The journey back to the estate was slow and somber, thankfully the horses that lead the carriages didn't get injured or run away in the fight, being rather trained.
The adrenaline from the battle had worn out, leaving everyone exhausted and in pain from the various wounds they had suffered. Seraphina was one of the most injured amongst the group—having gotten injured a lot helping others.
Despite her injuries, she remained alert, her mind focused as the group of bandits may return to finish the job if they changed their mind. She tried to push aside the thoughts of the deaths from her mind, so many people died, and so many died because of her.
She didn't know how to feel about it, so she decided to not feel anything about it.
The carriages moved steadily through the night, the wheels creaking over the rough terrain and filling the deadly silent air. The remaining knight kept a vigilant watch, his eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of further trouble.
Seraphina leaned back against the carriage wall, holding her bandaged side as the pain from the wound ached.
Finally, they approached the estate, the familiar sight of the grand gates bringing a sense of relief to the weary group. The carriages came to a halt, and the knight went ahead to explain the situation.
The gate was opened and the carriages entered the compound, the gates closing behind them as they did. As they came to a stop, servants and knights quickly rushed to assist the injured.
Davian, the Duke, came bursting out from the entrance of the main house as he heard the news of what had happened. His expression was a mixture of concern and anger as he saw the state of the group.
His eyes widened as he took in Seraphina's bloodied and wounded appearance, and the group's overall condition. Clenching his teeth together he stepped down from the stairs and moved closer.
"Davanai, what happened?"
His voice was stern as he spoke, the worry and anger clear in his voice. He asked Davanai what happened rather than Seraphina because he was the oldest and he was the knight.
It was his task to protect his younger sister, yet this had happened.
Davanai stepped forward, his own exhaustion was evident but his demeanor remained firm and calm.
"Father, we were ambushed by bandits on the way back. They were unusually well-organized and skilled. Seraphina fought bravely, but we lost one of the knights."
Davian's expression grew even more serious as he looked over his daughter's injuries, seeing the deep gash in her flesh that would definitely take a long time to properly heal—leaving a scar.
"Seraphina, are you alright?"
His voice softened with concern as he moved closer to her.
"I'm fine, Father. Just a few cuts and bruises, 'tis but a scratch."
Seraphina replied with a slight chuckle—she was lying, but she had always wanted to say that.
Davian motioned for the servants to take Seraphina and the others inside for medical attention and then turned to Davanai.
"We'll discuss this further in my office. Davanai, join me. Everyone else, feel free to stay the night, and properly heal up. Seraphina stay in the main house for today."
After ensuring Seraphina was being attended to, Davian and Davanai made their way to the office. The tension in the air was palpable as they closed the door behind them.
"Davanai, tell me everything."
Davian said, his tone carried authority that could not be denied.
Davanai recounted the details of the ambush, describing the bandits' surprising level of skill and organization.
"Father, these weren't ordinary bandits. Their leader was a trained stage two knight, and they had multiple level one knights among them. They fought like a polished team, aside from the rags."
Davian's eyes narrowed as he listened, pondering the different possibilities.
"This is troubling. Bandits don't usually possess such coordination and strength, and we removed all the bandits nearby. Are you suggesting this could be the work of another noble family or perhaps a neighboring kingdom?"
"It's a possibility."
Davanai admitted that he did believe that possibility to be high.
"Given their training and numbers, it's hard to believe they were acting independently. Someone must be backing them; they were too bold."
Davian leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
"We need to investigate this further. We can't rule out the possibility of it being the Shinster Family. I'll send scouts to gather information and, in the meantime, increase the security around the estate and city. We can't afford to be caught off guard again."
"Understood, Father. I'll see to it immediately."
As they finished their discussion, a servant knocked on the door and entered, bowing respectfully.
"My Lord, Lady Seraphina is resting in one of the main rooms now. The healer says her injuries aren't life-threatening, but she needs rest and time to heal."
Davian nodded, a sense of relief washing over him.
"Thank you. Ensure she has everything she needs. And have the others settle down in the guest rooms for the night, we can't send them off until this matter is covered."
The servant bowed and left the room, leaving Davian and Davanai to their thoughts. The threat of the unknown group loomed over them, but they were determined to do what was needed for the family.
Later that same night, Davian visited Seraphina in her room. She was lying on her bed, bandaged but awake lost in thought. She looked up as he entered, about to rise up and greet him.
"Don't, stay lying."
He motioned as he moved closer and sat beside her on the bed.
"Father?"
She greeted softly with a confused tone.
"I'm glad you're safe, Seraphina. Davanai told me how you fought, you did good. You lived up to your name of Willow."
Seraphina lowered her head, the words of praise were nice—but she was still weak. She couldn't do enough, if she was stronger the knight wouldn't have died.
"I just did what I had to do. But those bandits... they were different."
"I know."
Davian replied.
"We're going to find out who they were and why they attacked; and crush them. In the meantime, focus on your recovery. You've done more than enough for today, rest, my dear."
Seraphina nodded, her eyes growing heavy with fatigue as she sat there.
"Thank you, Father."
As Davian left the room, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The events of the day had raised more questions than answers, and he knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges.
But the House of Willows would never fall.