The sunbeam fell across Mira's face, blinding her. She groaned, and rolled over, reaching for Henry and but coming up short. Perhaps he was already off bothering the nobles without her?
"Leave me be, Jasper," she grunted, turning to bury her face in the pillow instead before a bolt of pain shot up her arm. Mira's muscles tensed and she gave a muffled yelp. There was the sound of a chair being pushed back and then hurried footsteps as someone walked to the bedside and began to fret over her.
"Oh, deary me, you ought not move just yet!" A warm voice said. Mira looked up, blinking through the blinding light, to see an aged woman leaning over her, checking the fresh bandage of Mira's arm. "You're lucky you got to us so soon, I can't imagine what might've happened had you not made it out of Mistpeak. Oh, where are my manners? I'm Madam Rosetta. I'm the barmaid of Ye Quill and Quandry, where you happen to be resting right now. And you-" the woman's rushed and exultant voiced turned hushed, "-would you happen to be a…a Hero, my dear?"
Mira looked up to the woman with frightful eyes. Was it so obvious that Mira would never be able to hide it? Would her brother know by now? How long did she have before he came after her?
"Oh, I'm sorry, dear," Madame Rosetta said, patting Mira's hand gently. "I only mean- well, your wounds you see. They're healed. They must hurt, as far as I can imagine, but the skin mended before the doctor even got here! You must excuse me for imploring, my dear, it's only that I was so very curious."
"Oh," Mira said, relieved that she was not alight with magical fire or speaking in tongues. She hoisted herself up, cautious not to put her weight on her injured arm. "Uh, thank you, Madame Rosetta, for your kindness. And you are correct in your assumptions. I am indeed a Hero. But please, I beg that you keep this to yourself, for a time at least. I have no doubt it will later be revealed to the town but I only ask to have some time as a stranger here. I have matters that I wish to attend to with no… distractions."
Mira remembered the crowds that would gather around her father when he went into town, not only as he was king, but because he was a Hero. He would tell Mira of the times of his youth when people were frightened of his magic and how he worked for many years to convince the people not to fear him. Mira wished for some time to wonder the village as just another traveler.
"Of course, dear. The people of Brightwall will treat you as any other visitor. Now, is there anything I can help you with? I've been in this town for all my life and could no doubt assist you with your task."
"Oh, I'm sure there's no… Actually, would you be able to point me in the direction of the Brightwall Academy? I was told I would find assistance there for an important matter."
Rosetta looked taken back for a second.
"Well, my dear, it's impossible to miss. It's on the very top of the hill, the biggest building in the town. All you need to do is follow the signs. Once you've crossed the bridge next to the blacksmiths, take a right and then continue forwards past the village green, where the market is, and then there's the academy. But it hasn't been used in a very long time, dear. No one goes in there but the librarian, Samuel."
"Then I suppose I'll be seeking his help. Thank you again, Madame Rosetta, but I think it is best for me to be on my way. How may I repay you for your kindness, I have very little with me. I may be able to repay you at the end of my visit or perhaps help you with any tasks?"
The old woman shook her head, smiling.
"I remember a long time ago when there were stories of a young Hero that came to Brightwood and gave help to a simple farmer in his most desperate hour. Many years later, that farmer's son created a village that would welcome all those who would wish to better the world. And you, my dear, do seem to be one of those people. I believe you'll do your best to help when you can, and that is payment enough. You have given an old woman hope." She smiled down at Mira and then offered her hand. Mira's bones ached slightly as she rose, but there was no doubting that she felt better than before.
"I promise to try," Mira said, smiling back at Rosetta.
"Then off you go, child. I'm sure there are plenty of adventures waiting."
Next chapter will take longer to post but will be longer and will finally get into some fighting! I've got exams for the next two days so please be paitent! Once again, things will speed up and will be better written by Mourningwood.