After their rest, Erich’s soldiers packed up, putting us in the carriage to continue the journey. When they veered off the path to go up one of the mountains, I wondered not for the first time exactly where we were headed and exactly how long it would take to get there.
Leena remained quiet. From time to time looking at me questioningly. But, the only answer I could give her was a silent shake of my head and weak shrug of my shoulders. As the hours dragged into late evening, having stopped twice for a rest, I became more irritated and uncomfortable than I’d been in a long time.
For the most part, Erich remained in the front of the group only venturing back from time to time to check on those that lagged behind scouting for potential followers. Our eyes managed to meet when he faced my direction in passing. Taking his large frame in as he moved in sync with the horse beneath him reminded me of how close and in sync our bodies had once been.