Chapter 22

The morning broke with a chaotic clatter outside Ysabel's tent. A throbbing headache, pulsed behind her eyes from a restless night. She slowly sits up and walk to the basin of water, and splashed cold water on her face, the shock momentarily clearing the fog. Still wearing the man's clothes that Elvin lent her——she cautiously opened the tent flap. Her breath hitched at the sight.

A long line of wagons, a temporary haven for weary travelers, stretched along the dusty path. The air hummed with a low thrum of activity – the creak of wooden wheels, the snorting of tired horses, the murmur of conversation. Each wagon bore its own unique character: a brightly painted caravan, its sides adorned with faded scenes of mythical beasts, belonged to a troupe of traveling players; a more utilitarian wagon, laden with sacks of grain and barrels of ale, likely belonged to a merchant family; a smaller, more battered wagon, patched and repaired countless times, held a family of farmers, their faces etched with the lines of sun and toil.

Children, their faces smudged with dirt and their eyes bright with curiosity, darted between the wagons, their laughter echoing through the camp. A grizzled old woman, her face a roadmap of wrinkles, sat mending a torn piece of fabric, her nimble fingers working with practiced ease. A young couple, their faces flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and affection, shared a meager meal, their hands clasped together. The air hung heavy with the scent of woodsmoke, roasting meat, and the earthy aroma of the parched land. Each wagon, each traveler, represented a story, a journey, and Ysabel found self smiling at the very sight.

Hector and Aleric were deep in conversation with a woman near the center of the camp, and as if sensing her presence, Aleric turned, their eyes meeting across the distance. The woman also looked towards Ysabel.

A prickle of unease ran down Ysabel's spine as they approached. The woman, cloaked and mysterious, held her gaze with an unnerving intensity. She murmured something to Aleric, who remained silent.

Ysabel straightened, trying to appear composed as they reached her.

"Ysabel, did you sleep well?" Aleric asked, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"Y-yes, sir Aleric. I hope you did as well," Ysabel replied, her voice trembling slightly. She unconsciously smoothed her wavy hair, darting her eyes to her shoes.

Aleric's lips curved into a slight twitch at the sight of her pale, swollen face, a clear indication of her sleepless night. "I slept well enough."

A cough interrupted the strained silence. Both Aleric and Ysabel turned to the woman, a hint of amusement dancing in her grey eyes.

"This is Lilah, the healer who saved you," Aleric said, his tone suggesting a certain reluctance.

Ysabel's eyes widened. She knew she owed her life to a healer, but seeing her in person felt surreal, almost too good to be true.

Lilah removed her cloak's hood, revealing a face of striking beauty. Her silver-grey hair, loosely braided, framed a face of ethereal beauty. Her skin was pale, almost translucent, yet her lips were a vibrant crimson, a striking contrast. Her grey eyes, bright and intense, held a captivating allure.

"My, you've recovered quickly, haven't you, Ysabel? I'm Lilah," She said, her voice melodious.

"It's... it's an honor to meet you. I'm so grateful, so deeply indebted to you," Ysabel stammered, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Lilah laughed, a light, musical sound. "Oh, dear, you don't have to be. Aleric paid handsomely. He's a generous lad, that one," She said, nudging Aleric playfully. He tried to subtly avoid her touch.

"Oh, come now, don't be like that. Ysabel might think I'm harassing you, Aleric," Lilah teased, keeping the atmosphere light. She took Ysabel's hands, her eyes widening with a strange intensity.

"Fascinating, Aleric. I can see why Elvin wants to keep this girl close," She murmured, her eyes sparkling with an almost unsettling curiosity.

"Wha-what?" Ysabel whispered, utterly confused.

"She's not a subject or a test sample, Lilah," Aleric said sharply, gently pulling Ysabel's hands free.

Lilah raised her hands in mock surrender, offering Ysabel a reassuring smile. "I didn't mean to alarm you, Ysabel. I simply find you… intriguing."

"I-uhm," Ysabel started, but Aleric's commanding gaze silenced her.

"Ysabel, you'll be staying with Lilah in the next village," Aleric announced, his tone final.

Ysabel's shoulder slumped, but nodded in silent agreement.