Rhistel strode into the governor’s small house in the center of the village. A man with grey hair and sunken eyes welcod him inside a small room and offered so tea. Rhistel did not take it. He did not sit down as his clothes were covered with dirt and mud. He could feel the village chief was looking at those stains with uneasy eyes.
"We have found the kidnapped kids." The man was stunned, his eyes widened and lips parted. "They were found in the woods. You were right they were taken for a ritual but it was not the witches but the clondoire family."
The chief frowned and a look of disbelief passed his eyes. He looked at Rhistel with scrutinizing eyes when he said nothing.
Rhistel narrowed his eyes but it was not the ti to start a fight, he took a deep breath and pointed at the marks on the map.
"Many of them are injured. It would be best that you send a physician with the knights. If you need, I can guide them back personally." Even if the man did not trust Rhistel, Rhistel was the duke and this land belonged to him. He did not dare to be disrespectful.
He bowed his head imdiately. "You need rest, your grace. I will handle this matter. I will personally go with the knights and bring the children safely. I know a good physician to accompany ."
"You want to say more!" Rhistel pointed and the man finally sighed.
"Even if you accuse Clondorie, your grace. The royals could only be perford by witches."
Rhistel’s gaze sharpened. "There were witches, yes. But not all of them were our enemies."
The man looked uncertain. "There are whispers, Lord Rhistel. People are saying strange things. That you’ve been consorting with witches. That you’re hiding them."
Rhistel’s jaw tensed. "I am protecting my people. That includes the innocent ones—witch or not."
The governor said nothing, only nodded and left to gather the knights.
Rhistel turned and left before the weight of more gossip could settle on his shoulders.
By the ti he returned to the small inn nestled at the edge of the village, the sky had darkened into a soft indigo. The flicker of warm candlelight leaked through the cracks of the shutters.
Inside, the innkeeper looked up from wiping the counter, his eyes narrowing when he saw Rhistel.
"My lord," he greeted, polite but distant.
"I need so information," Rhistel said quietly, approaching the bar.
The man nodded once, glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in. "You should know there’s talk, my lord."
"About the witches?"
The man’s mouth twisted into a grim line. "About you. So say you didn’t kill the witches in the forest. That you brought them here instead. That you’re hiding them. And now... people think you’re preparing a rebellion against the royal family and you would use forbidden magic for it."
Rhistel’s expression froze. "A rebellion?"
The innkeeper shrugged, wiping the sa spot on the counter again. "That’s what they’re whispering. That you’ve gone soft. That you’re gathering witches to strike when no one expects it. The people are scared, Lord Rhistel. And scared people don’t think straight."
Rhistel stepped back, shaken by the depth of the mistrust. "I’ve bled for this land," he muttered. "Fought to keep it safe."
"Doesn’t matter to them," the innkeeper said. "They want a villain. Soone to bla for the storms and the missing children. You’re close enough now."
Rhistel nodded once, slowly. "Thank you for your honesty."
He climbed the stairs with a thousand thoughts in his mind.
In the hallway, a faint light flickered under the room doors.
One room, quiet save for the soft breathing of Oriana and Lilliana, who had collapsed in exhaustion side by side. Lilliana’s brow twitched faintly, caught in dreams or perhaps regrets.
The second door creaked open to reveal Damon sitting beside the bed, his hand entwined with Olivia’s. Her face was peaceful now, but pale—so pale it made Rhistel’s chest ache.
"How is she?" he asked quietly.
Damon didn’t look up. "She hasn’t stirred. Her pulse is steady. But it’s like she’s sowhere else."
"She’ll co back," Rhistel said firmly. "She’s stronger than anyone I know."
Damon finally t his gaze. "Would she be safe when she wakes up? I heard whispers!" Rhistel sighed and slumped on the chair. He felt exhausted just by standing there.
"It was a trap that started long ago. I am sure Clondoire knows about Olivia from the start. They had sothing to do with her mother’s death. Now that I think about it, I have heard about Oriana and Olivia from the local n. How did they know about them? And oriana! She could have chosen any noble she knew, yet she ca too far to ask for my help. I knew it was a strange coincidence but now.. I know I was used to bringing them here. They must have been planning this for a long ti." Damon nodded, his eyes flickering with a dark light.
"Elric was the only son of lord Clondoire, he would not let this matter go. We should be prepared for the war. He would attack Olivia first." Rhistel nodded and stood up again.
"I will go and collect my n. If possible, take Olivia away. Hide her where you feel safe. I will try my best to buy more ti. Take Liliana with you. The girl is trustable and she could help Olivia in learning things." Damon frowned, not liking the idea at all.
"What about you and oriana? Olivia would never abandon her family. Even if I dragged her out, she would return the mont she woke up."
"Then you have to convince her that she was not strong enough. If she wanted to protect us, she had to be strong. Now.. I must leave!" Damon stood up, he wanted to say more but Olivia stirred in her sleep he felt like shackles had covered his feet tightly!
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