Orsgadts
The Berham Castle

Fiona understands that Emune does not believe she has seen a ghost but there is something else that is stealing her attention. While pulling Emune agara over to the wall, he looked outside. The noise outside came from the cavalry that entered the castle.

“Come too. People sluggish. If all the royal troops like you, in a week all of Arsyna can be controlled by robbers,” muttered Viona. He was furious at the palace troops that he considered incapable of doing their duties. “Come, we have to assemble with another.”

“Government forces. Will they interrogate and search us?” Emune is anxious to remember that something very valuable and dangerous is in her trunk.

“Yes. Is there something you want to hide?” tanay Viona prank.

“I? What should I hide?” ask Emune. He tried his best to hide his nervousness.

Viona looked at Emune with a serious look. Anyone who could make their entourage suspect was a big threat. “You didn't carry any prohibited items in your bag, did you?” ask Viona.

“Why do you think so?” Emune pretended to laugh. His laughter sounded crisp in his own ears.

“You were so scared to leave that bag. Did you bring any sharp objects?”

“That bag contains mementos from Dad and my friends in Ulrych. There's a little dagger from Uncle Henry, is that forbidden?”

“Wow, you go around carrying a dagger? Are you a female knight in disguise?” Fiona holds Emune's chin and moves him left and right to look at Emune's face.

“You yourself how?” Emune brushes Fiona's hand.

“No problem. Those daggers just in case.” Fiona smile.

Once down the stairs, the two were greeted by two knights who told them to hand over their luggage and prepare to be searched. Emune turned his head towards Ronald who was standing next to the leader of the royal army. Nodding Ronald made him feel calm.

Fiona was searched first. Fiona had taken out all the weapons she had. Two leather sheaths each contained three small daggers, a small dagger bound in its calf and a chain with an iron pendulum.

“Protection,” says Fiona kalem.

The knight retreated after his commander signaled. Women who can take care of themselves are not fun toys, he said.

Emune was violently searched by other knights. The mischievous grin on her lips made Emune sick. When the knight's hand deliberately touched his chest, Emune moved his hand to pull him over but his movements were still less fast than Fiona who pulled the knight so hard that it fell to the floor. The knight growled, quickly got up and was ready to attack Fiona.

“Enough! Commander Cronel, you can check everyone but I'm not allowed to harass anyone. Take your troops away!” The authoritative voice of Lord Berham stopped the knight.

Commander Cronel stared intently at his subordinates who were doing improperly. “Pardon the behavior of my subordinates, Miss,” he said to Emune who just looked down. Commander Cronel approached Lord Berham and spoke in a quiet voice and led his troops away from the castle.

Lord Berham allows his guests to rest or do as they please. Everyone will gather for dinner in the castle's backyard.

Lord Berham approached Emune. “I've never seen you. What's your name?”

“Emune, My Lord,” replied Emune while bowing respectfully.

Lord Berham was a very respected man not only in Arsyna but also throughout Artamea. He was one of the direct descendants of King Arshna who chose to give up the throne of Arshna to his younger brother. He loved the quiet life more than the throne and the grandeur of the palace. His wife had died many years ago and his son and his family were currently living in Arsyna Palace.

Entertaining tourists is one of his favorites. He treated them like noble guests who came to visit him. The hospitality of Lord Berham is well known throughout Arsyna. He was kind enough to provide overnight stays for travelers without any reward.

“Will you please this old man for a moment? I want to hear your story.” Lord Berham spoke softly to Emune.

“Good, My Lord,” replied Emune politely.

It's still a while away from night. Due to the clear weather, tents are not required. They'll have dinner lit by a bonfire. The members of the merchant entourage did not remain silent, they helped prepare long tables and benches.

Maddy and the women were helping out in the kitchen, no one was lounging. The little ones were running around and playing in the courtyard happily. Rarely can they spend the night in a place like this.

Lord Berham and Emune sat in the backyard, separated from the people who prepared the dinner banquet. Tea and sweet pastries accompanied their conversation. There was very little that Emune could tell because he had only just made the trip this time.

“Nothing interesting, My Lord. I'm just an ordinary orphan girl.”

“Although once you are very brave decided to return to Alder. It is better to delay it until the situation is safe.” Lord Berham examined Emune's face. What a pretty girl. There is something different about him, thought Lord Berham.

“Ronald hasn't told you his next plan.”

“You can stay here while you consider where to go after this. Is there any place you want to go besides Alder?” tanay the noble is kind.

“I really want to get around Amartea, especially Eimersun. The land of the sun. Is it as beautiful as people's stories?” Emune's eyes are like a light because they are full of shadows of the beauty of Eimersun.

“Indah. No winter will freeze you. You can catch up with Arrand,” Lord Berham suggested.

“That's an amazing idea, My lord.” Emune cleared his throat. “But I only trouble Arrand,” he said sadly.

“Of course not. Arrand took care of so many people for decades. You're not gonna make him tired.” Lord Berham smiled. “Emune, where did you learn noble manners?”

“I have a good friend in Ulrych who teaches me many things. He was a learned man and always stuffed me with all kinds of stories and knowledge.”

“Very good.”

Lord Berham watched Emune from earlier. Lord Berham seemed to have seen it but when and where he himself could not remember. Her way of talking, walking and behaving is not like most village girls. There's something interesting about this girl. The story of his dead parents and his desire to return to Alder sounds mediocre, as if it were not a glowing part of him.

