Goldentracks

Chapter Twenty-One

Una spoke very little on the way on the way back to the cave, wanting to return quickly. Seeming to understand that something was wrong, Sabrina remained silent as well. When they finally arrived back at the clearing, Una felt the tension ease. Sabrina was first to break the silence. "What happened to make you look so frightened?"

"Nothing happened. I mean, the guy I saw waiting at the cottage didn't do anything to me. He said he was Flynn's brother. It looked like he was there alone, but I got scared anyway. I got really scared when he said he knew that you were with me." Una sat down on the ground once she reached the mouth of the cave. "I don't get it. I mean, how did he know we were together?" she looked up at Sabrina. "Although, he did mention something about Cobalt and other sources." Sabrina's face was expressionless. Una continued. "He also said we should present ourselves at the town gates and say our names. We should say that we want to meet Lord Sandford of Eastwin. I asked why we'd want to do that, but he said that we'd have to show up to find out."

Sabrina was now staring at the ground. Una took a deep breath. "For some reason, the idea of going to the town makes me nervous now. But it would be the logical thing to do though, right? I mean, if we want to live we can't just keep hiding out here forever. But ever since he's said that we should, I've had this feeling it would be a very bad idea for me to go there. Like I'll lose my way back home if I do."

Sabrina came closer and sat next to Una. She looked as shocked as Una felt. After a few moments, Sabrina said, "What impression did the brother give you? And what was his name?"

"Well, I was so surprised that it wasn't Flynn that I didn't notice anything else at first." Una paused to think back on the encounter. "He has dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. He was tall and wearing dark clothes. He looked like a nice enough person, but then, he also looked like he was trying to not scare me away. So it might all have been an act. And he said his name was Seamus."

"Do you believe he is Flynn's brother?"

"I didn't at first, but then he smiled before he left and it was almost exactly like Flynn's."

"I see." They sat in silence for a while. Looking at Una, Sabrina said, "This seems too much like a trap to be one. I think, had their intentions been evil, they would have caught us both already. Why court us like this? Why not simply capture us and be done with it? I must confess that I am intrigued."

"So, what do we do? Do you plan on going to the town? I mean, what if something bad happens?"

"They did not order us to go there, nor did they forcefully try to capture us. We were invited to meet the lord of this region. I think the worst they would do to us would be to throw us back out again." Sabrina took a long, deep breath and thought, Or throw us in jail. "To be honest with you, I've grown very tired of running, of having to constantly look over my shoulder, and of always planning a means of escape. The more I think about it, the more I see the good of this meeting. Before I met you, I was already thinking it was time to try and enter some household. And though this may all turn out to be an elaborate trap, I believe the potential benefits of this meeting outweigh its potential dangers."

Una sensed her unshakable determination forming in Sabrina's eyes. "I don't understand—I thought you didn't want to get caught?"

"Yes, that is true. Until today, I had been running in fear of being caught. But now I see that it may be possible for me to be found without being caught. If my conclusion is correct, this invitation could work in my favour."

"But aren't they the same thing?"

"Not necessarily. My enemy may know where I am, 'find me' if you will, and yet not have the power to capture me. My meeting them would be a risk, but if this gamble is successful I may be able to live in safety and have a more stable life. I would not be able to see my homeland again, but I would not have to continue living like a fugitive anymore either." Una nodded. She was beginning to see how this meeting might be a good idea for Sabrina. "I shall not attempt to convince you to come with me, though I think it a good option for you as well. I will leave it to you to decide for yourself. I believe I shall head for the town tomorrow morning. If things go well for me, I shall try to come back here and explain the situation to you. However, if things do not go well, or if I am not allowed me to leave immediately after meeting the lord, you will have to find a way to continue on your own. Are you sure you don't want to come with me? Take the day to think this carefully and you can give me your answer tomorrow."