An escort

“Well met, Nyla. May I ask what you need from me?” Vilea asked trying not to show them her worry. She couldn’t think of any reason these women would go looking for her…

“We were sent to escort you the rest of the way, milady. The number of bandits attacking unsuspecting travelers has increased in recent weeks, so the roads are no longer safe even during the day. We’re here to make sure no one will bother for the rest of your trip.” Nyla explained.

“I see. And who should I thank for this?”

“Surprisingly enough it’s our Mistress, Princess Rilla. She sent us personally. And before you ask – no, she didn’t explain why she’s so concerned about your safety all of a sudden, though I have a pretty good idea what the reason could be. But once we arrive you can ask her yourself.”

“I will, thank you.”

“In that case let’s go. I left one of our companions at the inn we’ll be spending the night at, so our rooms should be ready when we get there.”

“That’s so thoughtful of you, Nyla. Thank you again.” Vilea said.

“You’re welcome milady.”

With that said the ten armor-clad women surrounded Vilea’s carriage: four on each side, one in front and one in the back. Then Vilea and Jilleen’s journey finally resumed.

“Well, that was unexpected.” Vilea noted once they were moving again and the Maidens could no longer hear the two women inside.

“I wonder what the princess wants from you, my lady?” Jilleen wondered.

“Like I said before I have no idea. But Rilla would not send even one of her Maidens without a reason, much less ten, so there is one. The thing that worries me is that Nyla has not been told why they were sent to escort me. If the princess simply “requires my services”, as she did a few times in the past, she would tell Nyla. So there must be another reason… and I don’t think I’m going to like it…” After that Vilea fell silent, and Jilleen decided it’s best not to bother her mistress for the time being, so she resumed looking out the widow.