The pity of the princess and the cruelty of the tribe

The rain had finally ceased, and Bulsa felt a sense of relief wash over her. She sat at a small table near the window, sipping a warm cup of coffee and gazing out at the Rahali tribe's village. The view was breathtaking, with the thatched roofs of the huts blending seamlessly into the lush mud surroundings.

Rayla sat across from her, also nursing a cup of coffee. "What's your decision regarding the girl, Your Highness?" she asked, nodding discreetly toward the bed where the young girl lay, being tended to by the physician.

Bulsa's gaze followed Rayla's, and she felt a pang of pity for the girl. Despite Rayla's best efforts to clean her, the girl's skin still bore the dark stains of dirt and grime. Her facial features, however, were distinct, and Bulsa could make out the sharp lines of her cheekbones and the gentle curve of her lips.

As they had cleaned the girl, they had discussed her injuries – the beaten and battered wounds that seemed to cover every inch of her body. Bulsa's curiosity was piqued, and she was determined to uncover the truth behind the girl's condition.

"She's receiving treatment," Bulsa said, turning her attention back to Rayla. "We'll wait until she wakes up to find out what happened to her." Rayla sighed, her expression skeptical.

"We're not even sure if she'll wake up, Your Highness," Rayla cautioned. "Her wounds look severe, and we have no idea what she's been through. What if there's a reason she's in this state?" Bulsa's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities.

"What reason could that be?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. Rayla hesitated, her eyes darting nervously toward the physician.

"She could be...different from us," Rayla ventured. "Maybe a witch or something. How else could a girl like her have such injuries?" Bulsa's gaze snapped back to Rayla, her expression incredulous.

The physician, a man in his forties with a kind face and piercing brown eyes, cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "The girl is no witch," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.

"She's a refugee from the village of Zahran," he continued. "The people here have been treating her poorly, blaming her for the heavy rain and the resulting costs." Bulsa's eyes widened in shock, her face pale with outrage.

"How can they do that?" Bulsa exclaimed, her voice trembling with indignation. "See, Rayla? This girl is innocent and pitiful. I must wait until she wakes up and question her about who did this to her. I'll make sure they're punished." Rayla's hand closed around Bulsa's, her grip gentle but firm.

"I understand your compassion, Your Highness," Rayla said, "but we can't delay our journey to Kharos. You're expected there in a week's time." Bulsa's shoulders sagged, her mind racing with the conflicting demands of her duty and her compassion.

"Can't we just postpone our departure for a day?" she pleaded. "I want to make sure the girl is alright, to know her name and hear her story." The physician, who had been watching the exchange, spoke up.

"I'm afraid it's up to the girl to wake up, Your Highness," he said. "I can't guarantee she'll be conscious by tomorrow." Bulsa's sigh was deep and heartfelt, her mind torn asunder by the conflicting demands of her duty and her compassion.

As she sat there, lost in thought, Rayla stood up and walked over to the window, her back to Bulsa. "Tomorrow, we'll be heading back to the palace, Princess," she said, her voice firm but gentle. Bulsa didn't respond, merely sipped her coffee and stared out the window, her mind a thousand miles away.

*

*

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the sun remained hidden behind a veil of light clouds. Inside the cozy inn, Asa slowly regained consciousness, her senses gradually coming back online. She felt the warmth of a soft blanket wrapped around her, and the pain that had ravaged her body began to subside, becoming more manageable.

As she lay there, her eyes still closed, Asa became aware of her surroundings. She heard the door to her room creak open, followed by the soft rustle of footsteps. The sound was elegant, refined, and accompanied by the gentle clinking of bangles. The melodic sound was beautiful, reminiscent of her childhood memories of home.

The footsteps halted a few inches away from her bed, and Asa sensed the presence of someone standing before her. She heard the gentle sound of breathing, and the sweet fragrance of flowers wafted through the air, filling her senses. The scent was intoxicating, and Asa felt a sense of calm wash over her.

But she was hesitant to open her eyes, fearing that the peaceful atmosphere would shatter, revealing a nightmare that was all too real. "You're still not awake," a soft voice spoke, tinged with disappointment. Asa recognized the voice as belonging to a young girl, and her curiosity was piqued.

The girl's words were laced with a deep concern, and Asa felt a pang of gratitude toward this stranger. "I had hoped to see you awake and talk to you before leaving," the girl continued, "but it seems I will have to leave without seeing you." Asa sensed the girl's reluctance to leave, and her heart went out to this kind stranger.

As the girl sat beside her, Asa felt a warm, small hand brush against her face. The touch was gentle, reminiscent of her mother's loving caress.

