Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 227: Scene CCXXVII

Thankfully, no inconveniences were met in their path, although it was the night that became the woman’s hazard.

Almost two months of travel were they carried by their mounts to take the Archduchess to the Orteu’s lands. Discreetly hiding the purpose of their march and the noble they guarded as they moved even closer to Arbeumore, for Ewelina’s safety would be protected by keeping her departure from the palace as secretive as possible... while her nights reminded her many lives... luring her soul to craft some hope while recalling the many learnings.

Hence, as the feel of autumn could be felt on their skin, a day arrived when she could recognise their surroundings as if fresh memories. For at such forests and landscapes nicely decorated by nature’s orange and yellow, a small Ewelina had strolled by the hand of a young and beautiful mother, before this life’s destiny deprived such far freedom of a child with a mother’s death.

“... We are almost at the Orteu’s Castle, Ma’am.”

“Yes... I can tell this air’s taste and breeze... I thankfully could recognise it.”

“Master’s wife and Gilead’s previous Home is close?” — The child somehow concerned in her visage inquired, peeking at the Archduchess behind her as she rode their horse. — “Is Gilead sure???”

“Yes, in around two miles the castle should be visible.”

“That is correct.”

“... Gilead, Nu believes the steps should be careful...” — Seemingly secretive, the girl told with a strict whisper. — “Nu feels tremors in nature. Tremors are not usual here... Nu knows for almost none was felt in the travels here in the North.”

“Tremors? Don’t say nonsense kid.”

“Nu says no nonsense!” — Displeased the girl fumed to the guard who frowned at her sayings.

“... Do be careful as Nu says, Gilead.” — Ending their exchange, Ewelina then told the sceptic guard, concerned about the mentioned tremors for a sense of doubt must have alerted the girl to tell such belief. — “Tell the men to be alert. The Orteu’s household currently has no ruler, it may be a sign that an unwelcomed company came to these terrains.”

“It’s unthought of... Yet I will deliver the order, Ma’am.” — Turning his steed to the severity she transmitted, Gilead promptly acted upon Ewelina’s instructions.

The girl and woman watched him head to one of the men so word would be passed between the guards and knights while Nu’s innocent eyes remained on the Archduchess, who once confirmed the orders had been told looked forward, finding the brakian’s gaze intensely staring at her.

“What is the matter, sweet Nu? Is there something else you would like to convey?”

“No... Solely that Nu will protect Master’s wife.”

“... I truly appreciate Nu’s desire to protect myself. Yet even if danger presents itself before us, Nu shall protect herself first, understood?”

“Humm...”

“Understood?” 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

“... Aie!” — Delighted by the caress Ewelina gave her young cheek, the brakian mainglousse blushed, content to have dispersed the cloud of shivers her sayings had instilled within the Master.

Foretelling nonetheless an uncertain encounter.

With caution, the surroundings were scrutinized by her stare the more they advanced in the direction of the Orteu’s residence. Nothing out of the ordinary caught Ewelina’s attention as they travelled the path where little to no people would be found, for it was more into the lands that those who worked the land would usually appear.

Nevertheless, no soul could be found in the humble buildings they passed by, instilling further concern for not common it was for no one to roam as the day was in its plenty for those humble to work.

“... There is no soul here either.”

“...”

“Ma’am, was this what the kid referred to?” — Gilead the guard inquired to the Archduchess who at the stables of an unknown, the empty space where the horses would be, appeared forsaken. — “I am aware she has abilities yet I doubt she sees the future.”

“No... She does not see the future. Yet, she can sense the state of the nature surrounding her... Seeing how no one is around, that is what she felt was amiss...”

“... Could it be that they left for other lands? The Orteu have no people to inherit the house, hence the absence of everyone.”

“It could be... When it was my Mother and Father who ruled these terrains, people liked the life and work... I recall seeing some kind of loyalty and belonging to this place within them... yet such could have changed once both died and Cole took their place.” — Ewelina, letting go of the straw she had taken from the ground, told coldly to the man, displeased by the thought she let out while trying to conceal her worry.

Walking out from the building with the guard following her, the brakian mainglousse of eager mood perked up once noticing the two. Forgetting the frown while having to wait with the savage that never replied to any of her comments yet had managed to lose fear of.

“! Master’s wifeeeee!! Was there anyone insideee??!!”

“... Why is that kid always so happy and noisy...” — The man grumbled to himself, being heard by the woman who dedicated a resigned smile to the sight of the girl.

“She does not envision what the situation could entail... It is the innocence meshed with ignorance born from lack of experience that allows a child to be happier.”

Some ponder fell on the guard as he saw the Archduchess soften to the girl’s energy. Pacing tranquil until an inquiry demanded to be asked.

“... Are we to turn back, Ma’am? As it is... it looks as if the lands have been-“

“We will confirm such before turning back in our path.” — Without a will to listen to the implies the guard wanted to express, Ewelina interrupted with a harsh tone as they walked to the group that slowly was returning to meet after separating to investigate the barony’s surroundings. — “If it turns out everyone has fleed... then no need there is for us to stay. It solely means... my Mother’s house is the past.”

“... Ma’am, I am aware that you are not inclined to... yet, given the situation, perhaps it is the occasion for yourself to speak with the woman.”

“.....”

Halting her steps to Gilead’s sudden suggestion her heart seemingly dropped, for even if aware she had followed their march against her will, Ewelina had avoided crossing eyes and words with her. The hurt of treason had been greater for what she once believed was proven false, and now as she wanted to overcome even if temporarily the sorrow, her presence reminded it to her whenever the heart could not.