Through & Through

Chapter 5: Self Righteous Suicide

Author's Notes | Heavy things are coming... I don't wanna ruin the surprise within the warnings but I have to place this warning anyway cause it's way more important than a spoiler ok? Thank you for your comprehension!
Words | 4081
⁑ Warnings: Mentions of blood, cursing, and violence. Caution is recommended: the following content may be triggering. [SPOILER ALERT!] Sexual abuse insinuated, non-graphic.

The following hours were filled with sadness as Ivar and Iliana traveled through the road without pauses, leaving the town behind with the hopes of a peaceful life anywhere in those lands.

Instead of stopping in the next town, Ivar sold as much as he could in the town's blacksmith, gathering gold and silver enough and getting rid even from the cart, keeping nothing but the horse he knew would serve them well since it was a fast animal. Meanwhile, Iliana was walking through the other side of the city, getting rid of some of their things, also gathering gold and silver, plus supplies they would have to carry with them: some food, some herbs for Ivar's legs... All she could carry in a single bag she attached to the horse's saddle before coming up on it and helping Ivar to come up as well.

With the braces, it was hard for him to come up but better for him to keep himself straight over the animal he put to run as soon as they were ready.

"We mustn't stop in the next town, Iliana. I'm sure that man is coming with that other bastard that was following him and more Rus after us. We must leave as fast as we can and we'll have plenty of time to sleep at the boat during our trip. I'll try to pick up the pace to ensure we'll reach the sea tomorrow," Ivar explained, to what Iliana only nodded, agreeing.

And praying the gods would be merciful with her and Ivar and allow them to depart without major problems.

Maybe they didn't hear her. Or maybe they have given her a chance to find another boat, to have some more time.

If only she had the Seer's ears to hear the gods' words and his eyes to see their signs...

"I'll leave with the dawn, tomorrow. Not earlier, not later. And no one sleeps in my boat unless it is navigating, my lady. Find yourself an inn for the night and be here before dawn tomorrow. I'll have plenty of space for the two of you."

If only Iliana had followed her intuition saying there was something more in the hazel eyes of that commander. Something more than just the benevolence he was offering when few boats were leaving with passengers from that place. But he had a huge boat... Something she saw just a few times in her life. Ivar and her would be able to rest during the trip and even have some accommodations in that thing. The two of them accepted the deal, paying the man half of the cost in advance to ensure their place as the commander demanded.

"Before the dawn," he insisted.

Ivar was annoyed. Such as Iliana, there was something bothering him in that man's way to look at the woman by his side. To speak only to her and negotiate as if he wasn't there to be noticed.