The sword and the white rose

Chapter Nine

Our journey continues until we arrive at Korrack’s former residence, which remains unchanged from the time he initially took me in and when I departed. I proceeded towards the door with caution and delicately made contact with the doorknob. My hands were shaking uncontrollably. My spine shivers with cold when I open the door.

“Korrack, your place is here. I kindly request that you not do that.”

“Regrettably,La Mia piccolo Stella, I am left with no choice. I must depart,” he responded.

“Please don’t go away from me. I’m pleading with you to stay, as there is nothing else.” With tears falling from my eyes, I pleaded with him not to leave me if he ever goes away.

His eyes connect with mine as he stands facing me. I couldn’t look up because his crying had caused his eyes to become red and swollen. He advances towards me, taking one step. He reached out his hand and delicately lifted my chin.

La Mia piccolo Stella, I wish I could always be by your side, but circumstances won’t allow it. So I must bid my farewell. Could you assure me that you’ll remain the strong woman I admire until I return? You have my word that I’ll be back. Stay strong in the meantime. Keep your strength and confidence intact, never forgetting to hold your head up high. Because I love you, La Mia piccolo Stella, you have a cherished place in my heart.”

I made an effort to communicate, but I couldn’t speak. I longed to let out a scream and cry even harder. When I attempted to open my mouth, I couldn’t make any sound. I nodded in agreement, wiped my tears, and put on a smile.

“It is necessary for me to listen to it.”

“I… Pr.. Pr.. promise.” I said it quiet. My voice was so quiet, it felt like I was speaking in a hushed tone.

”Currently, La Mia piccolo Stella, that’s the extent of what I can do. It’s time for me to depart.”

It was unbearable to witness his departure. It rendered me completely unable to move. I responded by shaking my head, signaling a clear “no.” My body was unable to bear its own weight any longer. I slid down the stairs, tightly holding onto the railing. The instant he closed the door, a wave of sadness washed over me. As I held onto the necklace he bestowed upon me for my birthday, my tears became more intense. My crying was so intense that it made it difficult for me to breathe. All was swallowed by darkness. I found myself looking up at Amolio before I even had a chance to register what was happening.

“Child, can you inform me about Korrack’s whereabouts?”

“He went away.” I said in a whisper tone.

A look of surprise and amusement crossed his face, with wide eyes and a sideways smile.

“Well, I’m surprised, he accomplished it. It never occurred to me that he would.”

“Would you mind clarifying what you meant with your words? Can you tell me about Korrack’s actions?”

“Don’t pay attention to me, I have nothing noteworthy to tell.”

“AMOLIO!”

Someone was yelling for Amolio, and it was a woman. While she is getting near the corner. I spotted the person who was getting loud. It was Abigail who was responsible for it. She didn’t look too happy.

“AMOLIO. I hope you’re not intending to use Korrack as a shield.”

With a chuckle, he said, “Given that, I think it’s best for me to make a swift exit.”

“What actions of yours led to her becoming so angry with you?”

“Hmm, I just... kind of... switch her face power with flour and yeast.”

“What? Why?” I said this with a control laughter.

When she came over to us, I noticed the extent of what he had done to her. I’ve completely lost my composure. I found something so funny that it caused me intense side pain from laughing. After I finished, Abigail was standing right by me. As I laughed at her, she stood with her hand on her hips, patiently waiting.

“Are you done with what you were engaged in?”

“My sincere apologies, Abigail. I didn’t mean to laugh at you, but what he did.”

While attempting to escape, I motioned towards the direction behind me.

“I understand. It seems like tears have been flowing from your eyes. Sweetie, fill me in on what’s happening.” She said this as she came to sit done next to me.

“I have been Abigail.”

“Whose pain must you see to make your tears flow?”

“Ko…. Korrack.”

I received an odd glance from her. While I shout in distress. She is unaware of the reason behind my mentioning Korrack. Korrack is my father, but not my biological father. The person I felt closest to, my real father, has passed away.

“Flor, there has to be a mistake, honey. You don’t need to worry, Korrack won’t harm you unless…” her face turn from shocked to anger quick.

“Abigail, what is the condition that follows ‘unless’?”

“Unless he was being threatened by someone.”

“What possible motivation would someone have to threaten him?”

“I’m uncertain, but I know the way to discover the answer.”

She embraces me tightly with her arms. I couldn’t hold back the tears and started crying again. She patted my back telling me ‘everything will be okay, trust me sweetie.’

