Thread: Beguiled Mercy (WIP)

Chapter 4 Alice found herself constantly sliding down from the pillion, the skirts of her dress not giving her the traction needed to stay in position. While holding onto Windel helped greatly, she found her arms grow tired from trying to hold up her weight. Throughout the ride she spent most of her time adjusting and readjusting herself in her seat. The concern about her hoops pushing her dress up disappeared after they were away from everyone, but the nature of having to constantly grab at Windel made her feel self-conscious. She allowed herself the chance to constantly feel his body, hidden by the way she held him. He was thin now, almost sickly thin. She felt concern well in her body as her hands felt the muscles of his abdomen clearly. As much as it was nice to feel a mans muscular figure, it was disheartening that he wasnt filled out like he was years ago and the frail and thin feeling of his torso made her feel less secure about him. The resentment in her stomach tugged at her emotions. She wanted to feed him. She wanted to have him relax and conserve his strength. She wanted to serve him hand and foot, which was more or less her duty already, and care for him in whatever way she could to restore him. At the same time she felt conflicted about the matter. Either way, she had missed him and the chance to be so close was far too pleasant to resist. She hardly knew the man that she nearly gave herself to last night and now clung to. It would have been hard to imagine him a few years ago being something shed crave so strongly, although she knew she did. After three years of absence, naturally both of them had changed, but still her heart begged to please him and her mind refused to deny those desires. Windel expected the hold that Alice gave as they rode. While she constantly adjusted, he figured it had more to do with just trying to keep her balance and handle the jostling about that they experienced in the ride. The constant swaying of the horses walk, twisting their position and moving them forward and up, backward then down. The feeling of the spread his legs faced started to make his thighs burn a little as they came close to town. He kept himself mostly upright with a proper sitting posture as Alice moved her hold on him. He would have otherwise started to slouch, but felt he needed to keep his posture so she could remain well placed on the horse as well as make sure he didnt shift to either side from her added weight pulling him down. That detail was only made clearer as he felt his right foot start to hurt from the weight placed in the stirrup before he shifted slightly and shed move herself to find her own comfortable spot. The day was relatively comfortable. The early spring air was mildly humid and the temperature was moderate. With the weather as pleasant as it was, the two of them were both thankful that the weather wasnt hotter. It wasnt uncommon to be found sweating profusely under the Southern heat and humidity on a summer day, but even in spring it could get very warm. Enough that a dress such as Alices would make a woman want to strip her petticoats off for comfort, risking her appearance in the process. The town was coming into sight and Windel took a moment to collect his thoughts. Some basic supplies were needed, as well as the cart, some new hands on the estate, and hed need to check up on some old business partners. He also took note to consider a haircut if time permitted, but it wasnt a priority. He would have Alice help out with that tomorrow if nothing else. Comforted by that thought, the idea of even having his hair cut today slipped away. There simply wouldnt be enough time. The sun was high now. It was starting to look like theyd get close to making it back home with daylight left, but those hopes were fading fast. With so many things that needed to be done, Windel was expecting to end up at least finishing the trip in the dark. Riding at night was really a concern about two factors Making sure that a person stayed on the correct path and making sure that a bandit didnt sneak up before a chance to escape or fight back was given. Neither was a huge concern to Windel, but he didnt like the idea of heading back at night anyway. I imagine you want to get off now, Windel stated. Are we close to town? was the reply, Alice peeking her head up and trying to look over his shoulder to no success. She leaned further, finding a glance around his frame. Oh, we are! Alice smiled to herself, hugging Windel in her excitement, but was masked in the fact she still needed to hold herself up with him. Yeah, were almost in town. So again, do you want off now? Or are you comfortable getting closer? Windels tone was starting to show some annoyance. May I please stay on for now? Alice asked back, the meek question answering his. Thats fine, was his grumbled reply. The horse trotted into the edge of town and Windel looked around from his position. The town spread out along the coastline here, the ocean to the southeast and docks lining much of the coast. Several ships were currently docked, most of them were likely traders along the coastline as deeper hull ships that were needed for transatlantic trips couldnt dock here. To the southwest, a river met the ocean almost perpendicularly. A steamboat could be seen in the distance, heading down the river and making a likely stop in town. Windel reflected for a moment that he had never been on a boat. In either case, it wasnt the time or place to consider taking a trip now. The town itself was moderately