Bab 8: 08: Feral Sanctum Village
Kalliste was astonished by the unbelievable scenery in front of her. It felt like she visited heaven on earth for the first time.
'And here I thought that Feral Sanctum Village was only a small place. Who would have thought that this place was gigantic!' A swirl of mixed emerald, cobalt, and cardinal red fire blossomed through the night sky above the horizon. Her soul was almost captivated by the soulful rhythm of the night's rainbow.
Through its faint light, Kalliste scanned the surroundings.
'Is this really a village? It would be more appropriate to call this place a city rather than a village.'
From where they stood, she saw a few titanic mountains that almost towered all the way to the sky. Probably to gaze at the heavens. Thick clouds and stars encircled the tallest of them, making it seem like a world unto itself. All of the gentle giants that stood proudly had their large roots buried deep within the ground. There was also a bridge that spanned as far as her eyes could see from one tree to another.
"Whoosh."
A sudden sound caught her attention. Looking up, Kalliste saw some cranes that flew past them alongside other auspicious animals that she had never seen before. They all looked divine, and she could not help but stare in awe at this place's boundless majesticity.
'Wow! A literal heaven on earth!'
"Come. We still have a long way to go."
Mazzak's voice brought her back to reality. She stole a glance at the boy beside her, who, at the moment, was also busy looking at the surroundings.
"Darling. Come on. Let's go." Kalliste extended her hand to the boy.
Meanwhile, Rowan stared at her with a blank face. She was treating him like a child again. However, seeing the expectant look on her face, he only sighed as he reached for her hand.
Together, they followed suit, their hands clasped tightly to one another.
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The moment they set foot before the gate, she saw a giant monolith. It was more accurate to call it a giant stone rampart rather than an ancient monument. Upon closer inspection, Kalliste noticed numerous names engraved on it. Some resembled silver hooks and steel strokes written in a calligraphy style that she had never seen before, while the others bore the dragon and serpent style. However, there were also those with the simplistic ink splashing art.
"This monolith served as a great reminder for us, the new generations of beastmen, of all the sacrifices made by our ancestors during the first great war. Their names were carved here to remind us of their heroic deeds."
Even when he tried to conceal his feelings, his eyes held a different story. In them, Kalliste saw the mixed emotions that Mazzak tried to hide beneath his stoic expression. It seemed that the guy really respected and loved his origin.
Kalliste stayed silent as she stared at the monolith in awe. This was indeed a superb way to preserve their history.
"Come along, kids. We are almost there," Varroc announced as he walked towards the two beastmen guarding the gate, with Mazzak following suit.
"Kally, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
Kalliste suddenly felt Rowan's hand against hers. She immediately turned, only to find him leaning towards her. His face was only inches away from hers. His breath smell of mint and chocolate.
"Hmm. When did you eat chocolate? Can I have some?"
Rowan was taken aback when she suddenly grabbed his head, drawing his face even closer. When their foreheads touched, a red tinge instantly painted his face. He just wanted to tease her, but it seemed that it had no effect.
"Ahem! What are you kids doing?"
The two were startled by the question. Realising their position, Kalliste immediately pushed Rowan away from her.
She looked up and saw Varroc standing in front of them. One of his brows were up, and his arms were crossed over his chest while tapping his arm, seemingly demanding an explanation.
"There's nothing to worry about, sir Varroc. I'm only inspecting my brother, who ate chocolate without me. Let's just go!" As the words escaped her lips, Kalliste glared at the boy before walking away with big steps.
Meanwhile, a quizzical look crossed Rowan's face. He had no idea how to respond. He could only watch her figure disappear in a distance.
"What just happened?"
"Do not worry. I completely understand. I also have a little sister who acted the same way. Now, come on. Let's go," Varroc said as he lightly patted the boy's shoulders.
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Finally, the group arrived at their destination. The place was darker than what Kalliste imagined. Not even Aurora's lights could penetrate the thick foliage of the huge trees that surrounded the place.
"Over there, my young friends were my humble abode."
Following Mazzak's pointed fingers, Kalliste and Rowan saw a house that still had its lights on.
"Allow me to excuse myself first, Mazzak. I still needed to deliver these herbs to your sister. Do not worry; I would do everything in my knowledge to save your nephew," Varroc stated.
"Then I will wait for good news. Thank you, my friend." Mazzak nodded as he gave Varroc a pat on the shoulders.
"See you around, kids." Varroc smiled at the children before walking away in a hurry.
When she was out of their sight, Mazzak finally faced them.
"Come on in. It would be best if the two of you stay here for the night."
Even without anything, Kalliste immediately understood what he wanted to say.
"Yes. Thank you for the offer." She smiled faintly.
Mazzak walked towards the door and knocked. Shortly after, the door opened, revealing a pretty young woman inside. Her curly, ebony hair almost reached her legs.
As soon as she opened the door, her eyes, the colour of the night, widened, and she immediately clung herself to her husband. The two had a passionate kiss that lasted for a few seconds.
Being an adult, Kalliste just rolled her eyes at the scene. However, she did not expect it when Rowan suddenly pulled her to his side and covered her eyes. She instantly yelped like a child. "Hey! What are you doing?"
"Shh. Do not look!"
Her screech finally caught the older woman's attention. She quickly pulled away from her husband and turned to look at the two children.
"Who are these kids?"
"Varroc and I found them in the mountains, and seeing that it was dangerous for them to be there, I decided to bring them here. Is that okay?"
The older woman nodded slightly and leaned in front of the two.
