This one is a kind of the story of her living as a normal person, not a cultivator. In a normal world where there are no power users, no magic, nothing of previous.
Just for today. :)
Kendra opened her eyes and remembered everything that happened. Her death, her rebirth, the filthy ditch... She felt her stomach churning and ate a bit of her bread before going to the nearby river to check the fish traps.
Luckily there were some and she happily was about to bring them to the city when a carriage passed her. A girl of her age looked ta her in desperation as it went inside the city. Kendra felt sudden pain inside her heart. Her eyes were the same as the children held in that bas.e.m.e.nt. Same desperation, the same wavering eyes.
She quickly entered the city and rushed after the carriage not letting go of the basket filled with fish. The guards were about to stop her when they saw fish in her hands. They thought she was a delivery boy so they just let it go.
Kendra was still weak so soon she lost strength and carriage went further and further away. She stopped to gather some strength when voice could be heard. ''Boy, are you selling those fishes?''
She turned her head and saw a fat man looking greedily at fishes. ''Yes, sir. But can you give me the information first? Whose carriage was that?''
The man pointed at the direction of the carriage disappeared. ''That is nobles carriage. At the end of the street, there is a huge house. Go there. Will you sell me fishes. I will give you a proper price for it.''
Having the information she nodded and opened her basket. Freshly caught fish still glistened on rising sunlight and some even still was alive.
The man rushed inside the house and brought out a huge bag filled with coins. ''Let's make a deal. I will buy off the fishes. When you catch next one you come to me. Deal?''
Kendra just nodded and rushed to the direction he pointe out as she held a bag filled with silver coins tightly in her fist. Suddenly she saw smoke rising to the sky. Her heart jumped as she saw people running out of the house in fear. ''Fire, fire, huge disaster!''
Kendra rushed in and saw a young girl standing there and shaking over her whole body. ''I killed him, I killed him...''
Her steps stocked as she saw the body of a man lying on the floor. She came closer to the girl and as strong as she could slapped her face.
The girl suddenly snapped out and looked at her in wonder while holding her cheek. ''Why...''
''Stopp being stupid. Put him on the chair as he was sitting and let's go. He is not dead, just unconscious. A d it's better for us if we leave this house now. Quickly!'' She grabbed the man and dragged him to nearby stool then slapped him as well and when he was about to wake up she held the girl's hand and run.
But as soon they were out the house started burning even stronger. They stood outside and saw everyone running away. Soldiers came and started gathering water and trowing on nearby houses so the spark doesn't jump over and burn the whole city.
Suddenly a screaming man enveloped in fire jumped out of the house and dropped dead as soon he was outside. Screams and sounds of puking could be heard everywhere while the two girls rushed out. More and more guards rushed inside and helped stop the fire.
Luckily the house burned to the ground and all it was left was just a few smoking walls. Kendra and the girl came back still holding hands and Kendra pointed at the house. ''Is their money vault?''
She was not stupid. If they don't take money, someone else will. The girl nodded. She pointed at the small opening on the floor and with Kendra's help, she opened it. Inside was a small heavy box.
Kendra opened the box and saw a bunch of gold coins, some jewels and a few pearls. ''Take these out and put the box back in. This is not the main treasury?''
The girl shook her head. ''This is something our mistress saved just in case something happened. She told me about it before she died. The main treasury is in the bas.e.m.e.nt.''
Kendra nodded and put everything in her basket, put a box inside and slowly walked to the market area. ''Come, we need to tell that to the main officer.''
After reporting the information the officers rushed again inside and found a hidden room filled with a few dozen huge chests filled with gold and jewels. When the officer came back he found two girls sitting near his office and sighed. ''For reporting this you two will get some reward. What do you want?''
Kendra smiled. ''A nice house on our own. Is it possible?''
He nodded. ''I will see what we have free. Come.''
Kendra looked at the girl and held her hand. ''Isaa, let's live together. I have no family and as it seems you as well. let's become sisters.''
Isaa looked at her in wonder. ''But you are a boy.''
Kendra sighed and rolled her yees. ''I wear boy clothes as protection from bad people. But I am a girl. So what do you say?''
Isaa accepted. ''Should I call you sister or brother then?''
''What about just calling me Kendra. Others do not matter what they think, hm?'' Kendra winked at her and the two girls laughed while officer Luar came out.
''You want your own house and not live in a house with others?'' He asked carefully.
''Yes, please. With a big garden. So we can plant some vegetables.'' Kendra still wanted to plant vegetables.
