Prologue.
Madeline lay on the bed staring at the ceiling wondering what had really happened between Lucy and Reaver while she had been at the temple. True it was
unusual for the Hero of Skill to chase after them but what bothered her most was why? She pondered on what could have been said when sudden gunshots
from the town square brought her back to reality. Shoving herself off the bed she grabbed her sword and pistol and went down the stairs to find Lucy pale
faced with fear.
"What is it Lucy? Sureley we couldn't be under attack?" asked Madeline calmly.
Lucy rubbed her arms nervoulsy and replied "I'm afraid we are but from who I do not know".
Madeline led Lucy away from the window and said "Lucy you need to hide. I'm going to go and find Bladen". Lucy shook her head and before she could utter
a sound Madeline had dashed out the door.
The streets of Oakfield were coupled with cries for help by the village folk and orders of stay back from the guards as Madeline made her way to Bladen's
house. Gripping her sword and pistol tighter with every step she took Maddie kept her watchful gaze trained on her surroundings fearing an ambush but
thankfully there was none. Reaching the home of Bladen she saw the front door open ajar and quickened her pace to a run and entered the house only to be
met with a horrifying site.
Furniture lay broken and scattered all around the room and in the middle of the room lay Bladen and his wife. Fearing that they had been seriously injured
Maddie rushed to their side and dropping to her knees she felt their pulses in hopes that they could be saved. Bladen's wife no longer had a pulse but
Bladen's pulse was faint and seeing his eyes open Maddie said "don't die Bladen I'm going to get you a healing potion".
Bladen grabbed Maddie's wrist gently and shaking his head he handed her his sword before taking his last breath. Madeline felt tears roll down her cheeks
and a deafening silence overwhelmed her before she stood to her feet. Leaving the house she rushed back to her home to check on Lucy.
The graveyard of Oakfield was quiet as the bandits rushed past it each of them eager to steal the ship that lay docked by the small harbour. Once on the
vessel they hoisted the anchor and set sail leaving behind them saddness and pain. The golden oak which stood by the harbour trembled as the bandits
disappeared into the distance and with each shattered dream it's green leaves began fade to brown and fall from it's mighty arms.
Lucy who had been hiding underneath her bed took deep breaths to calm her heart and hearing Maddie calling her from down stairs she left her spot and
rushed down the stairs.
Maddie paced back and forth in the kitchen from everything that had just happened and seeing Lucy on the stairs she said "Bladen's gone and so is his wife".
Lucy held her hand to her mouth and between sobs she asked "what about the villagers?".
Maddie shook her head and replied "a lot of them were slaughtered but some escaped". Seeing Lucy sit on a stair step she continued "we'd best do the same
before more bandits come here".
"What about the Temple of Light Maddie?" asked Lucy.
"That's the least of our concern right now. If the Bandits attacked the village then they no doubt attacked the temple. We need to leave this place" said
Maddie sadly.
Seeing Bladen's sword on Maddie's hip Lucy felt the whole reality sink in and standing up she said "I'll pack a few of our belongings and our money but where
will we go?".
Maddie was thoughtful before replying "Bowerstone, we'll go to Bowerstone". Seeing Lucy nod her head slowly she left the cottage to go and collect Bladen's
horse and bringing it back she tied it beside her own before placing the saddles upon their backs and slipping the reigns over their heads. Hearing footsteps
behind her she turned to see Lucy carrying two bags and taking them secured each one to a horse before helping Lucy mount Bladen's horse before mounting
her own.
Taking one last look at their home both Lucy and Madeline ventured towards Rookridge road in hopes of a quiet journey and safer life in Bowerstone.