“So I met a ghost. Sorry, I didn't mean to say this castle is haunted but he looks very real.”

“What did you say?” Lord Berham came to his senses from his thoughts about Emune who he thought was different from the other girls. “Ghost? Here it is haunted.”

“Ah, even in the afternoon?” ask Emune in amazement.

“Even in the afternoon. What ghost are you calling?”

“I didn't call him. The ghost of the little girl just now suddenly appeared and helped me who was lost. Humans can call ghosts?” Emune was a little confused.

“The strong desire of humans can attract ghosts but ghosts that come are not necessarily ghosts that he wants. What ghost do you want to meet?”

“Voispir,” reply Emune.

“Fiona says that Voispir will tell a person's history. I want to know about my late mother.”

“Voispir is a very powerful ghost. To hear the story, you will be made to lose consciousness. If you don't wake up soon, you could die. You must miss your mother a lot.” Lord Berham never met directly with Voispir but a friend of his once almost died because of interest in the power of Voispir.

“I never saw it. My mother died when I was only a few days old. I want to know.”

“I'm very sorry. If that's really important to you, just hope Voispir comes to you.”

“Is Voispir really on this backyard?” ask Emune. He wants to make sure Fiona doesn't work on him.

“Wait for tonight. It can appear next to you anytime.”

“Really?”

“True. Remember Emune, only happiness and hope can stop Voispir from snatching your consciousness for good.”

“Te-thank you, Milord,”

“Well, looks like dinner is about to start. There's something I have to do.” Lord Berham stood up. “Tell Ronald that I'll see you later,” Lord Berham's message to Emune.

Emune bowed respectfully. “Good, My Lord."

Dinner was turned into a dance party with music and singing performed by the Howitt family. In addition to trading trinkets, they are also hired to entertain in transit cities. Everyone has fun ria.

The babies huddled in their mothers arms. Young children aged three to seven years play and dance. The adults drank beer and wine nonstop, including Ronald and Fiona. It was a very happy night in the castle.

Emune only drank honey water and a little apple cider made by Maddy. He could not stand the noise at the dinner table and pulled over under the tree. Sweet and slightly sour apple juice gives off a fresh aroma.

Emune stared at the clear sky with a row of stars. He wanted to enjoy it without being distracted by the light of the campfire so Emune moved away again, looking for a quieter, darker seat.

“Here is better,” says Emune.

At first he wanted to sit under a tree but he would not be content to stare at the sky in the shade of twigs and leaves so he chose a land that was quite airy without lush trees. He rolled up the cloth as a pedestal and lay staring at the beauty of the night. The stars are twinkling so far away but still clearly visible. Emune stuck his hands into space as if he was about to pluck a star. He clapped his hands happily even though his hands only caught the wind.

“You're there apparently, Emune. I went around looking for you,” scolded Fiona.

“Come lay here. Look at that sky. Quiet but shiny.”

“You must be fantasizing there are handsome young men flashing at you,” Fiona's tease.

“Hahaha there is nothing like that. Fiona, do you have a boyfriend?”

“Of course, my daggers,” replied Fiona.

“Not, I mean the young man you love.” Emune scowling.

“Nothing. Men are insensitive so no, I'm not interested in them. Maybe ten more years.”

“Ten years away? At that time the young men were married and had many children. You won't be part.” Emune sniggered slowly.

“Ha-ha-ha let it go. I'm gonna finish this commercial trip up to Imperia. After that I'll catch up with Arrand to Eimersun.”

“Really? What about Ronald and the troupe?”

“We have many employees and partners, losing one person will not be a big problem.”

“I want to go to Eimersun. Can I come with you?” ask Emune. A country with two seasons would be nice, he thought.

“Hai, what's with the plan to Alder?” ask Fiona wonder.

“I changed my mind. If I want to settle down in Alder, I should at least get around Artamea first. Seeing the world before living alone. What say?”

“That sounds good.”

Emune smiled. “Vast world full of adventures.”

Fiona sighed softly. “Enjoy only. You have plenty of time to craft your own life plan.”

“What worries me right now is my provision just for the trip to Alder. I have to work and collect money for travel expenses up to Eimersun.” Emune sighed heavily. He doesn't want to trouble anyone.

Fiona laughs. “Work? Emune, you're Arrand's foster son. All your needs are guaranteed so you take it easy. Arrand told me to take good care of you.”

“Really? Arrand didn't say anything about it,” picked up Emune.

“Uuum ... yes.”

“Arrand is good friends with Dad. More like a brother in my opinion.”

“So you're in the right hands. You will always be guarded.”

“I'm very grateful.”

“Do you want to sleep here? Dew will make you sick.”

“Come back to room only. Last night's dinner was delicious. I ate a lot until I got sleepy.”

The two returned to the castle. They sneak around ignoring the crowds of people partying in the backyard. At first glance Fiona can see Ronald and Anzei are fighting Panco at the dining table. He laughed amusedly.

Their room was already tidy when Emune and Fiona returned to the room. Emune lay in full clothes. He's very sleepy. He no longer remembers Fiona who was rooming with him. Voispir, I want to see you.

Unknowingly Emune was already asleep in such a deep and dark sleep.