He nodded. ''I have one but I have no idea will you want it.'' He brought them to a small house near the wall with a huge garden filled with fruit trees and pointed at the door. ''Shortly here lived someone but they already left. They sold this house to me, but it's too small for my family. I will sell it to you for three big silver coins.''
''Wait.'' Kendra took the bag that the man gave her for fishes and opened it. Inside were three big silver coins and a bunch of small ones. ''I caught some fresh water fish in nearby streams and one of the cooks paid me good money for it.''
Officer Luar was surprised but knew how expensive that fish was currently so he nodded. ''Good. If you have more to sell, let me know.''
''I will. Can we make a deal today? I need to check the house and go buy a few things for u as well.'' Kendra was starting to make plans when she saw him shaking his head.
''The storage is full of food. There are new beddings and the clothes you find inside are prepared just for you two.'' He smiled mysteriously and gave them papers and keys.
Kendra rushed after him and looked curiously. ''What do you mean for the two of us?''
''Before you here lived famous seer and he predicted that two girls will come and live here and save the city from hunger in worst days. That was a year ago. Since then the house was ready. Actually, our city treasury was almost empty do the wars. No war was over but the money we lacked. Our City Lord is young and still needs to learn many things. With your help, the treasury will be full and this house is our gift to you.'' He smiled brightly at the two while putting the three coins into his pocket.
''Then why did you make us pay the three coins?'' Kendra found it quite funny.
Officer Luar smiled and patted the pocket. ''These? They are paid tax to the city. You don't have any more taxes until end of your days. Hehehehehe.'' He started laughing and turned around and left while his laughter filled the street.
''What a strange situation. Isaa lets see what they prepared.'' When they went inside beautiful house filled with all necessities. Huge storage filled with dried food to the brim and two sets of clothing waited for them. One for boys and one for girls.
Kendra was this time stunned. ''How did they know?''
Isaa smiled at her. ''We should not question seers powers.'' Suddenly a rumbling sound could be heard from her belly. ''Ugh. Hungry.''
Kendra nodded. ''Let's big sister make some food for you.''
Seeing full pantry she made few dishes and just when they were about to sit down a slight knock could be heard on the main gate. Kendra opened the door and saw young man in simple clothes smiling at her. ''I am a neighbor. May I ask you two for something to eat. Anything. Piece of old bread or old piece of meat. I am starving.'' He held his stomach that grumbled loudly.
She opened the door and invited him inside. ''Come eat with us. It is just simple stew but I hope you will like it.''
He entered and saw a small girl adding one more plate. He sat down on the table and Kendra took out pot filled with piping hot stew. When she filled her plate and Isaa hers he still sat there awkwardly while Kendra looked at him calmly. ''You are a grown-up man. Use your own arms to fill how much you can eat. And be careful, the stew is still hot.''
Listening to her words he filled clumsily his plate with stew and slowly ate it while blowing over and over again. He filled the plate three times and on end, his stomach protruded but he still wanted to eat more.
Kendra rolled her eyes. ''Stop eating or you will explode. Isaa, bring me one of the bowls. I will give him the leftover stew so he can eat it another time.''
Isaa quickly rushed inside and brought the bowl.
After he left Kendra shook her head while Isaa started laughing. ''Our young Lord is curious as it seems.''
''I think he thought if he wears simple clothes he would be considered a commoner. But his hair is shiny and nicely cut, his hands soft and white and his speech to literal to be considered a commoner. Never mind. If he thinks he hid well, then let him. I wonder what kind of thing will he ask me to do next time.'' Kendra went to wash the pots and plates while Isaa prepared hot water to take a bath.
While the two of them sat in a big barrel and washed together Isaa suddenly started shaking. ''Kendra I killed that man.''
She smirked. ''You didn't. He actually was awake when I dragged him to the chair. He opened eyes before we left. I think he went down in the hope to look for gold but was caught by fire. If he calmly left and came back for his gold he would have been still alive.''
Isaa sighed in relief. ''Oh, then I can finally sleep. I almost got in trouble today. After my family sold me, the mistress was good to me. But she died last night and he started selling off the maids. He left me for last as he wanted...''
Kendra hugged her. ''Nothing happened. You are safe. Let us live well from now on. Hm?''
The next few days Kendra used to go back to her spot and catch fishes but then got an idea. She went to the main office and found Officer Luar there. ''Officer Luar, you said I should tell you if I find fishes. But I thought about something. Why not making a pond with clear water and add fishes inside the city walls. In the case of war, it could be used as fresh food. Do you have such a place?''
