Miri was the first to notice her son. Her heart skipped a beat with excitement, causing her to lift off her chair. "Oh Ero!" she exclaimed delightedly. "What a handsome son I have!"
Alina's gaze turned to him. The gloomy thoughts faded, and for a moment she doubted if it was him in front of her. Her friend, whom she had known since childhood.
His simple clothing was gone. Instead, he was adorned in a garment that made him shine like a young nobleman. His hair had been trimmed, which Alina regretted. At his side, he wore a rapier for decoration.
She liked her Ero as he was, not this noble boy standing before her. At first, his steps led him to the guest. "It pleases me to see you again, Nala. I hope you had a pleasant journey." Next, he greeted his parents before standing behind his girlfriend.
Alina blinked in confusion, thinking she misheard. Nala. Few knew the name the Amazon queen had given to her daughter. Areal was one of them. She had remembered it and sometimes reported it to them. Did the woman know the honor her mother had bestowed upon her last child? After all, Beldor knew about it. Or did he keep the secret to avoid causing the woman even greater sorrow?
Ero lowered his lips to her ear. "I promised my mother to wear formal attire in company," he whispered to her. "If my best friend is willing to accompany me to death, I thought I'd give my mother one more joy."
Alina refrained from any biting comments and had to admit that Ero even excelled in that. He was a handsome lad who deserved an appropriate woman.
Together they engaged in lively conversation, gradually breaking off into a small group to leave the two older women alone.
Beldor insisted on hearing everything from Alina's mouth again. What Nerre said and did. Besides, he wanted to assess how serious the situation was himself. Both men of the house spoke to her, but nothing could deter Alina. Not when disobedience could cost her dearly.
No, she only had one choice. She had to bring Nerre this girl, or fail in the attempt. Alina couldn't sacrifice her father and so many innocent boys.
"Don't underestimate our students!" Ero said sternly. "They are good! In a fight, they can stand against an army. Believe in the students and fight alongside them!"
Nevertheless, many would fall, something Alina wanted to prevent. No innocent blood should be shed. Especially not for her!