Rosalind creased her forehead in sympathy. "Oh. I'm terribly sorry. Did this occur...recently?"
Sir Drake shook his head, still not meeting her eye. "Three years ago." He finally looked up at Rosalind with a sad smile. "You would have liked her. If she were still living I would take you to see her. Perhaps you would have even decided to stay with her. She was too weak to travel, but she was very kind and I do think she would have made you a nice companion."
Rosalind found herself having to bite back tears. Sir Drake hopped to his feet and helped her up. "Now then," he said with a smile, "I suppose we ought to hurry, so they won't find us."
A smile crept onto Rosalind's face without her realizing it as she followed Sir Drake deeper into the forest. Several times she had to stop for breath, coughing and panting. Sir Drake frowned in concern, his frown growing with each time he had to wait for her. "You alright, Rosalind?" He finally asked. Rosalind nodded as she coughed again. "I think so."
Sir Drake frowned and glanced through the trees at the west horizon. The sun was slowing slipping away again. Rosalind followed his gaze and smiled. "Two days," she whispered. Sir Drake looked down at her and then around them for the nearest shelter. "Come," he said softly, "Just a little ways longer now; just until we find somewhere to sleep, eh?"
Rosalind was not quite sure what he had said, but she tried to replicate his smile and nodded. Now a trumpet sounded, and again, only much closer. Rosalind felt like she was seeing and hearing only flashes of what was happening. Now they were surrounded by men. Men on horses. Men with spears. Now Sir Drake was holding her protectively. Someone was shouting, but it all sounded so faroff now...what were they doing? Were they going to hurt Sir Drake? Rosalind struggled and heard faintly a gentle voice...Rosalind. Rosalind. Rose, are you alright? Rosalind!
And then there was nothing but darkness.