busy and well established. Some of the buildings closer to the docks were two or even three stories tall, constructed of fine masonry. Many other buildings were more of the traditional designs of the state Small wooden sheds that were passed off as shops with windows displaying their wares to the outside world or as homes that the poor found themselves cramming into at night. Windel turned his attention to his first destination A cart would be needed and he turned the horse toward the direction of the local market. Once the cart was purchased, the rest of the concerns could be handled. Until that point, there was no reason in worrying about anything else. Windel felt Alice stir behind him. I take it you want to get off now? he stated, noticing that a few people were not too far away now and she could easily flash someone if they continued. Yes, please. Windel stopped the horse, the second horse coming to a stop as well. He then hesitated a moment, trying to decide how best to get her down and not make himself fall off. Resigned to his fate, he pushed off the stirrup and pulled his leg onto the saddle, semi-crouching on the horse. He careful slid his leg over then slid down, both reins still in hand. He held his free hand out to Alice now, noting that he nearly could see up her dress from this angle. She reached forward and took his hand, a blush forming on her face as she smiled to herself sheepishly. Once again she felt herself being treated like a proper lady and it brought a joy through her body. Her heart started to race of its own accord and her eyes refused to look at him. Butterflies were in her stomach now and as she slid down, feeling his free hand guide her weight through her arm, she carefully landed on the ground. She was trying to be graceful as she held the notepad to her chest with her other hand and as her feet met the dirt road, she felt accomplished in her goal. Alice took a moment to smooth out her dress. She felt certain that she had hair all over her now, but couldnt quite find it. To be sure, she continued to slide her hands along the back of her dress, wiping away all the hairs she imagined clung to the delicate material. Somewhat satisfied with the job done, she looked up and found herself watching the steamboat approaching in the river. It was hard for her to take her eyes off of it. She had seen steamboats before, but always at a distance. The trips made into town to go to church were always quickly in and quickly out with no time to stop by the dock and watch. It made her sad that once again shed miss the chance, but the resolute nature of serving Windel made her concerns fade. Go ahead. What, master? Alice turned to face Windel as he started back into the saddle. Concern welled in her stomach as she worried that he was speaking at length and she had missed everything he had said. Go on. Look around, he motioned toward the steamboat. Just meet me in the market in about two hours. We need those supplies. Alices eyes widened and her smile grew again. Finally she had the chance she was desperately after and she wasnt about to miss it. Giving a cheerful curtsy to him, she found herself nearly running toward the dock. She no longer was concerned about appearing ladylike as she found herself overcome with the childlike desire to explore this world she had always wanted to see. It felt wild to her to suddenly be set free and a slight feeling of remorse tugged at her for so quickly running from Windel. As she came to this realization, she turned to look toward him, but was now gone. For a moment she felt she should head toward the market and rejoin him, but decided that he did give her directions to follow. She turned back around and headed toward the dock on the river, trying to not let herself feel guilty. She held the notepad in both hands as she walked, resting it against her stomach. She found herself glancing down at her dress ever so often, enjoying the sight of how it would sway with each step. Once again she was aware of being a lady and the happiness it brought her. The steamboat was still a good distance out by the time Alice stepped onto the boardwalk. A system of wooden walkways and chains guided passengers onto and off of the ship when it was docked, but for now there were very few people around and Alice took a pleasant position off to the side of the pathway. Her eyes watched the trickle of light grey escape the large chimney stack from the boat. The cloud it left lazily trailed higher and higher into the sky, being strung along like a puffy kite on a gentle breeze. In the back, she could vaguely make out the sight of the paddle spinning around, bringing the boat closer to its destination. And closer to her. The tap of a cane on the wood behind Alice startled her and she spun around quickly, the notepad slipping from her hands in her fright. On instinct her hands shot up toward her neck, arms pressing together in front of her chest and her eyes wildly searching for the cause of the sound. She vaguely felt the tug of her dresss weight spin around her as she turned. Before her stood a man that couldnt be older than 40. Dressed in a black suit, ivory cane, and a black top hat with a white strip, the man would have looked very well dressed and proper were it not for the unruly beard that framed his face. Shallow wrinkles had developed clearly on his face, slight bags hanging under the green eyes and grey starting to overtake the brown hair. Hello there, miss, the man started, taking the brim of his hat and removing it before bowing to her. This allowed