Chapter 36

Bash didn't know how long he had knelt in the ashes, holding the hair band in his hands, because when he finally got up, his legs felt numb. He couldn't believe that she was dead. He was sure that he would feel it, if she was. He went to his horse and leaned against it.

"Kennnnaaaaaaa...!"

His shout echoed through the forest, but except for a few birds, which flew up, frightened, he got no response. He put the hair band in his jacket pocket and mounted his horse. He had to keep looking for her. And when it was the last on earth he would do. He had to find her.

He touched his cheeks and was surprised to feel dampness. He knew the forest and its inhabitants better than anyone else. If she was kidnapped and they held her captive in a barn or an empty house, he would find her. Firmly convinced, he urged his horse forward. But he didn't come far, when he encountered a new obstacle. His stomach was churning, as he recognized one of the Royal carriage driver in the dead body in front of him. He closed his eyes briefly to collect himself. There was no time to lose. If she was still alive, and he was convinced she was, she was in grave danger.

"Come on, boy!" he urged his horse. "Run for your life!"

Kenna didn't know, what fate held for her, but she was relieved that she had distraction at least. And Emeline proved to be a willing informant.

"He is not my husband. He is my brother. My husband died of the plague." she explained to Kenna. "I didn't know where to go and Victor took us in." She looked around. "But his house was burnt down and we all had to find refuge in this cabin."

"I'm sorry!" Kenna said genuinely. She felt sympathy for the young mother. "Your brother... Victor... has he always been that way?"

Emeline shook her head. "No, he was different when he was younger. Initially, it was the desire to be richer than anyone else, that changed him. And then he joined the gang and began to ambush innocent people. Our mother begged him to stop, but he got into frenzy, when he didn't get what he wanted. And he wanted more and more." She lowered her head. "Attacking and killing people gave him a thrill. I didn't recognize my own brother. Mother died and I was powerless. He has never listened to me. "

Kenna nodded. She remembered how badly Victor had treated his sister. "I really would like to help you, but you need to help me first!" she said and looked at Emeline pleadingly.

The young woman shook her head. "I can't. I believe him when he says he is going to kill me."

"Do you want to live like that, constantly in fear and worry?" Kenna looked at the children. "What about your children? Don't you think they deserve a better life?"

Emeline nodded. "Of course, they do, but it's much too high a risk. You don't know what Victor is capable of." Her voice was trembling with fear.

"Yes, I know. He sent one of his men to kill the carriage driver." Kenna said quietly.

"He is not himself when he kills." Emeline looked at her sadly. "Do you have children?"

"I have a little son." Kenna replied smiling. „And another baby is on the way."

"You are pregnant!" Emeline exclaimed surprised. "I had no idea."

"I have only known for a few days."

Emeline lowered her head. "I really feel bad about what my brother did to you." she said quietly. "I wish I could help you. But I'm scared."

Kenna nodded. "I understand. But as you know, I'm familiar with the Queen. She is a friend of mine. If I would put in a good word for you, she would help you and your children. She can help you to start a new and better life someplace else." Kenna could see that her words showed effect. Emeline's eyes began to lighten up.

"Really? Her Majesty, the Queen, would help me?"

Kenna nodded. "If I would ask her, yes. But first, you have to help me to get out of here."

Emeline looked uneasily. "He has taken all the horses with him. And the way to the Castle through the forest is miles away and dangerous!"

"You know the way?"

Emeline nodded hesitantly. "Yes, I grew up here. I know the forest very well."

"Could you guide me?"

"You want me to go with you?" Emeline asked surprised.

"I cannot leave you here and risk, that your brother takes revenge on you."

Emeline nodded and turned to her children. "So it is decided. We are leaving. You have heard it. I want you to pack up a few things. But only so much, as everyone can carry." She turned back to Kenna. "Adrien and Alain are twins. They are both seven years old and Fabrice is five."

"My son Daniel is two and a half."

Emeline began to fill a bag with supplies. "We have to hurry! I don't know when Victor will come back." She pulled out the knife, that her brother had given her and went to Kenna. "Stay still! I cut through the rope."

Kenna rubbed her aching wrists, as she was finally freed from the cord. "Thank you!" she said and touched lightly Emeline's hand. "With all my heart!"

"It's all right." The young woman smiled awkwardly. "We have to go now." She clutched the hands of her children. "It will be a long, hard journey. I think we need to stay overnight. And it is not pleasant to be in the forest when it's dark. But we take blankets with us, which keep ourselves warm." She took a coat and gave it to Kenna. "Here! This will help against the cold." She slipped on her own coat and helped her children to get dressed. "Done!" she said satisfied. "Are we ready to go?"

Kenna nodded. The idea to walk, was not particularly tempting. But she knew that it was their only chance.

Emeline grabbed the hand of her youngest and turned to Kenna again. "If he finds us before we arrive at the Castle, we both are dead. You know that, right?"

Kenna nodded, with a queasy feeling in her stomach. She knew, how dangerous their journey was. But she trusted Emeline enough, that she would bring them through the forest without any harm. "I'm ready to go."

Emeline opened the door. "Follow me!"