207: The price of honor (part 1)

The price of honor (part 1)

"Don't slow down for my sake," Adela said, gazing up at Bastian with a broad smile and an optimistic heart.0

Bastian shook his head, responding with a grin.

It was always like this with him. After spending enough time together, she hardly noticed the scar on his eye anymore.

Extending his hand, he raised her cloak to conceal her hair. His expression transitioned from amusement to earnestness as his eye focused on her somewhat discolored forehead.

"You are safe with me," he assured her.

She drew in a deep breath, reflecting on the recent carriage incident. She wished the bruise would dissipate quickly, thereby allowing her and those in her vicinity to dismiss it as a distant memory.

"The forest, you say…" She inquired once again, giving him an opportunity to reconsider his decision.

"Yes!" He responded, his enthusiasm rekindling.

She wasn't particularly interested in venturing into the forest alongside any of the von Conradies. However, in order to prevent Egon from discovering her immediate rejection of Aldric's proposal, Bastian had made it a condition for her to personally ascertain the nature of the situation involving Olga. Moreover, there was a part of her, one she found herself less than proud of, that wanted to confess to Egon about her bluff the day before.

Acquiring knowledge about Olga's truth might fortify her resolve to accomplish just that.

They mounted their horses and set off from Lanark's harbor. Their journey took them through the backstreets of the Archduchy, a less-traveled path winding through narrow alleys and quaint neighborhoods.

The air was crisp with the scent of blooming flowers as a mature spring fully embraced Lanark. Adela's mare trotted up front, her hooves clattering lightly against the cobblestones, while Bastian's sturdy white stallion, Soul, followed with a confident and steady gait.

Stray cats occasionally darted across their path, disappearing into hidden corners as they rode through the backstreets. The architecture of the Archduchy varied along their route, imposing stone buildings of nobles stood tall and extravagant, juxtaposed with the more modest residences of common folk, the latter consisted mostly of charming houses marked in the Lanarkan way with flower boxes around their windows, still sealed shut as their residents were just beginning to wake. 

Approaching Lanark's Forest, the atmosphere shifted. The muted morning hustle of the city was replaced by the chirping of birds and the hum of springtime insects, accompanied by the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the soft crunch beneath their horses' hooves.

With a burdened heart, she registered three houses that had once stood as quaint cottages. This was the designated stop, according to Bastian.

She pulled back on the reins, bringing Emily to a halt, and turned to Bastian who had also stopped behind her.

They exchanged smiles.

"You ride better than most of the knights in the Second Order," he praised.

She felt her cheeks flush with warmth at the unexpected compliment but shrugged it off. "I've guided you safely here, Tian. What now?"

His gaze gravitated towards the closest house, located by the eastern entrance—Egon's house.

"There's a meeting taking place here today, and it's expected to commence shortly," he elaborated.

She composed herself, even though the notion of entering that house once again posed a challenge.

"Could you please provide further particulars?"

"You'll need to hear it firsthand." 

"...And how can we attend a meeting we weren't invited to?"

He smirked. "We won't barge into the meeting, if that's what worries you. We'll simply conceal ourselves and listen to their conversation."

Her eyes shifted to the metallic bracelet on her wrist. How much did Bastian know about the mate bond between her and his brother? "He will be aware of my presence," she murmured, the words more intended for her own contemplation, then met Bastian's narrowed eye again.

He let out a long sigh, a fist pressed to his waist, then rolled his eye at her, a gesture apparently common among those raised in Kolhis. "Of course he'll know you're here. That's the whole point."

"I thought the whole point was to inform me about the situation with Olga?"

He shrugged. "That's just a means to an end." His eye darted towards the forest. "We need to hide our horses and hurry before we miss the opportunity to enter the house unnoticed."

Despite recognizing that it might not be the wisest course of action, Adela found herself complying with Bastian's request. She secured her mare to a nearby tree alongside his stallion and trailed behind him as he strode purposefully towards the house. Anticipation swelled within her as he produced a key from his pocket and unlocked the door.

Upon discovering a clean, unoccupied residence, free from any remnants of the shattered furniture she had encountered during her previous visit, she let out a breath of relief.

"The best spot for us to conceal ourselves is in the narrow space behind the stairs leading to the second floor," he suggested as he closed the door.

"..." 

With growing unease, she reluctantly followed him inside, a silent resolve forming within her to seek an explanation for what lay ahead. However, before she could voice her concerns, he suddenly encircled his arm around her waist, swiftly guiding her towards their concealed spot.

The piercing cries of a woman emanating from close proximity startled Adela. Yet, in a reassuring gesture, Bastian tightly held her hand, urging her to crouch down with him so they could remain unnoticed.

Trapped in their current position, there seemed to be no way out.

"Stay low and mimic my ghostly presence," he whispered.

Her thoughts swirled with unrest upon hearing his words, but the sound of the door opening amplified her tension and became a priority.

"What is it that you still want from me?" Olga cried out.

"Shut up! Slave! I said I won't hurt you," an unfamiliar man's voice replied.

"You will address her with respect!" Egon's angry voice intervened.

"Give me what I want, and I'll stop being a pebble in your shoe, von Conradie. That is, if you can make amends for what the bitc* has taken away from me," the unknown man demanded.

Adela clutched Bastian's hand tighter.

This is a mistake. I shouldn't have followed Bastian into this place.

As the disquieting sound of metal clicking reverberated through the air, Olga's voice pierced the silence in a terrified shriek.

"Egon! Be careful! He has a gun!"

Driven by instinct, Adela prepared to spring forward, but Bastian restrained her, his other hand gently covering her mouth. Consumed by sheer terror, she stared at him with wide eyes. He shook his head, silently urging her not to interfere or make a sound.

"Don't be afraid," Egon's deep, caring voice resonated.

For the briefest of moments, she believed he was addressing her from the shadows.

It was with a heavy heart that she realized he was speaking to Olga.

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