Both girls approached the resting place. Quietly, they watched the boy disappear, leaving only a hint in the form of fresh tracks from his fiery animal on the path behind him.
A summer breeze rustled through leaves and needles around them. Beside them, a robin hopped through a bush, plucking small berries. Only when Arela broke the silence did its small wings carry it back into the protective forest.
"What's gotten into them?" Arela shrugged.
"Perhaps he can't wait to tell his father how crazy his desired daughter-in-law has become," Alina replied.
Arela looked at the other questioningly, but Alina didn't answer. She simply shook her head, indicating not to inquire further.
The carriage horses started moving, pulling their load up the final hill. Alina sat on the driver's seat, peering past Arela to survey the entire estate. It was a breathtaking sight, even she couldn't resist.
For a moment, Alina was tempted to contemplate the advantages of marriage.
She could call this vast estate her home. Beldor and Miri were always pleased whenever visitors arrived. Not to mention the wonderful balls and dresses. A life akin to that of a princess.
But as quickly as the thought came, Alina shook it off.
If she were to survive this adventure, Marno and the school would be waiting for her. That was her home, which she cherished deeply. Even though such a life held temptation, she wholeheartedly wished to continue with the school. After all, it entailed a simple existence dedicated to the sword.
They passed through the gate, which always remained open for potential guests. Who would be crazy enough to wander in there? Armed men patrolled the courtyard, some of whom raised their hands in greeting to Alina.
Only a few of the faces were familiar to her. After all, some boys passed through the academy gates. Some she remembered from her childhood, but as they aged, the features of the boys blurred.
"Oh, I'm such a fool!" Arela exclaimed, jumping off the carriage. "We've had visitors today. I wanted to tell Ero."
The girl gestured past Falira, trotting across the courtyard.
Metal crafted with noble elegance provided a foundation for the dark wood of a carriage. Its interior remained hidden from view, a curtain blocking the view inside the door.
Who could this mysterious visitor with the elegant coat of arms be? Alina wondered.
Arela caught Falira gently. The large woman stroked the horse's neck.
"Visitors from Saron," the girl explained. "A truly nice woman."
"Dorther also had a visitor a few days ago," Alina grimaced. "A blonde fury."
"Oh," Arela responded tonelessly. "You must mean Nerre." No response was necessary; silence conveyed enough. "And just when Beldor invited her mother. Don't pay attention to her daughter's behavior. The lady has a pleasant character. I think you'll like her."
Alina bit her lip. She never felt the need to meet anyone from that family. Especially not this woman. The stories she heard were enough for her.
"Nice," she judged with a voice strengthened by contempt. "Especially since it's widely known the eldest daughter fled to the Amazon village to escape an arranged marriage with King Teron."
"Alina, you disappoint me!" Arela rebuked her. "Especially you shouldn't speak such words. After all, the gossip of the rabble is already pushing you into Ero's bed. Besides, I thought you didn't believe in the Amazons and their legend."
The girl shrugged.
It was true, yet not entirely. Alina didn't want to admit that the legends held a certain allure for her. That's why she secretly listened to them whenever stories were told in the tavern or around the campfire at her school. Always away from soldiers or people who would have landed them in jail for it.
The legend of the Amazons could only be told in homage to the kings. No glorification of the fallen rebels.
She, too, got off the carriage.
"Go inside, I'll take care of the horses," Arela instructed. The girl turned to the animals. "You must be thirsty after the long journey."
Alina knew both horses were in caring hands with her. There was no one in Beldor's stables she trusted more.
With hesitant steps, Alina approached the door.
Why? What... is this? Be quiet! Alina didn't understand why her heart fluttered with excitement. She swallowed hard.
Is the reason the unknown woman?
No, Alina couldn't allow that. This woman was a monster, no matter what Arela said. Someone who forced her own daughter into marriage against her will with a man like King Teron deserved only contempt.
The servants opened the large portal for Alina.
Her steps inside were firmer than just moments before, but they brought her to a halt a moment later.
The salon took on vast proportions.
Two stone staircases swept upward in a wide arc. They divided the house into a west and east side. The front facade flooded with light provided ample light during the day. In the morning, the sculptures and vases sparkled in the first rays of light. One could believe that fairies had left behind traces of play and dance in this place. That's how Alina explained this effect to herself in her childhood.
In the evening hours, thousands of candles were lit.
The center of this room was dominated by a large portrait on the wall between the two staircases. One couldn't pass through without looking at it. A final work that showed the family together.
Ero was still very young in it. It was only shortly after their first meeting in that rainy night. He learned about the death of his oldest brother very late.
This picture now hung accusingly above her. She shouldn't leave Ero here. He had no business being here. She didn't want to be the reason the family lost another of their sons so early. Miri and Beldor didn't deserve that.
Alina tore herself away from the artwork. She took a step onto the first staircase when her name was called from below and to the right.
"What are you doing here?" Confusion reflected in her expression. "Is Ero with you? Oh, I'm such a silly goose, nothing can separate you two. How is your father? Is the school going well? Are you staying long?"
A hail of questions descended on Alina. She didn't even have a chance to evade before the woman's arms were around her neck.
It was Miri, what Alina understood as a typical wealthy woman. Her hairstyle always had to be perfect. Not a hair could be out of place. If rain or wind came, it could become a nightmare for her. Just like objects or smells outside her class. She only went to the stable when her husband forced her to.
She loved the security and cleanliness of her home. Outside, she was chauffeured and never sat on the back of a horse. Her belongings clearly spoke of their expense and always fit perfectly.
At 62, her hair had turned gray, something she only let her closest friends and family know. For social occasions or visits to the city, she had a selection of wigs.
"Hello, Miri." Alina pushed the woman away.
With just one glance, the older woman could see how the girl stood before her. Her nose wrinkled at the sight, and she plucked a leaf from the girl's golden hair.
Miri had the stern gaze of a governess. She didn't tolerate a slouching posture or the neglectful behavior of her men. If a gesture, tone, or sound wasn't to her liking, she even scolded her husband sternly.
Both daughters-in-law, born into noble families, would occasionally utter some nasty words about the woman. However, Alina liked her.
For her, Miri was the first and only motherly figure she experienced.
"We were just in the area," Alina lied. "Ero was homesick for his family, so we came by."
"If Ero longed for his family, he would be here more often instead of among all those bumpkins." Miri tugged at Alina's hair and the dress crumpled and dusty from the long journey. The heat left a trail of sweat across her body.
"Child, how do you look?" Again, Miri wrinkled her small nose. "Your father should take better care of you. Isn't his goal to marry his daughter into a good marriage? You deserve so much more. Not to lie in dust and dirt. You children worry me so."
The older woman didn't mean to imply that Alina should keep her hands off Ero and find another man where she could knit and embroider. Rather, it expressed the desire for the girl to behave like a proper young lady.
Wearing pretty doll dresses far removed from robbers and swords. Exactly as she wished for the life of her future daughter-in-law. Regardless of whether it fit that image.
Miri raised her hand as a sign, and her servants approached.
"I was in the city," Miri reported. "There, I saw a charming dress. You'll look gorgeous in it! Also, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine."
Alina didn't even have a chance to protest. The women dragged her upstairs into one of the dressing rooms.
"Have mercy!" she exclaimed, more laughing than pleading. An observer might have interpreted it as Alina enjoying being pushed around by the women and the later procedure. If Alina were confronted with it, she would vehemently deny it. She didn't see herself as a doll that could be dressed up prettily.
And yet she allowed it to happen without resistance.