When the sun hung directly above their heads, they took a brief rest for their midday meal before continuing on their journey. It was evening when they stopped at a modest inn to eat again. Aria had already consumed two sticks of candied fruit earlier, so she hadn't eaten much for lunch. Now, however, hunger gnawed at her belly once more.
She finished the bowl of vegetable soup that Rayan handed her without protest. But when he attempted to serve her a second helping, her eyes widened, and she quickly snatched the bowl from his hands.
He's always trying to make me eat more. What does he think I am? The pig from the hill I lived on?
Aria shook her head in exasperation.
Rayan's lips twitched slightly at her expression, but he didn't press further. Famished himself, he turned his attention to his own dinner.
Meanwhile, Aria's gaze wandered to the window—or more precisely, to the bustling scene beyond the inn's dining hall.
The street was alive with throngs of people.
She watched them closely, curiosity lighting her eyes as they laughed and spoke amongst themselves.
Unlike Rayan and his companions, these people carried no sharp weapons.
Why do they carry weapons anyway? Why did they kill those men that day? And why were those men after me? Did I do something to them?
She still didn't know where Rayan was taking her.
Aria sighed softly to herself as she continued watching the crowd through the window. The scene brought a rare sense of peace.
That was why, when Rayan brought her to walk through that very same bustling street, excitement fluttered in her chest—though it was tempered by lingering nerves.
The memories of the attack still clung fresh to her mind. But as moments passed and no danger came, her fear began to wane.
Clutching Rayan's sleeve, she gazed at people shouting behind wooden counters.
Various items lay displayed upon them, and Aria soon found herself distracted by the variety.
Meanwhile, Rayan and Maxim conversed in hushed tones, speaking of matters of some import. The other knights had chosen to remain behind at the inn.
"We should reach Ludwig late tomorrow morning, just before noon. Shall I send word ahead to the castle, my lord?" Maxim asked.
"There is no need," Rayan replied.
It had been two long months since they had been away. No doubt, the people of Ludwig awaited their return eagerly. Yet Rayan chose not to announce their arrival.
Maxim had his questions but held them back.
Instead, Rayan asked the question that had weighed upon his heart since morning.
"Was all well in my absence?"
Maxim considered his answer for a moment before speaking. "It was. We faced some troubles, but what journey does not? Lady Aria wept much after parting with you."
A dull ache settled in Rayan's chest at the image of Aria's tear-streaked face, but he pushed the feeling down.
Maxim went on. "We managed to calm her. On the first night, Linus's wounds reopened from strain. The bleeding was fierce."
Rayan frowned at the news.
"But Lady Aria aided us. So all turned out well."
Rayan stilled momentarily. "Aided you?"
"Aye, my lord. She used her power to heal Linus. Stopped the bleeding."
Rayan's face remained calm, but Maxim noticed the slight shift in his expression—his colder eyes, the deeper crease of his brow.
Maxim's heart sank just a little. Still, he composed himself and continued. "Lady Aria's help was great indeed. She saved Linus's life. Had it not been for her, he would have passed that night, my lord. The wound was grave."
Relief crept across Maxim's face when he saw his master's frown ease.
"It was fortunate she was with us."
Rayan was silent for a beat before replying, "Indeed."
Encouraged, Maxim pressed on. "As you well know, our knights never mistreat those who aid them. They warmed to Lady Aria swiftly. Perhaps Ludwig, too, shall fare better soon."
Rayan said nothing.
Maxim observed him in silence.
He knew Rayan did not want others to learn of Aria's power, but he could not fathom why.
What is he thinking?
Indeed, Rayan wrestled with his thoughts.
So many clashed within his mind in a silent war.
He cast a look at Maxim, a man with more years and experience.
"It eases me to know Linus was saved. Ludwig is dear to me."
Maxim watched as his master finally began to open up. He listened without interruption.
"If I must give my life to save the my people, I would do so gladly."
A haunted look passed through Rayan's cold eyes as he recalled the plight of Ludwig in recent months.
The helplessness he had known—he would not bear it again.
He had done all within his power, yet his people had perished one by one.
So when an old hermit spoke of a possibility of witch who might save them, he had set off at once in search of her.
A complex emotion stirred in Rayan's eyes as he resolved to share his burden with Maxim.
"But Aria—"
"You either pay the coin, or I'll call the guards!"
A sudden uproar from across the street cut off Rayan's words.
Maxim shut his eyes briefly and pushed on, undeterred.
"But Aria what, my lord?"
But Rayan's expression had changed entirely. Panic seized his eyes as they darted about.
"Where is Aria?"