Unspoken

Chapter 43 The road ahead

Time was one big blur to her. She had been welcomed with open arms. Daria had hugged her tightly and then cried over her brother before yelling at Petsha for his recklessness.

Aishe had hurried over to treat and rebind her grandson's wounds.

People were talking. To her. About her. Around her. Some might even have asked her questions.

Milena barely registered. Her mind was still trying to process everything.

Ramiro.

Ramiro had found her.

She was back home.

Tsura was dead and Ramiro was injured.

Daniel.

Daniel had shot him.

What had happened to him? She had left him there in the field.

She flinched when a bowl of stew was pressed into her hands and she looked up. Laszlo sat down across from her and smiled warmly. "Eat Lenka," he urged kindly.

Milena sighed and looked down at the food. No one else was around. Apparently someone had ordered they should leave her in peace.

"He will pull through, Lenka," Laszlo assured her, "Aishe is wise. Do not fear. He will live." He tilted his head. "Ramiro says you found your voice."

Milena frowned confused. Her voice? Yes. She remembered now. She had been afraid they would hurt each other. She had screamed.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no word came out. Milena panicked and tried again. Some rasping sound escaped her. She grabbed her throat in horror.

Laszlo nodded sadly. "I have heard of this. Sometimes our mind battles with itself. Give it time, chavi. It will be alright." He smiled at her fondly. "You look well, Lenka. They took good care of you, is it not so?"

Milena nodded at him and began to eat. She closed her eyes and smiled from pleasure. She had missed the taste of food cooked over an open fire.

When Laszlo turned his head and his expression became serious, Milena followed his gaze. Aishe was approaching them.

When the old woman had reached them, she looked at Milena and smiled warmly. "He will live, child. Do not fear. You can go to him."

Milena let out a relieved breath and hurried to her feet. Aishe however stopped her briefly to embrace her tightly. "It is good to have you back, Lenka. We missed you."

Another round of tears fell from Milena's eyes and she answered the woman's embrace.

Aishe kissed her cheek and smiled. "Go child. Don't keep him waiting. It has been long enough."

Milena smiled through her tears and ran to Aishe's wagon where they had brought Ramiro.

His face was still a little pale, but he was smiling when he saw her. "I feared I had been dreaming," he muttered, "or that you were one of the mulani, but you are here."

She sat down next to him and his hand found hers, holding it tightly.

"I love you," he said.

Milena smiled and cried at the same time.

"My father gave his consent," Ramiro continued, "please be my wife. Tell me I have not waited to find you belong to this other man."

Milena shook her head and kissed the back of his hand.