CHAPTER 1: BLOOD-EYED MAN
~RISSA~
The day was like any other average day. English hierarchy roaming around the cobblestone streets. Then there was me. I was just another beggar in the street. Some spit on my and called my a cow, and a wretched beast. Others, the kinder ones, put copper coins into my little tin can. I was poor, homeless, and weak. I never received more than a pound a day. The days were short, and the nights were long. I had never been that lonely in my life. I never thought anyone could feel any sympathy for me. No one ever showed compassion. They watched be beg, and left.
That day was different. A man, a fairly tall man, walking through the rain. Of all the beggars in the street, he picked me. I guess my wet, bright red hair made me stand out. He knelt down beside me, and he laughed. I don't know what he laughed at, but he laughed. I looked up at him, and I was so angry. A man, who buy his proper attire, most likely worked for someone if high standards, was laughing at someone as poor as me. Then, he stopped laughing. He looked at me. I don't understand why, but he just stared. I avoided him at first, in fear of humiliation. I didn't want someone who looked so rich, to see me with my bruises and scars, my dirty face, and my pitiful, green eyes. I assume the people just stared. What else would they do? It was a spectacle, to see a handsome aristocrat associating with an ugly beggar. I avoided everyone's eyes. I couldn't face them. I stood to run, and he grabbed my arm.
His strength was surprising. At first glance, he seemed like a weak man. Like a man, who would serve loyally, but never resort to violence. I paused. His hand around my forearm...the tight grip...and I felt safe. I guess I was insane. I didn't look at him. I couldn't. I couldn't bring myself to look at someone like him, not straight in the eye. I never would have looked at him. But he spoke to me. His voice was calm and comforting, and I felt safer. He said,
"Please follow me. I promise I'll cause you no harm. I may even have some answers for you Hmm?".
"Fine. I'll follow you. I swear it." And when I spoke those words, he spun me around, and I was wrapped in his arms. He embraced me. I was in shock. Someone of his caliber embracing the street beggar. The people looked confused as well. I know I was. I pulled away, and gave him a questioning look. He chuckled devilishly, took my hand, and he walked me to his carriage. I glared at him. He knew that I was upset, so he kindly threw me inside. He hopped in, closed the door, and I watched from the window, as the town disappeared behind us. That was it. I wasn't on the streets. I wasn't alone. I was free. Even if it only had lasted for a moment, I knew I was free from that life.
The ride was long. The strange man just sat there. He didn't speak a word. He never asked any questions. I still avoided his eyes. On occasional periods, he would glance over at me. I hid my face from hi. I didn't look into his eyes. I didn't want him to see my fear. Then, all so suddenly, he's staring straight at me, and I finally saw his eyes. They were the color of blood. They seemed so evil, but so comforting all at the same time. I felt something evil in his soul, but he didn't display it. He displayed a man with a kind, warm heart. Even though he acted sweet, he had a secret. I stared at him, and he laughed at me. He must have found something amusing about me, because he enjoyed laughing at me. He saw me look into his eyes, and he laughed. He laughed in a way that showed concern. He stated at me for a moment, before sitting back down properly.
Despite what I thought, the ride wasn't over yet. I sat there in the silent carriage, and I didn't even say a word. The man looked over at me.
"What is your name?" he asked. I was silent. I was also tired and hungry. I looked at him with a curious eye. I didn't know if I could trust him. But I did know, that the only reason people would be nice to me, was because they needed a favor. He gave me a questioning look, like he wasn't sure what to say about me. I laughed at him, and that made him smile. I didn't answer his question, because I was so tired. Until I was able to think straight, I just called him the blood-eyed man. And then, darkness.