Chapter 5 Adoranian Couple

“Who are you!” the man shouted while pointing his sword to Radley.

“Damn!” Amara heard Radley cursed for the very first time. She was confused when she saw Radley getting relaxed. His tense face lightened up. “Damn it Gabrielle!, you almost got us killed!” he said.

Upon hearing Radley say that, Amara assumed that the man was Radle’s friend. The one that he talks about who will help them enters Adoran. The man seems to be in his 50’s but still has a good body for his age. His long white beard made him look a little older though.

The man was confused and then realized that it was his friend Radley who used to bring him a jug of beer.

“Damn!” he also cursed. “What the hell are you doing here Rad?!” he exclaimed.

“It’s been a long time my friend.” Radly said and gave Gabrielle a tight hug. “We are heading to Adoran.”

“What?! Are you mad?” Gabrielle shockingly said.

“That’s what I told him exactly.” Amara interfered in their conversation.

That's when the attention of the two men shifted to Amara.

“Who is she?” Gabrielle asked. “She looks familiar to me.”

Amara quickly hides behind Radley’s back. She got nervous by the fact that this friend of Gabrielle might recognize him. But she was more surprised by what Radley said.

“She is my wife.” Radley proudly told Gabrielle.

Gabrielle was shocked as well as Amara.

“When the hell did you get married?! How come I wasn’t invited?” Gabriele showered Radley with questions.

“I will tell you everything you wanted to know my friend. But please let us take a rest in your humble home for now. We are starving and tired from our long journey.”

“Oh where is my manners!. Apologies! Apologies!” Gabrielle said in a panic voice. “Come, young couple, follow me.” He then started walking.

The sky was dark now and the trees made it more difficult to see the way. They made the inside of the forest even darker. They were walking for a couple of minutes now until Amara saw a small fine house with smoke coming out of the chimney. There seems to be somebody inside cooking.

They headed their way inside the house. It is cozy. Amara was impressed. Suddenly, a lady came out of a room which Amara assumes to be the kitchen.She was holding a large bowl of meat cooked in a soup. It smells so nice.

“Oh we have visitors.” the woman genuinely smiles.

“My love, I know you are surprised, so do I, but I wanted to introduce Radley and his wife…” Gabrielle tries to recall if Radley mentions his wife's name to him.

“Minera,”  Radley said.

“Yes. His wife Minera.” Gabrielled continued the introduction. “You know Radley, the one who always brings me beer.” Gabrielle happily said.

“Oh so this is the man you always talk about. I see. Nice to meet you, I am Gradase. Come have a seat and join us for dinner.” The lady sweetly smiled. She then put the bowl on the dining table and hurriedly got more plates from the kitchen where she came from.

Amara and Radley sit obediently as well as Gabrielle. They had a peaceful dinner. Gabrielle offered Radley to sleep over there since they both knew how dangerous it is to travel at night. Especially the way to Adoran.

They had a little chat before succumbing to tiredness. Since Radley mentioned they are a couple, Gabrielle and Gradase offered them one room. Which the two cannot refuse or else they’ll be busted.

It was already late at night when suddenly, Amara was awoken by a voice.

 “Wake up.”

 It sounded as if it whispered directly to her.

She sees Radley peacefully sleeping on the floor.

Again, she heard the voice.

“Come.”

She tried to follow where the voice was coming from. Upon walking into the semi-dark alley of the house, she heard the voice of Gradase. Looks like she was having an argument with Gabrielle.”I know what I am talking about my love!” She said firmly, but still in a low tone. Amara assumes that Gradase does not want to wake them up.

“She is not princess Amara!” Gabrielle said, slightly louder than Gradase.

“Sush!..You might wake them up.” I am sure she is Amara. And I swear to you, once I prove she is, I will kill her!” Gradase said full of hatred.

Amara was shocked but still tried to make no sound. She wanted to know why so she stayed in front of the door to further  eavesdrop.

“Gradase, my love, let us forget the past. That princess for sure was dead now. No one survived the massacre.” Gabrielle repolied on a tired voice.

“Yes! No one survived! Including our son!” Gradase exclaimed. Tears falling on her cheeks. “He was my life, our son Gabrielle, that evil princess did not do anything to save him! To save the people who worship and love her!”

Amara was shocked by the revelation she heard. She cannot believe the fact that the couple's son was one of the victims. 

“All he wanted to do is explore and see the princess Gabrielle. To see a joyous event at the wedding, but what did happen? The princess was so in love that she got blinded by the enemy! She was weak to the extent of not checking whom she is marrying! And what did she get from loving the enemy? All of her people died! Our son was not one of them but still was killed just because he was there!”

“Oaky, hush now sweetheart.” Gabrielle said. “I will check your claim tomorrow, and if it happens that she is really the princess, I will kill her.”

Amara trembled with fear. She can hear Gradase crying. Her knees weakened. She cannot believe what she just heard. She was about to run back to the room but when she was about to, she bumped into Radle’s chest. Shock and fear, Amara let go of the tears when she saw Radley. As if she sees a companion. She let go of her guard and showed weakness to him.

“Come, let’s go back to the room quietly.” Radley whispered sweetly.

When they got back to the room, Radley closed and locked the door. Then he grabs Amara’s arm and hugs her tightly. 

“Cry,” he said.

Amara did not hesitate. She let out more tears. This is the first time she cried again after that incident. She tried her best not to show any weakness, but for now she let it all out.

“Tell me once you're done crying, we will start our journey after.” Radley sweetly said while caressing Amara’s hair.

Amara felt weird yet comforting feelings. She cried a little more and then wiped her tears indicating her readiness to travel again.

She looks at Radley.

“Let’s go,” Amara said, almost whispering.

The two started their quiet escape. Before completely going out, they managed to snuck some food.They untied their horse and quickly rode it.  They also decided to get some fruits from the forest. They did not leave any trace for the couple.

“Thank you for comforting me earlier.” Amara broke the silence.

“No worries” Radley replied “we are the Adoranian couple after all” he jokingly continued.

They look at each other and laugh. The very first laugh they shared together.