8. Deranged Horse

Left with no other choice, she quickly entered the same house she had left that morning.

Inside, she found Meredith, Carl's wife, seated by the fireplace. Marina wished to express her gratitude for the warm hospitality and care she had received since she arrived at the Valley of Agates.

Taking a seat beside her, Marina began, "I am truly grateful for your kindness and hospitality. I cannot thank you enough!" However, before she could say anything else, Meredith placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I understand that you are not yet prepared for what lies ahead. My husband should not have burdened you with such a tremendous responsibility," she said, her eyes radiating purity and kindness.

"It's not that," Marina replied, her mind lost in thought for a while. "I simply cannot bring myself to consider taking another person's life.

How can I combat evil by becoming an evil myself?"

Meredith shook her head gently. "My dear, it is not about embracing wickedness. Stand up and imagine a scenario. What are your thoughts on horses?"

A smile graced Marina's face as she responded without hesitation, "I adore horses!"

Meredith continued, her voice filled with wisdom. "And could you ever bring yourself to harm a horse?" she inquired.

"No!" Marina intensely shook her head in denial, her eyes wide.

"Close your eyes," said Meredith who was standing before her, and Marina obediently complied, her trust unwavering.

"Imagine," Meredith began, her voice echoing in the silence, "Picture scene of a young boy playing in a meadow adorned with vibrant flowers and majestic horses.

He is blissfully unaware of the danger that surrounds him."

As Marina lost herself in the vivid imagery, Meredith continued, her words painting a haunting picture.

"In the distance, a horse, driven to madness and instability, charges toward the innocent child.

You are at a distance so you can't reach the child in time, but you find yourself holding a bow, an arrow positioned and ready.

Your options are limited, princess. Either you allow the horse to crush the boy, or you make the hard choice of ending the horse's life in order to protect that little kid."

The weight of the decision hung heavy in the air as Meredith delivered her sentence. Marina, consumed by the scene of her imagination, saw herself releasing the arrow, her aim true and unwavering.

Gasping with shock, Marina opened her eyes, her gaze fixated on Meredith. Her words echoed within her, their gravity sinking deep into her soul.

"I apologize, but in this scenario, your mother represents the deranged horse, and the little child symbolizes the kingdom.

I understand the greatness of this burden placed upon a girl as young and compassionate as you.

However, I have faith that when the time comes, you will choose what is right."

With a gentle touch on Marina's shoulder, Meredith walked away gracefully, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

If this wasn't enough the other elements of restlessness consumed her throughout the night, the symphony of crickets and the sound of the wind-blown bushes increasing her unease.

The discomfort of her bed only added to her disturbance.

Leaving her with no choice but to go out of the house, Marina rose from her restless slumber and ventured outside, her yawns adding to the stillness of the night.

The moonlight cast an ethereal glow, illuminating the world around her.

It was then that she noticed the Light Slayer, patrolling outside his hut.

Recalling his tales of familial suffering, Marina approached him, his movements like a puppet's.

"I am sorry!” He finally spoke up. “I shouldn’t have said that!”He added.

"I must admit, you were not wrong. I lack the necessary qualities. I have always been a girl who was afraid of mice, even mosquitoes. I doubt the prophecy was meant for me," she chuckled lightly.

"It is not about what you fear. Sometimes, we must confront our fears and venture into the darkest corners to bring forth light," he stated, his face and eyes devoid of emotion.

She pondered what could have transformed him into his current state.

Suddenly, he draped a cloak over her shoulders and departed, leaving her standing alone.

Returning to her room, she settled by the window in a rocking chair, gazing at the moon until sleep overtook her.

Upon awakening to the sound of children playing, she stretched and rubbed her eyes, observing the joyful scene around her.

Meredith emerged from the room with clothes in hand, apologizing, "I regret not realizing your discomfort in those garments, my princess." She shook her head and presented the clothes to her.

"Do not apologize for such a small matter," Marina replied with a smile, accepting the clothes.

The dress was made of soft pink fabric, suitable for a modest maiden of the middle born, with full sleeves and a comfortable fitting.

As she emerged, Meredith braided her hair, placing a few flowers in them enhancing Marina's beauty in the lovely outfit.

Stepping outside, she noticed all eyes on her, yet instead of judgment, she was met with smiles from the people.

A group of children approached her, offering flowers of various hues.

Marina graciously accepted each one, bowing in gratitude to the children.

That's when Light Slayer's gaze fell upon her, his eyes fixated on her with an intensity that could pierce through steel.

Before that, he was occupied with sharpening his sword, a task he performed with unwavering dedication.

But when he caught sight of her radiant smile, a long-lost part of his being, buried deep within his unyielding exterior, stirred with an unfamiliar ache.

For a fleeting moment, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her enchanting presence. However, a sudden realization jolted him back to reality, and he rose from his position, distancing himself from the company of the residents.

Later, Marina noticed a group of girls giggling and running off in the same direction.

Curiosity pushed her, and she turned to a girl standing beside her and inquired about their destination.

"Where are they headed?" Marina asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

The girl initially chuckled before responding, "Light Slayer is heading for a bath in the lake, and they are following him there to catch a glimpse of him!" She cackled, her amusement evident. "He is regarded as a dream boy by many here," she added.