SHATTERED CROWN

CHAPTER 005: Direction home.

Camyre’s POV

His word resonated in my head, ridiculous as it might sound, what other way would you explain him flying six feet away from me and colliding harshly against the wall?

I was confused and dumbfounded just as they were as Ron continued, “How are you able to harness the power of the earth, only a royal can do such,” he questioned in disbelief.

The royals were the only individuals who could harness the power of the earth as they had been blessed by god, this was given to them to protect the kingdom, "How in the devil's name was I able to do such a thing?"

My breathing increased as I was not able to explain myself, I was beginning to feel dizzy as the world spun around me. The pearl came into sight, lying on the floor and being smudged by mud. Without hesitation, I reached for it with speed and held it close to my chest before stashing it in my pocket.

Glancing around the field, they all gazed at me as though I had sprouted a second head, wipers passed between them and some of them entailed their curiosity about my origin, where I had hailed from, and what my background story had been.

A few of them went as far as having their speculation if I was a royal, but they had never seen me among the royal family,

I was not part of the royal family, and explaining this point was futile. Considering my earlier display of strange powers, I began to take careful steps away from the crowd and the tavern as a whole when I bumped into someone from behind.

"Talina," I gasped breathlessly as I beheld the oval visage of the maiden from yesternight. Just as before, a smile graced her lips, yet it shone all the brighter, her eyes squinting in delight. She thrust forth her hands, bearing a few garments.

This would be most fortuitous, considering I was half-clad. I seized the cloth from her hands, thanking her for her graciousness. "Talina, step away from 'im!" her sister commanded as she advanced, drawing her away from my side.

Without lingering any longer, I took flight from the tavern, running as fast as I could to get out of there.

“What is the name of all that is holy? What fate had befallen me? First, I had been ensnared in the past, trapped beneath a heap of rubble, and now I found myself able to command the very winds. It made no sense!

When I had distanced myself sufficiently from them, I at last slowed my pace and drew a deep breath to soothe my lungs, which ached from the exertion, doubling over from all the running I had undertaken.

I donned the new garments that had been handed to me; they fit me well, yet I pondered whose they were in the first place.

I withdrew the pearl from my pocket and examined it closely. Whatever was happening with me, it surely had naught but a connection to this pearl. I ought to have relinquished it, but I could not bring myself to part with it.

A small sign escaped my parted lips, and I resumed my journey. I would need to halt at the next town and inquire for directions to Holsenberg, for I believed myself to be lost. The woods were not the safest of places; I had heard tales of their perils and the creatures that dwelled within, even in daylight.

The next village was not far off, and I soon spied its horizon. I quickened my pace before entering the town, and it was like a whole different world.

The sound of the bustling village reached my ears, and the interestingly fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread wafted to my nostrils.

I looked down in embarrassment as my stomach grumbled in response but yet alas, I had not the coin nor anything on my name to purchase even the simplest of baked delights.

The town appeared to prosper quite well compared to Holsenberg. The houses stood tall and sturdy, and the folk seemed to enjoy hearty meals, or so it seemed to me as I observed them. Children played in the streets, laughing without a care in the world.

I doubted they would possess knowledge of the way to Holsenberg; all they seemed to care about was not being caught.

As I navigated the bustling town, I spotted a man who appeared worthy of inquiry. “Good morrow, kind sir,” I addressed him, for he looked to be in his early fifties, accompanied by a servant. “I find myself in need of assistance from thy servant,” I declared, halting them in their tracks.

He arched his brow, pursing his lips, and nodded for me to proceed. “I would like to inquire about the directions to Rosenberg. I surmise that you possess knowledge in this matter,” I stated. As a servant, he likely toiled in one of those wealthy households; his master certainly looked the part as well.

Through my peripheral vision, I noticed the master quietly observing me, the small narrowing of his eyes, and even the smile that was present earlier had disappeared, replaced by a thin line and a look of confusion as his brows furrowed together.

The servant, however, showed no concern and described the path that would lead me to Holsenberg. I was more than grateful, thanking him for his assistance and extending my thanks to his master as well.

Yet, a few voices from behind me caught my attention: “They say he can wield the wind and knocked a man into a tree.”

“I heard that he willed the earth to open and swallow his adversaries. He must be quite powerful to do such things.”

“A bastard prince he might be; there is no other explanation for why he would possess powers akin to the royal family,” chimed in another voice. I realized it was a group of young maidens—at least four of them, clad in dresses of fine fabric that reeked of wealth.

My heart quickened as I recognized that they were speaking of me, but how could they know? Their conversation did not escape the old master and his servant, who had heard their words as well. My heart began to race as the master's gaze narrowed further, his hands tapping against the walking stick that supported his weight.

I felt the urge to flee before I was further scrutinized under his watchful eye. I thanked him once more before I took my leave, pulling up the hood of my cloak.

Information had spread far and wide, reaching the town even before I did. I would need to tread carefully from this point forth and find a way out of this town.