Toward Coimbra

After finishing his meal and feeling restored, Rodrigo, after expressing his gratitude for the food, looked at Tania and asked about their current location.

—It's a small village called Penacova. Many survivors have come here seeking refuge, although others have fled, fearing that the Muslims might also invade these surroundings— Tania replied.

—Alright, and umm, how long was I asleep?— Rodrigo inquired as he picked up his clothes since he was only wearing his pants as underwear.

—Just three hours. Don't worry, we can make it in time for you to save the slaves, but remember, that's all what you can do— Tania answered.

—Yes, and also, to bury the bodies of my mother and friends. Their souls won't be able to go to heaven, nor will their bodies resurrect in the Final Judgment if I don't give them a proper burial— Rodrigo mentioned.

Tania nodded.

Rodrigo and Tania walked towards the door of the inn while they heard the innkeeper pleading with them not to leave the village.

—Don't worry— Tania replied, forcing a smile. —We'll be fine—

Rodrigo understood that Tania wasn't accustomed to smiling much at strangers.

Next to the inn, which was quite large, there was a spacious stable with several tied horses. Just outside, there were two horses, one black and the second chestnut. Tania indicated to Rodrigo to mount the chestnut horse, and they both quickly set off towards the devastated city of Coimbra.

It was late afternoon, and the beautiful green mountains of the central region of the Kingdom of León could be seen amidst vast grasslands.

In front of the village, there was a river with calm and crystal-clear waters named Mondego, which Tania and Rodrigo crossed to head west. There were still many people on the outskirts of Penacova, arriving on horses or walking.

It was quite devastating to observe the terror in their eyes. Nonetheless, the air was relatively fresh, far from the attack on Coimbra.

The journey lasted almost two hours, galloping at full speed. Tania was very silent and didn't say anything throughout the trip, making Rodrigo realize that she was quite asocial. Still, he couldn't help but think that if he had run, he would have arrived in less than an hour. However, he couldn't oppose the will of his new companion.

—You don't talk much, do you?— Rodrigo asked his red-haired companion.

—No, I'm sorry. I don't have much to share— Tania replied indifferently.

—But if you really are a goddess like Ana mentioned, you must have had many adventures, experiences, and all that— Rodrigo commented, surprised.

—Tell me, if it's not too personal, may I know how old are you?—

—I'm sorry, all that is confidential. If we manage to build more trust, maybe I'll tell you about it— the Berber goddess responded impassively.

—I see. And tell me... Are you a Christian? Do you know Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother Mary? Have you been to heaven?— Rodrigo insisted, still partially unsettled by the previous story about gods that might seem pagan.

A faint smile appeared on Tania's lips.

—I think you'll end up hating me even more if I tell you— she replied.

—I'll have to explain you everything, Rodrigo, but later. I think Ana can explain it better than me; I'm quite rough around the edges— she added.

The sky was darkening, taking on a somber purple hue. The night was falling rapidly, but the heat persisted. It was one of those dry days on the Iberian Peninsula. For some reason, Rodrigo felt like Tania's eyes were sparkling in the light of the waning moon that illuminated the meadow.

—We're very close to Coimbra— Rodrigo said as he stopped the horse. —We'll have to find out where they're keeping the slaves to free them—

They glimpsed in the distance and saw a caravan of soldiers who, from afar, could be heard celebrating.

—Leave this to me— Tania said as she dismounted her horse.

—But I thought you couldn't intervene— Rodrigo looked at her in surprise, still on his chestnut horse.

—I can intervene as a human, just like you would— Tania replied, feigning a smile.

—It's noticeable that she doesn't like to smile— Rodrigo thought.

Tania covered her face with her veil and approached a group of soldiers who were on guard duty at that moment.

—Good evening, may Allah be with you— Tania said in Arabic to the soldiers, who looked at her with bewilderment. —I heard that you have an excellent bounty of slaves and I would like to buy some—

—Slaves? Yes, we have several here, but I doubt we would want to sell them to a filthy Berber like you— a soldier replied mockingly.

Then, that guard put his hand on the goddess's face and started caressing it, while she frowned.

—Although, of course— the guard said, —I would love to make you my wife, even if you're a dirty Berber. You have beautiful eyes—

Tania moved her face away from the guard's lascivious hand.

—I have money to buy several slaves. If you can tell me where they are, we can do business— she said, while taking out several medium-sized leather bags that appeared to contain gold coins.

The guards started to approach Tania.

—Look, this beauty has money— one of them said.

—Yes, she probably stole it from someone. Those Berbers are all thieves— another guard remarked.

Tania stood there, unmoving and unfazed, as she watched them.

At that moment, Rodrigo, who had been on his horse, quickly dismounted and cut the hand of one of the guards who was attempting to touch Tania.

The soldiers immediately shouted, —He has a weapon!— But Rodrigo, trying to restrain himself as best he could, wounded another soldier with his still-crimson sword.

But the warning had already been given, and Tania quickly turned to look at him, annoyed, and said, —Let's get out of here!—

Both of them mounted their horses and fled, while the guards began searching the area for them.

—You're a fool!— the goddess replied while they were hiding behind a hill.

—There was no way those men were going to harm me, and now you've only stirred up the camp— Tania continued, annoyed.

—I'm sorry, it was a reflex. Whether you're an angel or a human, I can't allow those degenerates to touch you— Rodrigo replied, looking deeply into her eyes.

—I always wanted to be a knight, and protecting ladies is a noble duty, even if it costs us our lives—

—Human customs are so strange— Tania replied, with a questioning gesture.

—Well, it's a fact that we won't be able to approach the camp anymore, so we'll have to fight, whether we like it or not— Rodrigo said, glancing at the guards who were searching for them on their horses.

—Wait, you can't— Tania responded. —Killing humans is forbidden among us. I give you permission to fight and defend yourself, but not to kill anyone—

—No one will die this time; I swear— Rodrigo replied.

—With your human powers? It's impossible— the goddess replied, looking at him disdainfully.

—Just that is enough for me. Watch and learn— the boy said, winking at her.