The Dove of The Lost Lands | English Version | Slow Update

Chapter 1

Anxiety

The recurring episodes of tears and torment inflicted by the masked, avaricious officials across the entire realm of Satrosa are no secret to anyone.

I've lost track of their countless deeds since my youth. From those early days until my awakening to the world's chaos, it was a common sight for me to witness their violent acts against people of my kind, descendants of slaves.

A heart-wrenching scream echoed from a woman now sprawled on the ground, under the whip of her tormentor.

"You imbecile! Do you still harbor dreams of escaping me?" he taunted, relentlessly lashing the unfortunate, enslaved woman.

Between her cries, the enslaved woman stammered, "I-I was wrong... I-I can't..."

I shut my eyes tightly, unwilling to witness the ensuing horrors. All I could hear was the faint sound emanating from the battered body of the enslaved woman.

For people like us, there are only two possible outcomes: to live or to die. Our existence hinges on those we serve.

Yet, in my perspective, even though we breathe, our spirits have long been extinguished. Because our destinies were predetermined even before we were thrust into this brutal world.

Destinies entwined with violence or oblivion.

I felt the sluggish movement of the chains binding my hands. I glanced up at the person tugging them. I caught a fleeting view of her compassionate face. Her eyes briefly scanned the scene before settling on me.

"Let's go," she uttered, and we departed.

As we journeyed home, my gaze remained downcast, reflecting on the events that had transpired. The agony, the obliteration of morality and dignity. And the usurpation of a woman's sole symbol through torture and subjugation

My hands quivered as I clenched them, haunted by the cries I could hear. From the victim, who could only weep and cough up blood.

"Do not let your tears fall." Her voice startled me.

It was a warning, not filled with violent undertones like the ones I was accustomed to, but more of a reminder.

"Didn't I instruct you to keep your emotions hidden?" I nodded in response.

"Yes, Miss. It won't happen again," I murmured, lowering my gaze once more.

I pressed my lips together tightly, grinding my teeth. Even though she didn't glance my way, I felt the gravity of her words.

We continued our journey. Despite the chaos and sorrow, I adhered to her commands.

The deep night fell. Lady Varrella was fast asleep while I was in the stable with the horses. The night wasn't overly chilly for me. Using leftover fabric and straw, I fashioned a makeshift bed.

The surroundings were typically silent; everyone should be at rest, but the reality was different. Not everyone is like me, serving someone who refrains from excessive violence. The night is more brutal than the day for both the enslaved and their oppressors.

A new day dawned. I was preparing breakfast with Lady Varrella. I was tasked with fetching milk from her cow. Her livestock wasn't limited to horses. She also had cows, chickens, and a solitary dove.

Of all Lady Varrella's pets, the dove was her favorite. She would always gaze at the dove with a tender expression.

I couldn't help but notice a fleeting hint of sadness in Lady Varrella's eyes before she quickly masked it with her usual stoic facade.

Compared to other servants like me, I considered myself fortunate. Lady Varrella was stern, serious, and daunting, but she never subjected me to the extreme violence others endured. She would only whip my legs when I outwardly displayed emotions.

That was what Lady Varrella detested the most. I didn't know why; she seldom spoke, other than to issue commands. The preparations were complete, and we were about to have breakfast when a series of aggressive knocks interrupted us.

"Good day, Lady Varrella. The Council member has arrived. Is she present?" Lady Varrella rose upon hearing the words from outside. I followed her lead.

Lady Varrella's face bore her usual impassive expression, but her actions betrayed her. As she reached for her cane, her hand trembled slightly before she lifted it and moved towards the door.

As I stood and peeked, the lady opened the door to the man who had been knocking forcefully moments ago.

The man's appearance alone indicated his status in the town. From my vantage point, I could see a sword strapped to his waist.

"What can I assist you with, Deputy of the Council?" Lady Varrella inquired.

The man's expression flickered momentarily before reverting to his usual demeanor. It seemed he didn't appreciate Lady Varrella's form of address.

"Chief council, Lady Varrella," he corrected her.

Lady Varrella merely nodded in response.

"I apologize, but I've been out of touch with the Council for several years now; hence, I inadvertently referred to your former position."

The man arched an eyebrow, seemingly dismissing Lady Varrella's explanation. He then extended a rolled-up parchment towards her.

A hint of surprise crossed her face before she cautiously accepted it.

"The King has decreed. Everything should be in place before the drought ends," the man stated.

King? I've only heard that title twice before. What could the most esteemed ruler of the Kingdom of Asyruem possibly want from the Town of Satrosa, the Town of Servants?

"Is that the extent of your mission?" Lady Varrella queried.

I let out a soft gasp and quickly concealed myself as I spotted the man, a council member.

"I wasn't aware you had a guest, former Council leader." Each word he uttered made me gulp nervously.

"She is merely my domestic aide. And if there's no further business, you may depart. I require rest."

I risked another glance, and simultaneously, I caught the enigmatic smirk on the man's face before he took his leave.

"Until we meet again, Lady. Good morning." And with that, he exited.

As the door shut, Lady Varrella's hand tightened. She drew a deep breath and turned towards me. I straightened up under her gaze.

I bowed my head as she approached. Her heavy footsteps echoed around me.

"From now on, Yonah, you will not open the door to anyone. Do you understand?"

I couldn't even nod or respond as Lady Varrella walked past me. My gaze drifted back to the closed door and the room she had retreated into.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and surprise. In the years I've served her, her once impassive face now bore a look of concern.