Chapter 4 The capture of Elsie

Elsie's Pov

I was deeply blessed to have Madriod in my life. In the beginning, the lack of memories troubled me deeply. Not knowing who I was or where I came from had felt like being adrift in an endless sea. But in Madriod's company, amidst the towering trees of the forest, I discovered a sense of peace that eluded me before.

Madriod had been kind, patient, and understanding. He had saved me from death and I owed him my life. His gentle nature and unwavering support had become my lifeline. At first, I had desperately tried to piece together the fragments of my memory. I racked my brain, straining to recall any trace of who I used to be. But as days passed, and still, my past remained shrouded in darkness, I realized that perhaps it was time to stop struggling.

It was Madriod who had saved me. He had heard my cries for help, risking his own life to pull me from the rushing waters. The way he told me he had saved me indicated that something must have gone terribly wrong before I arrived in the forest.

I had fallen from the mountain, that much I knew.. But why had I been there? What had led me to the mountain deep in the woods? The questions gnawed at me, but the answers remained hidden.

As I watched Madriod go about his daily routine of hunting and survival, I realized that I was not alone in my struggle. He, too, had chosen a life in these woods and joining him wouldn't be a bad option. At least, for a few days, I have been happier.

Some moments later after Madriod left for his hunting, I started to prepare for our evening campfire. As I went about doing the little things I could do, I suddenly started to hear the sound of footsteps. I tried to ignore it at first but something told me to be conscious. Just when I turned to see what was happening, what I saw sent a shiver down my spine.

A group of men, dressed like guards with stern expressions on their faces started to surround me. Their presence was overwhelming, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. My voice caught in my throat as one of them stepped forward and demanded, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

I tried to form words, to explain that I meant no harm, that I was simply seeking refuge in the forest with Madriod, but my fear rendered me speechless. "I'm... I..." I stammered, but no coherent response escaped my lips.

The man's brows furrowed in suspicion, and he exchanged glances with his comrades. Without another word, they closed in around me, their grip firm as I struggled with them. "Let me go, please! I've done nothing wrong!"

My scream was to no avail. It was as if my loud cry was like a whisper to them as they bundled me and began to take me away. What have I done wrong? Why did they come for me? Were they people that knew about me? Many thoughts ran over my head and I prayed silently that Madriod would be back soon to save me from the hands of these strangers.

|Later In The Day|

I found myself staring before the imposing figure of the King in the opulent palace whom I assumed to be the ruler of the kingdom that I was in. The strangers who had taken me to the palace, had presented me to the King as a nameless stranger found at Madriod's campsite.

The King's gaze bore into mine, his eyes scrutinizing all over me like he was looking from something significant from my figure. I watched him lean forward in his ornate throne, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he addressed me, "What is your name, girl? Where do you come from?"

My mind raced, and I took a deep breath before answering, "I... I am called Rosa," I pouted, unable to find words but when I looked up at him, I knew I had to speak further. "Your Highness... to be sincere. I have no memory of where I come from or who I am. I was lost and alone in the forest, and Madriod was the one who saved me from drowning," I told him and the King's expression darkened, his brows furrowing in anger.

"Madriod?!" he growled, his voice carrying a note of irritation. "Why did he not come to me with news of your arrival? What is he hiding something?"

I shook my head, my voice trembling as I responded, "No, Your Highness, I don't believe he had any ill intentions and he helped me when I needed it most."

The King's anger seemed to simmer beneath the surface as he leaned back in his throne. "A helper indeed. It is not for him to decide who enters our village. Strangers are not welcome here!" He snarled and all I could do was lower my head in respect. The king could easily make my life a living nightmare. I had no choice but to cooperate and hope for a fair outcome.

The King continued to scrutinize me, his eyes never leaving my face. "Tell me, Rosa, do you have any recollection of your past, your origins, or the reason for your presence near our village?"

I cast my gaze downward, feeling the weight of my forgotten memories pressing upon me. "I wish I could remember but your Highness, I remember nothing about my past or how I ended up there."

The King's expression became cold with pattern lines forming on his forehead and he leaned forward once more, his voice filled with impatience. "And you claim that Madriod saved you from drowning in the forest?"

I nodded emphatically, my voice tattered. "Ye... yes... Your Highness. He risked his life to pull me to safety."

My last words suddenly gave way for me and I watched the king rose from his throne, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "It appears that Madriod's actions were driven by good intentions, even if misguided. However, his failure to report your presence is a breach of our village's security protocols..." He paused and I remained calm as the King issued his verdict. "Rosa, you will be taken to the dungeon until Madriod comes looking for you. Only then will your fate be decided. It is his responsibility to account for your presence in our village."

My heart sank, and I felt a rush of panic as the guards moved forward to escort me away. The dungeon? The most brutal place that could be in a kingdom. A place where criminals and slaves would be kept was where I was told to go to? No! I can't be taken there. I wouldn't survive in such a place, I know that for sure. I wasted no minute in bowing my head to him. "No, your highness!" I almost screamed. "I'm sorry but I don't think I should be kept there. I'm innocent and I'm_"

"Take her away!" His threatening command obstructed my pleas and my entire core shook in fear. Why have life decided not to be fair with me?