her the chance to see he was balding and she turned her eyes away until he started to straighten up to save herself the sight. Hello, sir she replied politely, giving a smile and a small curtsy before glancing toward her notepad. It had fallen near his feet and she was hesitant to reach for it. The man noticed her looking down and smiled before looking at the notepad as well. He put his hat back on and bent down to pick up the pad, using his cane to brace his weight and stand back up. I presume this is yours. You dont want to lose your shopping list, the man offered warmly. Im Sampel. Roderick Sampel. He offered the notepad to her, watching her intently. Between the initial fear and now the suddenly charming nature she was being faced with, Alice had trouble holding back a shy smile and the heat that flowed over her face. Alice Rinfelt, she replied in turn, taking the notepad. Her heart was once again racing, but no longer out of being scared. The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Rinfelt, the man stated with a warm smile, bringing his hand back to his side as he shifted the cane forward slightly. Oh, no. Please sir, Im not married, Alice replied, feeling almost as if she were lying. It was true that she wasnt married, but at the same time she felt wrong stating it as if she were available. For a moment, she reminded herself that she was actually very much available as soon as her services were done, however. It was a thought that made her want to ask about her service that was remaining with Windel, but the idea fell to the side as the man motioned his elbow to her. My mistake, Ms. Rinfelt. Would you mind joining me? I have some business to attend to and having a beautiful young lady on my arm would make the day brighter for me. His voice had an allure that Alice wasnt at all expecting and she felt herself instantly taken by his request. Wordlessly she reached out. Her free hand slid under and then rested on top of his forearm. She pressed the notepad under her arm and used that hand to hold onto his upper arm, feeling the muscle underneath, larger than she expected from the looks of him. The man smiled as he locked his gaze with her. She looked up with a shy disregard of the world around her. Right now she was a lady. Windel found himself agitated in the market. While Alice was given leave, he didnt like being left alone while in a public place. The concern of being pickpocketed, needing to have someone to converse and bounce ideas off of, and ultimately another set of eyes to watch his back was always a comfort he took for granted. Now, riding alone with the two horses into the town, he couldnt help feeling that every eye was upon him and enemies that he didnt even know about were lurking between each alley and within every shadow. The paranoia was sweeping him lightly, making his gaze shift that much faster and his expression that much firmer. Even as he noticed that no one paid him any particular attention that he noticed, he still couldnt help feeling that things werent right. When he also considered that he had been betrayed so ruthlessly a few years ago, it all made a lot more sense for his concern and he comforted his mind in that realization. He was simply being paranoid because of one bad experience. Everything would be fine here, he told himself. The purchase of the cart went along smoothly. As nice as a carriage would be, he needed a flatbed cart to haul the supplies that he came to collect. A carriage simply wouldnt do for that purpose. Windel also duly noted that the money he brought wouldnt be enough to cover a proper carriage and everything else he needed anyway. Even though it was an annoying truth, it did lend some comfort in leaving him unable to make the choice between his comfort and the necessity. The two horses were hitched up to the new cart and the next stop was to the county hall. The ride on the cart was much smoother than on the horse. While the suspension did little to counter the bumpiness of the dirt roadways, it was far more comfortable than on horseback. Between not having to spread his legs wide at an awkward angle to get himself mounted on the horse and the consistent shifting that forced his muscles to work hard to steady himself, horseback was far from comfortable for him. At least on the cart he could sit normally. Windel took a moment to look up to the sky as he stopped the cart before the county hall. The sun was now starting to fall toward the horizon and it wouldnt be long before it nestled itself into the landscape. The day was simply going by too fast and he had so many things he needed to do. The feeling of pressure to perform was getting to him now. He had always been able to work hard and fast as needed, but the effects of three years of confinement were starting to show. He wasnt at full strength and being alone here left him feeling slightly paralyzed. He found himself wanting to hunt down Alice and have her accompany him, but at the same time shed serve no true purpose. The paranoia that rang in his mind fought with his logical process. The battle of will finally won out in logic as he slid off the seat of the cart and walked to the entrance. An hour later, Windel found himself outside the general store, several new indentured servants grouped up with him. He reminded himself that Alice currently had the notepad with him, but the knowledge that shed show up any time now comforted him. He decided to order what he could off the top of his head, leading the men in his party to start loading while the women and few