Chapter 6

If there are things that Ysabel is good at, that is resilience, patience, and wit. She tried her hardest not to give up. It's the only option for a commoner like her.

That day, Ysabel went out with Elana. She's the closest person she can call as a friend, and there's Simon and Jerod. The two men are their neighbors and are always kind enough to tag them to set out of the town and travel to the lush forest of Filoa. It was located a few miles away but still in the territory of Sydren.

The forest is abundant with wild berries, edible mushrooms, and other exotic tree fruits that the townsfolk often forage for. Ysabel had always loved these excursions; they provided a welcome escape from the mundane routines of her daily life. The laughter of her companions and the thrill of discovery filled her with a sense of freedom that was challenging to find in the confines of her small home.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was rich with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. Ysabel walked alongside her friends, her heart light with the joy of the moment. She listened to their chatter, but her mind wandered to the tasks that awaited her back in town—cooking, cleaning, and watching her mother drink from sun up to sun down.

"Ysabel, look!" called out Elana. She pointed excitedly at a cluster of vibrant red berries hanging from a low branch. "These are the sweet ones! We should gather as much as we can!"

Ysabel smiled, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Let's do it! But remember to leave some for others. We would rather not take more than we need."

The group set to work, filling their baskets with the luscious berries, their laughter echoing through the trees. Ysabel's hands moved deftly, her fingers quick and nimble as she selected the ripest fruits. She felt a sense of pride in her ability to contribute, to be part of something larger than herself, even if just for a day.

As they continued their foraging, Ysabel heard a faint thump from the ground. Elana and her exchange glances. They slowly but cautiously stand up. As the sound of thumping became clearer, their companions came out from their fruit picking. They know that Sydren is safe; as long as they are in the territory, they'll be safe from any attacks.

The rustling compelled Ysabel to step back. The dense trees and bushes obscured her view of whatever was approaching. Waiting for something that was clearly frightening them seemed reckless. When something finally emerged, she felt the burning in her lungs from holding her breath. The loud exhalation that burst from her felt like reclaiming a new life.

It was a horse.

"Aa-a a dead man!"

Jerod, who's on the right side, shouted with a scream. Pointing at the horse's back.

Ysabel shrieked in horror when the horse came out fully from the tall bushes. A bloodied soldier is limply hanging; half of his body almost fell had it not for the reins tied from his wrist.