Even though Ero said he would wait for her here, he hurried back to her just now. His quarters were somewhat distant from hers. He had brought his shirt there and freshened up briefly like her.
Only now, after the short sprint to her, they walked together to Marno's hut. She used to live there with her father. Now, this quarter had become her home.
Back then, after she found Marno, such a school was still unthinkable. After its founding, it ran very poorly. Although some of the farmers sent their boys to him, it was more to protect their own families from thieves. The King of Miro viewed everything with mixed feelings. He disliked seeing his people with weapons. Their survival was solely owed to the prospect of trained recruits for his army.
So they dragged on for the next three years. The odd job for the older students helped them through some periods.
They owed their rescue to a stupid coincidence and an arrogant boy.
Eleven years ago, the journey of the chief judge of Ylora took him through Miro. It was stormy, and the next accommodation was a long ride away, so this collection of small houses and the stable came in handy. He was accompanied by his youngest son.
Naturally, he inquired very precisely about the purpose of this place. His son, half asleep, made a few insulting remarks. A trait that took away the joy of teaching from some of his teachers. Only out of fear of Beldor's reputation did they stay there and struggle with the boy.
The fact that his father suddenly changed course and suggested that his son could stay here didn't please him. An aristocratic child among farmers, the boy could think of better things.
At that time, Alina still lived in Marno's house. She slept peacefully, and even the thunder couldn't wake her. But the sudden uproar did.
Beldor shouted at his son, and then at Marno, questioning his refusal. Marno loudly expressed his opinion on children and weapons, without fear of the man's office. And then Ero, who knew a few insulting words.
It didn't help even if she buried her head under the pillow. She just couldn't find peace to sleep.
So she trudged out, wearing only her nightgown.
"What's all the commotion about, old man?" she yawned long and deeply.
She briefly glanced at the well-dressed judge, then at Ero.
"I thought you would never teach such boys," she called out. Sleepily she wiped her eyes. "You said just the other day that you couldn't warm up to such rich boys who just aimlessly wave their swords around."
Hardly had she finished this sentence when a resounding slap struck her.
So hard that pain throbbed fiercely in her cheek and tears welled up in her eyes.
But Alina didn't want to cry. She was strong and knew how to punish her father with just one angry look. Which failed to have its effect on this charged night.
"Silence, daughter!" he growled, still looking at his guest. "This is the honorable Judge Beldor from Ylora."
"Who?"
Despite the blow, she remained at her father's side. She even pushed him a bit with effort to make room for herself on the bench next to him. And as soon as she had fought for her place, the well-dressed man called her over to him.
Of course, Alina didn't even consider obeying his command. Instead, she engaged in a staring contest with his son.
"Please excuse her ignorance; she is still a stupid child without manners. I will teach her later how to behave in the presence of a noble gentleman."
At that time, it seemed unusual to Alina that her father would bow to someone. Moreover, his words before were stronger, and she distinctly felt his grip, which pulled the girl protectively towards him.
"Is the girl your daughter?" he inquired. "I heard about this school on the way. Someone even said you might be a good knight, but any woman would run away from you."
Alina could see one of her father's eyes twitch uncontrollably with anger.
Now he was the one who had to pull himself together.