I laughed and it made Aila look in our direction. Your expression has changed to serious. I could tell she'd been curious. Olivia waved at her and Aila nodded. She went back to what she was doing, but I could tell she was snitching. Yes! Aila was jealous of Olivia. Smile at the conclusion of my theory.
- You have my word. - he said to get me up. - Now, let's go to sleep because the journey will be long and should begin as soon as dawn comes.
- Yes, sir! Yes, sir!
Olivia went out towards the fire and took the blanket she had brought. She lay down beside the fire, but before that, she put the bow beside her pillow with her saddlebag.
- Are you guys friends? - said Aila stopping by my side.
- Yeah. Olivia's a pretty nice, smart girl. - I answered smiling. - You were right to bring her in. She's a good helper and she learns fast.
- I imagine so, from the way they laughed - Aila returned with irony.
- Jealous again? - I asked in a debauched way. - It was your idea alone.
- I told you, I'm not jealous. - she returned it. - Olivia really is an extraordinary girl. You learn as fast as my sisters.
Aila looked towards the horizon. That night was clear and there was no sign of rain. It was a privilege to see the moon. She was hidden, but still, her glow was magnificent. Approaching Aila, I hugged her from behind. It was a very common gesture that she let me practice when I was sad or nervous.
- I know what you're thinking. - I whispered. - They'll be there tomorrow and there'll be no way out.
- I know that. - she sighed. - I just wish they wouldn't hate me so much.
- Just trust me. - I did. - She'll hate you if you tell her what happened. I believe until you know.
- Why do you say that?
- If I know Alistair, he would never hide it from Aideen and I'm sure she won't hide it from Aileen.
- They just got married. - Aila shook her head from side to side. - I don't think you care that much about Aideen.
Turning Aila to face her, I smiled at her.
- You should have seen how much he insisted on marrying her. I know my brother. He wouldn't have broken a tradition if he didn't care about your sister. - I took a break. - Trust me, everything will work out! I promise! I promise!
Aila nodded smiling as she had done. I was getting used to your ironic smiles. Lowering my head, I put a kiss on his forehead. I wish I had done more, but I decided to back off.
- Come on, let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go. - said, taking Aila's hand and pulling it towards the blanket. - Come and rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.
- You're right, but I don't think I'll be able to sleep.
- Well, if you let me try, I know a technique that could help you.
- Really? - she asked with an ironic smile. - And what technique would that be?
- It's called a pimp.
Aila let out a laugh when I hit the deck next to me. She took a deep breath, but, to my surprise, she lay there leaning her head on my leg. I started loosening her braids that she liked very much to do and wasted hours while we were riding. I caressed her in the head until I felt that she had slept deeply. Satisfied, I leaned against the stone and prayed.
A scream brought my thoughts back to the present. I looked around, but I didn't see anything. There were no soldiers around or mercenaries. We were halfway through the field with some trees around us. It was the end of the meadow and the beginning of a forest on our left.
- Help! Help! Help! - so I narrowed my eyes to know where it came from. - Somebody help me!
- Did you hear that? - I asked looking from Aila to Olivia.
- Yes. - Aila answered. - I wonder where it comes from.
We remained silent and observed the horizon until Olivia manifested herself.
- There! - she pointed. - In the direction of the road. Don't you look like a half-naked woman?
Pucking my forehead, I focused on what she was pointing at. A blonde woman wearing only one combination left the road and ran towards us. Behind her was a man wielding a road. He was about to reach his wife. From where we were, I couldn't recognize the woman, but I recognized the stalker.
- Is that possible? - I whispered. - Ah! Oh, my God!
- What's going on? - Aila asked.
- That's Morvan! - said exasperated.
- Really? What's he doing here?
- I don't know, but if he's after that woman, it's because he was paid to capture her. - I answered by taking the bow. - We have to help her!
- Alec, we're too far away. We need to get closer.
Aila turned to Olivia.
- See the trees? - she asked and Olivia nodded. - Ride to them and stay there until I call you.
- But I can help you! - Olivia argued.
- Come on, Olivia! - said Aila taking the bow. - Obey, please!
Olivia nodded and fired off to meet the trees.
- Leave it to me! - I said cold-bloodedly.
