Going out

I noticed people working outside during the day, a typical, bustling scene that contradicted any sense of danger.

"Maxilin, I'd like to go with you," Elizabeth said cheerfully, her eyes bright with excitement. But suddenly, Kazia shook her head firmly, as if to say no.

I frowned, turning to her. "Why not?" I asked, confused by her sudden resistance. Kazia hesitated before stepping back and using her hands to sign, "Master won't allow it."

"Where is your master?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Before Kazia could respond, Elizabeth quickly answered, "Father is in his office. Maxilin, he won't be back until evening. So what's the problem if I come with you now?" Her reasoning was sound, but Kazia's silent unease kept nagging at me.

I stared at Kazia, waiting for her to speak, but she remained silent, eyes lowered. I glanced around the room, suddenly realizing something. "Kazia, where is the other maid?" I asked.

As soon as I asked, Kazia's shoulders tensed, and she lowered her head even further, clutching her hands tightly. Before she could respond, Elizabeth chimed in, "Maxilin, she hasn't arrived yet."

Kazia immediately tried to stop her from saying anything more, frantically waving her hands. Elizabeth shot her an annoyed look and declared, "What's wrong, Kazia? I'm not scared of her."

Kazia's eyes widened, and she placed her fingers to her lips, signaling for Elizabeth to hush. It seemed like a secret lingered between them, something unspoken yet clearly troubling Kazia.

Elizabeth, unfazed, grinned at me.

"Let's go, Maxilin. I'll show you around today." She reached out her hands to me expectantly.

I couldn't help but smile, though something still felt off. I picked her up, her small arms wrapping around my neck. "All right," I said, looking back at Kazia.

"Don't worry, we'll be back soon."

Elizabeth and I mounted the horse, and as we rode through the small village, she eagerly pointed out various places and introduced me to her neighbors. I noticed the villagers glancing at her with strange, almost fearful expressions. My instincts kicked in, sensing something unusual. I quickly pulled my cloak over my face and leaned toward her. "Elizabeth, don't take off your cloak," I whispered, trying to sound casual.

She gave me a curious look but complied. "All right, Maxilin," she replied, adjusting her cloak so it covered her better.

After a few moments of silence, I decided to probe a bit. "Elizabeth, do you know where the church is?" I asked, hoping she'd reveal more.

"Yeah, I went there once, but it's been a long time," she replied, her voice dropping. "My father doesn't let me go anymore."

That caught my attention. I glanced at her sideways, but before I could ask more, I decided to shift my focus. "So, Elizabeth, why did you stop me from opening the window last night?" I asked, keeping my tone light but pushing for the truth.

Elizabeth tensed, her small hands gripping the reins. "Last night?" she echoed softly, clearly hesitant.

"Yes," I pressed, "you told me not to open the window. Why?"

She hesitated before finally speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because a monster lives there. And I know he tried to hurt you last night."

I frowned. "Did you see that monster?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Elizabeth quickly shook her head. "Never. I'm a good girl. I don't wake up once I fall asleep at night," she said with a nervous chuckle, as if trying to make light of it.

I narrowed my eyes. "Really? But I think a little girl came into my room last night when I was downstairs."

"As I previously stated," I began, but Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, giving me a thoughtful expression. "A small girl?" she asked.

"Yes," I confirmed.

"If that's the case, it's got to be her. I simply hate her," Elizabeth murmured, her expression turning moody. "She has the audacity to enter your room."

"What are you talking about? Who is it, exactly?" I asked, now more intrigued than ever. I had felt there was someone there that night.

Elizabeth's face twisted in frustration. "She was a girl who used to play with me. She always stole my dolls and took everything from me. I warned her not to come to my place, but she never listened."

I raised an eyebrow, confused. "Really? Why would she come to my room then? I don't have any toys with me."

Elizabeth seemed conflicted, ready to say something more, but she stopped abruptly. She sighed deeply. "Let's forget about her. I'll chastise her for bothering you," she added dismissively, but I could tell there was more she wasn't saying.

I let her words linger in my mind. Whatever this was, I would deal with it soon enough.

"Maxilin, that's the church," Elizabeth suddenly exclaimed, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Looking ahead, I saw the highest peak of the church tower. I steered the horse in that direction, and we soon arrived at the same well I had seen the day before. People watched us curiously, their gazes following us as we dismounted. I took Elizabeth's hand and led her toward the church.

As we entered, the silence was thick. The place was dusty, like it hadn't been visited in a long time. I pulled the cloth from my face and approached the altar. The air felt heavy, as though it held forgotten secrets.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed behind us. I turned around quickly, my hand instinctively tightening around Elizabeth's.

It was the old man I had seen the previous day. His face wrinkled with suspicion as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I just came here to pray," I said, keeping my tone neutral. The old man gave me a long, scrutinizing glance as he slowly approached. His eyes roamed over me, inspecting every detail.

"You're that boy, aren't you?" he asked, his voice thick with suspicion. I glanced down at Elizabeth, who was trying to hide behind me. Her small hands clutched my cloak tightly.

"Yes, I am," I replied, keeping my gaze steady on him. The old man then turned his attention to Elizabeth, who stared at him with wide eyes.

"So, you live with this child's family?" he asked, his tone probing. He was asking too many questions for my liking. I didn't respond, instead, I turned back toward the altar, focusing my gaze on the statue of Jesus.

"Don't ignore me, child," he warned, his voice growing firm.

"I don't think that's important to answer," I muttered, narrowing my eyes as I kept my gaze ahead. I wasn't about to let him push me into revealing anything more.