The villa was surrounded by a deep forest. Not only to offer hunting as pastime to its guests. He referred to the chirping birds or the knocking of a woodpecker as the sound of the forest.
Beldor enjoyed being just a small human among so much grandeur. Here in the forest, he was only the infamous judge to a few insignificant robbers. Plants and animals didn't care about rumors or a person's status. And contrary to his reputation, he showed delight like a child at every encounter with a woodland creature.
Therefore, only a narrow path led to the estate. Some thieves took advantage of the proximity of the trees for their hideout, from where they could ambush the judge's carriages or those of his guests.
Beldor himself maintained many loyal guards, some trained by Marno. His guests, on the other hand, often didn't reach their destination without loss of gold.
Alina and Ero seemed like children of servants to some. Not a rewarding prey, and whoever attacked them soon felt the blades of both.
"It's nice to have a bodyguard," Arela laughed into the summer day. Everything around her testified to an unusual calmness.
The carriage rolled up fully loaded with the feed delivery in front of Alina's wagon. At irregular intervals, Ero rode ahead of them, or behind them, always keeping an eye on the forest and possible dangers.
The judge offered Arela his protection, which the girl rejected every time. If her size didn't intimidate, she helped with a few strikes of her staff.
It was readily accessible behind the driver's seat. The girl hadn't been taught how to handle it by her mother, who often fought with a spear or staff. Arela was still too young during her mother's last visit. Barely older than Alina, she could still cling to a few vague memories.
Judge Beldor had granted her lessons upon request.
The girl brushed one of her big, brown curls out of her face, her eyes darker than the wood of the pine trees, assessing the length of their journey. Despite her size, Arela had an unusually slender figure.
"If only Ero would protect me as dutifully," a sigh reached the other girl. The black mare fell back to Belena's leisurely pace.
"Alina, you don't need any help," Ero arrogantly blew. "Your greatest weapon is your body. A few provocative moves, a glance in tempting seduction, and every man obediently follows your command to start the evening with beer and wine. Ready for anything that follows. Or you distract them in another way, thus giving them the most beautiful journey into the next life." Ero sighed dreamily. "I really should have rushed to your side the other day."
"What happened?" Arela inquired of him. She was always curious about their new stories. It went unnoticed by her how anger surged within Alina.
"Not a word about it!" she silently instructed Ero. He shrugged before continuing.
"The fair maiden lost her last dress. She stood naked before her opponent."
His mare's steps halted, and Alina reached behind her.
"Truly unfortunate!" it escaped his lips in a sigh. During those words, he was right beside his friend, but shortly afterward, he fell behind.
Alina's fingers found the handle of a pan - it was the first thing her hand could grasp. Without much thought, her fingers closed tightly around it. Then she threw it high over the wagon, where it landed on the ground with a thud after the first and then a second impact.
The mare was usually a calm animal but now jumped forward, startled, nearly throwing her master off.
Alina hadn't aimed, but she surprisingly hit Ero quite well, as she first discerned from the scream mingling with that of the horse. Shortly afterward, the horse rushed past them uncontrollably.
Ero had to use all his skill to regain control of the mare.
She should have felt pity for the boy, after all, they had both lived in Marno's school for a long time. But she didn't. Alina burst into loud laughter, as did Arela.
"That's not funny!" Ero protested. The mare beneath him snorted restlessly, then followed her master's will, who pushed her back.
Both girls felt sorry for the faithful mare Falira, but not for her rider.
"I thought you'd be grateful to me for the dresses," said Ero. He brought the horse to a stop beside the pan and dismounted. His hand reached for it and lifted the thing into his view.
There was a large dent in it, which he would have to hammer out later.
"Or do you often express your gratitude with flying pans?"
Ero climbed back into Falira's saddle. With a quick pace, he caught up with Alina first, where he carelessly tossed the pan into the wagon.
"We're even now," Alina said in her enchanting laughter. His hand reached for the wound left on the back of his head. He could have it treated later at the estate.
Alina just didn't want to think about Miri's reaction. The boy was her greatest treasure.
"Hey!" protested Ero. "But I didn't throw a bathtub at you. I just wanted to wake you up. How can I help it if you slip in it?"
He was right, but still, Alina stuck her tongue out at him.
Arela's gaze turned interestedly toward them. She received no response.
"Come on, my dear," he called to the horse and ordered her to trot ahead. "We can bear the brat for the few steps to the estate."
He only stopped at the end of the hill. A few moments later, the mare broke into a gallop.
Alina knew he would seek out his father as soon as possible, yet she was surprised he left both girls so suddenly.