He thought about it. ''I will talk to city Lord. That is indeed not a bad idea.''
Kendra could see that there are fewer and fewer fishes and only tiny ones left. If they capture small ones and let them grow and reproduce, wouldn't the city have always freshwater fish in case of siege?
She suddenly had so many ideas. Planting the walls with cabbage, every nock with corn. Any space is availible with vegetables. Drying it. Or buying grains... wait do they have city storage?
While she gave so many ideas at the same time Officer Luar just stared at her in wonder and started writing it on piece of paper. When she asked about city storage he sighed. ''We have not.''
Kendra rolled her eyes. ''Then make one. Quickly. You have now enough money to do that. And make one in cellars as well. One for everyone to see and to lead attention there and one that will store most of the food. There can be dry periods or flood periods. He has to think about every little possibility. Sigh. So many variables.''
She took a piece of paper and under his astonished eyes, she started writing all her ideas. Just when her hand was about to become numb she stopped and shook her arm. ''This is it. If he can't implement all these, then he should rethink about being city Lord. my honest opinion.''
She walked out after telling him where she saw the fishes and just went back home. Lying in the garden she could hear the sea outside and got an idea. ''Isaa, lets have fun by the sea. We can catch some fishes and dry them for winter. Or sell them. Or just let's go and have fun. We have enough money to live well for a few years. Our garden is too late to be made and in spring we can bring a few workers to dig out the earth and make a vegetable garden here.''
Isaa found that idea amazing. They went to the nearby beach but to many weird people were walking around so they walked for half a day and found the hidden grove. The water in the grove was calm and it held so many fishes that they could almost capture with their hands.
Kendra realized why so many fishes were there. In that, grove strange kind of moos was growing that fishes loved to nibble on. So she took pictures of moss and threw her trap inside. Not even moment slater bunch of fishes went inside making Isaa and Kendra explain in wonder.
Kendra suddenly had an idea. ''What if we try to dry some of these and dry them? We can turn it into powder and then we can add to some bread when we fish. If that works we might have a new way to earn more money.''
The rest of the day they spend by the beach. Ate fishes baked by fire and played in the water happily.
Next few days they didn't come back as they wanted to try new bait for fishes. And it worked amazingly. They found out as well that certain worms attracted them as well so they made secondary powder as well and when they mixed the two powders the fishes almost jumped outside water to get close to the bait.
Reporting to Officer Luar her idea he went quickly back to the young Lord and explained everything. She sold him the recipes for hundred big gold coins each, making Officer Luar break in a cold sweat and young Lord into laughter.
From then on they two girls became quiet and waited to see what he would do with their ideas. And he indeed improved many. He really went to capture the rest of the fish in small streams and transferred them to the clear water pound. Then he feeds them the new fish feed and they grew quite fast.
On the other hand, as the year was quite good. Grains and all kinds of food were cheap. So he secretly both off most of the grains from villagers directly and hid inside the castle. He even gathered so many seeds of different kinds of plants just in case.
Kendra, on the other hand, found cellar under the house and bought as many grains herself as she could find. As well as some chickens, rabbits she caught in the forest, she bought couple pigs and the two girls suddenly stopped walking out of the house.
It already fell when the city started to be under siege of people from another country. Young Lord asked all villagers to burn their houses and property as he will remake it all and come to the city. They all did that. All the food they could they brought with them. And as days passed the fall came, the winter came even the spring came but young city lord just watched them getting angrier and angrier.
Kendra had suddenly an idea. She went to the main office and met the officer Luar. ''I have an idea, I don't know tho will it work.''
''What is it?'' He was cautious.
''So far they used all kinds of things to throw at us. Why not make huge catapult and trow burning il on their sh.i.p.s. When they lose their sh.i.p.s they will get scared. Maybe that will make them retreat?'' Simple thing. Caledon Valley was semi-island and was from almost all sides surrounded by water. If they kill the way for those to back up, then it will be hard for them to survive.
the idea was quickly accepted and as soon they saw their sh.i.p.s being attacked and most those attackers rushed to save the rest of sh.i.p.s and left. Unfortunately, at that time, it was spring storm and they were caught in big waves and destroyed.
the word about Lord Cassian of Caledon Valley came to the old King and he invited him to the capital. Ther he set up his wild daughter with him and they got married.
