CHAPTER FIVE: Phoenix

Ingrid is being detained in a town that was filled with hopelessness and distress. So seeing it covered with different kind of work of arts is fascinating since it gives the citizens confidence and hope amidst oppressive surroundings. Aside from teaching, Ingrid also applied as an apprentice of an old herbal expert because she wants to try helping the weak.

"Your majesty, based on the latest reports from our agents, our prisoner is posting work of arts of his said to be students and attending herbal classes every three days."

Zion responds with a sudden glare, "Even my nerves are perplexed every time I decipher your body language. Speak your mind, Machabeth."

"It would senseless if I try to persuade you that this lady has just displayed political manifestos. If she's from the north, she has the capacity and proper knowledge to do that in the most clever way which is thru the work of arts. However, what puzzles me is the herbal classes." Machabeth is really convincing the King that this particular prisoner is not just an abandoned merchant that was praying for an expensive bargain.

"This is a complete nonsense. Coincidence is penetrating your paranoia to the point that it creates lies you believe. I cannot grasp any apparent connection or at least reason to suspect," Zion insisted as he lost his interest in tackling the issue.

The room is silenced by an instant pause. Machabeth is lost for words.

Zion taps Machabeth's shoulder as an old sign that the conversation has ended. He went straight to his room and takes a glance at his people through the window.

Commoners are destined to work for their country to sustain the flow of the economy. Their heavy workloads make everything function, but not as heavy as the cross behind the ruler's back.

The impact of Ingrid's presence to the town is becoming visible. The food supply is doubled due to the productive workers, children are now understanding the value of arts, and the dull place that was once covered with miseries is now creating a confident and optimistic people.

"I would be more glad if these people became aware of their actual situation. They are freely moving, but they do not notice the chain that suffocate them in their deep sleep," Ingrid whispered to the gentle and satisfying wind as it touches her  alluring face (sigh).

Ingrid was about to attend her herbal class, however, something caught her attention. She saw a familiar bird, a phoenix!! A holy bird that symbolizes royalty and liberation. Just like a phoenix, this place can rise up and soar into the great sky!

While wondering about what she just saw, the lady didn't notice that she's literally petrified - standing in the middle of the pavement.

People instantly notice her divine beauty from afar. She's like an actual attraction because of her unusual yet exceptional appearance that stand out in a crowd for Brònian women do not look like her, not even close.

What a loud crowd feasting a woman's body. However, the loud annoying noise has turned into complete silence as they back off.

A man in his black suit is walking past the crowd. He is no commoner based on the people's reaction and in his elegant posture.

"Is this the place they called Heaven?" He asked Lady Ingrid with a sparkling stare.

Every corner of his eyes is so godly that even the very tiny detail is comparable to a hundred million bristin worth of diamond fused with blood.

"If heaven isn't real, then why am I seeing a goddess?" he gazed following her perplexed face.

His frontal view is so pure and innocent that you will see nothing but perfection equivalent to the façade of a castle that existed during the Roman Empire.

"Are you a warrior, may I ask?" he whispered at my tormented left ear.

"The scars from your countless battles are so visible as daylight," said he while running his fingers thru her blond wavy hair.

"… and I love it," he added.