No trace: Part Two of The Accidental Trilogy

Chapter Nine

I am a monster. It does make a certain amount of sense. The tears that fall I swear to be my last.

No one will see me like this again. I am a monster; there will no more pretence in this.

I walk through the forest, thankful that I fell asleep dressed and am not barefoot.

The moon shines through the trees and I keep walking.

I know that East lies the nations of Prussia, Austria, the Germanic nations and further afield too.

Russia, then China. Their languages that I have studied so prodigiously in the last couple of years, who knew that they would come to be so useful.

Far too soon, I leave the relative safety of the woods that in the Comte's property line and know that in these woods, there are bandits. I remember encountering them the first time, they were inexperienced, but now, they would be more careful.

Well, I was still a formidable monster.

I fashioned a bow from the tree, burning through the wood to create the right shape, then a few arrows, sharpening the ends as best I could. I pulled a few threads from my dress and plaited them together to strengthen them. I used those to tie the bow.

I got up and started walking again.

For a moment I considered returning to get my pistols, but that moment passed, Rosa didn't bluff.

When night fell I stopped again, this time to adapt my clothes. A lot of the pieces, well, all were lined. Thick and thin fabric, I decided that all of it would be requisitioned.

One item per night that was my goal, but that first night of sewing, I made a tent and a satchel.

A few more days went by and my dress became gradually more suited to the countryside.

I walked as the crow flies, occasionally encountering people, villagers, later those from town.

As I had no coins, I didn't bother asking for rooms in towns. And my very appearance seemed to offend.

Walking out of one of these towns, I encountered an injured horse. He was lying on his side, the high-pitched neighing made my hair on end and there were two people, standing over it, one holding a long stick.

'What has happened here?' I ask them in a cordial tone.

'The horse has become lame, Mademoiselle. We must put it out of its misery.'

I kneel, as gracefully as I was taught and look closely at the poor animal. There are two deep cuts, on the one leg.

'How did those happen?' I ask, rising. Control your anger, I tell myself, but it doesn't dissipate.

'Farming accident.' It rises, almost but not quite bubbling up inside.

'Of course.' They want rid of the horse then. Maybe moving, maybe need to sell for meat, who can truly know with people. 'Best go fetch a pistol then, put the poor creature out of its misery.'

'Yes, that would be the best course of action.'

'I will bid you both adieu.'

They bow and I curtsey before walking on. Scanning, I hear them begin to walk away from the horse and then farther afield, their home must be further than first imagined.

Perfect.

I run back and kneel, none too gracefully by the injured horse's leg. Healing is a rare Khalinyne gift, one in twenty, as Louis told me. In the little group, Andrea had it and after the lesson on firearms, he shyly showed me.

'Water heals,' he told me, 'Ours does when you know what to do.'

Now, I tried this for myself. The water soon covers the cuts and I concentrate, then the water sparkles brightly blue for a moment and I watch in delight as the cuts heal.

The water is gone and the horse is calmer.

A few moments before it attempts to stand and I help to guide it to its feet.

'I will call you Andrea. As you owe your life to him.'

I mount him and holding his mane start to ride him into the forest, going faster once I feel comfortable in this area.

Slowing down so he can rest.

That evening after wiping him down, I fashion a bridle and a light blanket to keep him warm.

Despite the possible danger, I also light a small fire for his warmth and my supper.

The next morning, we leave early, as the first part of the journey I decided to lead him with the new bridle, to see how he reacts to it.

He reacts well and by midday, we're riding at a good steady pace to the next town, where the townspeople are speaking German.

I move on, despite the time, my situation regarding money has not changed and I'm well aware of how I must look.

Two more days travelling, and I feel more rancid than I remember being when I lived at the orphanage. I bathed in streams when I Jane across them, but still.

I would have to accept help from someone if I was to live, properly.

I tied my horse up at the local inn; it looked to my trained eye, a respectable establishment.

I needed a plan, I knew this, but I entered the building without one.

A monster does not plan, it just does.

Inside, there are some little tables, one long counter jutting out from the far wall and it is full of happy customers, some locals, and others I can recognise are travellers, like myself.

I sit down at one of the tables and attempt to tidy my hair and smooth my clothes.

To stay inconspicuous, I left the outer layer mostly unaltered.

After a while of sitting, I am approached by a young gentleman in a suit and a small voice in my head considers the possibility of what this man can offer me.

'May I introduce myself?'

'Yes, you may,' I answer him as he spoke, in perfect German.

'I am Herr Bernard Kahlberg. May I enquire as to your name, Fraulein?'

'My name is Aimee, Aimee Miller.' Miller was my surname at the orphanage.

'Are you English then, Fraulein Miller?'

'Yes, I am, Herr Kahlberg. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

'And yours, Fraulein Miller. May I sit down with you?'

'You may.'

He does with a small flourish. 'I am here to visit some extended family for a few weeks. Are you travelling in the region?'

'Indeed, I am, Herr Kahlberg. May I enquire about your family here?'

'Yes, you may, my mother's family lives in this town, as they have for many generations.'

'Indeed,' I smile, 'I suppose there are many beautiful places to town to visit.'

'Indeed, there are, have you recently arrived here?'

'Yes, I have, I was considering my accommodation when we met.' At least once this week, I'll be honest.

'Perhaps, I might offer an invitation to my family's house. I ensure that your honour will be intact, I am an honourable man.'

'I do not doubt it, Herr Kahlberg.'

Outside, I introduce Herr Kahlberg to Andrea, who declares him to be a fine animal. Herr Kahlberg Jane to the inn with his own horse and cart, both smart and well cared for, so with a lead, Andrea follows behind.

After a while in the wilderness, it is a pleasant experience conversing with someone so seemingly kind and thoughtful.

Conversing with someone longer for a few minutes, at least.

On arrival to the family home, I watch as both horses are stabled and Herr Kahlberg escorts me inside the home.