Unspoken

Chapter 38 The wind whispered change

Milena looked up when Rowdy started to bark loudly. The little dog tore off towards the gates of the estate to meet the carriage that was pulling up.

Milena tugged Amelia's sleeve and pointed. The two girls had been taking a stroll through the gardens. It had been Milena who had felt the need for some fresh air and since today was not so cold, Amelia had agreed to come.

Amelia had just pointed out the Snowdrops that had poked their head from underneath the soil, a clear sign that spring was just around the corner. Now her attention was on the approaching carriage. They weren't expecting visitors, which could only mean... "It must be Harun and his father," Amelia spoke, "I will get Daniel." She turned and rushed into the house.

Milena watched as the carriage came to a halt and Jonathan came out of the stables to grab the reins. When the door to the carriage opened and a familiar face appeared, a smile broke through on Milena's face and she started to run to greet the boy.

Harun kneeled to rub Rowdy's ears. A large grin was on his face. "Hello boy, you sure have grown. Seems like someone has taken good care of you." He stood to assist his father out of the carriage.

"Thank you, boy," Zachary said. He stretched his back. His injury still bothered him and the long journey had made him stiff.

"Welcome back Harun." Jonathan grinned at him.

"Thanks," Harun smiled. "I am glad to be back." His eyes scanned the courtyard for someone and found Milena rushing to greet them. "Leah," he smiled when she had arrived.

She answered his smile and looked at the man next to him.

"Ah, Leah, this is my father, Zachary. Father, this is Leah."

Zachary smiled fondly at the girl. "Nice to meet you, Leah. Sastimos."

Leah's eyes went wide at hearing her own language being spoke. It had been so long. Tears formed in her eyes and she pressed her hands to her heart while making a bow.

"It is alright, lass," Zachary comforted her, "thank you for being a friend to my son. I have heard so much about you."

Milena looked at him curiously and shifted her eyes towards Harun who gave a sheepish chuckle.

"You must be Harun's father." Daniel had approached the carriage and extended his hand to Zachary as Amelia sidled up next to Milena. "Welcome," Daniel continued. He looked at Harun. "It is good to have you back, Harun. We have all missed you. And one person in particular." He winked at the boy and smiled amused when he saw Harun's cheeks flare. He turned back to Harun's father. "I am Daniel Blackwood. This is my sister, Amelia. I believe you have already met Leah."

"Zachary," Zachary answered, "I can't express how grateful I am, lord Blackwood. I will pay you back anyway I can and..."

"No need," Daniel waved it away, "I am glad to be of assistance. I am sure you are weary and hungry from your journey. Let's get you installed. Can you manage? I promise it is not far a walk." He eyed Zachary's cane with worry.

"I will manage, my lord," Zachary said.

"Good," Daniel nodded. He turned around to the bags that had already been unloaded. "Leah, you don't have to carry those," he said when he noticed the girl had already swung a bag over her shoulder.

Milena smiled and waved away his protests, but Daniel wouldn't have it. He stepped closer and extended his hand to take the bag from her. Milena shook her head and pointed at herself before flexing the muscles in her arms. Then she pointed at Daniel, pulled a face and let her arms dangle, referring to a few days earlier when they had brought all the furniture to Harun and Zachary's new house.