The girl's words were a balm to Asa's soul, filled with kindness and compassion. "Did you know that giving your enemy what they want is like letting them win?" the girl asked, her voice filled with conviction.

"For yourself, don't let them rejoice at your death. Live and prove them wrong. Win?" Asa felt a surge of determination course through her veins, and she knew that she would not give up.

The girl's next words were equally inspiring. "While I am away, make sure you live well and strong. Learn to protect yourself and survive. I wish you a long life, so we can meet again." Asa felt a sense of wonder at the girl's words, so different from the cruel taunts of Dougo.

As the girl stood up to leave, Asa felt a sense of loss, but the girl's parting words lingered in her mind.

The girl placed a hard object beside Asa's body, and Asa felt its weight. As the girl took her stand, Asa was reluctant to let her go, curious to see her face once more.

As Asa half-opened her eyes, she saw the girl's face, a mirror image of her own. The girl turned to leave, and Asa caught a glimpse of the butterfly birthmark on her neck. The image was vivid, and Asa knew that she had seen it clearly.

As the door closed behind the girl, Asa felt herself being pulled back into the darkness, her consciousness slipping away once more. But the memory of the girl's words and her butterfly birthmark lingered, a beacon of hope in the darkness.

*

*

As Asa slowly opened her eyes, she was greeted by the warm sound of dishes clinking. She jerked upright, her heart racing, and faced the man sitting at the table. It was the physician who had treated her, and he seemed entirely too comfortable, eating his breakfast as if he didn't have a care in the world.

Asa's gaze narrowed, her eyes fixed on the physician. "Why are you here?" she asked warily, her voice laced with suspicion. The physician smirked, taking a spoonful of food into his mouth. After chewing and swallowing, he spoke.

"It's not 'who' but 'why' I am here," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It's a funny question to ask someone after you wake up. Girl, do you know me?" Asa's response was immediate.

"Yes, I know you," she said, her voice firm. "You're the man who teaches martial arts in the tribe." The physician chuckled, shaking his head.

"No, I am a physician," he corrected, his eyes sparkling with mirth. Asa's face flushed with embarrassment, and she looked away, her gaze drifting around the room.

Her eyes landed on a hard, embroidered bag on the bed beside her. Asa picked it up, feeling its weight. She wondered where it came from, and then memories of the girl who had helped her flooded back. The physician's voice broke into her thoughts.

"It's money, a little something she must have left for you to use. She paid for your stay in this inn and for your food." Asa's stomach growled at the mention of food, and she quickly turned her attention to the table. A steaming hot meal lay before her, and she dug in with gusto, devouring every morsel.

The physician watched her with an amused expression, eating his own breakfast in silence. Asa finally slowed down, savoring the last bite of her meal. She looked up at the physician, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Do you know that girl who helped me?" she asked, her voice filled with hope. The physician's expression turned somber, and he shook his head.

"No, she's not from around here, and I've never seen her before. I probably won't see her again," he said, his voice matter-of-fact. Asa's face fell, and she felt a pang of sadness.

"Then where can I see her again?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The physician's expression softened, and he spoke in a gentle tone.

"You'll never see her again, Asa. Be grateful and continue living." Asa's eyes flashed with determination, and she spoke in a firm voice.

"I will have to repay this debt," she said, her eyes burning with conviction. "My mother always told me that our family repays its debts." The physician's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a twinge of admiration for the young girl.

Asa stood up, walked to the bed, and grabbed the embroidered bag. She placed it on the table before the physician, her eyes shining with determination.

"Sir, I've heard that you're a skilled martial arts master. I'm willing to pay any price to become your student. Please accept this money and be my master." The physician couldn't help but laugh at Asa's audacity.

"Aren't you too much?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "The money was given to you to survive in this place. Why would you waste it on martial arts?" Asa's face set in a determined expression.

"Sir, martial arts is the only thing that keeps me safe. As long as I fight, I won't be injured again like I was. I want to be strong so I can win against my enemies. I want to live so I can meet that girl again and repay my debt." The physician's expression softened, and he nodded thoughtfully.

"You could try to find her now; she might not be too far away. Use that money to buy a horse or carriage and chase after her." Asa's eyes flashed with determination.

"Right now, I'm not in a position to help anyone. Besides, if I leave now, it will be a victory for those who did this to me. I won't leave yet; I want to grow stronger so I can help more people." The physician nodded, impressed by Asa's conviction.

"I must admit, I've been challenging you, and you've proven to be impressive every time. But there's one thing I need to test you on." He pushed the embroidered bag back toward Asa. "What if I refused to be your master and gave you back your money?" Asa's eyes narrowed, her face set in a determined expression.

"I'll be your shadow," she said, her voice firm.