Chapter 57 7th Trumpet

A groan escaped from my mouth as I opened my eyes with difficulty. My throat felt scorched, burning with fires of the deep. I could hear all my bones cracking while lifting my body.

" Where am I and where is Gabriella?"

My head spun around a bit but I regained my consciousness slowly and surely. The images of the sudden fight came to mind, crushing down to my soul with guilt. Nonetheless, it was alright as long as she was fine.

" You woke up? Here, eat this child."

The elderly woman gave me a bowl of warm porridge that reminded me of my home. I didn't hesitate for a minute to eat this, feeling nostalgia in my guts. Perhaps, these people saved us from the pit of hell and they didn't chain us or rob us.

Instead, they gave us warm shelter and food. I saw my beloved on the bed while being treated by others, so I relaxed my body a bit in front of her. She seemed to understand my struggles as she placed my sword near to me to ensure we were safe.

" You came from a long way from home, child. The desert of the south isn't a good place for people like you. Barren land and cold wind in the night, a scorching sun, and dry air would claim everyone's lives. Fortunately, you met us who live on this land without restriction."

The woman placed a loaf of bread in front of me with a smile, checking whether I was fine or not. Her eyes didn't seem to be lying as it was filled with maternal love for us who were aliens in this land.

" Thank you for your kindness."

I couldn't mutter any word before a single tear dropped from my face. The lord must have heard my prayer, answering with his love for his children.

" A grown knight crying before this old woman. What a world to live in! My name is Teresa. We are merchants from the south, crossing great land to sell items from our home."

Teresa smiled softly at me while giving me porridge. Perhaps my mother would be like her if she was there.

" I am from Roma. We were talking with Byzantine soldiers but we were ambushed by other country people. My mentor died in the battle while my fiancee was injured. I had to abandon my people to survive."

Teresa said nothing as she kept glancing at Gabriella and the other men. One of the men came forward, handing me a rough sack filled with something.

" This is some coins for your travel. We will leave you in the nearest town with the church. Don't worry, we will stay with you for a few days."

Their kindness deeply touched my heart, reminding me of Marcus who sacrificed himself for us. I could tell they weren't that wealthy people but they were kind enough to help someone like us who would be frowned upon because we fled from the battlefield.

" That is my son Popo, my husband Jera, my second son Johan, and my youngest son Ishaia. We can all talk in your mother tongue, so don't be shy about talking with us."

The men laughed at her remark, waving at me with a polite attitude.

A few days later had passed since my meeting with Mother Teresa and her family. They were great people who would constantly talk with me and care for Gabriella who finally regained her consciousness. She still couldn't move like normal but she could eat food by herself and walk around for a bit.

" You look great, Sera. Maybe your parents came from the south."

Gabriella laughed at my attire which came from Assyrian people. Unlike my cotton clothes, this felt nice and cool in this desert. They were light and cool in the day and warm in the night with additional clothes.

" Don't joke around with me. We are finally reaching church after a long journey. Do you think they would accept us?"

Gabriella fell into deep thoughts while looking at me with worry. However, I prepared my heart for my punishment and I knew there was a slim chance of surviving the battle.