"Alright Rehor, help me load up the cart. After we are loaded up, we're going to take a trip to town." (Father)
I, reluctantly, started to help out with loading up the cart with wood scraps. I, somewhat can, lift larger pieces of wood. But I am outclassed by my father who is able to load 5 pieces by the time I can load one. I don't want to help load wood today, it is the first time this winter where the weather has warmed up enough that I could spend playing outdoors with Katarina.
"Yes Father." I sighed begrudgingly. (Rehor)
I know the reason why we needed to work hard today, but, still, I didn't want to do it. I am a forty, something, year old child. I want to be able to enjoy the things I hated as a child. As a kid, naps are allowed. Too think, I once hated to take naps in my other life.
"If we get done early enough, we'll take Katarina into town with us. With enough sunlight we can slow down a little and let her enjoy getting out for a chance." (Father)
"Yay, I can take her to town. She's never allowed to go. OK, here I go..." (Rehor)
Town is a little far away, taking around, if I was basing it on the clock I had been used to, about an hour and a half, each way. That, though, is when we aren't burdened by a load of wood. Generally Father does not have the time to take Katarina into town when go. Just the previous year, I was finally allowed to go with Father when he went to drop of the lumber.
* * *
"We are heading out now. Is there anything you want?" (Father)
"I just want my family to come back safely. Anything else, we already have." (Mother)
Looking towards where the sun is, Father replies, "We'll be back for sundown. I would love for you to come with us, but Rehor and Katarina want a healthy sibling." (Father)
"In a little while, we will have one more person to add to this family." (Mother)
"Daddy, hurry up. Come on. I want to go. Come on, come on." (Katarina)
"Someone's in a hurry. Are going to leave your poor mother without saying goodbye? Come over here and give me a kiss." (Mother)
Katarina ran towards Mother, who slathered her with wet kisses. I told you my little sister was cute. I too went over to Mother and gave her a hug and kiss.
"Mommy, I'll make sure to keep a watch on Katarina. I'll make sure I'm a good brother. Bye-bye Mommy." (Rehor)
"Okay kids, lets start going now. Else, we won't be able to spend anytime in town. Be well my lily."
* * *
The hand-cart, which Father was pulling, finally arrived out the lord's domicile. Unlike what I thought it would be, the first time I was here, it was not any type of castle. No, it was a fairly simplistic two-story building. Nothing much was different from the lord's house and that of my family's. Other than being larger in scope than most houses around the area, it was the same as rest. There was nothing opulent about it.
"Katarina, Rehor and I will be unloading the cart. Stay where I can see you, or else." (Father)
"I want to see town. I thought we were going to explore?" (Katarina)
"If you behave, we will go around for a bit, but you have to behave. Understand?" (Father)
"Yes Daddy." (Katarina)
"Are we unloading it in the shed? Where we normally do?" (Rehor)
"Let me check, Son" (Father)
Just as he was about ready to enter the lord's house, the lord, himself, came out to meet us.
"Ah, Jindrich, nice to see you today. A load of wood, great, we were getting low on it. I was about ready to ask you for more. Good timing." (Lord)
"It is no problem, Sir. It is my duty to serve you. You have done so much for me and my family." (Father)
"You know you don't have to be so respectful. Jindrich, you earned what I gave you. Relax son." (Lord)
"Yes Sir." (Father)
"Oh, is that your children? I know that I have seen your son, Rehan a few times." (Lord)
"Sir, if I may correct? My name is Rehor. And this is my sister, Katarina." (Rehor)
"My apologies young Rehor. And that's your sister you say? No, it can't be. She looks nothing like, she's too pretty to be related to you ugly people." (Lord)
"Unfortunately for me and Rehor, I agree. Sir. Luckily for us, she takes after my wife." (Father)
"Yes. Lucky for you and young Rehor. Okay, enough the pleasantries, I will leave you to your work. The shed is fine for today."
"Yes Sir. Alright boy, let us be about our business. Good day, Sir." (Father)
"Bye, Sir." (Rehor)
* * *
Unloading the cart was much easier than loading it. Just a few steps from the cart to the shed. Rinse and repeat till we were done. Even Katarina tried to help out. Probably so we could spend more time in town. And finally, we were done.
True to his words, Father took as around town once we were done. He seemed to know almost everyone around. Katarina seemingly was overwhelmed by the number of people around us. Even though it was still winter, a lot of people were out. The weather was perfect for mingling.
* * *
And so the day finally came to a close as a we approached home. I was attempting pull the cart while Father was carrying an exhausted Katarina. Smoke was wafting up from the chimney as Mother came out of the house and brightly welcomed us back.
My apologies my past family, this is my family now. I can't believe that I was gifted to such a happy family in this life.
Just as a clarification. The names are as follow:
Main Character - Rehor
MC's Sister - Katarina
MC's Father - Jindrich
MC's Mother - Zuzana
The first character that I came up with a name, was Katarina. From there, I tried to keep similar regional names. The only thing I have tried to avoid, are names based on Judeo-Christianity, as there is no belief in that religion in this world.
Thank you for reading.