Here's where we left things in the previous post:
Evanvar sighed as he stood "Gather the men at first light, then we shall uncover those truly responsible for this mess." Heldon nodded agreement as Evanvar turned and left.
The old warrior stood slowly stiffness taking hold whenever he stayed too long in one place, he shook off the pain defiantly forcing himself to move slowly at first then with renewed life and energy as the heat returned to his muscles - he moved off to carry out his lord's bidding.
Mila sat perched on a bench as Master Bellick looked over her injuries "Hmm" he muttered to himself absentmindedly, then carefully peeled back the blood and dirt soaked bandages on her hands and feet - looking them over in great detail.
He groaned as he returned to his hunched upright position "Bathe her and clean the wounds, no oils the broken skin will burn - I'll send Gimrie back with an ointment and clean bandages, then they must be kept dry" he prescribed abruptly then turned to leave with a stiff shuffle - "Come boy" he ordered Gimrie to follow and carry out his bidding, the boy dutifully followed the ancient master without question or hesitation.
Katia once again helped Mila into a steaming bath, the small girl winced in pain tears welling in her eyes "It will ease" Katia offered as she gently combed out her tangled hair - removing twigs and leaves as she went.
Mila's eyes lay focused on her mother's pendant resting on a table next to the tub, she wondered if this was how her own mother would have cared for her - tears streamed down her face as her body stung as the hot water cleansed her torn flesh removing dirt and blood, but her tears were full of loss for the mother she could hardly remember now.
Before long Katia helped her from the tub aiding her to dry and dress, when a knock came at the door Gimrie called out his return - Katia granted his entry and he awkwardly opened the door, he attempted to regain his balance his arms laden with bandages and a large pot of potent smelling ointment protruding from underneath.
He shuffled in then laid his goods down on the table to the side of the room, Mila and his mother still stood at the side of the tub as she toweled dry the girls long locks - Katia tapped her gently on the shoulder and the girl hobbled back to the bench where Gimrie stood, he moved to help her by taking her elbow to reduce her burden.
When they reached the bench he lifted her up easily, to sit gently on top of the makeshift treatment area - Katia approached and began to treat and dress her wounds as the curt old master had instructed.
Gimrie tried to distract Mila, talking of the smells coming from the kitchens that awaited them after his mother had finished - Katia smiled proudly at her son's efforts "Ahh Gimrie, food is never far from your thoughts" she laughed cheekily, Mila smiled at the clear truth of her statement but she couldn't stifle a laugh when she saw Gimrie's pained expression.
Before long Katia had wrapped and treated the small girl's injuries "There" she stated standing "Would you like some supper?" she asked softly, Mila nodded her interest - Gimrie moved in front and again offered her his back, looking over his shoulder she grinned down at him and slid down to land gracefully in his grasp.
His mother raised an eyebrow at the unspoken interaction, Gimrie turned to face her Mila's tiny face peeking over his shoulder - he leant forward in a dramatic bow to offer his mother right of passage, Mila squealing with excitement at the sudden movement despite his hands ensuring her safety.
Katia herself giggling at the comical display, in turn she curtsied formally then gracefully floated in front of them elegantly -
supporting her fine skirts in front of her as was the fashion for the wealthy women at court, continuing her son's joke the children laughed in chorus as Gimrie fell in step behind her.
The three of them made their way through the winding maze of passageways, doors littered the paths leading to countless rooms and more passages - even in daylight the halls were shadowed and lit by lanterns, they sat blazing at different intervals as they continued.
Katia led the way eventually holding open a large door to allow Gimrie, who still carried Mila entrance to a enormous well lit hall - there were massive long timber tables stretching it's lengths, candles burned on the tables and the walls with a huge fireplace at the head of the room.
Servers moved around laying out varied combinations, of platters of food and jugs of ale and wine on the outer lying tables -Katia moved with confidence to the front of the massive hall and took her place at the midpoint, of the large table running across the width of the enormous hall.
Gimrie sat Mila next to his own seat, who in turn was next to his mother and the trio sat in wait taking in the smells and sights - soon soldiers and staff started moving into the great hall taking their seats, soon hushed whispers filled the space as most eyes fell on the small girl seated with the lord's family.
The soldiers seemed unaware that she had even been found and you could feel the nervous anticipation, the men looked trapped like an attack would be forthcoming at any given moment.
Only they knew the reason, Mila felt their eyes burning with fury directed at her - The men blamed her for their failure, she sat silent and defiant unwilling to shrink back from their visual attack
The hall fell eerily silent as Lord Evanvar entered through yet another door to the large chamber, his boot falls echoing in the sudden silence as he moved to his large ornate chair next to Katia - he briefly glanced at Mila before Katia's eye drew his focus and he silently sat at his place.
No one moved or spoke until Evanvar loudly announced "Thanks to the Gods" his voice booming an unknown meaning, that appeared to signal all they may begin to eat Mila assumed - for when the words passed from his lips, the men moved as one loading their plates with all manner of lavish foods.
The tension was broken the instant he uttered the words, the men focused on their food and drink while Oten poured himself and Katia wine - as he asked her in whispered tones "What is the meaning of this" his eyes directed at Mila, so there was no chance of confusion.
Katia gently placed a hand on his arm leaning into his ear "She has been through much M'lord she is frightened and hurt" her eyes were pleading desperately "My love she is just a child" showing her clear attachment to the slight girl.
