Awful late to still be on the road, innit?

As the sun dipped fully below the horizon, Alice and I stopped a little ways off the road and set up camp. The plains had long since given way to a wooded area, allowing us to easily make a small campfire for light and warmth.

From the small provisions she had brought with her, Alice produced a small bundle of pork sausages which we cooked around the fire, the only food we’d be eating that day.

“I’ve gots to ask, ‘ow exactly did you ‘ave time to stop for sausages but not to steal an 'orse?” I asked, before biting down on the rough pork. I was immediately reminded that processed food had likely changed the palate of the entire western world, because it was little like any sausage I had ever eaten.

"An ors...? Oh, 'a horse.' þough þe staff of my house be’þ loyal to my faþer, þere are many among þem wiþ sympaþies similar to myne own. I did not escape unaided, and some who aided me also provyded þese scant but vytal provisions.”

“Couldn’t get any ‘elp with transport, then?”

“þinkest þee þat a horse ys as easy to steal as food and water?”

“Alright, you got me there.” Besides, if she had stolen a horse she almost certainly wouldn’t have crossed paths with my lightning-fried body, so I suppose I should be thankful for that if nothing else.

I finished my meagre-but-appreciated meal and moved in closer to the small fire, holding my hands out over it. For an autumn night it wasn’t all that cold, and thankfully it hadn’t rained again, but as someone spoiled by the luxury of central heating and a warm duvet I was still useless at dealing with the cold. The fire was the only thing preventing me shaking like a wind-up toy.

“þough danger neareþ þe road be’þ scarce, þis place ys still hardly safe. 'Twould be wise to sleep in shifts. Wouldst þou preferest to sleep first?” Alice asked as she too finished her food.

“Uhhh… you gets to sleep first. I wants ta keep warming up by the fire for a while.”

“As þou wishest. Wake me upon þe fourþ hour, or should danger approacheth.”

“Will do. G’night, Alice.”

“Good night, Barry. I will sleep well knowing þee watchest over me.”

Unsurprisingly, sleeping bags were not among the scant provisions she took with her. Hell, for all I knew, they might not have even been invented in this world. That meant the poor girl had to sleep on the ground, with only her clothes separating her from the cold forest floor. And of course, I’d be following suit in a few hours time.

It didn’t take long for her to drift off to sleep. I could hardly be surprised, it had been a long day for both of us, even more so for her since she likely didn’t sleep the night before. It almost felt cruel that I’d have to wake her up in a few hours. I figured I’d give her an extra hour to two on top, since she’d likely need it far more than me.

She had fallen asleep facing the fire, so one of the few things I could see was her gently illuminated face at peaceful rest. I was surprised at how much she seemed to blindly trust me, considering we had only one known each other for a day. I had given her no reason to mistrust me, but for a girl who’s own father had tried to imprison her less than 48 hours ago she had far too much faith in people. Perhaps it was kindness or naïveté, but either way I found myself worried she’d get herself hurt.

A little time passed, and I suddenly realised I had been staring at her for quite the while. With little else to look at in the dark forest it was no surprise, but I was still glad she wasn’t awake to notice.

The whole day had been such a shock to the system that I hadn’t taken the time to think about it, but Alice was quite the beauty. She could have been no older than twenty two or three, around the same age as myself, and that youth complimented the soft features and light freckles of her face well. Her white hair was short, stopping at her shoulders, and had previously been tied tightly in a ponytail, but had been let loose as she laid to sleep. Between her gorgeous face and slender frame, she was attractive even by the inflated standards of modern society, let alone in this bizarre pre-industrial world.

I suppose I really lucked out by having her be the one to find me. Not just because she was a sight for sore eyes, but because she’d extended me so much kindness that she had neither reason nor obligation to give. The gravity of my situation was not lost on me, but it had been made bearable by the actions of this one exceptionally kind girl.

I swore to myself that I would repay that kindness tenfold.

Little else happened as I sat and pondered the strangeness of my situation and how best to deal with it. The ambience of the forest was the only noise I could hear, and no animals came to disturb us in the night. The only movement I saw was the dancing of the flames and Alice’s occasional fidgeting in her sleep.

That was, until the noises of the forest gave way to the sound of hooves and wheels approaching along the road.

I considered blowing out the fire, but assumed it’d be fruitless since anyone out and about this late would likely have their own light source anyway. Sure enough, a short while later the light of a lantern became visible through the trees, dangling from the front of a horse-drawn carriage. Without doubt, the driver would see our little camp.

I moved my seat closer to Alice, or more specifically to where her sword was, and watched intently. Not long after, the horses slowed to a halt, and the driver dismounted and made his way over to us.

“Well met, young traveller. ‘Tis late in þe eve to be awake at the flame, ys it not?” He said in a friendly tone. Though I couldn’t see his face well, I estimated he must have been in his 50s or possibly 60s.

“Could say the same for yourself, couldn’t I? Awful late to still be on the road, innit?”

“Ha! Too right ye art, boy. In fact, boþ my horses and I be'þ kwyte exhausted from our time on þe road. I had intended to keep moving until daylight, but wouldst ye sparest a seat 'round youre flame for a tired old man? If only for a few hours while my steeds get þeir well-deserved rest.”

“I…” I looked over at Alice, who had thankfully turned over in her sleep, hiding her face. Her hair was also luckily covered by her hood from this side. I really wanted to avoid the risk of her identity being exposed, but I could think of no good reason to turn the old man away. Even besides that, I wouldn’t have felt good forcing his horses to press on without rest. “I see no reason why not. Bring your 'orses over and let 'em sleep by the fire for a bit.”

“Ah! A þousand þanks for youre kindness, young man. I’ll detach þem from þeir carriage and bring þem over right away. Shan’t impose on ye for too long, we need only a short while.” With that, the man happily turned and wandered back to his horses, getting the cart off the road and fumbling around with the reigns. Meanwhile, I threw the old cloak over Alice to better cover her up, hoping beyond hope she wouldn't be recognised. It hadn’t been long since she had fled her home, so news might not have spread, but I was taking no chances.

Shortly after, the man returned with his two horses in tow, sitting himself down next to the fire while they took their rest.

“To see youre little camp surprised me, lad,” the man said as we warmed his hands over the fire. “þis is kwyte þe long road for a party of two to travel. And on foot no less. Dost ye and youre companion aim for Romshi town?”

“Ah-yeah, that’s the way we’re ‘eaded. Me and me sister ‘ere are visi’in’ family there. We’re a travellin’ lot, so long walks is nuffin’ new to us.” I thought of the excuse on the spot, so I had no idea if it was convincing or not. Don’t traveller families always have horses? Idiot. I decided to change the subject quickly so he wouldn't press further. “‘ows about yourself? Don’t seem like you’re ferryin’ anyone, what’s got you movin’ between towns by carriage like this?”

“Ahh, my carriage be'þ no ferry, lad. Least, not for any paying customers. I’m returning to my home town after moving a delivery for þe house I serve. þe noble house of Edelweiss, in fact.”