A MAZE OF GREED

After finishing the first day of her training at Mr Cooper's tailoring shop, Ruth stepped out of it along with her friend Thea. The weather was pleasant tonight. As usual, people were all around, for it was one of the busiest streets in the town.

"Thank you so much Thea. Without you I wouldn't have been able to made it." Ruth thanked her friend for the hundredth time in a day.

Thea was tired and annoyed listening to the same thing. "Stop it Ruth! How many times I have to tell you that it's fine. You deserved this job. I was going to quit any way."

"Yes. But are you sure that your parents and Rees don't mind your decision?"

"Of course, they don't. Why would they? I have worked hard to earn money all these years and after fulfilling our expenses I was able to save some amount which we will be using in my wedding. And Rees loves me so much that anything that is fine with me is also fine with him."

Ruth noticed how Thea's voice changed at the mention of her fiancee. She always had this excitement in her voice whenever she mentioned his name.

"Hmmm.... love huh?" Ruth teased as this was the first time that Thea had used this particular word with respect to her and Rees's relationship.

Thea's face turned red, a smile crept her lips. "Shut up, Ruth!"

"Why? Does our Thea miss her prince charming?" Ruth wiggled her brows just like Thea did at times and after watching her turn redder she burst out laughing.

Thea pushed her lightly with fake annoyance, but she couldn't hide the blush that crept up her neck. "Hey, what about I introduce you to Rees? I mentioned it before but then forgot. Now that your problem is settled why don't we plan a little meet up?" Thea suggested excitedly.

Ruth's smile fell a little as her insecurities pull out their heads above the surface. "Um... Do you think this is a good idea?" She asked nervously.

"Of course it is! Why? Don't you agree?" Thea narrowed her eyes at Ruth who avoided looking at her.

"What's the problem? Would you not like to meet the person with whom your friend is planning to spend rest of her life?" Thea stopped walking and looked at Ruth.

She was little hurt thinking the woman she considered as her friend and with whom she had grown up so close was not interested in her life.

Ruth realised what Thea misunderstood. Her eyes widened as she faced Thea. " No..No...! I didn't mean it that way, Thea. Of course I would love to meet the man who have stolen my friend's heart. It's just that..." She trailed off.

"It's just what?" Thea asked crossing her hands over her chest.

Ruth hesitated but said in a small voice. "I just don't think someone of his status would like to meet a poor girl like me."

Thea stared at Ruth thinking how much the woman was insecure about her life. She felt bad for her.

"Ruth, you are overthinking it. I also don't belong to higher social status neither I have money like Rees but still he loves me and we are going to marry soon. His upbringing is not like that. He doesn't judge people on the basis of so called social standards but on their capabilities and way of thinking. Do you think I would have agreed to marry him if he was the typical male of this town?"

Ruth listened to her friend but she was not yet completely convinced.

"I have already told him about you a lot and he is looking forward to meet you. He even asked if he could meet you this weekend." Thea said with a smile and Ruth knew that this was not something she had made up just to make her feel good. Rees must have asked her about this weekend.

"I am sorry Thea but this weekend I am busy. I have to complete Florence's dress. I have promised her." Ruth said with apologetic expressions.

"Oh, ok! May be next weekend?" Thea asked.

Ruth nodded her head with a smile feeling a little relieved. "Yes, sure. Next weekend it is!"

"So, what kind of dress Florence wants?" Thea asked.

Ruth shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I am yet to get the garment from her. I forgot to take it last night. I will get it after going back home and ask her what kind of dress she would-"

"Ruth, look!" Suddenly Thea screamed while her eyes went wide in fear.

Before Ruth could understand anything Thea pushed her to the other side of the road while jumping along with her. Both women went crashing on the ground with a cry.

A sound of horse neigh was heard as it came to halt. A crowd gathered around the two women who were sprawled on the road.

"Oh my god! Are you ok, Ruth?" Thea asked worriedly as she got up from the ground.

Ruth winced in pain because her elbows were scratched, drawing little blood out of the torn skin. She nodded her head lightly then whimpered in pain as she tried to stand up.

In the crowd of many people, only a man stepped forward to help the ladies. He first helped Thea to get up then extended his hand to Ruth.

Ruth looked at the man but kept her hand in his. He pulled her up and asked, "Are you ok, miss?"

"Yes. I am fine. Thank you!" Ruth said meekly.

Thea's angry stare directed at the horse that stood a few feet away from them. She was about to give the rider a piece of her mind when she noticed the emblem on his uniform. He was a guard of the O'Dell family.

The man sitting on a horse didn't show any kind of guilt or apologetic expression, his face was set in a proud mould. He ignored the women as if nothing had happened and scanned the crowd.

He then began, "This message is from Lord Augustus O'Dell to his people." He pulled out a scroll that was tucked at his waist. He opened it and began reading the message.

After hearing the name O'Dell every pair of the eye looked at the guard and every pair of ear strained to listen what their lord had to say. It was rare for the O'Dell family to send messages in this way. They usually inform people at the church or community hall of the town.

"Every resident of the town is getting informed that we are facing trouble for the last few months. As many of you are aware that four dead bodies are found in the woods in the last two months. Another dead body of a man has been found this morning in the same woods at the Northern boundary of Vincardine.

According to us, these deaths are not mere accidents as the dead bodies had marks of an animal attack."

A loud gasp escaped through many mouths while some had fear evident in their eyes.

"We request you to not panic and follow the rules to keep your and your family's life safe.

We request you to not roam around the town late in the night.

Keep your eyes and ears on alert.

Avoid using the paths passing through or near the woods and if it is unavoidable try not go alone.

We assure you that the O'Dell family and their soldiers are capable of protecting your life and you don't have to worry. We expect your cooperation.

Lord Augustus O'Dell"

The soldier rolled the scroll and put it again in his pocket.. After watching peoples' scared faces he rode off without uttering another word.