As Sterling was about to show Faye to the stables, He saw Merrick appear on the border of the Hallan woods. He felt a sense of relief at seeing him. Merrick was a master of controlling rowdy crowds and calming them.
Merrick's steely gaze met the Dukes, and he nodded at Sterling, already knowing what was expected.
The Duke took off his cloak and draped it over Faye's tattered body. He clasped her hand in his and confidently guided her towards the stables, knowing that Merrick would have the crowd under control soon.
The Duke understood his wife's determination and knew she wouldn't stop until she ensured the safety of the boy.
The stables, a colossal wooden structure, stretched out in a continuous row. Faye wrinkled her nose as the pungent blend of manure and fragrant hay assaulted her senses.
Drawing closer, the lively symphony of youthful voices intermingled with the rhythmic snorts and gentle nickers of the horses in their stalls.