Abigail picked me up and carried me to my room once I finished crying. She settled me in bed and calmly stroked my hair. Eventually, I managed to fall asleep. As soon as I got up, I dashed to Korrack’s room. He was absent. I search the training room, garden, weapons room, and the chambers of Amolio and Abigail. He was absent. There’s one room I could never enter. I approached the room, knocked on the door, and stood by. Since there was no response, I retrieved the lock picking kit that Korrack had given me. Unlocking the door was a quick task for me. I hoped he was present but simply didn’t hear the knock. As I pushed the door open, my eyes fell upon a single bed covered in luxurious red and black silk and velvet bedding. The windows were covered with curtains that matched. The room had a powerful scent, a combination of burning wood and fresh paint. The atmosphere was so calming and inviting that I entered without a sense of direction. I recently observed the painting that was present. I could see hundreds or even thousands of them, all with the letters M and R along with symbols like a rose, a sword, and a skull. I got so absorbed in looking at the paintings that I lost track of time. I didn’t catch the sound of anyone entering.

“Do you find this visually appealing?”

Whirling around, I found no one, yet I could sense someone’s presence. I could sense that he was there.

“Absolutely, I do. I would like to know who you are, if that’s alright. What is the purpose of your visit to my residence?”

“I used to know Korrack, but we’re not close anymore. Have you bumped into him? From what I remember, this is his house, although I might be incorrect.”

A mixture of pain and sadness covers my face. I dropped the painting and it ended up hitting my foot.

“What’s the reason behind your sad expression?””

“He is no longer here. He….. left,”

“What is your explanation for saying he is no more in this place? Is he no longer here or did he depart?”

I could sense a mixture of anxiety and frustration from this person.

“He has not passed away. Hopefully, that’s not the case. He recently departed from the house, leaving it in my possession.”

“When should we anticipate his comeback?”

“I….I.. don’t know,” A tear fell from my eye. I wrap it away.

“What’s the purpose behind your question? Who is interested in knowing?”

Recall Abigail’s statement that I wouldn’t be giving him any more details.

“You are the child he has been raising and nurturing. Right.”

“Certainly, could you please provide me with an introduction of yourself?”

“I’m keeping my name a secret for now, but you can address me as Firer or Shadow. It’s a moniker I use instead of my actual name. It would be better if you kept your name to yourself.”

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Will you emerge from hiding?”

“It’s unlikely that I will participate in that. I’ll stand by you in the darkness, at least for now.”

“Rosie.”

I could feel someone’s hand on my shoulder. It startled me.

”Calling La Mia piccolo Stella, come in. Is someone present?”

“Sorry about that, Korrack. I just had a memory come back to me.”

“What is it that you want me to remember? ” he piped up his confusion as he said this

“When you departed in the evening.”

“You understand that I didn’t want to abandon you, correct?” Sorrow hit in Korrack’s voice as he said, this

“At that time, I was unaware of the reason behind your departure.”

“Can you guess where Morifirer might be?” Amolio said this with a petrified tone

“Brutus is the sole person aware of his whereabouts, so we should search every room until we locate him. Stay alert. Traps could be set by Brutus in various locations.”

“Rosie, I think you’re onto something. The next question is whether we should split or stay as a couple.”

“Considering your brother, he wouldn’t take that into account, so any trap would only impact one person.”

I made my way into the house. It was still as stunning as in my memory. Memories overwhelm my mind, encompassing everything from pure bliss to sheer panic. Within this house, emotions ranged from deep affection to intense hostility. My gaze swept across Morifirer’s art-filled walls, the hanging crystal chandelier, and the elegant marble floors. I just smiled because I was home.

“You know, La Mia piccolo Stella, this place is yours.”

I’m familiar with Korrack, but there are a lot of memories here, some of which aren’t great. Some are though.”

“We should locate Morifirer before it gets too late.”

“Amolio can check the basement while I check here, or you can go upstairs to check. We’ll meet up again at this spot. Establish a mental link once you locate him.”

“Yes, Rosie.” Both Korrack and Amolio said nod and headed in their ways.

After their departure, I took a leisurely stroll to the kitchen. The kitchen hasn’t changed at all. I felt the texture of the oak wood door frame as I ran my hand over it. As I close my eyes, I recall the previous occasion I was in this kitchen.

“Is something bothering you tonight, my lovely flower?”

“I’m considering the idea of departing from here Shadow. You’re aware that I am not in your possession, right?”

“I understand that, but referring to you as my flower is meant to keep you safe. If our names remain unknown, there won’t be any harm done. What is the reason for your departure if you plan on going?”

“Paris.”

“What is the reason for selecting that place?”

“I have connections in Paris through my father who can assist me in starting my life.”

“What plans do you have for your time in Paris?”

“I have decided to open a finishing school catering to young ladies.”

“I wasn’t aware you were so formal.”

“It’s more than just a finishing school, but I am not. My goal is to educate them on self-protection from humans or any other threat.”

“It seems like you have a great deal of enthusiasm for this.”

