Opening:
Sarah Rojus
lovingly toiled, digging away at the soft earth in the forest in the Ural Mountains. She had to gather more roots of healing
plants in order to keep the progress of little Annabelle Noreika improving.
Dusk would soon arrive and she would have to find her way home. As always, the
horse soldiers arrived to ensure her safety. She looked at them continuing her
work, despising their presence. She was an independent woman after all, and
capable of taking care of herself.
Her healing
powers were both a gift and a curse. She inherited them from her mother who had
passed just two year ago. Her father was a solid God fearing man whom always
questioned why his only daughter was called upon to heal the ruling family
members. However, he knew that the village depended on Prince Skarbalius and
the army for protection from invaders and power hungry enemies. He was staunch
in his faith, but he was devoted to his family, no matter what.
Darkness would soon come to bear so
Sarah collected her bag and proudly strode towards her humble home, a mere two
miles away. Tomorrow she would ride up the narrow trail to the castle that
stood guard over her village. The wind picked up and clouds moved in overhead.
She didn’t need a flame as she knew the way by heart. The soldiers carried a
couple of torches but since they merely followed her, they didn’t help much.
They followed her to her house and watched her walk up the path to her door and
then turned round to return to the mountain castle. Her father Ivan was sitting
in his chair reading by candle light. He looked up when she entered. “I worry
about you wandering in the dark. I think a storm might be moving in.” “Papa,
I’m fine. I had to get more roots. Tomorrow, when I head out I’ll pick some
herbs too. You know I have to care for the young girl. She’s starting to get
better though.” “Well, that’s good to know.” “I’m tired. Can I get you anything
before I go to bed Papa?” “No. I’m fine. I’ll be turning in too.” She gave her
father a kiss. “Good night.” “Good night dear.”
The next morning she mounted her
horse for the long trip. Along the way she stopped at her favorite garden spot
to pick some of the herbs that she personally grew and tended to. She placed her
pickings in a small cloth bag and continued on her journey. The trail started
out easily enough but the more she ascended it became narrower and more twisted
and dangerous. Her horse was reliable though, sure on his feet and familiar
with the trip. It took her the usual hour to reach the castle gates and she was
let in immediately. Once she arrived at the main entrance, a stable attendant
took the reins and led the horse away. Her arrival was announced by a servant
who then led her to the child’s room. The servant left them.
Sarah sat on the bed next to
Annabelle and started rubbing her head. “I’ve been waiting for you” the little
girl said. Sarah smiled. “I missed you sweetie.” “What’s in the bag?” “Oh, some
things that should help you get better. We’ll use them a bit later, after your
food has digested. Okay?” “Okay Sarah.” Just then a knock was heard on the door
and Prince Skarbalius entered. A shiver ran down Sarah’s spine. The prince was
a powerful and mysterious man. The entire staff of the family simply obeyed him
without question, for fear of punishment. “Hello my lord. Can I help you with
something?” “I heard you had arrived and I thought I’d check on you and my
niece. Is there anything you need?” “I’ll just need some hot water later, but I
can go to the kitchen to get it when the time comes.” “Well then, I guess I’ll
leave you two alone. Remember my staff is at your service.” “Yes. I know. Thank
you.” He turned on his heels and strode out of the room. “Why don’t we read a
little for now, shall we?” Annabelle chose a book that she knew by heart but
loved. Sarah began reading to her.
After spending the rest of the day
at the castle it was time for Sarah to head home. She thanked the servants and
kitchen staff for all of their help and exited the castle. Her horse was
waiting for her. Clouds once again rolled in and the wind began to pick up.
When she mounted the stable master told her “You’d best be careful. I do not
like the looks of this weather. Make haste when you can do so safely.” “I will.
Thank you.” She turned the horse and began the journey home. After about forty
five minutes on the narrow trail, rocks began falling ahead of her. The horse
reared, throwing her off. She landed on her back and the horse took off. She
was hurting badly, but nothing was broken. She slowly stood on her feet,
dreading the rest of the trip alone and on foot, but she heard hooves
approaching from behind. “Miss Sarah!” One of the riders shouted. She turned.
Soldiers had been following her by order of the prince. They stopped. “You are
to return with us. There are enemies in the mountains.” “But I must get home!”
she protested. “Madame, they could have killed you. You must return with us for
your own safety.” She could do little else, so she climbed onto the horse and sat
behind the head soldier, to be brought to the castle. #BoroughHall #literary #books #kindle #erotica #paranormal
#Bordua #drama #vampire #historical #romance #http://bit.ly/BoroughHall
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