We're Too Late

Chapter - 44

As they entered Ashenford, Elara's gaze darted from one familiar house to the next until her eyes landed on a small, weathered cottage at the end of a narrow path. "Jacob, that's it! That's my home!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with both excitement and nervous energy.

Before Jacob could respond, Elara slid off her horse and sprinted toward the house. "Mom, Lily, I'm back! It's me!" she called as she reached for the door, only to find it locked. Frowning, she knocked firmly, then again, louder, her knuckles growing red as the unanswered minutes stretched on. Jacob, having dismounted, walked over towards her. As the silence continued though, worry etched itself deeper into Elara's face.

"Where could they be?" she murmured, fear and confusion creeping into her tone. "What if… what if they left the village?"

Just then, a voice broke the quiet. "Elara? Is that… is that really you?" Both Elara and Jacob turned to see an elderly woman, her frail frame wrapped in a shawl, eyes wide with disbelief and a touch of joy.

"Auntie!" Elara cried, her worry melting into a joyful rush as she ran to the woman and embraced her tightly. "It's so good to see you again!"

The old woman's voice trembled with emotion. "Oh, my dear Elara, after everything that happened, I never thought I'd see you again. How have you been?"

After a long hug, they stepped back, and Elara composed herself. "It was hard, Auntie, but I survived. And now…" She glanced back at Jacob, "I have someone who looks out for me." She gestured toward him, and Jacob stepped forward with a respectful nod.

"Ma'am," he greeted.

The old woman's eyes softened as she looked between them. "I'm glad, Elara. It's good to know you've found a friend." 

"Auntie," Elara said as she gestured back to the cottage. "Do you know where my family is? No one's answering the door."

The old woman sighed, her expression falling. "Oh, Elara… I'm so, so sorry, dear." She reached out, grasping Elara's hand, her face lined with sadness and regret. "Your father… he spiraled into even worse debts after you were gone. It reached a point where… he decided to go to Havenrest and sell your mother and Lily to slavers." The woman's voice cracked as tears welled in her eyes. "I tried to help them, I tried so hard to help your mother and sister get away… but I failed."

Elara's face drained of color as shock, then fear, surged through her. "He… he is going to sell them?" Her voice broke, and for a moment, she looked lost.

Jacob knew he had to take over. "Ma'am, when did this happen? How long have they been gone?"

"They left for Havenrest five days ago, child," the woman said.

Jacob's jaw tightened, already formulating a plan. He looked to the woman. "Ma'am, thank you for telling us. Do you know how we can there?"

She nodded, pointing southward. "Stay on the main road that way until it forks. Take the eastern path, and it'll lead you straight to Havenrest. It's about a day's ride."

Jacob nodded, turning back to Elara, whose eyes were glistening with tears. He placed his hands on her shoulders, his grip firm but comforting, locking his gaze with hers. "Elara, listen to me. We're going to find your mother and sister. I promise you."

Elara held his gaze, slwoly regaining her resolve. "Thank you, Jacob."

Within moments, they were back on their horses, galloping away from the village as the old woman watched them disappear over the hill.

---

The sun was setting when they finally reached the outskirts of Havenrest the next evening, the city bustling with evening trade and travelers. Jacob guided them to a halt at the city's entrance, scanning the crowded streets. He spotted a passerby and called out, "Excuse me, could you point us to the nearest inn?"

The man gestured toward a side street. "Down that road, you'll find the Gallant Stallion. Best inn in the city."

Jacob thanked him, and they rode through the winding streets until they reached the inn, a tall building with warm lights flickering through its windows. Inside, the innkeeper welcomed them, and Jacob quickly secured a room for the night.

After ensuring their belongings were settled, Jacob approached the innkeeper again. "I'm looking for information about slaver traders in Havenrest."

The innkeeper, a grizzled older man, leaned forward and said. "You're looking for Garvin. He's the only trader in these parts who deals in… such things." He gave Jacob an appraising look before sighing. "He runs his operations out of a warehouse near the northern gate. But I'll tell you this, stranger: you'll want to be careful around him. He's as ruthless as they come."

Jacob thanked him, slipping a few bronze orins into his hand, and returned to Elara, who was pacing their room, her worry barely contained.

"Elara," he said, "I found out where they might be. There's a warehouse run by a slaver named Garvin. We'll head there immediately."