"The men will expect to see her punished" he offered, Katia's face turned red unable to hide her fury her eyes ablaze with anger "What for?" she questioned sarcastically "What's her great crime My Lord?" she paused enraged "You treated her like a prisoner and she acted like one, it's your soldiers failure to allow a child past their lines - you will not lay a hand on that girl or permit your soldiers to, I won't allow it"
Evanvar attempted to calm his over protective wife "You won't allow it?" he raised an eyebrow in question, his face an expressionless mask for onlookers but Katia knew his rage - she battled her own emotions "I am not your servant, you have no claim over me - refuse me this one legitimate request or loose me, the choice is yours but I will not bare witness to such unjustified abuse".
She could see her words sting as she tried to calm herself, she tried a different approach "My Lord my love, what would you have done in her place?" she asked gently as her eyes welled with tears.
Evanvar softened seeing her so deeply saddened, he was a hard man but Katia could make him feel and when she was sad he felt his mood change to couple hers - he had never considered marriage until he met her and the thought of losing her broke him inside, though he'd never willingly admit it.
"What would you have me do?" he resigned himself to her request, Katia looked at Mila and Gimrie lost in conversation then back to her waiting lord "Punish the men who failed their duties" she offered in consolation "You have told me countless times we have many enemies, if a small girl could sneak out surely a trained assassin could get in" she let the thought hang for effect.
Evanvar knew she was right, he was embarrassed by his men's failure even though it all stemmed from the girl - he knew she acted out of fear besides he reassured himself, I never commanded her to stay.
He was bewildered by the events since the girl had returned with him, he shook his head in acceptance "I thought it was boys that were meant to be trouble?" - he questioned his wife lovingly, as he looked at Gimrie the boy still stuffing his face with food.
"Family is not something you know my lord, children even less so - they are all trouble" she laughed an angelic sweet sound, that made several men turn to look longingly at the beautiful lady of the house.
Evanvar joined her chorus, as Gimrie and Mila looked on puzzled by what had happened then went back to their feasting - oblivious to the argument that had just taken place.
Evanvar forgot his foul mood at seeing his young wife beaming with joy, she elegantly drank her wine and thanked each server that lay new food at their table - he felt lucky to have such a beautiful woman, but he was honoured by her gentle kind nature coupled perfectly with her will and intelligence.
This wasn't the first time his lower born wife had shared an unfavourable view to ears unwilling to hear their wisdom, in truth this is what had drawn him to her in the first place and now he held his own truth close guarded - unsure of how his loving wife would react later the words echoed in his mind I will tell her later he finished.
Drawn from his reverie by the sudden presence of Heldon standing in front of him, the seasoned fighter bowed awkwardly "M'lord all searches have been called back" he glanced at the men scattered throughout the hall eating and drinking "The last groups should return soon" he finished.
Evanvar nodded "Here" he held out an arm offering a seat at the table next to him, "Many thanks" the old man replied moving to take the offered seat - before gulping down a large jug of ale, wiping the foam from his grey speckled beard with the back of his hand.
Heldon leaned forward to speak to Katia "My Lady" be bowed his head, the lady smiled warmly at his greetings as Katia noted affectionately "I had Varna prepare you extra chops" the soldiers smile grew wide beneath his thick beard - "You're too kind" as he eagerly loaded his plate with a mound of meat served specifically for him, "Good woman" he added with a not of acknowledgment to Oten.
"Gimrie, my boy?" Heldon called down "Yes Master Heldon" he answered diligently "Say you rode with a party yesterday, did you not?" his question prickled the young boy but he answered dutifully "I did" Heldon nodded "Whose party did you join?" he asked further "Captain Derron's" his reply came quickly.
"Ahh" the old man nodded in understanding "The trail to Kurtah" the boy nodded back in confirmation "Where did you say you found the girl?" he asked with less subtlety they he had desired "I didn't" Gimrie answered seeing Heldon raise a brow showing he wasn't in the mood for the quip he quickly added "but she was north of the river from the mountains."
"So not far from your search yesterday" the old warrior pondered to himself out loud, then asking for clarification "What made you return? Derron reported her trail lost in the rapids no?" - his casual gaze burnt into the young boy, Gimrie was wary all eyes at the table were on him "Derron followed her dummy trail" he admitted sheepishly.
Heldon was an unreadable mask, Gimrie knew more was to come feigning confidence, he forced himself to explain "She climbed a tree to cross, wouldn't have held a soldier" he shrugged understanding their bias - before adding "Plus her trail was convincing, led straight into the water not just the edge."
Heldon chuckled while shaking his head "But you saw through it" his smile widening with appreciation, the old warrior locks eyes on Katia "Your boy learns fast" he beamed with pride.
Mila watched on in silence as Katia smiled warmly replying "Dear Master his improvement reflects your unparalleled teachings" the seasoned soldier blushed, at her generous words - embarrassed by his involuntary response he raised a jug in her direction and drank deeply.
Heldon made eye contact with Oten, before glancing quickly at the small girl and back again to Oten - raising an eyebrow in unspoken question.
Evanvar knew what his master of war wanted, he looked over at Mila "Girl, we will need to know how you got past the soldiers - the men will gather at first light, then you will tell us everything" Katia looked up at Oten she knew his words left no room for question.
She turned to focus on Mila, gently explaining to her "Gimrie and I shall be with you the whole time" - Mila nodded silently - grateful for Katia's offer.
Oten nodded his acceptance of her words, before he turned to address Heldon "In the morning" was all he offered - Heldon nodded curtly curious to learn how the small child outwitted countless soldiers, he pondered to himself as he settled in to begin his feast.
To be continued...
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