New family (chapter four)

Serena woke up with a jolt as if someone struck her with lightning. when she opened her eyes, it felt blurry at first but as she adjusted her gaze she saw an aged man holding a damped cloth.

"you're awake," Philip said coming closer and smiling." would you like some food?".

Serena sat up quickly." no," she said glancing around." I need to see my family. they'll be worried about me by now".

"you're safe here" Hermes, the old physician said placing his hands on her arms in comfort. he was in his sixties.

"do you have any dealing with Rufus?"Philip asked with a questioning look.

"no sire. I don't. I...I have no idea who he is and why he decided to lock me up." she replied standing up to go." how long was I out?"

"two days" Philip replied staring at her.

the old man stroked her arms again." my name is Hermes, I am the physician here. if you need anything. do not hesitate to come to us".

Serena nodded and gazed at Philip.

" thank you sire... for... saving my life"

" no problem" Philip replied." but before you leave, one of my guards will go with you".

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The sun had set when Serena reached her family's cottage. the place was so quiet that her footsteps and that of the guard sounded.

she looked around.

" Perhaps your family went to work?"

The guard asked noticing Serena's discomfort.

she sighed and ran to the barn.no goats, no chickens. the barn door looked as if it was yanked out of its hinges.

"something hailing?" the guard asked again.

Serena swallowed the lump in her throat.

she went straight to the door and pounded on it.

" Please help me unbolt the door".

the guard utilized his sword to open it. A foul smell wafted into their nostrils.

Serena looked around the room. her mother's sewing machine was upturned. the old chairs were scattered about and dusty.

the smell grew thicker and harsher.

she found her way to her mother Chambers, opened the door, and screamed.

Madeline's body was seen on her bed. her head chopped off alongside her husband's

the guard clutched her hands." we...we should go, my lady..."

the sight before them was unbearable. Serena cried in the guard's arms. hitting him with her fist in anger. the person who did this to her family must pay!. she cried.

"I think we need to leave," the guard said again stroking her back in comfort.

Now, she'll have to burn them according to their custom and traditions.

as they made their way out, Serena sobbed uncontrollably.

after the whole burning burial was completed, Serena turned to go.

"where are you going?" the guard asked trailing behind her.

" Please sire.. kindly go back to your place...thank you for staying with me when I needed it".

" I won't leave until I know you're safe." he said with determination." according to his "highness instructions".

Serena stared at him. he wasn't so handsome but his eyes were sincerely plain with concern.

" I'll come back if I know it isn't safe sire. but for now...I need to go somewhere ".

" be safe." the guard said and left.

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"Serena! Matilda screamed lowering her work tools and running to her.

Serena hugged her friend and laughed with joy and happiness. She had missed Matilda so much.

Matilda stared at her." are you well? come inside and have some hot soup. you look pale!"

after eating a hot soup and freshly baked bread, Serena told her friend everything that happened.

" o, Lord Serena..." Matilda held her hands. "you have us now..you can stay with us as long as you want."

" But.. wouldn't it be uncomfortable for the family?"

" no it wouldn't my friend..you're a sister to me...and we will always be together..when you were missing, I was so worried. I thought I've lost you forever..and then your mama and papa .."

"thank you, Matilda," Serena said and hugged her friend.

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Philip stared at Celot his guard. he held the goblet to his lips and sipped.

"so celot, has she finally find her family? he asked gazing at him.

"well.. your highness..she had been unfortunate..her family was tarnished sire".

Philip frowned and sat up" her family was killed? when did that happen?"

"I have no idea my lord"Celot replied with a confused look." I was as confused as you are".

"So where is she? I told you to make sure she is safe!"Philip said angrily and he wondered why he was,

"she was. ..she told me she needed to see someone...I'm sure she'll be fine sire".

Philip sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair.

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