As the midday sun reached its zenith, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape, the two coachmen took advantage of the pause in their journey to prepare lunch. The air was filled with the scent of cooking food and the sound of casual chatter, a brief respite from the day's travel. Meanwhile, Edward, carrying the weight of his and his sister's future on his shoulders, sought out Randall, who was diligently surveying the area to ensure their safety.
Edward found Randall at the edge of their makeshift camp, his gaze piercing through the dense foliage that bordered the clearing. The man's tense and alert posture relaxed slightly as Edward approached, though his eyes never ceased their vigilant dance.
"Randall, might I have a word?" Edward began, his voice carrying a carefully measured mix of respect and urgency. He delved into the topic of army recruitment, hoping to glean vital information. Randall's response, however, was as cold as the steel of his sword. "Information has a price," he stated flatly, the unyielding tone of his voice mirroring the hard lines of his face. When Randall mentioned the cost—two silvers—Edward's heart sank.
In a desperate attempt, Edward wove a tale of hardship, emphasizing their lack of funds with a voice tinged with fabricated sorrow, his eyes pleading for a shred of compassion. Yet, Randall's expression remained unmoved, his stance firm. With a heavy heart, Edward presented his final offer: 50 copper coins, all he claimed to have. The coins clinked softly as they changed hands, a testament to Edward's desperation.
Reluctantly, Randall acquiesced, his body language loosening slightly, though his eyes retained a hint of skepticism. He revealed that individuals aged 17 to 20 were eligible for the army, detailing the recruitment and training phases but omitting the nuanced insights Edward craved.
Feeling a mixture of relief and frustration, Edward pressed for more, hoping his investment would yield richer information. "Surely, there's more you can share," he implored, his brows knitting together in a mixture of hope and skepticism.
Randall's posture stiffened once again, and he cast a long look at Edward as if weighing the value of his secrets against the copper in his hand. He offered a few more tidbits about the practical assessment and training, but Edward couldn't shake the feeling that these were mere crumbs, basic knowledge that any city dweller might possess.
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Edward returned to where Maiya and his sister were seated, the air around them filled with the warmth of midday and the scent of freshly prepared meals. Their voices floated to him as he approached, weaving a narrative he had not anticipated.
“You have an aunt that resides in Willsden?” Maiya's voice carried a note of surprise mingled with curiosity. Her tone was gentle, yet it held the weight of newfound possibilities.
Edward paused, hidden from their view by the gentle curve of the carriage. His heart skipped a beat at the mention of an aunt, a previously unknown factor in their precarious survival equation.
“Aunt, it’s my first time hearing about her,” Edward murmured under his breath, his brows furrowed in confusion and intrigue. He leaned slightly, ensuring he remained unseen, his curiosity piqued.
“She is my father’s elder sister,” Elina’s voice was soft, tinged with a hint of sadness. “My mother was not on good terms with her, so I have not seen her in years.” Her shoulders slumped slightly, a physical manifestation of the familial distance she described.
Maiya’s response was immediate and nurturing. She reached out, gently patting Elina's head in a comforting gesture. “I will be in the city for a week if she does not help you. Contact me,” she offered, her voice imbued with a warmth that spoke volumes of her character.
This exchange shifted the dynamics of Edward's plan. Initially, he had hoped to rely on Maiya's kindness in the city, but the revelation of a relative in Willsden presented a new avenue. Yet, skepticism lingered; this aunt was a stranger, not just to him, but seemingly to Elina. Why had she remained a shadowy figure on the outskirts of their lives?
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Edward rounded the carriage, making his presence known with a measured stride. His entrance was casual, his expression carefully composed to mask the whirlwind of thoughts.
Joining the conversation, he directed a smile towards Maiya, his voice laced with genuine gratitude. “I cannot express how much your kindness means to us,” he began, his gaze flitting between Maiya and Elina. “Thank you, not just for the meal and the journey, but for your generosity of spirit.”
His words were deliberate, aiming to fortify the bond they had formed with Maiya. Yet, the enigma of the aunt lingered at the back of his mind, a puzzle he intended to solve. His manner remained attentive as he engaged in light conversation, his body language open and grateful. However, his eyes occasionally met Elina’s, a silent promise of deeper conversations.