RAIN

CHAPTER SEVEN:🌗

The sounds of chaos and destruction filled the air as the soldiers ravaged the market, overturning stalls and smashing goods. Their voices were loud and menacing, demanding that every young girl show her face.

"You, girl! Come here!" one of the soldiers bellowed, his voice echoing off the buildings.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I knew they were searching for me. I tightened my grip on Shi-Xarian's arm, my heart racing with fear.

Shi-Xarian seemed to sense my distress, and he quickly pulled me into a nearby doorway, shielding me from view. "Stay quiet," he whispered, his eyes scanning the market for any signs of danger.

I nodded, holding my breath as the soldiers continued their rampage, searching for any sign of me.

We finally reached the house, and Shi-Xarian knocked on the door loudly. "Open the door!" he called out.

His wife opened the door, looking concerned. "What is it?" she asked, eyeing us with worry.

We rushed inside, panting heavily. Shi-Xarian's wife looked at us with alarm. "What happened?" she asked again.

"Soldiers," Shi-Xarian replied, still catching his breath. "The royal soldiers. They're searching for girls... I think they want to kidnap them."

Shi-Xarian's wife let out a loud cry and rushed to lock all the doors and windows, making sure they were secure. "May the gods protect us!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear.

She moved swiftly, ensuring that the house looked empty and deserted. She closed all the curtains, and the house was plunged into darkness. We stood there in silence, holding our breath, hoping that the soldiers would pass by the house without suspecting anything.

They were still searching for girls, and their voices grew louder as they approached.

We stood there in silence, holding our breath, as the soldiers passed by the house.

Suddenly, a loud voice pierced the air. "No...! That's my daughter! She has done nothing wrong!"

"Shut up, woman!" one of the soldiers growled in response, his voice dripping with malice and contempt.

We heard the sound of scuffling and shouting, and it seemed like the soldiers had found another girl. Shi-Xarian's wife gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in horror.

I felt a surge of fear and anger. Who was this girl, and what would happen to her? Would she be taken away by the soldiers, never to be seen again?

Shi-Xarian's wife turned to us, her eyes wide with worry. "We have to do something," she whispered urgently. "We can't just stand by and do nothing."

I grabbed my sword from my pocket, swinging my hand in anger. My sword unfolded, and I turned to open the door, ready to charge out and attack the soldiers. But just as I reached the door, I felt a hand grip my hand, holding me back.

I turned to see Shi-Xarian standing behind me, his eyes filled with concern. His wife and children stood behind him, their faces pale with fear.

"What are you doing?" Shi-Xarian's wife whispered urgently, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean for you to go and fight them. They'll kidnap you or worse, kill you for challenging them."

I felt a surge of frustration, my anger and helplessness boiling over. But Shi-Xarian's wife was right. I could take on the soldiers alone, but not without putting their family and others in danger. I thought about the shop owner's niece, Maya, and the countless other girls who had suffered at the hands of me, my family and the royal soldiers.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and nodded reluctantly. Shi-Xarian's grip on my hand loosened, and he gave me a gentle smile.

"We'll find another way to help," he said, his voice soft but determined. "But for now, let's just stay safe. We can't do anything to help if we're dead."

I nodded again, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. Shi-Xarian's wife stepped forward, her eyes filled with compassion.

"Come, child," she said, putting a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Let's get you calm and safe. We'll figure out what to do next later."

I allowed her to lead me away from the door, my sword still clutched in my hand. As we moved further into the house, I could hear the sounds of the soldiers fading into the distance, but I knew that this was far from over.

Night had finally fallen, and after supper, we all retired to our rooms. I lay on the bed, lost in thought, staring up at the ceiling. The sound of a gentle knock broke the silence.

"Are you sleeping already?" Shi-Xarian asked.

"No, I'm not," I replied.

Shi-Xarian and his wife entered the room, their faces soft with concern. "Don't worry, child," Shi-Xarian said. "Tomorrow, you'll be meeting Lord Louis. He'll help you figure out what to do next."

I had a question, and I asked it. "I noticed that none of the children cried after the commotion earlier. Why was that?"

Shi-Xarian's wife smiled sadly. "They're used to this kind of thing, they soldiers, destoying houses, killing people and doing other evil things.So they know that if they cry or make a sound, it could cost them their lives."

I felt a pang of sorrow and regret. I had never realized how much the people suffered under my grandfather's reign. They lived in fear, pain, and sorrow, with no one to turn to for help.

After Shi-Xarian and his wife left, I turned to the window, gazing out at the moonless sky. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I realized that since I had been blessed with the power of GOOD, I had become a different person. I felt sympathy and compassion for others, and I could see the evil in my grandfather's actions.

I regretted my past actions, and I knew that I had to make things right. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. I had to find a way to stop my grandfather and bring peace to the people.

As I sat there, lost in thought, I felt a sense of determination rising up within me. I knew that I had a long and difficult road ahead of me, but I was ready to face whatever challenges came my way.