Taken aback by his deflection, Elara faltered for a moment, her mind racing to find an explanation. She hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the swirling thoughts and emotions that had consumed her since their journey began.
"I... I don't know," she lied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's just... he's such a mysterious figure, and... well, everyone talks about him as if he holds the key to all the secrets of the castle."
Lysander's gaze softened slightly at her response, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I see," he murmured, his tone gentler now.
⊱⋅ ───── 🍂 ───── ⋅⊰
As the sun rose on the day they set out, they gathered their belongings and prepared to depart, the air thick with anticipation and unspoken tension. Lysander's stoic demeanour betrayed nothing as he informed Elara of their next destination, his gaze fixed on the horizon with an intensity that belied the gravity of their situation.
"North," he said simply, his voice carrying a weight that left Elara feeling unsettled. "There's someone there who can help us."
Elara's brow furrowed in confusion, her gaze flickering between Lysander and the distant horizon. "But what about Lena?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Lysander's response was vague, his expression unreadable as he nodded in affirmation. "Master Thorne knows what to do," he replied cryptically. "Lena will be safer away from me anyway."
Elara glanced at Lysander, a nervous excitement flickering in her eyes. "Do you think we'll encounter any trouble on the road?"
Lysander flashed her a reassuring smile. "We'll handle whatever comes our way, just like we always do."
The first leg of their trip was through lush meadows dotted with wildflowers, the breeze carrying the sweet scent of blossoms. Birds sang overhead, their melodies weaving through the air like a delicate tapestry. Elara couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom as they rode, the wind tousling her hair and the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves lulling her into a sense of tranquility.
But their idyllic ride was soon interrupted by the rugged terrain of the mountains looming ahead. As they ascended the winding path, the air grew colder and thinner, and the landscape transformed into a rocky, unforgiving landscape. Jagged cliffs rose on either side, casting ominous shadows over the travelers below.
Just when they thought they were safe from danger, a group of bandits emerged from the shadows, their faces hidden beneath tattered cloaks. With swords drawn and menacing glares, they demanded that Lysander and Elara hand over their valuables.
Heart pounding, Elara's hand instinctively went to the necklace hidden beneath her clothes, her fingers tracing its familiar shape for reassurance. With a quick exchange of glances, Lysander unsheathed his sword, ready to defend themselves against the looming threat.
"Stay back," Lysander warned, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
As the bandits closed in, Lysander and his men wasted no time in springing into action, their movements swift and decisive. Elara felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she stood by Lysander's side, her grip tightening on his hand as they faced their assailants.
"Stay close to me," Lysander instructed, his voice firm but reassuring as he positioned himself protectively in front of Elara.
The bandits, sensing the impending confrontation, spread out in a semi-circle, their weapons glinting menacingly in the sunlight. Elara's heart hammered in her chest as she took in their rough and aggressive demeanor, her stomach churning with apprehension.
YOU ARE READING
ROYAL BLOOD 👑
Historical Fiction"What in the world are you doing here?" His voice was stern, tinged with annoyance. "You should not have come. It's too dangerous." Elara stepped closer, her determination unwavering despite Lysander's disapproval. "I couldn't leave you here alone,"...
Chapter 5: Unexpected Allies
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