23: Of memories past

"Hey, where are you going?" Liam asked June while following her.

Not once keeping their sights away from the girl, Liam and Nekowa was curious at what possibly caught the girl's attention. June was not exactly the type to express her emotions in the open, and if there was something that piqued her interest, then this indeed called for an investigation.

They eventually arrived at the northern end of the village, where the sights ahead made display of a desolate land that was deserted quite a long time ago.

"No survivors." Liam was saddened upon seeing the village's overall state, "At least, they could rest easy now, knowing that their killers are burning down in Hell."

June made her stop at one particular house. Like every other house in their vicinity, it definitely had seen better days. The house was burnt, blackened by the destruction caused by the hands of evil.

June remained still; her blank expression evident as she kept on staring at the house like it was something peculiar for her.

Liam quickly realized what the child's agenda was all about and asked while he joined closely by her side, "Is this your old home?"

June looked at him and nodded in affirmation. This was indeed the girl's house, her precious family home. It was simple yet beautiful back then, where she would spend time outside at the porch and basking the majestic scenery of the farmlands together with the woman who once she knew as her mother.

But that was long gone. Her mother was slaughtered before her very eyes on that fateful day, when the bad men raided the village and invaded her home. The men eyed her mother like fresh meat and took turns in violating her while she was forced to watch in struggle. When they were done and satisfied, they discarded the mother's body like trash and chopped off her head as one of the men wanted to keep it like a prized memento to use for reasons that were horrifyingly unspeakable.

After that day, every last one of the surviving villagers were kidnapped and dragged off like cattle. Some were sold to slavery while the rest were led to the evil Witch's den to be experimented on, most especially young boys who the Witch possessed some sick fascination on. June was fortunate enough to be spared, despite not meeting with the Witch's vile criteria to vent in her disgusting pleasures of the flesh.

Nevertheless, June was experimented on. Day after day, night after night, her body was subjected to numerous injections and other chemicals unknown to her. It was a miracle how she was even alive despite all that, and even more so that she felt no change in her whatsoever.

Perhaps the Witch's experiments were a failure? It was plausible, given that she was still alive and healthy, well, in the physical side at the very least.

While her memories were clear on that day, what was strange though was the fact that she cannot remember one thing, the very thing that defined her own identity.

Her very own name.

Try as she might, she could not remember her name. It was like a black fog that kept blocking on that particular memory. Maybe this was the effect of the experiments?

While lost in her thoughts, June was interrupted by Liam patting her back gently in an effort to console her.

"I'm not one for pep talks." She heard the man speaking in a soothing tone, "All I can say is that I'm sorry at the things that you had to go through. I can't imagine how it must be hard, especially for someone as young as you. Still, like I said, you are still young, and there are many opportunities ahead to create good memories moving forward. Don't let the past shackle you and continue to press forth, such is the way of this dilemma that we call life."

June looked at Liam softly and gave a small nod. She appreciated the young man's way of comforting her.

If only that she could muster a smile.

What Liam got instead was her voluntarily holding his hand as her way of saying thanks.

"Let me know if you are done." Liam told and mourned together with June, "Rest easy, knowing that the ones who are responsible for this are now long gone."

Both remained silent was a while longer before ultimately moving on as they finally leave the place, this time for good.

There was nothing here to do, and it's high about time for June to embark on a new journey, one with new beginnings, together with her new friends who wished to unravel the mysteries that surround this world.

***

One week later, back at the Bandit Encampment.

A small legion of armored soldiers arrived and were seen to be marching inside the camp. A single look at the soldiers and one could surmise that these particular group was anything but ordinary. Their equipment was made by the highest quality of steel as they were donned with their respective set of plate armor and barbute that offered full protection.

And that's not all, at the left chest part of their armor bore the insignia of an eagle; clear evidence that they belonged to an organization, most likely of the elite kind.

In every organization or group, there's always a leader commanding them. Said leader, a woman, stood right in front of them, as she led the way and ordered her men to enter the camp. Her armor was distinct from the army she commanded, possessing a blue hooded cape with yellow outlines on her back with the same eagle insignia. In addition, the lower part of her armor resembled a long skirt that reached until her shins.

Reports mentioned of suspicious activity being conducted here inside the Forest of Legarda, with bandits in the mix and raiding unaware travelers. Their latest victim was most likely the third daughter of the Count of the land, where the young lady came from the Witch Academy in the capital to pay a visit to her father.

Many days went by, and the girl was still missing. Thus, it was their mission to find the girl and bring her to her father in one piece.

Unfortunately, the mission was still ongoing, and their search proved to be fruitless. Thankfully, it was not all in vain when one of the scouts reported of a suspicious camp located inside the heart of Legarda Forest.

"So, this must be where those filthy rats hide in." The woman in armor spoke with utter disdain, "Men, let us enter, for those fools are about to meet their maker."

With strength in numbers and unyielding confidence with their side, the army marched inside the camp with weapons at the ready.

A group of bandit rabbles against an armored legion of trained and elite soldiers? What a laugh, no diplomacy was needed here, and the soldiers would arrest the outlaws in sight without question.

Of course, whatever hope of arrest was short lived at the horrifying display that instantly greeted them.

"W-what monstrosity is this!?" One of the men questioned with a faint voice, "Who could have done such a thing?"

Their leader was the epitome of calm as she removed her helmet, revealing a beautiful young blonde lady as her blue eyes look daggers at the bodies that were hanged in full display.

"A heathen who takes delight in violence, no question." The woman spoke with authority and contempt. As her eyes wondered at the bodies, one of them caught her undivided attention and she immediately make her approach slowly with a grim look.

"Matilda."