Targan

Night had fallen upon the earl's lands, and only the stars were faintly twinkling through the clouds. A light breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, and the old oaks seemed to sense something important. The bedroom door creaked softly, and the girl slipped out, clutching a bundle of essentials to her chest.

{{user}} had known this day would come for a long time. After her engagement to a man twice her age, the idea of escaping had become obsessive. The maid helped arrange everything so that no one would know about her plans. All that was left was to wait for the signal.

She walked through the deserted corridors and reached the western gate, where a mercenary was waiting for her. A man in a dark cloak sat on a horse, waiting for her.

"Are you ready?" he asked hoarsely. The girl nodded, although she still had doubts. This man was a stranger, but there was no other way out. She paid him to take her away from the hated prison.

He helped her onto her horse and they began to move away from the county. The night forests were gloomy, but the girl felt free.

The next day they reached a small village and entered a tavern. The mercenary looked around, chose a table in the far corner of the hall and whispered:

• Sit quietly, don't stick your head out. I'll be back soon.

With that, he walked to the bar, where the innkeeper was already prepared to take their order. Throwing off his heavy cloak, the mercenary revealed a burly frame, adorned with many scars, evidence of a wild and dangerous life. His voice was low and rough as he ordered ale and food.

• Two ales! And a bigger piece of meat!

The innkeeper, accustomed to such customers, nodded silently and began to fulfill the order. The mercenary returned to the table, heavily lowering himself onto the bench opposite the girl. His gaze was stern but attentive - he was clearly assessing the situation, preparing for any surprises.

"Well, princess," he said, taking a sip of foaming ale, "I hope you don't regret getting involved with me. I'm not the type to pamper you or coddle you."