Chapter 26

The next day, as the sun painted the eastern sky with hues of rose and gold, Lilah was already at Ysabel's cottage door. A small, elegantly carved carriage awaited them by the roadside, its polished wood gleaming in the morning light. Ysabel, closing the cottage door behind her, was greeted by a small but cheerful crowd. There stood old Miranda, a woman Ysabel had befriended while doing chores for the village, her daughter by her side, their faces alight with anticipation. Also present were the woman from the village library, the powerfully built smithy, the potter, and several other familiar faces.

"They decided to join us too," Lilah chirped, her excitement practically radiating. A genuine smile played on her lips, her eyes sparkling with uncontainable joy.

The smithy, a man whose hands were as rough as the stones he worked, spoke with a deep pride in his voice, "Dydilah isn't the largest town compared to those in the neighboring kingdoms, but it's far from a disappointment, you know. It has a heart, a soul, that many larger places lack." He gestured around, encompassing the small group with a warm, inclusive gesture.

Miranda's daughter, a young woman with bright, hopeful eyes, added dreamily, "And we'll get to see the Umbra Knights of Valhkiro!"

Ysabel, still somewhat overwhelmed by the sudden excursion, repeated, "Umbra Knights?" She glanced at Lilah, who chuckled softly at her side.

"Don't mind her, Ysabel," Lilah said, gently guiding Ysabel towards the carriage. "We should get going if we want to enjoy the market."

Lilah expertly took the reins, Ysabel settling beside her on the cushioned seat. The carriage, surprisingly spacious, was filled with carefully wrapped bundles – the stones and magically infused herbs and medicines Lilah planned to trade in Dydilah's bustling marketplace. As they journeyed, Ysabel finally had a chance to truly appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Rolling green hills stretched as far as the eye could see, under a sky so clear and blue it seemed almost unreal. The vibrant green of the fields contrasted sharply with the deep blue of the sky, creating a breathtaking panorama. Who would have thought such a picturesque place was considered a forgotten land of ruins by many outside Valhkiro?

Ysabel recalled a conversation with Lilah, a conversation where she'd questioned the lack of aid from neighboring kingdoms, Lilah's response echoing in her mind: "The neighboring Kingdoms don't give a damn about this place. Heavens, I'm pretty sure those damn fools are happier for this place to rot." Ysabel pondered this, a deep sense of sadness settling in her heart. Who could be so callous as to disregard such beauty, to let it remain shrouded in darkness?

Lost in thought, Ysabel barely noticed the imposing stone walls of Dydilah rising before them. The peaceful ride had lulled her into a state of tranquil contemplation.

"We've arrived,"

Lilah announced as the carriage rolled onto the brick pavement leading to the thick, imposing wooden gates.

A gruff voice boomed from above,

"State your name and purpose of visit!"

Lilah, with a confident smile, removed the hood that concealed her face, shouting back, "It's Lilah of Tyverah, Sir Owen!"

"Oh!" The voice, now noticeably friendlier, belonged to a man named Sir Owen, who peered over the edge of the gate, his face half-hidden by the stonework. "If it isn't our fair lady! Open the gates!" His voice was filled with genuine delight.

Ysabel watched, a slight grimace playing on her lips, as Sir Owen descended from his post. As he approached, Ysabel got a clearer view of the man. He appeared middle-aged, with long, untamed hair that transitioned from rusty brown to streaks of white, possibly from years spent under the relentless sun. His face was freckled, or perhaps stained, giving him a weathered look that spoke of countless days spent outdoors. He wore a black cuirasse, vambraces, greaves, and cuisses, the polished metal gleaming faintly in the sunlight. A long metal spear rested in one hand, while a sword was sheathed at his waist.

"It's been quite a while, Sir Owen," Lilah greeted him warmly.

Sir Owen smirked,

"Indeed, as you can see, I'm stuck guarding the town. So, you can see me often."

Lilah's eyes glinted with something more than simple humor. "You've been entrusted with the welfare of the town's people, Sir Owen. That's something I commend you for."

"Hah, you know I'd rather be with the others," Sir Owen admitted, a hint of wistfulness in his voice.

"Let the young ones be," Lilah replied gently.

"Are you saying I'm old?"

Sir Owen raised a skeptical eyebrow, his gaze finally settling on Ysabel, who visibly shivered at his intense stare. A moment of silence hung in the air before Sir Owen spoke again, "She's the girl Elvin saved?"

"They saved her," Lilah corrected, her tone firm but kind. "Hector and Aleric. She's Ysabel. One of our own now."

"Who decided?"

Sir Owen asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

"He let her stay,"

Lilah replied simply, urging the horse forward.

"We should have a meal later before you leave with the others, of course!" Sir Owen called out, waving as they passed through the gate.

"No promises!"

Lilah called back, a playful glint in her eyes as they entered Dydilah.