10 Reborn

The last thing I remembered was how I died.

It was vivid, yet vague at the same time. I remembered that I my body was punctured with what I think was called a gun and that I died saving someone, but I can't remember why I did what I did.

Next thing I knew I was in a basket. I wanted to move, but my body felt stiff and I can feel that the limit most I could do is hold up my hands.

Using up my strength, I raised my hands to reach my eye level.

I was surprised as my eyes met a small hand. I tried moving my own and surprisingly it also moved. I tried to move my hands and did what I intended to do, though it felt so surreal.

Opening my mouth, I tried to speak. But only gibberish cries came out.

"Look honey, the baby's crying!" A feminine voice spoke out surprising Alex.

Surprised by this. Alex thought, 'Didn't I die? Where am I?'

"Honey! Look he's looking at me! Come here." The woman shouted.

Alex who was lost in his stupor of thoughts. Looked straight to see a woman early in her twenties. She looked young and pretty.

Loud thuds could be heard, after a few seconds an excited man entered the room. He was tall, and looked older than the woman, he has a smile on his face as he entered.

The man reached out his hands and eagerly said, "Well look at my little boy! Come to your father!"

As his hands reach towards Alex, a hand slapped him in the shoulder. The looked wronged and rubbed his shoulder, though it didn't hurt him.

"Look your scaring him!" The woman's angry voice woke the man in his enthusiastic daze.

The man looked towards Alex and saw his panicked expression and teary eyes.

I wasn't acting. It was really scary if you see things from my perspective. The large man and his gaze sent shudders to me. This unrealistic feeling of being alive yet expecting to be dead.

I felt my heart grow heavy every time I breath. My eyes were teary as I remember having no parents in my life, past life.

The woman picked me up and gently carried me in her arms, lulling me to calm or maybe sleep.

"It's okay little one. Mother is here for you and will never leave your side." After saying those words, she sang a sweet song, it was beautiful and her voice also. Soon I fell asleep.

The woman who noticed Alex was asleep walked towards the bed. She lay him on top of soft blankets and left with the man in tow.

***

"How was the borders?" The woman asked.

The man sighed, "We're losing. I think it isn't safe for our baby to stay here."

The woman stayed silent.

"Nicole. I think you should leave with our baby. Even If I die our line will still continue in him." The man suggested.

"You're asking me to leave?! How can I raise him well? He needs a father! and only you can be that!" The woman said breathlessly.

"Even if I can't be his father when he grows old, I'll be one when he was still little, I'll be the one to protect him. At least let him know that his father was a great man." Pain and longing was written all over the mans face.

Hearing his words, Nicole cried and tears fell from her eyes.

"Please Nicole don't make me force you to leave."

"I understand. We will leave at dawn."

"No. Leave right now. It's early, you can reach the next town by night if you leave now."

Nicole couldn't stop anymore and left. She packed clothes, milk and took coins from their treasury. She knew there was not much time, since her husband was pushing her to leave, she understood his intentions.

Slowly moving towards her child, she softly picked him up, trying not to wake him.

She moved out of the house and went to the carriage. All the packs were already inside and safe. There were a few mounted guards guarding the carriage, for her and the child's protection.

The coachman pulled the reins and the carriage started to move.

Nicole looked at her child still peacefully sleeping. She cupped his cheek, "I wish you were born in a world free of wars and death." She said while barely able to keep calm.

Searching for something in her pack. She drew it from bag and agonizingly breathe.

"I'm sorry little one. Your mother and father failed you." A tear fell from her eyes. As the object she held made contact with Alex.

She stopped the carriage in the middle of the road and called out a servant.

"What seems to be the problem mistress?" the servant dutifully bowed and asked.

"Zen. I am entrusting you to take care of the my child. I want you to take him to the nearest town and stay at an inn. I will send you a letter once it's safe to return." Nicole ordered Zen.

The words from Nicole surprised Zen, but he had no right to question her. He nodded and took her order to his heart, he promised to protect him with his life and so he shall.

Nicole rode a horse and left under the gazes of everyone present. Her eyes silently flowed with rivers, she muttered, "I'm sorry. But I'll be back for you I promise."

Zen was stupefied with this event. Carrying the baby in his arms he noticed that the baby he held had blood through its wrap. He directly went inside the carriage in a panic. He uncovered the garments covering Alex and was surprised at a small bloody mark in his thigh, it looked burned.

It was a small letter R.

He wondered what it was but remembered the family he served. Their last name was famous even in other kingdoms. The Rivera clan.