Meeting him.
After walking for some time, they reached the stake barrier which surrounded the cave. Since it was a small settlement, the houses weren't so far from one another, and even their destination took only a few minutes to reach. They crossed the stake fence and she noticed at the cave entrance. Looking at the dark, gaping hole which stretched within, Roxanne couldn't help but recollect the experience she had when she first woke up within the cave and how she felt.
'That's not where we're headed to," Rita said, rousing Roxanne from her thoughts.
Roxanne turned to look at Rita and followed her as she took a turn around the cave entrance. Roxanne found clusters of rocks which resembled steps and observed how it led to the top of the entire structure.
'We'll be climbing here," Rita said.
Roxanne wasn't a big fan of hiking, so she wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea. A hesitant look appeared on her face as she stared at Rita.
'Come on, it's not hard at all. Trust me, just follow my lead" Rita smiled.
She started to climb the rocks slowly, aware that Roxanne was behind her and carefully selected where to place her feet on and balance her hands. Roxanne followed her example and imitated as she climbed the small mountain. It wasn't as difficult as she thought, so she increased her pace and gained more confidence with each climb.
'See? Not hard at all" Rita smiled.
Before long, they got to a point where they only needed to walk the slight slope. They could nearly see the top of the maintenance and kept venturing on. Finally, they reached the apex, as Rita got there first and supported Roxanne as she too climbed to the top.
'That was… Wow!" Roxanne exclaimed to Rita.
Rita's face did not have the usual smiling expression. She had a serious look and then tilted her head to her side, gesturing to Roxanne to look further behind her.
Roxanne looked beyond Rita and found out the reason for the change in mood. Two men stood, conversing with each other. She recognized one as Dax. His brown hair and casual outfit got spotted immediately. But, she didn't recognize the second one. That could only mean one thing… That man was none other than Asher!
Her face turned into a deep frown as her eyes narrowed and her teeth clenched just looking at his back. She couldn't see him properly since he was backing them, but she didn't need to. Her anger overturned and she couldn't control herself anymore.
Noticing this, Rita quickly held Roxanne and whispered with her usual soothing tone.
'Calm yourself Roxanne… Please…" Rita pleaded.
Looking at Rita's pleasing eyes, she slowly relaxed her tensed body and controlled herself. She gave Rita a smile and nodded calmly. Rita looked relieved to see this and together, they walked further to address the two men who spoke.
'Great Lord Asher, Lord Dax… We have arrived" Rita spoke in a formal tone as she bowed her head.
Roxanne didn't follow Rita's leads this time, even th