What old King didn't know is that the two people fell in love in first moment and were exhilarated to be together. Coming home Lady Xara came as well in simple clothes went to bother two kids. After while they found the two children quite pleasing to the eyes and gave the offer to adopt them but girls rejected sternly.
Kendra started pacing in front fo the two young people as started berating them ..'' Unreasonable. You two are young. We are thanking for your offer, but we would be in trouble later on. Did you think bout that? Nobles will look down on us as we would be neither nobles neither commoners. Just unwanted. Commoners would think we leached on you. If you want to do something for us, then just make sure this is the safest place in this world. So we can grow up happily. One day to marry, have children and grow gray hair in satisfaction. Can you do that?''
The two young people had to accept even with heavy hearts. Soon after Lady Xara found out she was pregnant and slowly forgot the girls. The days and years became calm for everyone. Especially for the two girls. Until one day one man came looking for his child. She was kidnapped when she was younger and he found out she was seen the last time in the city.
Officer Luar saw some similarity with Kendra so he came to Kendra's house with him, but Kendra wildly rejected the man. ''Sir, I have no idea who you are, but are you my father or not, I am not leaving this place. This is my own home. I will stay here with my sister and live well.''
The man became angry. ''Nonsense. You have been arranged to mary into Xarim noble house with the third son of his family. You are now old enough. Don't make trouble.''
Kendra rose her eyebrows. ''So, then father, do you have other children?'' Not her brothers or sisters than just children.
''I have three daughters and a son from my second wife.'' He suddenly started becoming fl.u.s.tered. But you...'' He was topped by her waving hand.
''I am about eighteen now. That is the truth. Tell me what happened to my mother?'' She was really curious.
''She died after giving birth to you.'' He became even more fl.u.s.tered making her even more suspicious.
''And how old is my oldest sister?'' She looked ta him becoming pale. ''I can find that information easily if I asked about you. Isn't it better that you tell me? ''
''She is as well eighteen so what?'' He suddenly yelled.
Kendra smiled at him sweetly. ''That means that your oldest was born at the same time as I did or around the time. Did the mother found out about you and your mistress and got sick because of that and died as she gave birth to me with heart pain? You, better leave now. I am Kendra. This is Caledon City. If you want someone to marry that man give him your precious daughter.''
He started pacing. ''I wanted but that noble house wouldn't even consider and of my daughters. They were set up only having my real daughter as his daughter in law.''
She started laughing. ''Why real daughter. Didn't you marry the other woman?'' But saw him shaking his head.
''Your grandparents wanted to disown me if I even try so they are all... not legal children.'' He slumped his shoulders and rubbed his head. ''I really tried to find you. I spent so much money that we live on simple farm at the moment. That family threatened to take our farm away and that is the only thing left we have to survive. I don't ask you for anything, just talk to them. By our law, you can deny the engagement, but unfortunately only you can do that. Please.''
She knew he really told truth as she saw on his cloth resewn patches of cloth. She accepted. ''I will invite them here. I really do not wish to travel anywhere. So I will ask them to come here and meet me. Then we will see what will happen. I can't promise more than that.''
He slumped his shoulders and sat on his old horse again. ''Thank you. And sorry. Sorry I was unable to find you earlier.''
Kendra just nodded and saw both of them, man and horse slowly going away. She rushed inside the house and took out a money bag and fille dit with gold coins. She saw Occicer Luar still talking to Isaa and rushed. ''Can you please do me a favour. Tell him I don't hate him as I don't know him. But I want to thank him never give up. He should live properly form now. About grandparents? Since when does he need permission to marry. Just marry her and relax. But never come back and never ask for me. I can't accept him and his family as he brought death to my mother.'' She put the bag into Officer Luar's hands and he jumped quickly on his horse. At the end of the street he stopped the man and gave him the bag.
He turned his head and nodded. Finally, a small smile appeared on his face. He mouthed silent Thank you and left. Not turning again.
Isaa came to her side. ''Sister, what will you do?''
She pocked her face and laughed. ''If I like him, I will marry him. That is fine as well. What should I do? Look at you and Cian and hold candle for the two of you? You are about to get married and will be alone. And do not even try to say to live with the two of you. No way. Too much sweetness.''
Isaa met few years ago a boy with flaming red hair and the two of them always argued. But while ago they realized that they love each other and wedding plans were made. In couple more weeks Isaa will mary him and Kendra planned to give them that house as a gift and by her self a farm outside the city.
