The next morning they set out two hours before dawn, in hopes to make up for lost time from the storm.
The Remdragon knights who were selected for this raid had now been away from home for months.
Ursuline was eager to fulfill the kings orders and return home to Anatol. Hebaron was also eager to return home but mostly for the endless supply of Ale that awaited him. Garrow too had expressed his longing to return home and to see his comrades.
Gabel on the other hand, wanted this raid to go on forever.
Once this raid was over he would have to part ways with Elara.
Since their departure from the palace he had been thinking of ways that he could keep seeing her, when all this was done. Unfortunately he had not come up with any logical reason for them to keep crossing paths.
He did not plan on giving up though and vowed to come up with a answer before the raid was through.
***
They rode till noon then briefly stopped by a stream to let their horses rest.
Elara still wished to steer clear of both Gabel and her commander. She had been successful for the most of the morning, only having to speak to each of them once.
Once when Gabel bid her a good morning and once when she answered a question regarding directions for her commander.
During the break at noon, Elara lead her horse over to the end of the stream.
She patted her steed's beautiful chestnut coat.
"Sorry boy, I know this has been rough. Just hang in there a little longer. Soon enough we shall..."
"Elara.." whipping her head over, she saw Gabel quickly approaching.
He walked right up to her horse and reached a hand out, gently patting his neck.
"Am I forgiven yet? Please don't be mad at me. I did not wish to embarrass you, I swear."
Elara shifted her gaze to her hand that was rubbing her horses back.
"I am not sure," she spoke softly so that the knights sitting near by couldn't hear.
Gabel turned his gaze to her horse then rubbed its nose.
"Then I shall do what I must to earn your forgiveness."
Elara couldn't help the heat rushing to her face. His piercing eyes always seemed to have a sensual look.
Even though she was fully clothed, it felt like was always standing naked in front of him.
Gabel smiled, then leaned his head in by her ear, "I bet, my lady, I can at least make your body forgive me."
Elara subconsciously pushed against his chest. Forgetting the setting, she nervously glanced around.
Thankfully the only person who seemed to be watching was Garrow. The young knights face grew red when his eyes met hers.
Turning back to Gabel she whispered, "Do not say such things to me please it ..."
"Why? Does it make your desire for me grow?"
He let a short chuckle out and leaned in closer so that his lips were hovering just over her ear.
"I am filled with desire for you Elara."
She scowled and brought a hand up to push him away.
Gabel grabbed her wrist and playfully spoke, "I will behave my lady, until the time comes."
Then he let her wrist go, turned and began to walk towards the other knights.
