FATED | The Weeping Monk

CHAPTER TWO

The town's entry was controlled by Red Paladins. Just the sight of them made her blood boil. Even though she only watched them burning her home for a moment, the memories were still so vivid and had scarred her for life.

Nimue tricked a man into thinking her tooth hurt so that she would get in with him. That worked at the price of an actual tooth, as a sadistic Red Paladin suggested the man take it out right now. Rosalia opted for the truth: she was visiting family. She reminded herself to look natural. She gave the Red Paladin more indications on their whereabouts, before adding:

"I would just feel so much safer here knowing that you're protecting this village. There were some of them where I come from and I just couldn't sleep at night. I know you must hear this a lot but you are truly a savior. "

Flattery always works, thought Rosalia as she was given access into the village. The two friends parted ways after promising they would find each other later.

Her grandparents' estate was outstanding. Although she could not remember, she was certain they possessed some sort of title. Rosalia felt deeply out of place: her dress was plain and filthy and her hair was starting to become greasy. Standing on the doorstep, she hesitated a while before finally knocking. An elegantly dressed woman answered the door.

"Who are you?" She asked.

"I'm Rosalia. Niama's daughter."

Shock was overwhelming her face.

"What are you doing here?"

"I... I didn't know where else to go. They burned our village."

She nodded, her mind seeming to wander.

"Oh... I'm sorry. You look exhausted, child. Come on, I'll take you to one of the guest chambers. And when you wake up, we'll talk."

"Okay. Thank you." She agreed.

It didn't take long for Rosalia's eyes to close in such a comfortable bed. Yet something wasn't completely letting her drift away. It tried to grab her attention, it whispered in her ears. Rosalia got up, confused, but soon heard voices coming from the corridor.

"So you say there's a Fey here."

"Half Fey." Her grandmother corrected.

"Half demon is still a demon."

"Yes. Of course. She's right here."

Rosalia looked around the room, still in disbelief of what she was hearing. How could her own family betray her? Her only escape was through the window. Rosalia immediately opened it: it was a big jump, but a better option than death. As two Red Paladins came into the room, she jumped and luckily landed on a bush. She quickly got on her feet and ran to the stables that she had noticed on the way in, where she stole a horse. As she made her way to the forest, the only place that would gladly welcome her, she observed another horse getting closer to hers.

"Rosalia?"

She furrowed her eyebrows at the sight of Nimue and a man.

"Nimue? Stranger? What..."

She didn't need to turn her head to perceive what was most likely a dozen Red Paladins following them.

"You too?" She commented.

"Follow my lead." Replied the stranger.

Rosalia came after them in the forest, the Red Paladins behind them. It took them a few well executed detours to lose them for good. That man definitely knew what he was doing. They eventually stopped in front of a similar cave where Rosalia had slept last night.

"I don't believe we've been introduced."

"Oh, sorry. Arthur, this is Rosalia. Rosalia, Arthur." Introduced Nimue.

"Pleasure to meet you." Said politely Rosalia as she got off her horse.

"The pleasure is all mine."

Rosalia began to tell them all about her little adventure in the cave, where they would be safe for now.

"Your own grandmother turned you in?" Reacted Nimue, her face distorted by disgust.

"Suddenly I understand why we never visited." Tried to joke Rosalia, although the hurt could easily be noticed in her tone.

"It must be tough." Sympathized Arthur.

"I guess I understand where she's coming from. My mother ran away with my father when she learned she was pregnant, only for her to die nine months later in childbirth."

"But you're still her blood."

"Half demon is still a demon." She quoted with bitterness.

"I know it's hard, Rosie, but don't let it affect you. You're one of the kindest, most caring people I know. You're the farthest thing from a demon." Nimue reassured her.

It was then Nimue's turn to inform her of what she had been doing since their home had been destroyed. She was apparently given a sword by her mother, her dying's wish instructing her to offer it to Merlin.

"Can I hold it?" Asked Rosalia.

Nimue nodded and gave her the sword. Rosalia pretended to fight an invisible adversary.

"It's so much better than mine! I'm jealous."

"Well, don't be. It's the reason people want my head."

"Sure, but without it, you wouldn't even have a head right now."

As they were looking for wood for the fire, Rosalia seized the opportunity to inquire about Arthur.

"He's just a friend." Spoke Nimue.

"Okay, if you say so. Do you think he's trustworthy?"

"He risked his life to save mine. I think so? But wait, I forgot about your superpower! What do you think?"

"It's hardly a superpower. I can only sense people's intentions."

"You warned me when Squirrel put worms in my soup when he didn't even tell you anything."

Rosalia couldn't help but laugh at the memory of the worms swimming in Nimue's soup.

"Yeah, I really shouldn't have."

"Rosie!"

"I don't know. I think there's a conflict inside of him. He means well but... I can't tell." She replied, serious this time.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

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Sorry if that chapter was a little boring. I thought it was still a nice way to introduce some of Rosalia's back story. And don't worry, The Weeping Monk will be back next chapter. Please let me know if you're liking this story so far by voting and comments are always appreciated and help me write the next chapters faster!