Chapter 25

The gnarled trees stood sentinel, their branches twisted into grotesque shapes, like scarecrows guarding against the monstrous things that might stray into this forgotten place. Lilah gestured towards them, her voice hushed.

"I performed the rituals on these trees," she explained.

Ysabel's gaze drifted from the unsettling silhouettes of the trees to Lilah's face. "Did it really drive the monsters away?" she asked, a tremor in her voice.

Lilah nodded, but a shadow crossed her features. "Yes, but it's a different matter entirely if a more powerful being, a higher-ranking monster, were to appear. The rituals would barely deter it."

Ysabel's stomach lurched. She hadn't yet encountered any of the creatures of this land, but the stories she'd heard – goblins with razor-sharp teeth and claws, the bloodcurdling howls of fenrils, the terrifying shadow of nightwings eclipsing the sun – were enough to send shivers down her spine. The thought of facing such creatures, alone and defenseless, filled her with a chilling fear.

Lilah, sensing Ysabel's growing terror, placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "That's where Aleric comes in,"

She said, her voice softer. "Why do you think this secluded land has remained peaceful, even in its ruins?"

Ysabel stared, surprised. The question hung in the air, unanswered.

Lilah offered a small, enigmatic smile. "Let's just say this place, despite its decay, holds a deep significance for Aleric, for all of us who live here. Perhaps Aleric himself will explain it all to you someday."

Ysabel frowned, still confused. "What?"

Lilah's gaze softened. "Ysabel, Aleric chose to leave you in Tyverah's village – a place he clearly trusts. That means he'll protect you, too. He wouldn't have left you vulnerable."

Ysabel was taken aback. She'd assumed that once Aleric had placed her in Tyverah's care, she was no longer his concern. The thought of his silent protection, a watchful guardian in the background, filled her with a strange, unexpected comfort.

"Lilah… what exactly is Sir Aleric to this place? To the Kingdom of Vahlkiro?"

Ysabel finally asked, the question burning in her throat.

Lilah looked at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, her gaze drifted to Ysabel's horse, her hand gently stroking its soft mane. A sigh escaped her lips, a mixture of weariness and mystery.

"I wonder about that myself, Ysabel,"

She murmured, the answer lost in the rustling leaves and the whispering wind.

***

Life in Tyverah settled into a comfortable rhythm for Ysabel. Her days were filled with assisting Lilah, a quiet partnership born from necessity and gradually blossoming into something more. Ever since the day they had reinforced the village's protection by enchanting the trees surrounding the walls, Lilah had begun to include Ysabel in her daily life, asking for help arranging knick-knacks in her home, a small act of friendship.

Ysabel found herself captivated by Lilah's work. She watched in fascination, as Lilah infused magic into various crystal stones, the air shimmering with arcane energy. Lilah also began teaching Ysabel about medicinal herbs and other medical practices, knowledge Ysabel found both intriguing and useful. Slowly, Ysabel discovered a joy in learning, a passion that had nothing to do with the relentless pursuit of money.

One afternoon, as Lilah rested in her chair, exhausted from imbuing magic into the last of her crystal stones, she spoke.

"I'm going to Dydilah tomorrow, Ysabel. Would you like to accompany me?"

Ysabel's face fell. "But I'll only get in the way, Lilah. I still can't ride a horse…"

She said, a bitter note in her voice. Her attempts at horseback riding, even with Lilah's patient instruction and the temporary use of a donkey to help we learn better, had been disastrously unsuccessful.

Lilah smiled gently. "Nonsense. We'll use a carriage. Besides, I need to take these crystals to a merchant in Dydilah, and I need to buy some supplies for an upcoming journey."

Ysabel's eyes widened.

"You're leaving?"

Lilah's smile widened.

"Not just me," She said, winking. "So, come with me tomorrow, alright? You're going to love Dydilah."