“Rene, don’t forget about us when you leave the mountain!”
“And when you find your family, remember to visit us. If you strike it rich, make sure to send some fortune our way…”
In the secluded depths of the mountains, at the ancient Cloudspire Chapel, a group of lonely spirits, wild ghosts, and wandering beasts had gathered at the gates. With their sorrowful expressions and miserable appearances, they no longer seemed as fearsome as they once did.
Tears brimmed in Rene Capeland’s large, expressive eyes. Her vision blurred as her heart filled with sadness. “Everyone, go back! I will miss you all,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
After bidding farewell to the sorrowful assembly of spirits and beasts, Rene reached for her master’s weathered hand. Together, they began their descent down the mountain. Her master, Lionel Silva, a priest with a rugged beard and the Abbott of Cloudspire Chapel, had taken care of her since the day she was born.
Although Lionel was a kind and gentle man, he had never been particularly skilled at raising a child. His unrefined habits and pungent odor made him ill-suited for the task. Fortunately, Rene’s upbringing was left to the kind-hearted spirits and creatures that lived on the mountain. Born with the rare gift of spirit sight, Rene had forged a deep and lasting bond with these supernatural beings.
As they continued their journey, Rene’s heart grew heavier. Leaving the mountain filled her with sorrow, and her voice was filled with frustration as she asked, “Sir, do you no longer want me?”
Lionel glanced down at her, guilt clearly reflected in his eyes. “What a foolish thought,” he responded softly. “You are my cherished pupil. How could I ever bear to part with you?” He tenderly patted her head, the smoothness of her shaved scalp reminding him of his failure to tie her hair properly.
“Rene, it is your fate to leave the mountain,” Lionel continued, a mix of pride and sadness in his tone. “First, you are now three and a half years old. You’ve mastered everything I could teach you, even surpassing me in some areas. It’s time for you to graduate from your apprenticeship.”
Pausing for a moment, he added gravely, “Second, I have foreseen that the danger your family once faced has now passed. Your father and brothers are searching for you, eager to reunite. It is time for you to return to them.”
As Lionel spoke, he felt a subtle flush spread to his ears, his thoughts drifting towards a certain formidable woman he was keen to evade during his journey. Though Rene noticed his sudden change, she was left puzzled by his reaction.
Over the years, Lionel had told her the story of her tragic birth. On the day she was born, calamity struck her family. Her mother had died during childbirth. Her father, desperate to ensure her safety, placed her under Lionel’s protection. Now, it seemed that the time had come for her to return to her family.
As they journeyed through the moonlit night, Lionel and Rene eventually arrived at the foot of the mountain. In the distance, the headlights of an approaching car pierced the darkness. With her curiosity piqued, Rene turned to Lionel and posed her question, “Sir, is my family coming to pick me up?”
Lionel shook his head slightly. “No, but a woman will take you home,” he explained.
With that, he handed her a small bundle he had been carrying. “This is my parting gift to you,” he said, his tone gentle. “It’s something you’ve always wanted. Keep it close, and if you ever face difficulties, remember that you can always reach out to your fellow disciples. I wish you a smooth journey ahead.”
Before Rene could respond, Lionel stopped the approaching car and swiftly placed her inside the backseat. “Take care!” he called out as he closed the door and hurriedly disappeared into the shadows.
The driver of the car, accompanied by an elderly woman seated in the back, was left completely bewildered. Initially, they had believed they were stopping to assist a child in need. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the priest abandoned the girl without offering any explanation.
“Madam, what should we do?” the driver asked, clearly unsure of what had just happened.
Mallory White, the elderly passenger, looked at the little girl with a mix of worry and curiosity. The child appeared no older than three or four. Although she wore oversized, tattered clothes, her large, innocent eyes radiated a certain charm. Despite her ragged appearance, Mallory couldn’t help but feel a surge of affection for her.
Sensing the woman’s feelings, Rene tilted her head and spoke softly, “Madam, do you often feel a heavy sensation in your chest and have trouble sleeping at night?”
Mallory blinked in surprise at the child’s perceptive question. Hiding her discomfort, she smiled kindly. “How did you know that?” she asked, curious about the child’s insight.
With a calm and simple demeanor, Rene responded, “I just knew.” Reaching into her pouch, she retrieved a small black pill and offered it to Mallory. “Take this. It will help you feel better.”
Although Mallory had no intention of taking the pill, nonetheless accepted it with a gracious smile. She appreciated the child’s kindness and didn’t wish to refuse.
Rene’s clear, innocent gaze lingered on Mallory for a moment. Though she seemed to understand Mallory’s thoughts, the child said nothing further. Instead, she yawned, her small frame showing signs of fatigue.
Concerned for her well-being, Mallory gently asked, “Is your name Rene?”
Rene nodded.
“Do you know where you want to go?” Mallory continued. “Perhaps I could take you to the police station, and they can help find your family.”
Rene shook her head. Without hesitation, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a crumpled note. “Madam, could you please take me to the Potter family in Valebrook City?” she asked politely. Her master had meticulously prepared this for her.
Mallory accepted the note, her brow furrowing as she read the address. To her surprise, it was the very place they were headed.
“The Potter family in Valebrook?” Mallory’s brows knitted in thought as she accepted the note, her expression becoming increasingly intricate.
The address aligned precisely with their intended destination. Coincidentally, the lady of the Potter household was none other than Mallory's younger sister.
Mallory, fixing her gaze steadily on Rene, inquired with deliberate sincerity, "Rene, why are you headed to the Potter family?"
"I'm going home," Rene responded without a moment's pause. "Master said the Potter family is my true home. He told me to return and seek out my kin."
"You’re a Potter?" Mallory suddenly gasped, shock rippling across her face as she scrutinized Rene’s features, a burgeoning sense of recognition stirring within her.
Charlotte could scarcely contain the excitement surging through her as she pressed for more. "Rene, are you three and a half years old?"
Rene nodded, tilting her head curiously. "How do you know?"
Mallory's cheeks flushed with palpable excitement, though she chose not to answer directly. Instead, she asked again, "Are you a boy or a girl?"
"I’m a girl."
A girl three and a half years old!
Mallory's mind raced to thoughts of her younger sister, who had been frantically searching for her granddaughter. Her eyes misted over as the truth sank in—this child before her was, without a doubt, the long-lost granddaughter of the Potter family!
