Chương 81: A Home for Agnes

A few days had passed since Agnes's parents died. The path ahead wound its way through low trees and thick undergrowth. Agnes walked with her gaze fixed on the ground. Her eyes were still red and swollen, worn raw from all the tears she had shed over the past few days. Ever since she had left the village, the pain had seemed to settle permanently inside her. Every now and then, a memory surfaced without warning: her mother's smile, her father's voice, the warmth of their home.

Each time it happened, she clenched her fists, trying to stop herself from crying again. Ethan, who was walking a few steps ahead of her, glanced back.

"Walk a little faster". Agnes blinked, as though she had just been pulled back to reality. She quickened her pace until she caught up with him, saying nothing. They had been walking for hours when Agnes finally broke the silence.

"Where are we going? And why don't you have a horse?"

"To a fairly large city", he replied without slowing down.

"We'll find someone there who's willing to adopt you. As for my horse…it died a few weeks ago during a bandit attack".

"I'm sorry…" Ethan didn't answer. Agnes watched him for a moment before speaking again.

"What if no one in that city wants to adopt me?"

"If you behave well and are polite, someone will. Don't worry". She pressed her lips together.

"You know, answering me so coldly doesn't make you look cool. Cut it out". If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Ethan slowed ever so slightly.

"I'm not trying to look…never mind. That's enough talking, little girl. Stay close to me. It's easy to get lost around here".

"My name is Agnes", she shot back.

"And I'm not a little girl. I'm twelve". Ethan sighed but said nothing. He simply kept walking. Felicity watched Leah as she practiced a series of thrusts and slashes through the air, her blade cutting through the wind with growing confidence.

"How am I doing?" Leah asked between breaths.

"Your movements are much smoother", Felicity replied.

"But you're still lacking precision". Leah smiled.

"So I'm becoming a good swordswoman, right?"

"You're almost mediocre". Leah laughed. Felicity continued watching her carefully for a few moments.

"There's one thing I didn't expect, though". Leah tilted her head slightly.

"What?"

"You adapted to the sword much faster than I anticipated. You spent a long time training with a staff. I thought it would take you longer before you felt comfortable with a blade". Leah couldn't hold back a grin.

"So I really am doing well. I'm a prodigy".

"Don't get carried away. You're just less terrible than I expected". Leah burst into laughter.

"Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment". She immediately resumed her training. Not far away, Xia sat on the riverbank with her feet submerged in the cold water. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and crimson. Her expression was calm, yet resolute. She closed her eyes and focused, trying to sense the presence of the next Legendary Sword. Ethan and Agnes walked through the city's streets. They stopped in front of a small house. Ethan knocked on the door.

A few moments later, a man in his forties opened it and looked at them curiously. From inside the house came the voices of several children running around and shouting at one another.

"Stop running! How many times do I have to tell you?" a woman yelled from another room. The man let out a quiet sigh, as though the scene had long since become part of his everyday life, then turned his attention back to Ethan and Agnes.

"Can I help you?" Ethan briefly explained Agnes's situation and why they were looking for a family willing to take her in. The man lowered his gaze to the girl. Genuine sympathy appeared on his face.

"I'm sorry". He slowly shook his head.

"My wife and I already have five children. We're not exactly well off and it's already hard enough to provide for them. I'd like to help you, but we simply can't afford it". Ethan nodded without pressing the matter.

"I understand. Thank you anyway". The man offered them a faint, bittersweet smile before slowly closing the door. For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

"Three families have already turned me down", Agnes said irritably.

"What's the point of even asking anymore?"

"They all had too many children", Ethan replied.

"Maybe they were afraid they wouldn't be able to provide for you. The next one will go better".

"Sure", she muttered skeptically. They continued walking, searching for the next door to knock on.