RAIN

CHAPTER SIX:🌖

I retreated to the room they had given me and quickly changed into a plain tunic and pants. I wrapped a cloth around my face, covering my features to avoid being recognized. By now, I was certain that guards would be scouring the city for me, and I didn't want to take any chances.

I buckled my sword to my waist, its familiar weight a comfort. The sword was a family heirloom, forged by my grandmother using the lava from the witches' sacrifice on the dark night. It had been passed down to my grandfather before he became king, and he had gifted it to me after I defeated the kingdom's top swordsman. The sword had a unique ability to fold, allowing me to conceal it in my pocket.

With my sword secure, I joined the innkeeper, and we set out on foot for the market. The sun was high overhead, casting a warm glow over the city. We walked in silence for a while, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market.

The innkeeper informed me that the person I was going to meet had returned from his trip, and they had already told him about my request. I felt a surge of excitement and nervousness. Who was this person, and what could they do to help me?

"Who is this person I'm going to meet?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

The innkeeper smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "He's the most famous and richest man in these parts. He owns the inn, my house, and many other properties in the city."

I raised an eyebrow, impressed. "He must be very influential."

The innkeeper nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, he is. His name is Lord Louis. He's a powerful man, but he's also fair and just. If anyone can help you, it's him."

I filed the name away in my memory, feeling a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in days.

"I never asked for your name," the innkeeper said, turning to me.

I smiled, I don't want to tell him my name in other to protect my Identity, so I decided to give him a fake name ," I said. "My name is..." I hesitated for a moment before responding.

The innkeeper's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he waited for me to reveal my name. Shi-Xarian, he introduced himself afterwards.

"Nice to meet you, Shi-Xarian," I said, smiling.

Shi-Xarian smiled back, his eyes warm with kindness. "Likewise, child. I'm glad I can help."

We walked in silence for a while longer, the sounds of the market growing louder with each step. As we navigated through the crowded stalls, Shi-Xarian pointed out various landmarks and shops, sharing stories and anecdotes about the city and its people.

I listened intently, fascinated by the rich history and culture of the city. Despite the danger and uncertainty that lay ahead, I felt a sense of wonder and excitement at the prospect of exploring NYLXOREE.

We arrived at the shop where Shi-Xarian wanted to purchase some groceries. The shop owner greeted us warmly, "Welcome to my mini store!"

"Thank you, sir," I replied.

The shop owner's eyes turned to me, and he asked Shi-Xarian, "Who is she?"

Shi-Xarian smiled, "She's my wife's niece."

The shop owner's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Wow, I never knew that your wife had a niece."

Shi-Xarian chuckled and handed over the list of groceries he wanted to purchase. The shop owner busied himself packaging the items while we waited.

When he finished, he brought out the groceries in a basket and said with a smile, "You forgot your basket, right? Don't forget to return mine."

"Yes, we will," Shi-Xarian replied.

But the shop owner's smile faltered, and his face turned somber. I wondered what had caused the sudden change in his demeanor.

"Why are you sad?" I asked him gently.

The shop owner's eyes clouded over, and he said, "My beautiful niece Maya... she worked as the king's granddaughter's personal maid. But after two months of working at the palace, she was never seen again. She used to send us letters, but after those two months, the letters stopped. All we heard were rumors from the palace that she was killed by the king."

The shop owner's words hung in the air, heavy with sorrow and suspicion. I felt a pang of sympathy for him and his family.

As the shop owner's words echoed in my mind, memories of Maya, my former maid, flooded back. I remembered the day she died,It was my fault that she was killed by my grandfather's hand I also remembered how happy I was that she was killed.

Now the weight of my past actions crushes me, and I feel the sting of shame and regret. I had always known that I wasn't innocent, but hearing the shop owner's words made me realize the true extent of my culpability. I was, indeed, as evil as the people said I was.

My thoughts swirled with the consequences of my actions, and I wondered how I could ever make amends for Maya's death. The pain and suffering I had caused would forever be etched in my memory, a constant reminder of my past mistakes.

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, Shi-Xarian's gentle voice brought me back to reality. "Child, are you alright?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Yes, I'm fine," I lied, forcing a weak smile onto my face. But the truth was, I was far from fine. The ghosts of my past continued to haunt me, and I knew that I still had a long way to go to make things right.

As we made our way back home, Shi-Xarian continued to point out various landmarks and share stories about the city. But my attention was diverted when I saw a large contingent of my grandfather's soldiers swarming the market. They were searching every nook and cranny, their faces tense with purpose.

My heart sank as I realized that my grandfather must have finally discovered that I was missing. I felt a surge of anxiety, knowing that I had to be more careful than ever. The soldiers were likely to recognize me, and if they caught me, I would be dragged back to the palace and forced to face my grandfather's wrath.

I quickly grabbed Shi-Xarian's arm, my voice barely above a whisper. "We need to get out of here, now."

Shi-Xarian's eyes followed mine, and he saw the soldiers too. His expression turned serious, and he nodded in agreement. "Follow me," he said, quickly leading me down a narrow alleyway that wound through the market stalls.

We moved swiftly, trying to put as much distance between ourselves and the soldiers as possible. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and I knew that I had to stay hidden if I wanted to survive.