Chapter 9 Ghost Echoes

AURETTE EVIGHEDEN ROOSEVELT

The trees looked different now, older maybe-but the fear they made me feel was exactly the same. Every rustling branch reminded me of rebels hiding, waiting. My fingers went numb. I felt seven again, lost, helpless, and hated.

The horse I was riding neighed, perhaps sensing my tension as we ventured deeper into the denser part of the forest.

"Just a little more," I muttered, though I wasn't sure if it was for myself or the horse.

The Madera Forest is the second largest forest in Yaunus. This forest covers half of all of Ruilux according to the books I've read.

It's so vast, and it would be almost impossible for the royal guards to catch me within a single day, but the possibility remains if too many of them are searching for me.

"Maybe we can ransom the girl! But the boy... he's a hindrance."

"Don't touch her! Take me instead! Take me!"

"Look at this. You think you're a hero. A prince, but trembling!"

"I'm scared... but I'll fight. If I have to die to save my sister, I'll do it."

"Run, Aurette! Run! Don't look back!"

Tears continued to fall from my eyes as the familiar voices echoed in my mind. One after the other, incessantly, as though any moment I might lose my grip on reality.

As time passed, my sobbing grew louder. My vision blurred due to the tears obstructing my sight.

"Stop..." I whispered, trying to silence the voices that reminded me of what happened fifteen years ago. "Please, stop! Stop! Stop!"

But it didn't stop. It only grew louder. Especially Aldwus's voice, crying out in pain. I had a map with me, but it seemed useless because I no longer knew where I was or if I was still on the right path.

I tried to fight against the voices in my mind, but it wasn't easy. Aldwus is my everything. Our hearts are so close. Our feelings have always been connected since childhood-when he's hurt, I feel it too. We are like two souls split into different bodies, but with one heartbeat, one sorrow, one joy.

Aldwus and I are one. As I thought about this, my heart truly ached. Aldwus and I are one, but what did I do? I ran. I left him. I left my brother when he needed me the most. I left him when he was crying in pain.

If I could only turn back time. I wish I hadn't followed my brother's wishes. I wish I had just stayed with him, I would have accepted that better. Maybe what happened to me for the past fifteen years is my karma. And I deserve it for being selfish.

Before long, I saw the Dalasor River, a sign that I was already at the heart of the Madera Forest after more than two hours of continuous riding.

I immediately stopped the horse and expertly dismounted, then grabbed my bag. I looked around to see if anyone else was there, but I didn't think there was anyone.

I took a deep breath and looked at the brown horse I had ridden. I smiled at it and patted its head.

"Thank you very much, but this is where I leave you," I whispered to the horse, as if it understood me. "I will never forget your service to me for the last time. Thank you so much!"

After speaking to it, I closed my eyes and gently tapped it with a simple stick to make it leave and run away.

I didn't want to do it, but I had to, because the Roosevelt palace had tracking dogs, and they could use its scent to track the horse I rode. By letting the horse go, there was a good chance the dogs would get confused.

I swallowed and looked at the flowing river. I needed to wade into the water to wash away my scent and be carried by the current, then cross to the other side of Madera to continue my journey, no matter where I end up in Yaunus.

I really didn't have any plans, to be honest. I would just trust the gods and goddesses in the sky that they would guide me wherever my two feet would take me.

I stopped by the riverbank, staring intensely at the cold, flowing water. I swallowed again and noticed my fingers trembling. The only light I had at this moment was the glow coming from the round moon.

A calm breeze blew, and I felt a chill. I closed my eyes for a moment, then tightened my grip on the hem of my maid's uniform. I held my shoes and the bag I needed to protect.

"I can do this," I whispered, trying to encourage myself, even though my heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest.

I waited for the right moment before finally stepping into the river, making sure not to get caught in the stronger current.

According to the book I read about the geography of Yaunus, the farthest end of the Dalasor River is a waterfall found in the kingdom of Cotha-the neighboring kingdom of Ruilux-this is why the river has a current. Fortunately, the river here wasn't deeper than a person, but it was up to my waist.

My uniform was soaked, but I didn't care. My bag was also wet, and no matter how much I tried to protect it, I couldn't.

I could feel my exhaustion and breathlessness. I'm tired physically and emotionally. I felt my vision blurring and spinning, but I fought it because if I didn't, I was sure my body would drift away with the current toward Cotha.

I sighed with relief when I finally reached the other side of the river. But just before I took another step-everything around me suddenly turned white. The world spun, and it felt like there was no wind.

In an instant, my body gave out, and I collapsed to the ground. But just before I lost consciousness, I heard heavy footsteps coming toward me.

"W-Who?" I whispered, before everything faded to black.