3 CHAPTER 3

*Going to the Village

Ana kept her word and didn't tell my Mother about the invitation or the reason I didn't want to go. We're getting closer to the village, traveling in a regular carriage Ana rented for us to blend in with the locals. She gave me some simple clothing that the people usually wear. She stated I should constantly remain by her side and that we would only go for a stroll once per hour. We also brought three guards that Ana had spoken with and who were riding a horse after us. They'll keep an eye on us from afar, Ana explained, so we won't be too noticeable.

I feel like I'm embarking on a trip, and this is my first time riding in a carriage since I arrived.

I'm excited to see the village...

"Miss look at the window" Ana said.

I followed her suggestion and saw the view.

"Woooow" the village looked so lively.

"This is just one of the village your father the Marquis is managing on his territory. It's beautiful right?" Ana explained.

"Yes, It is! this is amazing! " I said excitedly.

The carriage had already come to a halt, and Ana assisted me in departing it. I was so pleased to see the booths, stalls, and the stores in the village's center that I completely forgot why I was here.

My hands are now stuffed with food from the food vendors. So, I requested Ana to take me to the village section, where the villagers' houses are located. I just said, I just want to see it.

I actually like the houses, it seems to be livable and it's very near to the market. But I don't know If my budget can buy it.

If only I would now how much a house could cost.

"Ana, How much is that house?" I asked Ana while pointing fingers at the house.

"Who are you?" I heard a young voice beside me.

I looked at him and he's a young boy that was dragging a sword in the floor.

As the guards saw the sword they immediately came to us and has pushed me far behind from the kid.

One guard escorted me, while the other one got the sword the child was dragging and restrained him.

I was surprised, "He's just a kid." I said to the guards.

"Hey! give that back to me, That sword is mine!" he said to one of our guard.

He looked panicked and angry.

"I knew you were like them; you'd ask us to sell our house for a low price and then sell it to others for a higher price, and if we refused, you'd hurt us!" he said.

I looked at Ana surprised, she was surprised too.

"Stoooop!" I shouted to the guards.

"Leave him alone. He didn't do anything wrong. He just asked me who I was. I didn't tell him anything." I explained to the guards.

The guards were looking at each other.

"Promise me that you would not hurt me. So that they'll free you." I said to the young boy but he is not answering.

"Just say it!" I yelled at him because it looks like he was already hurting from the restrain the guard was putting.

"I promise." he said then guard freed him.

The guard said that they would give back the sword at him later after I get away. He still looked angry at us but I can't can't blame him. I was surprised too.

"We are not selling our home." the boy said.

"We are not buying it, we are just looking." I explained.

"I saw you ask how much it worth from your mother." he said and looked to Ana.

"I was just curious." I explained.

"Don't come near our village again, you are not from here." he said.

"I was just visiting for a trip." I said

I was planning to live here. This boy.

"About what you said awhile ago, Is it really true that some people do that?" I asked the boy about what he said earlier.

"Why do you need to know?" He arrogantly answered.

"We could be help, they are strong people." I was referring to the guards.

"It's true, you see the central? The rich people control the stores there; they acquired that land at a low price from some of us here, taking advantage of the fact that some of us can't read or write, and they were manipulating the land that the lord had divided evenly to the people." he told us.

I was so shocked to hear what he said.

Taking advantage of the poor people?, I should tell this to my father!

Ana have read my expression, "You can't. Miss, Your father don't know you're here." Ana whispered to me.

I want to help the poor boy, but I don't know how.

"Miss, I'm sorry but we really have nothing to do to help and it's already been an hour. We have to get back at the mansion now." Ana whispered to me again.

"When do they usually come?" I asked the boy.

"What?" he confusingly said.

"When do the bad people usually come?" I asked again.

"Miss let's go now." Ana said the guard also started walking to escort us out. But I was just standing there.

"What can you do? your guards can't handle them they're stronger. " he said.

"How do you know they're stronger?" I asked him.

The guards and Ana kept telling me that we should leave now.

"My Dad," he added somberly, his gaze falling on the sword my guard had received from him.

"Give the sword back to him right now." I told the guard.

They were hesitant at first, but eventually followed when they realized I was talking seriously now.

"Is it your Father's sword?" I inquired, having seen him stare at it briefly while saying dad.

"Yes," he said.

"Do they bother him?" I inquired.

"Yes," he said one again.

"Can you tell me where he is?" I inquired.

"At the Village Clinic," he answered.

"How about your mother?" I asked again.

"As well as at the clinic." he said.

"I hid in the house of one of my mother's friends so that I might safeguard our home." he added.

"Can you answer now when do they usually go here and disturb the people in the village?" I asked again.

"Monday and Tuesday..." he answered honestly.

I ran nearer to him and said, "I'll get you a help. Just wait. I promise."

He didn't answer but I know he heard me.

And then Ana decided to pick me up and the guards escorted us through the carriage.

It was only an hour trip, But it felt like a whole day for me. You really can't judge a book by it's cover.