บท 56: COURSE OF ACTION: PART III

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Located at the end of a lake, the township of Cullfield which is under the ruling of Baron Faley.

This town wasn't built by the lake by accident, as it has fertile soils, which is a great importance to the people of Cullfield and its success. However, that was a few years ago.

Now, the town itself looks ordinary. With its half rotten rooftops, decaying walls and dirty roads, Cullfield has a grim atmosphere. It may not have been greatly affected by the war, but the fact most of its men have to fight for the war, left the village with no people to leave to work. For those who have returned, are either unable or slowly rotting to die.

It was one of the few towns Baron Faley was supposed to manage, since it was a dying small town, he never cared to visit it nor help its people. He had started relying on the church to help the people, whilst he continues to live a life of luxury.

The lands are still fertile, but without any money to financially support them, how were the people supposed to start a living again.

"You're here."

"Thank heavens you are all back."

The people all started running as they were finally being visited again by Father Rolands and the members of the church. It was their third visit already and the joy in people's eyes, seeing them was so obvious.

"Everyone, please be at ease."

"Don't push, we have plenty for everyone."

Father Roland notices the group of people who were always distant when they arrived. They were a couple of men who seemed to have served in the war.

"My fellow men, why don't you come and have some meals?"

"Forgive us father, but we prefer to stay here."

"Yes, it's not that we aren't grateful. But, we prefer not to rely on such help that won't last."

"He's right, who knows, someday, will just open our eyes and see that you'll be forsaking us just like the baron."

Father Roland sought this as the people the girl must be needing, people who wish to rebuild their lives and not rely on simple help from them. "Then, can I offer you men some work then?"

"Forgive us, but we do not wish to be a part of the church."

"I do serve God, but I…"

"Ha-ha, no, I mean, I need some help with the church. I am not asking you to be a man of God."

"Ah-"

"Idiot." One of the men punched the man in the head.

"If I may ask, how many of you are there who are able to work."

"Hmm, not all of us are staying here. We have a house far from the village, we normally only stay here if anyone has any work for us."

"There are almost ten of us men, one is badly injured, we have three women who are the wives of some of our friends. There are children as well…"

"So, it might be a problem Father, I'm sure we won't be able…"

"Very well, if you all wish you can come with me."

"Wait, didn't I just say." The man got up from the ground as he was flustered that the man ignored that fact there were quite a few of them.

"I do not mind, as long as you all work, I can provide shelter and work for those who are able."

"Father, are you sure?"

"Hmm, if you show me the way to your home."

The two men looked at each other, they pondered whether they should really listen to the man. In the end, they thought why not go with their guts and see what future awaits them.

When Father Roland arrived at the small neighborhood, it was a distance away from the village. They do not live in the village and stay near the forest…

"Father, my name is Rawlin, I stand as the leader of this group. Isac mentioned you have some sort of work for us."

"That is right, and if you wish, you can move with your family."

"Father, we do not mind. But, to be honest, most of our men are…"

When Father Roland so half of the men were crippled he could only think of one thing at that moment, 'Ah, poor Tina, Master Lirius will be furious.'

"Don't worry, if you trust me, we can help you."

��Then, we would gladly accept your offer."

*Two days later*

Rawlin and his men along with their families arrived at the village. At first they were shocked that they were heading up north near the barbarian land and creatures. But, as they went further, they noticed fields of land were being cultivated by the people. Children run wild and free as they gather some fruits and berries everywhere.

"Where are we?"

"Rawlin, shouldn't all the villages in the up north be destroyed."

"That's right."

It was true that most of the villages in the up north of the Northern Region were destroyed. However, there are some that are still striving to survive and one of them is the area Athena stumbled upon.

"Father Roland, I see so many able men and women, why do you need us?"

"You see, despite I am a man of God, I might have lied. Well, we do need some help, but it is not I who plan to hire you."

"Then, Father, why are we here for?" Isac asked.

"You will soon know, for now, follow me."

Diana and the Elder Chief notice Father Roland arrives with the men as they are getting off the carriages and wagon.

"Father Roland, are these the men you spoke of."

"Yes, Chief."

"Excuse me, Sir, are you the one who hired us?" Rawlin asked.

"Well, I am the Chief, but I am not the one who is in need of you. I am just here to make sure everyone does their job well."

"What is going on?" Isac asked as he found the situation odd.

"Calm everyone, I'm sure everything will be explained soon."

"Is Tina here already?"

"Yes, she's at the back blessing some of the crops." Diana answered as she noticed the uneasiness in their faces as she said, "Don't worry, we are not here to harm you, but to help you."

All of the sudden, one of the women screamed when she saw something frightening.

"AH! A WOLF!"

"Father, what is the meaning of this?"

"Rawlin, what should we do?"

"Everyone, protect the children and women."

"Fuji,"

When they heard the voice echoed, they were soon faced by the master of the beast. Standing next to the creature they were all frightened of was just a young lady.

"Ah, Father Roland, I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting." Athena walked to all of them as she welcomed the newcomers who will help put all her plans into actions. "Everyone, welcome. You can call me Tina."

"And that-"

"Ah, this is Fuji." She explained as she petted him on the head, "You have nothing to worry about…"

As she was about to explain, the children started running as they saw Fuji.

"Fuji."

"Play with us."

"Go on." She said, giving him freedom to play with the children, "As I was saying, he does not harm anyone as long as you do not harm the people or him."

"Lady Tina, I've arrived."

Soon, another group of people arrived as well. There were the men Gran and Serfred had gathered.

"Ah, it seems another group has arrived as well."

"There are so many." Rawlin said as he noticed the wagon was full of crippled men. "Why bring such…"

"Don't say that, just because they are in such a state doesn't mean they'll be unable to do a good job."

The villagers helped the men down from the wagon as they too were all gathered in the village center.

"Everyone, thank you, for being a part of our family."Athena announced.

"My Lady, may we ask why we are here?"

"We were told the church needed some help with repair."

"That's right, but we see able men who can do a better job than us here already."

"They may be able, but we are in need of help. First of all, you all can call me Tina. For now, that's all I am saying about myself. As of why you are needed, I plan to rebuild this village. Thus, I need all your help. I know some of you were trained soldiers, craftsmen and builders. However, the war has taken a great toll on you."

Athena then went to one of Rawlin's companions who was badly injured. He has lost both of his legs.

"Trust me." She whispered to the man as the man looked at her directly in the eye.

Minutes later, right in front of them, they saw the men's legs grow out of nowhere. It was a miracle which they couldn't believe at all, even though it was happening right in front of them.

"I promise you, I'll help you build your future, all I ask is for you to trust me."

The crippled man earlier was all in tears, he continued to touch his legs and wondered if he was dreaming. Seeing his friends were all crying and in shock as well, he knew at that moment that he was not dreaming at all.

He got up from where he was seated, went back to the wagon and grabbed his sword. He immediately returns back to the girl and drops down on his knees.

To everyone's surprise, he went down on his knees whilst offering his sword to the girl.

"From this day forth, I Reignald, hereby pledge my loyalty, my life, and all what I have to My Lady, till my last breath."

Athena smiled as she grabbed the man's swords and anointed him as her knight, "I, gladly accept."