Chapter 119: prove thy worth

Chapter 119: prove thy worth


Cara’s POV

“Welcome to the community.”

The leader of the group, a man with graying hair and a voice that held quiet authority, announced these words with a smile that softened his otherwise rugged features. His name, as he later introduced, was Martin.

“Community?, desserter?” My confused gaze collided with his shiny eyes. It was subtle, and it would have meant anything, but He nodded. Confirming my suspicions.

I blinked in disbelief, his words echoing in my head. The community? My heart raced as realization struck, I’d finally found them. Or rather, they had found me. The Cupbearers.

I felt like crying or shouting. At least do something that I have not done in a week now, but I could find the strength to do any of them.

The journey here had been grueling and filled with uncertainty and danger. Every step through the forest had been weighed down by doubts, fears, and the constant feeling of being watched, coupled with my dangerous encounter in the forest with the werewolf psychopaths. But now, as Martin led me through their small, enchanted society, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me.

I marveled at the sight around me. This place was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Hidden beneath a canopy of towering trees and shimmering with a faint magical glow, the Cupbearer settlement was a haven of tranquility. Small homes carved out of wood and stone lined narrow pathways, their windows glowing warmly against the night. People moved about with purpose, their expressions calm and content. Children played near a sparkling stream that wound its way through the settlement. It stretched till my eyes could reach. The more I looked at the stream, the more I felt something was special about the water, but I held my tongue. Focusing on observing the children with their laughter ringing out like music.

“These are your people,” Martin said, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. “You belong here, deserter.”

Belong. The word felt foreign to me, almost too good to be true. For as long as I could remember, I’d been an outsider, a stray trying to find her place in a world that seemed determined to reject her. But here, among the Cupbearers, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years, hope. 

My name is Cara, I wondered to myself, what does deserter mean?. But as I wanted to raise the matter, Martin made a call, like a command, signaling his teammates, and in no time, we were alone.

“Follow me,” he said.

As we walked, Martin began to explain the structure of their society.

“The Cupbearers are divided into three groups,” he said, his tone patient and matter-of-fact. “The majority are the normal Cupbearers, like the ones you see living peacefully here. They are gifted, but their powers are not designed for battle.”

I nodded, taking in the serene faces of those around me. They were gentle, like any sign of violence could break them. Seeing them reminded me of Debby with her chastima and gentle appearance, but seeing her ripping through a man's throat, I grew weary of my surroundings. I began to wonder if these kind gentle souls were hiding a vicious side of their personality.

“Then there are the Half-Blood Cupbearers,” Martin's voice intruded on my thoughts. “They are fewer in number but vital to our survival. They possess strong battle instincts and often serve as commanders in our defense forces.”

“And the third group?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Martin’s expression grew serious. “The third group is unique. They are the True-Bloods, Cupbearers born with the purest form of our powers. They are rare, and their abilities are unparalleled.”

“Do you have any True-Bloods here?” I asked, my heart racing at the thought.

“Only one,” Martin replied, his voice filled with respect. “Our leader, Julia. But even she is not a Pureblood.”

Debbys words repeated in my ears like a whisper of a ghost. “You are a pureblood”.

I blinked at him, confused by his words. “What’s the difference between a True-Blood and a Pureblood?”

Martin smiled faintly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “A Pureblood Cupbearer is a myth, a legend. None have existed for centuries. Julia, as a True-Blood, is the closest we’ve come to that level of power. She is our guiding light, our protector.”

His reverence for this Julia was clear, and I felt a pang of nervousness at the thought of meeting her. Would she welcome me? Would she see me as one of them, or as an outsider who didn’t belong?

Martin’s voice softened as he continued. “You’ll meet her soon. She’ll want to see you.”

I nodded nervously, looking around as we passed somany structures and shops. It was just like a typical street in any random pack. The people stopped to stare, having a look of jot like they were expecting a show or something. I turned to Martin, but either he didn't want to talk about it, or it didn't matter. I choose the latter. ‘It didn't matter’.

He led me toward the center of the settlement, where a grand structure loomed. It was unlike the humble homes I’d seen earlier. This building was massive, with intricate carvings etched into its stone walls and vines spiraling around its towering columns. The air around it seemed to hum with energy, as if the very building was alive. I felt the same ripple of energy I had felt when their village appeared in the forest. “What is this place”

“This is our central hall,” Martin said, his voice tinged with pride. “It’s where we gather to make decisions, hold ceremonies, and protect our most valuable treasures, and most likely, we have our identity tested here.”

I followed him inside, leaving the ripple envelope me. my steps faltered as I took in the sight before me. It was like I had stepped into a new world. The interior was breathtaking. The walls were lined with banners bearing intricate symbols, and the ceiling was adorned with a mural that seemed to depict the history of the Cupbearers. Warriors with metal Armor stood at attention along the walls, their presence radiating an aura of strength and discipline.

“This place is beautiful” I said, but only to not see Martin. I turned quickly but didn't see anybody.

‘Where the hell was Martin?’ or everybody else. I nervously backed away in fear. What was happening.

Immediately, the warriors stationed on the walls moved. Coming at me with his sword drawn. 

“Deserter , prove thy worth!”

My head blanked out.