Through the dense forest Samuel scanned his surroundings while leading his warriors because he needed to spot any lingering threats. Serafina achieved safety through a long struggle against the rogues. The warriors needed to withdraw from their position after executing their defensive duties in the castle zone.
A movement in the nearby wild bushes caused Samuel to halt his journey while he stood by the remnants of the rogue campsite. He signaled the rest of his party to halt before proceeding cautiously to investigate.
A young woman emerged from the bushes showing determination instead of fear through her defiant gaze and her ripped dress together with her dirty face. From her posture she projected a nonthreatening disposition although his muscles remained tight as if expecting danger.
"Who are you?" He spoke in a friendly yet commanding voice when he asked.
The woman hesitated, then answered. The spoken words became composed despite her unkempt state. "Henrietta Davis," she introduced herself. "I... The Tailwind Pack had employed me during better times but everything turned sour after that.
The woman stood before him for a brief observation during which he noticed signs of exhaustion in her posture. "What are you doing here?"
Henrietta stared at the war's remnants as an expression of dread appeared on her face.
The rogues took me hostage after the Tailwind Pack lost their power. The rogues both forced me to work and imprisoned me in this place. After their disappearance I am left with no place to live.
Samuel sighed and turned back to his soldiers.It wasn't risk-free to take in an unknown survivor, but there was something about Henrietta that convinced him she wasn't a danger.
He paused and offered, "Come with us," instead. "You'll return to the castle with us. There, you'll be secure.
Henrietta blinked, as though she hadn't anticipated such generosity. She nodded after hesitating. "Thank you."
Samuel couldn't help but look at her as they strolled through the forest. Her quiet power behind the fatigue captivated him.
He noticed that his thoughts were shifting away from violence and conflict to something completely different for the first time since the struggle. Something—someone—unexpected.