SECRET BEYOND THE HILLS

In the serene village of Winchester, home to more than a thousand peace-loving inhabitants, nestled between mountains in the north and expansive grasslands to the south, lived three enchanting sisters—renee , aged nineteen; mora, twenty; and kate, the eldest at twenty one. Their azure eyes sparkled with a natural brilliance, complementing their alabaster skin and cascading, wavy hair. Mahogany brown adorned kate and mora, while renee 's locks displayed a darker golden brown.

Their picturesque village, surrounded by sparkling lakes and abundant fertile lands, provided a thriving livelihood for its residents throughout the year. Winchester was, in every scenic aspect, comparable to paradise—a place one would never wish to depart.

These sisters, however, carried a beauty that seemed to surpass the confines of their village. Orphaned at a young age, they were nurtured by their lively and petite Aunt Donna, who, content with her unmarried life, dedicated herself to raising the three girls into fine young ladies.

One fateful day, an unusual event unfolded in Winchester—a phenomenon occurring only once every century. Livestock perished overnight, crops withered, and swarms of insects ravaged the village, leaving destruction in their wake. The once pristine lake, the primary source of drinking water, turned muddy and murky. All of this transpired under the cloak of night, as the villagers peacefully slept.

Then came the drought.

Months passed, and with each day, the situation grew more dire. Rain refused to fall, lakes began to dry up, and the meager food stocks dwindled. In their desperate plight, a mysterious messenger arrived, bearing news that the old castle atop the hill in the neighboring village sought young housekeepers and male workers, aged between eighteen and twenty five. The enticing offer included a handsome salary, free board and lodging, and a substantial bonus of hundred gold coins for the first batch of qualified applicants.

kate, burdened by the responsibility to alleviate her family's suffering, decided to apply for the housekeeper position. The prospect of securing 100 gold coins to provide for her aunt and sisters fueled her determination. She couldn't idly stand by in the face of their hardships.

"I'm going to apply for the job as a housekeeper," kate announced to her siblings.

"I want to go with you, sister! I'll apply as a housekeeper too!" mora exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

kate shook her head. "No. I'll go alone. You have to stay here to take care of Aunt Donna and renee . The 100 gold coins can buy enough food for six months. By then, I'll have another salary coming, ensuring your monthly living allowance. I'll visit once a month," she explained.

renee , the silent observer, focused on her knitting—a shawl for Aunt Donna and one for kate. The modest wooden house, their only home, held no particular allure, yet it was the anchor of their existence.

"I'm going with you, sister, whether you like it or not!" mora declared, heading towards the bedroom.

"Where are you going!?" kate raised her brows.

"I'm going to start packing my things!" mora answered.

kate released a deep sigh. "I said you're not coming along with me! You stay here! Don't be stubborn!" she shouted at her sister's retreating figure.

"I'm old enough to decide for myself; I'll apply for that job!" mora insisted.

Aunt Donna, awakened by the siblings' commotion, inquired, "Girls, what are you arguing about?" mora pleaded with her aunt to allow her to join kate, expressing her desire for a meaningful pursuit beyond the village. Aunt Donna, aware of the hardship they faced, firmly refused, citing the potential return to farming when the weather improved.

Disappointed but respecting her aunt's decision, mora left the house. Aunt Donna, feeling the weight of their circumstances, couldn't help but contemplate the difficult choice she had made.

"Aunt, the wagon leaves tomorrow afternoon. You have to be there to send me away," kate said, a tinge of sadness in her voice.

Aunt Donna nodded. "Of course, we'll be there to send you off," she replied.

As kate packed for her journey, renee continued her silent contemplation, focusing on finishing the shawl—a token of love for her departing sister.

The next day, at the village entrance, several wagons lined up. One hundred young men and women, including kate, were hired. Each received a pouch containing 100 gold coins as an advance salary for six months. kate, beaming with relief, rushed to her family.

"Aunt, I'm leaving now. Here's my six-month salary. I'll come back here for a visit once a month," she said.

Aunt Donna hugged her niece tightly. "Take care of yourself, kate."

"Yes, I will, Aunt Donna," kate assured.

"Bye, sister! I'm going to miss you terribly!" renee wiped tears from her eyes.

kate hugged her youngest sister. "Thank you for this beautiful shawl, sister! I love it!" she said, grinning.

Turning to mora with a scowl, kate whispered, 'If my work condition is great, I'll ask Aunt to allow you to work with me there in the castle.'

mora's somber face brightened instantly. "Thanks, sister! I'll be looking forward to it," she said, hugging her elder sister with excitement in her eyes.

As the caravan departed, kate waved frantically at her family, who waved back with mixed emotions. The trio left behind—Aunt Donna, mora, and renee —felt a void in their hearts, the first time a family member had left.

That night, gathered around the dining table, they shared a simple meal of rice and salted eggs—kate's favorite. Uncomfortable silence enveloped them, accentuated by the vacant chair, a poignant reminder of kate's absence. They began to miss her deeply.

A few miles from Winchester, the caravan progressed smoothly, eventually stopping in a clearing surrounded by dense forests. By nightfall, Ricardo, the caravan leader, sent a message using a pigeon.

'Goodies are coming... hundred blossoming bodies and souls perfect for the celebration!'

The pigeon, bearing this ominous message, disappeared behind the towering mountains in the dead of night.