“Indeed, I do. Currently, Paris is an unsafe location due to King Louis XVI’s proposal for immediate reforms on new territories. It has caused dissatisfaction among the people. I have a feeling that a war is on the horizon. I know it may seem unbelievable, but I have a strong intuition about it. That’s the reason I’m contemplating it. If I attend and they notice me, they could mistake me for one of them, even though I’m not. My father is a merchant and I am his daughter. Korrack is responsible for my current appearance.”

“Is this your true desire, my beloved flower? The goal is to visit Paris. Take action and do it. Double-check that you are confident in your decision-making. I’ve witnessed the deaths of several of my friends. I don’t want any harm to come to you or for you to be killed. Your safety is of utmost importance to Korrack.”

“If he wants to protect me from anything bad, then why did he leave?” I didn’t mean to aim my angry voice at Shadow, it just came out that way. “Apologies, Shadow. That wasn’t my intention.”

“The reason for his departure remains unknown. Only he has the answer, but make a promise to me: if he comes back, give him a chance to explain why he left before you walk away.”

“Shadow, you’ve been my one and only friend for months. Considering that, I pledge to grant him an opportunity to clarify why he departed.”

“Thank you. The light is getting brighter outside, so I’m going to go upstairs.”

“At some point, I’ll make sure to see you face to face. Wait and see.”

“I have my doubts, my lovely flower.” He said with a chuckle before leaving me alone.

“Just so you know, he’s not in the basement, guys.”

The sound of Amolio’s voice grounds me in the present moment. Right as my eye was opening, I heard Korrack’s voice. What Korracks said left a heavy burden in my heart. As my eyes opened, I noticed him sitting across from me at the table, concealed by the darkness. His fatigue was apparent to me. While seated in a chair, he encountered a barrier preventing him from speaking. Once he became aware of my presence, he nodded to show he recognized me.

“Would you prefer me to share now or postpone until later?”

His face wore a perplexed expression. As to say Could you elaborate on what you’re trying to say?

“Shadow, I had a feeling we would meet again sooner or later.”

Laughing softly, he shook his head, as if to say, “You still remember that.”

“Naturally, I do. Korrack and Amolio, heads up - we’re currently in the kitchen.”

“On the way.” Korrack said, sounding worst to wear.

“Be there soon Rosie.” Amolio said this with a tried in his tone.

“I’m getting exhausted from the never-ending task of rescuing you. I thought I was the one who needed rescuing, not the one doing the rescuing.”

Wearing a mischievous smile, Morifirer acted as though he had no knowledge of what I was mentioning. I directed a small grin towards him.

“Do you have any knowledge about what he did to you?”

He signaled agreement by nodding.

“That’s just the beginning.”

I became aware that Korrack and Amolio were heading in our direction. I casually make my way to the container and wait. Upon reaching us, their eyes darted around the room, seeking out Morifirer.

“He appears to be fine, hurry up before it becomes too late.”

“Either he can’t move or he can’t speak, Amolio, or we can’t hear him.”

“What’s our plan now?”

“Korrack. According to Morifirer, he is aware of what Brutus did to him. Is there a possibility that you know how to fix this?”

“It’s a matter of what his actions were. Morifirer, is there a way for you to articulate his actions towards you?”

Morifirer took a moment to think and then nodded affirmatively. He initiated some motion. Our faces showed utter confusion as we stared at him.

“Are we going to play... um, that game we can’t remember the name of?”

Can you specify which game, Amolio? There are many games available now.

“The guessing games.”

“I spy.”

“No, the one where you have to act out what’s going on.”

Korrack and I spoke in perfect sync, saying, “Oh, charades!”

“Yes.”

“I believe we have to, so we better move fast before the sun is up.”

“Okay, Morifirer, can you give us how many words there are in the spell’s title he use.”

Morifirer nodded his head and hold up four fingers and pointed at me, then hold up two and pointed at himself and Korrack.

“What is my responsibility in dealing with it?”

“I think it’s four words in your language and two in Morifirer and Korrack.”

Morifirer nodded his head. Then he put a finger up to his lips.

“Shut up,”

Morifirer sway his body to let us know we were on the right track.

“Quiet.”

Morifirer nodded his head. I looked out the windows and I can see the sun come right over the trees. I panicked because Morifirer doesn’t have his sun ring, so he is going to get hurt.

“Come on guys, we need to hurry. The sun is about here.”

Morifirer looked around to find something. I could tell he wasn’t finding whatever he was looking for. Just by the way, he was getting mad.

“Morifirer, we got this. Just take a deep breath. I know you’re scared and worry. Trust me, okay?”

He takes a momentary break. He placed his head in a downward position. He understands that I am correct. Rising to his full height, he moved nearer to us, brandishing the dagger he always carries, and flung it at the Barrier. We just stood there in shocked knowing what the last word was……… Death.… Death.