Chapter 11

The next morning, Madam Rochel's caravan was being loaded up in front of the manor. Madam Rochel guiding the placement of her things. Beside the caravan was a sizeable quantity of foodstuffs and other supplies that Wulfric was providing for her. Markus was off to the side watching everything being loaded up, he'd tried to offer his assistance but had been told it wasn't necessary. Just as the caravan was finished being loaded up, Wulfric and Kranston were exiting the manor.

"Ah, Your Grace. Thank you for coming to see me off," exclaimed Madam Rochel.

"Of course, Madam. Thank you for coming to see my dear friend, and it has been a pleasure to get to know you."

"You are far to kind, Your Grace. Oh, and thank you for the supplies. It will be quite useful."

Wulfric nodded. Madam Rochel then turned towards Markus and motioned for him. He quickly came to her side.

She smiled at him before saying, "Stay safe, Loter. May you be guided by the blessings of the Gods."

Markus smiled back, and responded, "May the Gods watch over you wherever your journey takes you."

Madam Rochel leaned in towards Markus and whispered, "I'll be searching out the places that you saw. Next time you see me, it'll be at one of the unknown places."

Madam Rochel stepped away from him, turned towards Wulfric and Kranston, nodded, then quickly got up onto the seat of her caravan.

"Under the blessings of the Gods, may we meet again." Then she got her caravan moving without another word.

'Gods, please watch over all of them, and please guide me so that I may be of assistance to them wherever this journey may take them.

~~~~~~~~~~

That same day around noon, Markus came to visit Lyra. When he got there, he found her sitting on the couch working on a piece of cross stitching.

"Hello Lyra, I see you are trying something new today."

"Hello Markus, Madam Rochel suggested it, so Ellen has started teaching me."

"That's wonderful, and are you enjoying it?"

"Yes, it's taxing on my hands, but I'm hoping some day I can create some lovely patterns."

"I'm sure you will. I'm guessing Ellen went to get you your lunch."

"Oh yes. She should be back soon."

"Excellent. Do you mind if I sit down next to you."

Lyra smiled and nodded.

"Did you enjoy your time with Madam Rochel?"

"I did. She's a very kind woman, and it was great to hear all of her stories."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Markus…"

"Yes?"

"Where do you think Madam Rochel is heading?"

"Hmm. I'm not completely certain. She does like her adventures, so she'll probably end up going somewhere very interesting."

"Do you think I'll see her again?"

"I don't know, Lyra. I'm not even certain that I will see her again."

Lyra glanced at Markus' face and noticed that he seemed sad.

"She told me that you are like a grandson to her."

"And she was like a grandmother to me," he said with a smile on his face.

At that moment, the door opened, and Ellen entered with a tray of food.

"Lady Lyra, Lord Markus. Unfortunately, Lord Markus, I did not realize that you would be joining for lunch today. Would you like me to go fetch some food for you?"

"No. Don't worry about that. I'm just here to say hello. Oh, one thing, Lyra, how would you feel about having your dinner in the main dining room with me and Wulfric?"

Lyra smiled, "That would mean I could get out of this room more often."

"Yes, it does."

"Then I would like that."

"Wonderful, then I shall escort you to dinner tonight."

With that, Markus took his leave. As Ellen helped Lyra to the table where her food was set, there was a large smile on her face.