What happened next?

Silence…

-

An entire city fell quiet as I walked in with her in my arms.

She was cold and limp. It made it difficult for me to deny she was gone.

How could I get her back? 

My elder. My Granny. My mother.

I walked towards my biological mother, who stood next to my father at the heart of the city.

The citizens cleared the path as I walked up to them.

There I was, standing in front of my ‘parents’ who probably didn't even care about the pain I was going through.

My dad, standing there stunned, was only able to say, “Is she…” 

“Dead” I replied..

I turned to the citizens gathered behind us.

“Our city elder is dead! 

And she was murdered…”

Gasps could be heard from a distance. The people were shocked as many broke into tears.

I bent my head, signalling what a great loss we were experiencing.

A few moments of silence fell upon the city as a gesture of mourning for our elder.

“Along with the elder, our barrier is gone,” the Citizenry Minister spoke up, “What will become of the city if we are no longer protected from outside forces?”

Murmurs were spread throughout the crowd as all the ministers waited for an answer.

I turned to my parents behind me and gently placed the body on the ground. My bloody hands slowly let go of her.

I turn to the ministers with a serious face.

“Our city will not remain unguarded. 

I, heir to the throne of Aurelan Minor, hereby command all warriors to be situated where the barrier once was. All Mages are to cast protection on all households and warriors.

We shall not fall!”

The city went into an uproar. The cheers of all the citizens echoed throughout the continent.

I, on the other hand, was silent.

I was numb. I was grieving.

But I had to give the citizens some piece of mind and leadership.

I looked down at my bloody hands. They trembled as if I was still in her cabin, holding her hand and crying.

Why did she have to leave…

How could she leave me…

Granny was the most powerful mage in our city. She was more than powerful enough to fight back….

But she didn't.

Granny, my granny was gone forever…

—

—

The next few days were quite busy. My parents took over handling the affairs of the city as I took charge of the preparations for granny's funeral.

The mages were hard at work and the warriors created different posts for guarding the city.

The ministers were hard at work in organising their respective departments.

And my parents took over all the leadership and assured the citizens of their safety.

—

—

The day of the funeral came by quickly. Many people showed up to pay their respects as she was known as a woman of great integrity.

Even though it warmed my heart to see that so many people adored her, I couldn't bear to keep my composure.

I left the funeral quite early, to avoid the eyes of the population on my tears of mourning.

That afternoon, I made my way up to her cabin for the very last time.

Climbing that hill and walking up to the small cabin, I wished to see her sitting on her chair again, waiting for me…

But I knew I would never get to see such a pleasure again.

I pushed open the door and stood in the frame, taking in the appearance of the cabin.

It was the exact same as she had left it, the only thing that changed was her blood was no longer there.

My head was spinning. I was weak and tired from crying so much that I physically couldn't cry anymore.

Walking over to her chair, I felt like I was hallucinating. As if she was sitting there, smiling and looking at me, but in reality, she had left a long time ago.

My hand brushed over her chair as I smiled, thinking of all the memories I had with her.

She was my real mother. She may not have birthed me but she was more a mother to me than my biological mother ever was.

Lost in my memories, I was snapped out of my haze when I saw a little piece of paper, folded and tucked away neatly in the couch cushion.

Curious, I reached out and grabbed the paper sticking out.

It smelt like her, as if she had sprayed it with perfume.

The front of the paper had my name written on it in neat capital letters.

A light chuckle escaped my lips as I reminisced about Granny's old habits.

I cautiously opened the paper, unfolding it with care.

Reading the words written on the paper, I laughed out loud, placing a hand over my face.

“I knew it.” I said to myself.

The words on the paper read,

“You were right my son, you are not ready to lead this country.

You have much to do before that time comes. Leave this land and start your journey.

And most importantly, remember the meaning behind your name and follow it…

The West Wind will always carry you where you are meant to be. Follow it.”

I smiled reading the note.

Remember my name she said…

Well Granny, I definitely can't defy your words, even if you are dead.

I place a light kiss on the paper before placing it back on the couch cushion.

Waltzing out the door, I stop to admire the view of our beautiful city.

“I will do as you say Granny, I will follow my name…”