Chapter 5: Mad Dog
Abruptly, the stillness outside the carriage shattered into a cacophony of abrupt noises – swift footsteps, a chorus of stern male voices, and the unmistakable sounds of men engaged in a fight.
Caught off guard by this sudden twist of events, Aideen felt a surge of panic. She instinctively retreated to the farthest corner of the carriage, away from its door, clasping her shoulders as if shielding herself from potential harm. In a surprisingly loud and frightened voice, she inquired,
"What is happening?"
Instead of offering a soothing response, the knight swiftly muffled her words with his large, gloved hand, pressing her head against the rough surface of the carriage, and whispered,
"Shh! Stay quiet!"
In response to his gesture, Aideen found herself further confounded. Trembling like a leaf in the wind, she retreated even deeper into the corner of the carriage, attempting to steady her racing heart. She strained to discern the exact nature of the sounds that persisted in echoing through the ominous expanse of the dark forest.
’What is happening out there? Could we be under attack by bandits? But there’s scarcely anything of value in here; Count Constantine would hardly be generous enough to send me off with such riches.’
Lost in her thoughts, Aideen could not gauge how much time had passed while they remained in silent confinement within the carriage. With the knight’s hand steadfastly muffling her mouth, and anxiety tightening its grip on her heart, she felt a growing sense of breathlessness. Yet, paralyzed by terror, she dared not move a single muscle.
’I can’t breathe, I need some air...’
Finally, the loud sounds of fighting subsided, giving way to a solemn stillness. The only audible remnants were the subdued murmurs of those who had emerged victorious—two men engaged in what seemed like a measured conversation as they strolled cautiously around the carriage.
In the grip of fear, Aideen could not suppress the nagging curiosity about the grim and inevitable fate that awaited her in the imminent moments.