Chapter 30

Lord Ferdin and his guards were long gone, but Ysabel remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the direction where Aleric's men had dragged them. The lingering tension hung heavy in the air, a contrast to the sudden, chaotic events that had just transpired. The unsettling silence pressed down on her, amplifying the tremor of fear that still coursed through her veins. The events had unfolded with such shocking speed, leaving her feeling small, vulnerable, a trapped animal caught in the jaws of a larger conflict. Just like what happened in the Filoa forest.

"Are you alright?"

Elvin's voice, a gentle counterpoint to the lingering tension, reached her.

Ysabel bit her lip, trying to regain her composure.

"Y-yes," she managed, the tremor in her voice revealing her strained calm. The sudden commotion had left her feeling utterly powerless, like a small creature caught in the currents of a dangerous tide.

A new voice cut through the silence.

"This is the first time a noble from another kingdom has appeared here without prior notice."

Ysabel turned to see the speaker – a man who seemed to be Aleric's age, or perhaps a few years younger. His dirty blonde hair was neatly braided, framing a lean, tall frame. But it was his eyes that truly captured her attention – one a vibrant green, the other a warm hazel, a striking contrast that held an almost hypnotic quality.

Aleric mumbled, his gaze flitting towards Ysabel,

"One of Quiltar's men must have overheard one of our recent expeditions."

Lilah's voice, laced with concern, broke the silence.

"It's a good thing you're all here. I thought you'd be out sweeping for a while."

Hector replied,

"We just returned, and Sir Owen informed us that there's a new visitor among the other merchants."

"So, he slipped in with the merchants? Where are they now?"

Lilah's question was sharp, her concern palpable.

Aleric, his gaze now fixed on Lilah's carriage, answered.

"Gren's already on it. They'll all be questioned later tonight."

Elvin's voice, a touch lighter this time, offered a wry observation.

"Won't it be hard to sell your magical stones now?"

"We'll just have to find another buyer on our next expedition."

Lilah's gaze fell to the carriage, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features.

Aleric, seemingly considering the implications, spoke thoughtfully,

"Very well, I'll send a letter to your previous merchant to find out what really happened. We can use his help, too."

His response was calm, almost nonchalant.

Lilah, deftly shifting the conversation, said, "Yeah, of course. Anyway, do you have any pressing matters at hand?"

Aleric, momentarily taken aback by the sudden change of topic, replied.

"No, I guess not, not until tonight, maybe."

Lilah, her purpose clear, continued.

"Then, can you accompany Ysabel for a while? I need to return to Tyverah and will be back quickly. Can you do that?"

Aleric stammered, surprised by the request.

"M-me?"

Hector, as if a sudden memory had struck him, placed a finger to his chin.

"That reminds me, I have to talk to the smithy and discuss some matters with Sir Owen."

"What?"

Aleric's question hung in the air.

Elvin, already turning to leave, shrugged. "There's no better person to show Ysabel around than you, Sir Aleric."

The man with the heterochromia, his eyes a captivating blend of green and hazel, added,

"Then, perhaps I'll just send Lilah to the gate."

Aleric watched them depart, their hasty exit resembling a disturbed anthill. He turned back to Ysabel, who stood awkwardly before him.

"Well, I guess you're left with me now."

Ysabel fidgeted with her fingers, her discomfort evident.

"I-I think I can manage," She murmured.

Aleric, his gaze unwavering, raised an eyebrow at her statement. His sharp eyes fell upon her trembling hands, a stark reminder of the trauma she had endured. His thoughts drifted back to the day she had confessed her ordeal before being rescued from the Lair of the Fallen.

He crouched slightly, bringing himself closer to her level. "If you don't want my company, then so be it,"

He began softly, his voice a gentle counterpoint to her apprehension. "But that's a little disappointing… I'm actually glad to be at your aid."

A blush crept across Ysabel's cheeks, deepening the intensity of her already striking eyes. Aleric smiled, a subtle shift in his expression revealing a warmth that belied his usually reserved demeanor. Looking closely at Ysabel, he thought of an owl with its big gem-like eyes.