Chapter three.

Martha threw another log into the hearth and moved the soup with a wooden spoon, avoiding the hot steam that came out the cauldron and filled the house with the aroma of spices.

"My common sense dictates that we should simply deliver her to the sentinels…" Said Jonathan, who was sitting at the table with Clark.

"Jonathan…"

"But, I didn't say that's what we'll do. I'm only stating the fact that it is the wise thing to do, if I were to follow my mind, but it seems my heart can't bring me to do it."

"And I love you for that." Martha smiled at her husband and went to him, kissing his forehead before returning to the fire. Clark put a hand under his chin.

"She is a noble," he declared. "The way she speaks, her clothes, that sword…"

"Yes, that was my assumption as well. I can't help but wonder what drove her out of the safety of her home and all the way here, to Littleville. She mustn't be older than yourself, son," Jonathan mused and rolled his sleeves up, readying his spoon.

Martha went back to the table with a pair of bowls along with her own and sat down.

"That poor creature, she fainted from hunger and exhaustion. I bet she ran away from that wicked son of the king," she said and suppressed a shudder.

Prince Alexander's customs with young maidens were a secret known by only a few, but Martha had been a maid in Tehm-El for a time and there, walls gossiped.

Most of the time, the victims of his lustful desires were noble girls, like the one sleeping now in Clark's bed, in the third room that composed the humble home of the Kents.

"Well, we'll wait until she wakes up, then we can ask her," Clark said.

"Then you will not have to wait long, I am awake already."

They turned to see their guest standing at the door. Martha stood up and went to her. "Milady, how do you feel? Would you like something to eat?" the woman offered.

Lois smiled at her and nodded, allowing her host to lead her to the table where another bowl was promptly placed.

"I'm sorry we have nothing else to offer," Martha said. Lois took a mouthful and her face lit in a pleased expression.

"Do not apologize, this is the best meal I've had in days and it is delicious, but please, call me Lois."

"Oh, we're pleased to meet you Lois. My name is Martha, this is my husband Jonathan and you already met our son, Clark."

They nodded at their names and kept quiet afterwards until she spoke again; "I… I can't tell you how much it means for me that you didn't inform anyone about my presence here… because, you haven't done such thing, have you?" she asked with uneasiness.

"Don't worry, you are safe for now, but let's eat, we'll speak later about this," Martha said.

After the bowls were emptied and put away, Jonathan Kent rested his back against the chair and crossed his arms, then he asked, "Well, young lady. We'd like to know, why are you running away?"

The girl took a deep breath and answered with a calm voice, "Your wife guessed right, Mr. Kent. I am escaping from Lex… eh… Prince Alexander. I will not surrender to what he pretends to do with me," she answered with her face held high.

Jonathan and Martha lowered their eyes and a light blush appeared in their faces, obviously uncomfortable with such a straight declaration, but Clark couldn't tear his eyes apart from their guest; she seemed so bold, unapologetic, self-assured. He wondered if all noble girls were like her, but something told him it wasn't so.

"Oh, I am deeply sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," Lois declared. "But this is the reason of why I can't allow them to find me… I'd rather die than returning to that castle…"

"No, no, it's alright, it's not your fault, Lois, we won't let them get you, the food will suffice and I can lend you some clothes. No one has to know you are here, right Jonathan?" Martha smiled comprehensively and Lois couldn't help returning the gesture; the woman was so caring that, for an instant, she remembered what it felt like to have a mother again.

The older man didn't answer his wife but asked a question of his own; "and what do you pretend to do now? Why are you in Littleville?"

Lois made a mental note; she had had no idea where she was until Mr. Kent mentioned it. "I… umm… I know someone in a near kingdom who, I am sure, will help me. I was on my way there when a snake scared my horse and he threw me off him. Sadly, all my money and provisions were attached on the saddle and my journey has gone downwards from there, until now."

There was a silence as all the eyes were set on Jonathan, who had his hands joined under his nose, his elbows resting on the table.

He finally spoke; "There are sentinels everywhere and no doubt, they will spot you right away once you step out of this house. You better be careful," the man advised. The candle light illuminating the humble home danced across his hardened features.

Lois lowered her eyes in acceptance. She could understand them, who would risk everything for a noble, whose class so often abused of the less fortunate?

That is how it was now; the strong would abuse the weak, and the weak, the weaker.

However, Jonathan went on; "That's why you can stay with us until the commotion declines, then, you'll be able continue your journey. We will assist you in anything you need."

If gratefulness had a face, it would be the one of Lois Lane-Eh.

"You can sleep in Clark's room, he won't mind, right honey?" Martha looked at Clark, who was ready to protest, but a stare from his father convinced him otherwise. Although the gesture didn't go missing for Lois.

"Of course… I'll sleep in the loft," Clark answered with a grimace.

Lois smiled at them and bowed her head. "You have no idea how grateful I am to you, to all of you. I swear that, if I can, I will repay your kindness. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should get some rest now."

"There is a well behind the house, if you wish to refresh yourself," Jonathan offered.

"Thank you." Lois stood up from the table and made her way out of the house. The Kents watched her leave, wondering if they hadn't just jeopardized their whole lives for a stranger.

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