Chapter 9

The deepening twilight cast long shadows across the wet grass as Jerod rose, his gaze drawn upward. The baskets overflowing with foraged berries and fruits lay forgotten; his sullen expression mirrored the darkening sky. The swift turn of events was incomprehensible. Moments ago, they had been engaged in their usual foraging expedition; now, they were stranded in the forest with a half-dead soldier as an unexpected companion.

"What's keeping them?" Jerod's voice held a growing edge of anxiety.

Ysabel, her own worry palpable, offered a hesitant reply. "There might be complications. Simon and Elana's return isn't a simple matter."

Jerod's frustration boiled over. "They didn't abandon us, did they? If Simon even thinks about leaving us here…I'm going to twist his arm so bad he'll beg." He mimicked twisting an invisible arm, a forced laugh attempting to mask his rising panic.

Ysabel's gentle smile eased the tension. "Elana wouldn't let him. And even if Simon can be stubborn at times, he's a loyal friend." She absently plucked at the grass, her gaze distant.

Jerod watched her, a warmth spreading through him despite the grim circumstances. Even the mess of her hair, the dirt smudging her clothes, the exhaustion etched on her face couldn't dim the beauty he saw. He'd known Ysabel since childhood, witnessing firsthand the cruelty of her stepmother. The desire to shield her from such hardship burned fiercely within him.

A silent question formed in his mind, a hopeful yet apprehensive thought. Did he have enough money for a dowry? Would she even accept his hand in marriage? The very idea sent a blush creeping up his neck, his ears burning, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. Overwhelmed by sudden shyness, he turned away, unable to meet her gaze.

Ysabel was about to check on the soldier when the sound of thundering hooves shattered the silence. She leaped to her feet, instinctively moving to Jerod's side. Emerging from the deepening gloom of the forest, ten massive horses appeared, their riders silhouetted against the fading light. The lead horse stopped a few feet away, its rider, a man in an armored helmet, meticulously scanning the scene before turning his attention to the still form of the soldier.

The man removed his helmet, tossing it to a soldier behind him before dismounting with practiced ease.

"We're aware of the situation," he announced, his voice calm yet authoritative. "Are you acquainted with the two who returned to town?"

"Yes, sir. I'm Jerod, and this is Ysabel," he replied, his voice respectful, his eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and apprehension as he regarded the soldiers.

Tahl, the leader, approached Jerod, his confidence radiating. "You've acted bravely, young man," he said, clapping Jerod firmly on the shoulder.

"Thank you, sir. We only did what was necessary," Jerod responded, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands.

"That's true, but—" Tahl's words were cut short by a horrifying sight. Ysabel's eyes widened in stark terror as Tahl swiftly drew his sword, bringing it down in a vicious arc towards Jerod. Jerod barely managed to evade the deadly blow, stumbling backward, fear seizing him as he hit the ground.

Tahl's sinister smile revealed a cruel intent. "You and your friends should have minded your own business," he hissed, his voice dripping with menace. "Perhaps you should have simply turned a blind eye." His gaze locked onto Jerod, cold and predatory, like a hawk zeroing in on its prey.