it did not last long.

The neighbor had left, and was buried near unknown dead, without a name or farewell.

Rose stood in front of his grave and whispered: — If I die here, I will be buried like you… and I do not want this fate.

There is no way back from it, then she turned and walked away.