children stood by watching or chatting to one another. Anger started to build as he looked toward the sky, wondering if Alice would show up soon or not. He needed her here now and was convinced she was late. It was a reminder for him to purchase a pocket watch, an item he longed to own once again, and the trip to a jewelers simply wasnt viable until she came back. Alices lack of return was also holding up other important business he needed to complete today. It made him wonder where the girl was. The sight of the steamboat in the distance was impressive for Alice, but as Roderick led her through the town to the docks, she found herself captivated by the docked ships. That right there is a corvette, Roderick said, motioning with his cane toward a tall mast ship with a shallow hull. And there is a sloop. His cane fell toward a much smaller ship. Both of those are great for docking here because of the shallow waters around the coast. You wont see any ship of the line or some other warship here, though. They would run up and be scuttled! The older man smiled as he looked toward Alice. The two walked along the wooden system of piers, Roderick motioning toward one ship in particular. You will, however, see these beauties. He had her look toward a slightly larger ship. Its a brigantine. You can tell because of the square sails. Alice honestly couldnt see the resemblance that any of the ship classes carried. They all looked different in many ways, but at the same time were all the same. She considered that she rarely had seen any ships, allowing her an excuse about the matter, but she wasnt about to tell this man that she had no clue what he was talking about. Instead she opted for gentle nods and soft coos of approval. She had settled her hold of his arm to just her one hand after some time, the notepad firmly held in the other against her side. The two of them had already spent some time in town where they had lunch together while he explained what he did. From what she gathered, he was a merchant. Or perhaps some sort of dealer in some product that she missed the name of. He spoke quickly and with plenty of jargon about his trade and it made it difficult for her to catch on. She made sure to give the appropriate smiles and nods as he spoke, but made no effort to clarify any of his points. It simply wouldnt be right. She also felt uncomfortable trying to understand too much of what he offered anyway. It simply wasnt a matter for a lady, much less a servant. As charming as Roderick was in his mannerisms and the enthusiasm he had for everything he talked about, Alice was mildly put off by a few aspects of his character. She did find his age, or at least how old she thought he was, to be desirable, but he didnt seem to act like a responsible man of stature that was late in his life. He also seemed painfully oblivious about how little she knew of what he spoke of and how uncomfortable she was hearing talk about things she knew nothing about. Even still, she felt it was only right to let the man speak. As a sort of reward, he allowed her some time in a tailor shop. At one point she even had the chance to try on another dress, which she proudly modeled for him before taking a look at herself in the mirror provided. It almost felt like he was going to purchase the dress for her, a gift that she would say she couldnt accept, but surely hed insist she take it and shed guiltily be thrilled at the gift. However the offer never came and as she changed back into her own dress, she felt a little bit of disappointment, which she admitted to herself was unfounded. If he had bought her something, she would be expected to start a courtship. At least thats how she understood it. That was something else she found herself unable to provide, as much as she realized she would enjoy that with him. Now as they walked along the dock, she was being led to the brigantine he motioned toward earlier. It was a ship of similar size to those nearby with the hull rising slightly higher than many. The masts rose into the sky, making Alice look up and feel almost dizzy thinking about how tall it was. The idea of climbing up to the top and looking down sounded fantastic, but also scared her. What hope could she have of surviving such a fall? There was comfort in knowing she wouldnt do such a thing anyway. If nothing else, she could state her dress wouldnt allow it and she was by no means going to wear pantaloons and behave like anything but the lady she was mistaken to be! I forgot to mention. This is also my ship. One of my ships, Roderick said with a grin. He was motioning for her to walk ahead of him now, leading toward the ship. She found herself starting to hesitate and worry now. Oh, sir I mustnt! she found herself suddenly tossing out, spinning around to face him just a few steps from the gangplank. Her mind was now racing with her responsibility to Windel and a mild settling of fear that this man wouldnt let her go back now. Go on, Roderick stated mildly, a smile on his face that was still friendly. Youll be just fine. He stepped closer to her, taking his free hand and lightly grasping her arm and forcing her forward. Panic was starting to eat away at Alices stomach and fear led her to doing as she was told. She tucked the notepad under one arm and used both hands to lift her dress slightly, slowly taking each step up the gangplank. She wanted to turn away. She wanted to just tell him no and head back to town and to Windel and do as her master commanded. It was now that she was starting to feel as if she was betraying