Beyond the town stretched vast, untouched forests known as no man's land, reputed to be the nesting grounds and lairs of dragons and various mythological crea

time, the town regained its prominence, owing chiefly to its strategic location. Flanked by two rivers, it was well-fortified against potential raiders. This security enticed families from lesser haml

owing the demise of their patriarch at the hands of invaders. In search of sanctuary far from the cap

he dominion of Count Wilfrido Cantanés. Whilst the Count endeavoured to secure the county's econom

by the soldiers upon their return from campaigns against the neighbouring fiefs, which incessantly assailed th

These secondary partners were oftentimes coerced into the arrangement, wrested from their kin. To circumvent such a destiny, numerous pare

istently disregarded them. His apathy merely incited the knights' progeny to perpetuate this convention, which w

was known to abduct them and, once his desires were sated, either consign them to a life of prostitution or sell them into bondage. Helpless parents stood bereft of power to intervene

thers. They had adeptly concealed her from predatory scrutiny until she attained her eighteenth year. The local populace swallowed the fiction of her disfigurement,

ught not to hide her God-given features in shame. With an abrupt gesture, he divested her of the shawl that had served a

, an uncommon striking shade of green for the region, were framed by long and luscious lashes. Her lips, perhaps the most astonishing feature, were incredibly full and sensuous, adorned with a captivating shade of red. Even the vicar h

ed himself to wrest her from her parents by force. His intentions were, however, thwarted by the formidable presence of Lotha, Esthela's elder bro

ing father, Dominico, who glared at the shepherd with a seething rage. Dominico swi

," Anora whispered fearfully, endeavouring to shield

ination. "She'll go to stay with your parents. Floria

his father's men and pursue her. Furthermore, who shall protect her at our grandparents' abode? And the peril

u know as well as I do that I cannot simply bestow her u

onour your father's pledge. However, that is no longer a tenable course of actio

er without revealing her true line

g her daughter Esthela close as she hearkened to the conversation. "We ought to have settled this matter sooner. I maintained that delay was imprudent. Should they se

tail," Mr. Dominic remarked, his voice tinged with melancholy. "Sh

bler origins. Perhaps he possesses the fortitude to endure," Mrs. Anora implored, her eyes beseeching her hus

understanding, yet the notion of marrying Leoric intruded upon her thoughts. He might lack conventional allure, but she pondered on his character and w

nts. Her father had never imparted this information to her. Perhaps it was they who were meant to retrieve her upon reaching a certain ag

nts, considering her a priceless gem, sequestered her within their abode. Much like the ladies of the town, sh

iduals privy to her true appearance were Leoric and his kin. As for what manner of man he was, he endeared himself to her by

ess and regard one might reserve for a sister. He was cognisant of her betrothal to a distinguished personage, whos

to him, imploring him to hasten his travel. When Aldus appeared, he bore grave tidings: the peril was imminent, and Leoric was yet several hours from sanctuary. Concealing Es

?" posed Lotha. "Florian would not countenance defy

. It will unmask his identity forthwith. Don this ring, my child Esthela; it shall serve as a sign of your lineag

rselves, or Florian will harm

ke her and deliver her to the guardian. They will know what to do, and if possible, stay there too, my son. We will follow after. Remem

ed his father. "As soon as we can, we shall come to

y son, but no

had yet to appear, and fear gripped her as she recalled the ominous shadow glimpsed earlier. Uncertain

ign that indicated danger. It was the first time in her life that she was complet