Scene IV

Around twenty men pacing on their mount approached with limited torches to watch their way.

From the distance, their distinctive armour reflected the orange hues of the flames. And behind them, a new carriage, bigger and lavish followed their steps.

As they got closer, the awaiting trio noticed the distinctive heraldry of the House she had been married to.

The unique figure of an obscure Jazhara over a golden background... which in its sly tail held the crown's sceptre...

The emblem of the Myrkzver's Archduchy that had helped the rise of the current King's lineage to the Throne of these Lands almost five centuries ago... It currently advanced prominently in the dark, robbing the beam of the flames to lay in its dye... greedily for its glory.

The pair of men at the trope's head exchanged words once in the distance they found the sight of Ewelina and her two companions.

... Which was followed by the gesture of one of them with their head...

An order had been given.

Half of the men separated from the group. Taking the other path that led to this nameless village.

As they passed by, the men going in the other direction glanced at the sole woman they had come to retrieve. Who stood evidently unwell on demeanour.

Ewelina averted her eyes the moment she felt the gaze of the head of such a daunting group.

The pressure of a wild stare, even when unclear, instinctively caused the lowering of her crane... for the intimidating height and width of the Man infringed natural fear in the scrawny woman.

"The Night is dreary..."

She then listened to the other man in charge say, as he approached Ewelina's escorts.

"It appears we have arrived late. I am Sire Kir. A loyal server to the Myrkzver's heritage and Constable to the Spiked Axe of the Jazhara's Tail Guard..... Are you who have our Head's Wedded?"

Kir's proud introduction finished with a smug look at the only man who seemed armed.

With the judgemental stroll of his eyes, the tough man belittled the Baron's young guard, Gilead, and inquired wickedly at him, already aware of the answer.

"... We brought her as agreed... Where is the letter my Lordship was promised?"

"Not even a greeting, huh?... Here. Tell your Lordship he's invited to Our Illustrious Grace's fief... A Feast ought to be held."

"!" — The penetrating gaze of the knighted Kir met Ewelina's as his message was delivered.

Making sure her head was well covered by the thick cloak warming her, she discreetly averted her eyes by pulling the fabric. Ultimately turning, to see how the other half of the men began to disappear in the dark of the wild path they took.

"A'ight... Until later, miss." — Raising his brow as he inspected the received letter, Gilead turned to board the front seat of the carriage. Taking his duty for granted.

Giving no thought to the woman he carried there.

Swing. Thud. — The sound of a weapon was heard, arriving on the wooden carriage.

"!?!k–"

"It is: 'Her Illustrious Grace'. Unmannered brute. She is my Lord's Wife, not your worthless Barony's daughter anymore."

Kir's axe remained stuck on the carriage, promptly getting rid of the hint of red its edge managed to take from Gilead's ear.

"!! Kh! Cockered ole! What is this–?!"

The man had got off of his mount calmly, and took his spiked axe with ease, looming over Gilead that halted his retort at the wide imposing corpse of the knighted man.

"I demand due respect to my Lords, innate fool... Watch that mouth if you wish to continue listening to the waste it speaks."

Menacing in his stance, Kir teased the hand covering the injured ear with the pointy crown of his heavy weapon.

"k...."

With no desire to wait for a useless response from the threatened guard, Kir turned his back on him and bowed respectfully to the shocked woman witnessing his dangerous behaviour.

"My apologies, Your Illustrious Grace... We have arrived with delay and let you be in distasteful company. I am to serve you in this journey and take you safely to Your New Home at my Lord's Castle."

"....."

Bowing in response to his greeting, Ewelina quivered nervous and quiet.

".. May I ask, if it is not unbecoming... Is her Ladyship not in good condition?"

"I... I am alright..."

The Young Woman answered lightly in hast.

"..... Then... let us depart." — Unfolding his arm, the soft forest green of his eyes flashed after she followed his guide.

More words were told as he watched her steps... To no other than the man behind him.

"Don't act foolish, lad. It's no coincidence you didn't bleed much." — Kir mumbled as he walked away, stopping any intent from the injured guard.

Gilead had woken from the unpredicted occurrence and sought revenge, laying his hand on the grip of his sword at the bowing Sire before him.

"!!?...kh."

"Don't, Gilead..."

"!! Tsk! Don't touch me, Half Hands!"

However, the intent that was warned enraged the man further by easy humiliation. And was released at the coachman whose stump of a hand had wanted to restrain the Guard.

"..."

Ewelina glanced back, slightly concerned for she had never seen a situation like that where she lived.

Invited to board her new transportation, she hesitated although it was vastly different to the one the woman had mounted to this nameless townlet.

The hand offered to her, hurried Ewelina to leave her doubt, and closing her eyes, pained by the next hours that awaited her, she impulsed herself into it.

"I beg your patience and withstand the dark journey for a few more miles... A tent was prepared by a few men I left behind so her Ladyship could rest more comfortably even in these conditions." — Kir informed his newly attained Master, of their travel schedules.

"..." — From her seat, she observed the now proper man, eventually sliding her cloak down to nod at his sayings. — "...

thank you..."

".... It is my pleasure, Archduchess."

"..."

A brief reverence from the outside was conveyed with utmost regard in a gentlemanly voice.

Even within the bulky beard, the smirk of sincere appreciation was apparent by its movement.

The fleeting pleasantry ended as he straightened to adopt an authoritarian stance.

"..."

"Tch. Phtoo"

Gilead spit, as his countenance distorted in disagreeable expression. Kicking the innocent wheel of their carriage for a threatening warning came to the guard with the furtive gaze of the men preparing to go around on the way they came.

Turning decisively, then the prominent Sire ordered his men to begin their return.

"Hold onto the reins! We are going back... if any stays behind I won't give a damn for it's your guts that betrayed you!"

"Ai, Sire!!!"

Jumping skillfully on his mount the man took the reins and drove it to the head as a distinctive sound was done to incite the steed.

The other men followed, responding to the admirable knight's energy with a solemn yet loud tone, pushing the impetuous pace of the trained beasts to imitate their leader's, to heed the given order.

"Watch the gait! Our Master's Wife cannot ail further in this length! Not when under our guard!!!"

"Ai!!"

Warning the men of the care to take, the carriage began to move. And once more, Ewelina suffered the torment, only that this time a slight relief by the knight's thoughtful orders was granted.