The Forgotten Tale of a former lady named Ella

~Chapter 9: Attack of the Killer Bandits~

My head jerked against Adam's shoulder with every bump we went over in the carriage. I could tell that he was being careful to avoid most obstacles but because the path was less traveled it was not quite easy. A pitch black sky with a faint light from a lantern did not provide much aid either.

Adam peers down with an apologetic smile. "Sorry to wake you again Ellie, I thought the road would be a lot smoother."

"No need to. I should not be dozing off anyways. If I keep sleeping I will be awake all night. Thank you for taking me home instead of a tavern, I know it must be exhausting to travel a long way only to stay at the destination for a short period of time before departing again."

"Oh stop that. I should be thanking you."

"Whatever for?"

"For agreeing to come with me. I honestly did not have an alternative plan should you have refused right away."

My giggles and snort fill the evening air as I think of what could have happened. "I would have stormed away and left you on your sorry arse if you didn't attract such a large crowd."

Adam just squeezes my shoulder in response. I could tell that he was still quite pleased that I decided to join him up front on the driver's seat instead inside the carriage again. The same went for me, I have not felt this peaceful or content in a rather long time.

"Say do we have any more of those pastries left? I am quite famished." Adam asks.

"Now that you mention it I am as well.  We didn't exactly spend our time on the beach having a proper picnic."

"I was left quite satisfied on that beach."

"As was I but you don't see me boasting about it."

"Can you just climb back and get the basket already Ellie?"

"As soon as you stop the carriage I will."

"We can't break our pace if you want to reach the manor before midnight."

"Why, midnight? That is such an oddly specific time."

"Because you said you wanted to get home on the same day. Anytime after midnight is technically tomorrow."

"Alright! Goodness if your plan was to annoy me to get the basket it worked." I say with a huff.

I had just managed to climb on the front of the carriage before Adam decided to drive us straight into a hole. It was small enough to not break a wheel but large enough to propel me into the back seat.

"Ow! What is wrong with you, you arseho-"

Adam has the nerve to shush me. "Shut it!"

"Shut it?! You're the one who threw me-"

"Bloody Hell Eleanora, for once in your life be quiet!" He hisses.

Oh bollocks, bollocks, bollocks.

Adam never, and I mean never uses my real name, let alone my full one. That means he either sees or hears something. From his tone, that something is dangerous.

I smell a strong stench of ale before I hear the crunching of several boots. I also recognize the faint clanging of metal. That only leaves two conclusions: drunken chefs or bandits.

Adam whispers, "Get down. Hide under the seats if you can."

Definitely bandits.

No sooner after I ducked down I heard, "Oi! What 'ave we here mates?"

"Looks like we find ourselvies a lonely traveler. What is ye doing 'ere so late at night gov-na?"

Adam speaks as if he converses with bandits on the daily. I swear I can hear him tip his ridiculous hat. "'Evening gentlemen. Lovely night ain't it? Ye see, me is travelin' from the docks of Tritonia to visit me kin. The boss dismissed meself quite late, that's why I's travels with the moon tonight."