"You can call me Amy. The mate of Mazzak. Come on in. I bet you're exhausted from walking." Amy stated as she opened the door and gently pushed the two inside.
Despite its small size and wooden interior, the house maintained a neat and tidy appearance. The house was equipped with an old-fashioned kitchen located on the corner, complete with a tiny table. The small living room featured floral decorations and half-rounded windows that let in ample natural light.
On the corner near the window, Kalliste saw a stairway leading to the second floor.
On the other hand, Rowan did not know what to think. The whole space was even smaller than his bathroom. He had never been to a tiny place like this.
"You must be hungry. There were still some leftover foods. You could eat it if you want."
Rowan's eyes widened in disbelief. He stared at Amy like she had grown another head. They wanted him, a prince, to eat their leftovers? He could not believe his ears. However, before he could say anything, Kalliste suddenly grabbed his arms, tight, as though telling him to just shut up and be grateful.
"I apologise. It was already past midnight, and we already ran out of ingredients, so I could not make a new dish." Rowan's reaction did not go unnoticed. Amy observed the boy. The way he presented himself, down to the kind of clothes he wore, screamed that he was from an aristocratic or even a noble family.
"Not a problem. Thank you so much, lady Amy. Come on now, brother. I am starving."
Though Rowan was still hesitant, his heart softened upon hearing her words. He could only sigh. 'I guess it's true. There was always a first time for everything.'
"Do not be shy, kids. I should apologise. The food was already a bit cold. If you could wait a bit, then I'd heat it up first."
Amy was about to grab the foods on the table when Kalliste stopped her.
"It's quite alright, lady Amy. Please don't bother yourself. We would appreciate these foods as they are. Isn't that right, brother?"
Rowan felt like a bucket of cold water had suddenly splashed on his body when he felt a slight pinch on his leg. He quickly turned his head towards Kalliste, who now had a sweet smile on her face.
"Of course. Thank you for the food!" Rowan spoke, albeit hesitantly.
"Are you both sure? It would only take about five minutes."
"Yes, lady Amy."
Seeing the determined look on the children's faces, Amy sighed.
"Alright. But don't hesitate to tell me if you want it warm. I would be upstairs to prepare the guest room. Mazzak would be with you for now," Amy stated.
"Alright. Thank you, Lady Amy." Kalliste nodded.
Just as Amy stepped out of the kitchen, Mazzak entered. He sat in front of the two, and with a serious look on his face, he enquired.
"Do tell us. How did two children like yourselves end up in the mountains?"
Kalliste and Rowan were already in the process of eating when they heard the question. Both of them stopped at the same time then glanced at each other, wondering how they would explain their complicated situations.
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After eating, Amy brought them to the second floor. Though it was slightly bigger than the first floor, Kalliste only saw three doors.
"This way. I would show you where to sleep."
Amy led the two of them towards the door on the right. Upon opening it, they found themselves in a small chamber. The room featured a compact bed and a cabinet next to the window.
"This is my son's room, but you can use this for now. Our room was the one on the left. If you need anything, don't hesitate to knock. You can also use the fresh clothes in that drawer. Do you need anything else?"
"This would be enough. Thank you again, lady Amy."
"Alright. Then I would not bother you. Go to sleep after changing. Good night, kids."
"Good night, lady Amy." Kalliste nodded and slightly nudged Rowan.
As soon as Amy left, Kalliste pulled Rowan inside and closed the door behind them. It even created a creepy sound that sent shivers down Rowan's spine.
"Here, darling. Change into this first, and then we could sleep." When the boy did not respond, Kalliste looked at him.
"What's wrong?" she asked. She now directed her focus towards the boy.
"How are you okay with all of this?"
"What do you mean, darling? Come here." Without any second thoughts, she pulled Rowan towards the bed. She then stood in front of him. "Tell me. What seemed to be bothering you?"
It took awhile before Rowan responded. His face slightly contorted as he scanned the room.
"I mean, how are you coping with something like this? This whole place was even smaller than my room. My pet's bed was larger than this one, and this room did not even have a bathroom."
As soon as the words escaped his lips, Kalliste immediately understood what he meant.
'Should I be frustrated at this boy?' Kalliste could only massage her temples. She was at a loss for words at the moment. His sentence made her angry. However, she reminded herself that he was born into the royal family. Of course he would act this way.
In the end, Kalliste sighed. "You know, darling."
This got Rowan's attention. He quickly looked at the girl in front of him. She now had a serious expression on her face.
"Not everyone was born with a diamond spoon or privileged like you. You are still too young now, but I hope that one day, you will realise that real happiness is not based on material things or how wealthy you are. Darling, you must never forget that the most important thing in the world is how a person chose to live his life."
Rowan was left speechless as he stared at Kalliste. Her words slowly sink in his mind.
"I guess you are right. I apologise, Kally." He sighed when he finally realised what she said.
"Sure. Don't worry about it. Now, come on. Let's get you changed and ready for bed."
"What are you doing?" Rowan was taken when she abruptly lifted him up. Out of instinct, he quickly protested when she was about to take his clothes off.
"Changing your clothes?"
"What? I am not a kid anymore! I can change by myself." Without hesitation, he swiftly snatched the clothes and retreated into a corner. Instead of being embarrassed by her actions, he was rewarded with a smile so beautiful that it could undoubtedly sway a lot of souls.
"If you say so. Just tell me if you need any help."
With a flushed face, Rowan turned around and quickly changed.
"I am fini… What do you think you are doing?" He did not get to finish his sentence when he suddenly screamed. His eyes almost bulged out of their sockets, and his mouth dropped to the floor at the unbelievable scene in front of him.
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