A few days later long lien of people came to the city with all the guards that almost all feared it as another siege. Kendra just baked a cake when she heard the knocking on the door. Isaa was outside with Cian so she thought they came back. ''Enter! My hands are full so I can't open up.''
She was full of flour and as the cake came out the oven she heard steps approaching. When she turned her head she saw two most beautiful men she ever saw in her life. ''Who are you?''
They saw a beautiful young woman with long silvery hair and few specs of the flour on her cheeks staring at them with her big doe eyes and blinking cutely. They looked at each other and simultaneously yelled. ''Mine!''
Her face suddenly turned black. ''You two, out!!! I hate dirty stuff the most, especially in the kitchen...Look what you did! Clean it up now!''
Her yells reverberated trough the whole street making all the guards and servants fl.u.s.tered. A woman in a carriage pursed her lips and chuckled. ''Good child. I like her already. Those two will be set straight. Finally.''
''Wife, should we tell her that third son is twin brothers that can't live apart? If they are not together they will die? How can we tell her that?'' He sighed and rubbed his temples.
''I guess she realized it herself. Trust me. That child is not dumb.'' She chuckled while remembering a few years ago coming to the city and seeing a young boy helping the city in many small things. ''Lady and Lord of Caledon Valley really knew who to tell about her at that time. They were lucky to have her for a while. Now its time we can have her.''
He nodded. ''Yes. But how can our poor palace handle two dragons?''
She narrowed her eyes. ''Who are you calling a dragon?'' Soon another set of yells could be heard while Kendra pursed her lips and almost started laughing. Her mother in law seemingly is the same as she is.
These two young men were way too similar. One dark one light. But both of them always arguing but at the same time cautious around each other. Twins. So the third son can be handled only by someone like her. She rolled her eyes. At least they are cute. And obedient...
With a smile, she put a big pot on the fire and ordered. ''The two of you bring your parents in. I will cook a big lunch today. Tell your servants to go to shadows in garden as the sun is too hard today. There is a freshwater well in the corner they can drink some water until I am done with food. Hurry.'' The carriages stay outside!!!''
''Yes!'' They happily answered and rushed to the carriage.
Seeing their happy expression the two people looked at each other with a smile and came out.
When they entered the kitchen the Lady Xarim rose her sleeves and asked. ''How can I help you?''
Kendra glanced at her with a big shiny smile instantly stunning the whole family and pointed at the chair. ''You can sit down. Men need to work now. Bring me water, firewood and help me prepare the bread.''
She started giving orders and when she saw few servants trying to help them she yelled. ''Stop! back in the shadows or I promise you will be punished and I am not a very kind person.''
they quickly rushed back to their places while looking at how two pampered sons rushed to bring water and prepare a meal for everyone in wonder. She didn't want to make it complicated.
''Mother, could you please go to the storage and bring me a few noodle packages in the paper. It's predone so we can just cook it add some sauce and we all can have some food.'' At the same time, she started frying onion, garlic some seasoning and added bunch minced meat. After frying it well she added some tomato sauce and starch. Adding more seasonings and just let it slowly simmer on almost dead fire.
On another hand, two pots of water were already boiling on strong fire. She put some salt inside and started cooking the noodles. In wonder, the four people saw her adding the noodles and cooking them soft and then justs chopping it out washing slightly in cold water and putting in a bunch of plates.
''Father. Could you please tell servants to make a straight line and come for food.'' She softly looked at the man that had strange dark red hair and almost red eyes. He nodded and with a deep voice called them.
As servants shyly stood there she smiled at them. ''This is, of course, the only time I will cook for you as you did a good job and brought them to me safely. Now one by one come and take the food.''
As she filled the plates and gave away the amount came less and less and on end, nothing was left.
the four people suddenly felt sad while she laughed. ''Two of you being me more noodles and sauce can be done as fast as noodles so we can eat them together. ''
She prepared plates and made sauce and noodles but looking at the two big men in front of her she made a full pot of it and she was right. ''They indeed can eat a lot...''
With curiosity, she saw the two men shoveling the food into them like there is no tomorrow. It made her happy. They like the food she prepared.
She turned her eyes towards their mother and smiled. ''I accept. People that can eat so passionately might as well love me just the way I am. I hope that will be enough.''
With big smile, the woman whispered in her ears. ''Their father is passionate. They are his sons.''
Kendra for the fist time started seriously laughing and as her soft voice resounded trough the whole city the two men looked at each other and at the same time voice. ''Mine!''