Ch 13. The Return of the Travelers (I)

"What do you think of this color?" Cassandra held a beautiful green fabric in front of Idalia. "I think it would look good on you. There's also a beige robe over there."

Idalia looked curiously at the many different fabrics that were laid out on a table in front of her. After that night she had a breakdown, she had been scared that she had accidentally let out her secret but to her surprise, nobody had mentioned it nor did they act as they had heard something. Her parents continued showering her with concern and affection while the servants continued attending to her. Honestly, she disliked seeing people tending to her and more so when she knew that some were slaves. Naturally it was because she had grown up in a society where there were no slaves and had been taught since young on how morally wrong it was. So she would try to do things herself when possible although it proved hard since she also had to act like the "noble" Idalia.

Yesterday, her mother had proposed on taking her out to the market to go buy some things. She had remembered that Cassandra had wanted to buy fabrics with her and brought it up to her mother. Lady Catherine then sent a message to Cassandra's mother asking her if they would be able to join them on their outing. Hence, it had been four days since her breakdown and five days since she had found herself here.

She had spent most of her time on the bed and learning the instruments although there was barely progress. This outing was like a breath of fresh air to her since she liked going out every now and then. Hence, with the physicians' permission, Idalia, Cassandra, and their mothers were looking at textiles in a bustling market.

While looking, the woman whose shop they were visiting enthusiastically showed her the various designs, "I have this beautiful pink cloth which is starting to get really popular among the younger ladies," she pointed at it, "which is made from a sheep's wool. Over here," she turned to look behind her while pointing at one of blankets which was hung to be shown off, "this is also made from a sheep's wool and is following the current style popular in Pasfot. When draped over your shoulders, these designs will be outlining your shoulders and arms and will also be visible in the waist area. Beautiful, isn't it?"

Idalia responded with a light smile, "Yes." Looking at the bunch of fabrics in front of her she gave an awkward smile, "Could you give me a moment to select one, please?"

"Sure!"

Idalia busied herself into looking for at least a simple but pretty blanket while the shop lady was helping Cassandra with her choosings. Looking to her left, Idalia saw a corner of a light blue cloth and then gently lifted the ones that were stacked on top it. She saw a light blue textile that had some dark blue patterns on it and instantly liked it.

Lifting it, she turned to ask the shopkeeper, "May I buy this one?"

"Of course! You have a nice eye for this, my lady! It will look gorgeous on you!"

Cassandra looked up and then suggested, "We should buy some jewelry to match it."

Idalia smiled while she turned around to find her mother and Cassandra's discussing some wine prices at a shop on the other side of the street. Sensing someone's gaze on her, Lady Catherine turned around to see Idalia smiling while holding the blanket a bit to show it to her.

Catherine smiled before mouthing to her, "Buy at least three."

Idalia raised three fingers while mouthing back in response, "Three?" She saw her mother nod.

Turning back to look at the stacks of cloths, Idalia quickly picked up the olive green blanket that Cassandra had suggested and a pink one, too. "I'll be taking these three," Idalia informed the shopkeeper.

"Certainly!" The woman responded while she picked out the cloths and stacked them neatly together. At the same time, Cassandra had also decided on what she would buy and informed the woman. "In total, this would be twelve silver coins."

Cassandra opened a bag that had been tied to her waist and instead pulled out two gold coins. "We were very satisfied with the materials and your service. We'll visit next time!" She gave the woman the coins while Idalia took the fabrics.

"Until then!" The woman responded with a very bright smile.

Idalia and Cassandra went to where their mothers were while a servant that had been standing behind Lady Catherine stepped forward to hold the cloths. "My dear, Julianna and I have discussed going to buy some oils. Do you want to come?"

Idalia pondered for a bit before shaking her head no, "Cassandra and I want to buy some jewelry to match the robes. Will that be okay with you?"

Catherine raised a brow at the strange word but decided to not point it out, "That's fine. I'll have Lazarus and Gaius follow you girls for danger. If you want to find us, we'll be on the other side of the market."

"Behave well, Cassandra," Lady Julianna reminded her daughter.

"I will."

"We'll go then," the older women left.

Cassandra interlocked her arm with Idalia's and squealed, "Well let's go buy some jewelry!" And the two girls excitedly went in the direction of a jewelry shop, the two guards following close by.

Outside the gates of Hauwitet, Cyrus and the rest of the group finally saw the walls of the capital come into view and they quickly moved forward. After having decided on Ursinus' punishment and sent the missing girls to their homes with lots of compensation such as a pound of silver coins, a jar of wine, and a jar of oil, Lord Hector had brought Ursinus to the center of the market. He had announced to the public of Ursinus' crimes and then given the citizens the freedom to stone their former magistrate. The people of Wulsapa, infuriated with how the man had acted disgustingly and upset with how their magistrate had been the cause of their unease, picked up stones and large rocks and threw them at him.

A few moments after, Ursinus' lifeless body was dragged outside the walls of Wulsapa and into the wilderness to be eaten by the wild animals. King Andreios had already decided who would replace Ursinus and Lord Hector had announced his orders to the citizens. The man had been deemed trustworthy and was already aware of his responsibilities since he worked with the higher ups in Wulsapa.

As soon as everything was done and over with, the traveling men had departed to the capital the next day. Finally, after almost four days of travel, they had arrived.

Cyrus looked to see the gates of the capital where people entered and exited with smiles on their faces or with calm expressions. Nonetheless, the people seemed happy which also put Cyrus in a better mood. Finally, he could see his family. At the thought of them, Cyrus revealed a wide grin.

After a year, he had finally arrived home.