him. A sinking feeling was carrying itself in the pit of her stomach, reminding her of her duties that she was now abandoning. Each step took her further and further from her tasks and she felt as if her world was being torn apart. Be careful now. You dont want to fall into the ocean. The encouraging words ended up making her fears dissolve, replaced by the reality of potentially falling into the water. She wasnt sure if drowning was real or not. She had never swum in her life and it seemed so simple from what shed heard. And surely if she did slip, hed rescue her. That would leave little room for saving her dress, which would likely be ruined. She looked down to the water shifting lazily below her. It looked so dark and she was certain there was plenty of filth that would cling to the material of her dress. Carefully she continued up, finally stepping foot on deck. She took a few steps forward, feeling the ground under her rock ever so slightly as she turned around and watched Roderick join her a few seconds after. Now on the ship, she wasnt sure what to do. See? Perfectly safe. Come along and Ill show you around. She had a feeling that it was less an invitation than it was a command and she obliged him, fearful of what might happen if she refused, even if nothing about his nature was threatening. As he motioned her toward a doorway, she walked to it and opened it. A tour of the inside of the ship followed. Roderick continued to have her lead while he instructed or pointed out where to go. A few of the crew were present on the ship and grinned toward the pair as they passed. The looks made Alice even more uncomfortable and she found herself averting her eyes away from everyone. She wanted to leave now. Mr. Sampel. Im afraid I must go now, she finally managed to state, still in front of him with her back to him. She felt his breath on her neck suddenly as well as the feeling of his untamed beard brush against her shoulder and a chill ran up her spine. But theres just one more room I wish to show you. Then Ill be happy. Alice felt herself on the verge of crying, but couldnt place exactly why. Her request to leave had effectively been denied, at least for now, but she found herself convinced that she wasnt safe. She felt his hand press against the small of her back now and she instinctively stepped forward. His cane slid up ahead of her and tapped on the door to the right. She opened it and he pressed his hand against her back again. As she obediently took a few steps forward, he closed the door. It was the only door he closed behind them and now she felt she was doomed. The sound of his steps behind her made her freeze in place in the middle of the room. She could see a bed ahead of her and the thoughts that flowed through her mind both frightened her as well as excited her. She couldnt deny that she found herself aroused from the circumstance she was in, but her mind was screaming for her to leave before things went wrong. Her body refused to listen. The notepad had moved to both of her hands in the same way she held it when they met, except now she gripped the paper firmly between her fingers, her thumbs starting to ache slightly from the pressure. The pressure from his eyes was bearing down on her and her nerves were burning, anxious to either feel something or do something. In her state, she found no way to move and was expectant of his touch. This is my room when I so wish to take a voyage, his words came warmly, calmly. He didnt seem to have any concern or worry about what she felt. I rarely travel any more. So much business to handle here and cant trust these fools to handle anything for me. He walked in front of her then, tapping his cane on the wooden planks below his feet. I would offer you a ride up the coast, but its not as pleasant of a trip as it sounds. The waves are constantly rocking the boat and its simply too rough of a ride for a lady to have to experience out of leisure. You may well find yourself ill before the first night. He gave a laugh then and Alice found herself relaxing. Come now. Lets get you back outside. Youve done as I asked of you and hopefully youll join me again. As if she had agreed to the idea, he was taking the lead and walking to the door. He pulled it open and was heading out. Alice stood there a moment, completely lost in a sea of emotions. The disappointment of being rejected any sensual touch took over her emotions, at the same time elation at not having such a disastrous event occur also crashed through her mind. Guilt at her desires and indecision gripped at her heart which had been pounding furiously in her chest. She clutched the notepad to her breasts, squeezing it tightly while she tried to still her emotions and desires. A few seconds later she was rushing out the door, trying to catch up to Roderick. Master Soler! Windel spun around and watched Alice rushing toward him. She was swinging the notepad in one hand as she ran up, a worried look on her face. Her hair was starting to look frizzy and disheveled and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Windel sighed as he climbed down from the cart, letting the other men continue moving the crates and barrels. Youre late. His cold gaze locked on her as she found herself huffing, trying to catch her breath. He stood before her, waiting for an explanation. Im so sorry, master, she forced out between deep breaths. It was obvious she had been running. Please forgive me. I lost track of the time. Windel wordlessly held a hand out and Alice offered the notepad. He grasped it from her forcefully and opened it up, looking at the list. Sure enough he missed several things and he immediately went to the entrance of the shop, giving no instructions to Alice who stood where he left her without daring to move. As he disappeared through the doorway, she looked toward the cart and the people nearby. It was clear that they would all return back to the estate with this cart. She felt a little sorrowful for many reasons, but the worst of them being that she was not going to be inside a carriage. Her day as a lady was ending and it was going to be terribly lacking in the pleasurable finish she hoped for. Windel had the finishing details handled and he paid for the remaining items. The cart was being loaded per his instructions and seeing that everything was moving steadily, he headed back to Alice who had moved to standing beside the cart, but away from the other women. Now remember, youre above the rest of them. Act like it. Take charge. When I am not available to handle matters, youre my voice. Do you understand? Alice found herself both proud and fearful. She had never been the person to take responsibility over others and now she was being thrust into it. Yes. Of course, master. The reply was hesitant, but clear. Nodding his approval, Windel turned from her. Ill return in a few minutes. Make sure the cart is loaded, and he was instantly walking down the roadway in a rush. It was a final matter that Windel wanted to handle in town today. He quietly made his way into the central plaza where several market stands were setup, most of which included food stuffs, but a few were hawking wares of other origins. One in particular caught his eye. He was amazed it was still here and the man who was in the stall was also a familiar sight. Elijah. So it seems we meet again. Windel came up to the stall and his words brought the mans attention to him. At first an expression of fear filled the face of the man behind the stall, then of shock. My God, Mr. Soler? The words cut through the air between them, the clear surprise found in his behavior and his voice. Sir, I havent seen you in years! Where have you been? Thats something Id like to find out. Windel stated, setting a hand flat on the stalls surface. I see youre still in business beyond my absence and the collapse of my trade. Where is all of this from? Windel motioned with his other hand at the vegetables and fruits across the counter top. In the past he had always focused on cash crops and a small amount of food for an emergency measure. Now it seemed that Elijah had found a new supplier. Please, Mr. Soler. Understand that I had- Enough! Windels fist pounded the surface, causing several of the shallow crates to bounce. Just tell me where this is all from. Im not here to close you down, but I expect you to sell my products again once I have a supply. Of course, sir! This is all from Charles Pattersons farm. Elijah had his hands up in the air as if to submit to any punishment brought forward. Windel sighed and motioned him to regain his composure. How long have you been selling for them? Elijah hesitated and Windel watched his behavior. He was nervous, as he should be at this point, but there seemed to be more to the matter. It started almost immediately after you were gone. About a month after. My stocks were short, you were gone, and for some reason there seemed to be nothing from your plantation. Mr. Patterson noticed my small selection left and offered to help. I had to oblige him, you understand? I couldnt just go on without- Stop. Windel stood straight again, turning from Elijah. Like I said, I dont need your excuses. Ill be in touch. The matter now bounced around in Windels mind as he walked back toward the cart. The situation involving Charles Patterson was already uncomfortable, but now the whole matter was becoming deeply suspicious. He was in no position to make any claims or point any fingers, but it was becoming very clear that Charles knew something and likely did something all those years ago. It all worked out perfectly as well. With Windel in a position to pounce on the market share that the Patterson farm held, it was a great idea to have him eliminated or removed to preserve the Patterson estate. It was a move Windel was not interested in, but the old man couldnt have known that. The whole matter made him feel sick. Besides the matter of being betrayed, he had the concern of needing to confront Mr. Patterson and find out what he knew and how he was involved. The time wasnt right for that, yet. He needed something to go on that was more solid and he needed some backup. He started to formulate a plan to take care of the matter, but was interrupted from the consideration as he made his way back to the cart. It was now loaded and the servants were all milling about nearby. Windel motioned a hand toward the cart. Hop on in, everyone. Were leaving. The small crowd gathered into the cart and several sat on the back edge, squeezing in. It wouldnt be a comfortable ride back to the estate for them, but he imagined there were rarely any comfortable rides found for their like. Alice, up top with me, he said as she was about to climb into the back of the cart as well. Go on, he followed up as she hesitated. She took a quick glance at his eyes then did as she was told, assuming the seat beside the driver. Satisfied that everything was taken care of, Windel climbed into the cart, took the reins, and started them off. The sun was already setting and it was clear that it would be nightfall before they even made it halfway back home.