Milena looked up when Rowdy started to bark loudly. The little dog tore off towards the gates of the estate to meet the carriage that was pulling up.

Milena tugged Amelia's sleeve and pointed. The two girls had been taking a stroll through the gardens. It had been Milena who had felt the need for some fresh air and since today was not so cold, Amelia had agreed to come.

Amelia had just pointed out the Snowdrops that had poked their head from underneath the soil, a clear sign that spring was just around the corner. Now her attention was on the approaching carriage. They weren't expecting visitors, which could only mean... "It must be Harun and his father," Amelia spoke, "I will get Daniel." She turned and rushed into the house.

Milena watched as the carriage came to a halt and Jonathan came out of the stables to grab the reins. When the door to the carriage opened and a familiar face appeared, a smile broke through on Milena's face and she started to run to greet the boy.

Harun kneeled to rub Rowdy's ears. A large grin was on his face. "Hello boy, you sure have grown. Seems like someone has taken good care of you." He stood to assist his father out of the carriage.

"Thank you, boy," Zachary said. He stretched his back. His injury still bothered him and the long journey had made him stiff.

"Welcome back Harun." Jonathan grinned at him.

"Thanks," Harun smiled. "I am glad to be back." His eyes scanned the courtyard for someone and found Milena rushing to greet them. "Leah," he smiled when she had arrived.

She answered his smile and looked at the man next to him.

"Ah, Leah, this is my father, Zachary. Father, this is Leah."

Zachary smiled fondly at the girl. "Nice to meet you, Leah. Sastimos."

Leah's eyes went wide at hearing her own language being spoke. It had been so long. Tears formed in her eyes and she pressed her hands to her heart while making a bow.

"It is alright, lass," Zachary comforted her, "thank you for being a friend to my son. I have heard so much about you."

Milena looked at him curiously and shifted her eyes towards Harun who gave a sheepish chuckle.

"You must be Harun's father." Daniel had approached the carriage and extended his hand to Zachary as Amelia sidled up next to Milena. "Welcome," Daniel continued. He looked at Harun. "It is good to have you back, Harun. We have all missed you. And one person in particular." He winked at the boy and smiled amused when he saw Harun's cheeks flare. He turned back to Harun's father. "I am Daniel Blackwood. This is my sister, Amelia. I believe you have already met Leah."

"Zachary," Zachary answered, "I can't express how grateful I am, lord Blackwood. I will pay you back anyway I can and..."

"No need," Daniel waved it away, "I am glad to be of assistance. I am sure you are weary and hungry from your journey. Let's get you installed. Can you manage? I promise it is not far a walk." He eyed Zachary's cane with worry.

"I will manage, my lord," Zachary said.

"Good," Daniel nodded. He turned around to the bags that had already been unloaded. "Leah, you don't have to carry those," he said when he noticed the girl had already swung a bag over her shoulder.

Milena smiled and waved away his protests, but Daniel wouldn't have it. He stepped closer and extended his hand to take the bag from her. Milena shook her head and pointed at herself before flexing the muscles in her arms. Then she pointed at Daniel, pulled a face and let her arms dangle, referring to a few days earlier when they had brought all the furniture to Harun and Zachary's new house.

Daniel gasped aghast. "Are you calling me weak?"

Milena smiled sweetly and nodded. Harun grinned. Behind her, Jonathan coughed to hide his laughter.

Daniel glared at him. "Jonathan, I believe these horses need tending. After that, tell Henry to take the driver to the kitchen to have something to eat before he returns."

Jonathan stiffened. "Yes sir," he said and he turned to unbuckle the harness but couldn't completely wipe the grin from his face.

Zachary watched it all confused while looking from one person to another. This lord really was something else. Though he had to admit, their banter was quite amusing.

Meanwhile, Harun had walked up to Milena to help carry the rest of the luggage.

"Come," Daniel spoke to Harun, "let's get you and your father settled. After that you should take him to the kitchen. Tell Agnes to stir up something for you. It's been a long day for you. We'll get everything sorted out in the morning."

"Yes, sir," Harun nodded.

Daniel smiled and looked at Zachary. "Welcome at Blackwood Manor."

***

It had been a heated discussion. The entire kumpania had been in an uproar since the news three days ago. The question now was, what should they do?

"It cannot be true."

"Why would it not be true? The kumpania of Oszkar would not just say a thing like that. It is bad luck."

"Perhaps they saw her spirit?"

"What would her spirit do in the sea city? Our kumpania has never traveled those roads before."

"We must assume they spoke true," Vali said, "we must assume gadje took her. Perhaps to sell her." He gritted his teeth.

Sergei shook his head. "Oszkar's kumpania had seen her with some gadji girl. They did not think she was forced."

"Then if she is with them willingly," Czibor said, "let her stay there. Even if we bring her back, she has been with gadje too long. Who would take her now?"

"I would."

The gathered family heads turned around at the interruption of their meeting.

"Dorin," Czibor warned his son, "don't be a fool."

"Why do you complain?" Dorin asked, "you have wanted for me to find a wife."

"Gadje have most likely had her," his father growled.

"She is one of us!" Dorin hissed, "we will bring her home."

"Go, Dorin," his father warned, "you have no business in this meeting."

"One of us was taken," Dorin stated in a gruff voice, "that is a business for all of us."

"Calm yourselves!" Milosh spoke up, "peace." He looked at Dorin. "We will bring the girl home, if she lives, if only to show the gadje they cannot take what is ours. What will happen then, we will see." His eyes looked around the gathering. "The roads to the sea city are unfamiliar to us. We all go, but not into the city. Only two will go and gain information."

"I go," Dorin said.

"No," Milosh decided, "Cezar goes. And Marius." He didn't want Dorin near the city after what he and Ramiro had done last time.

Dorin gritted his teeth, but nodded obediently and went back to tend to the horses.

Alec was already there. "I told you they'd send you away," the boy said. He rubbed one of the horse's legs. Dorin glared at him, but Alec ignored it. He was used to Dorin's glum moods. "What did you tell them?" Alec asked instead.

"I said I would take her," Dorin answered annoyed.

Alec's hands paused and he slowly lifted his head to look at Dorin. "You want to take her? She belongs to Ramiro."

"Ramiro is not here," Dorin stated curtly, but Alec's words did make him uncomfortable. Well, he would worry about that later. The most important thing was to bring Lenka home. He'd make those gadje pay for taking her in the first place.

Dorin kneeled down next to Alec on the snowy ground and inspected the boy's work. "More salve," he said, "their legs get cold in this weather. They need protection."

"I know how to treat the horses," Alec spoke.

"Then do what you must," Dorin told him, "and leave me in peace."

"We will get her back," the boy assured him, he studied Dorin a moment longer and returned to his chore. Yes, they would definitely get her back.

***

"Why are we still here?" Daria threw her hands in the air, "we should go and bring Lenka back."

Petsha smiled and tried to calm his wife. "Easy, Darka," he said, "Milosh and Sergei only mean to discuss the best away to the city. We should not all go."

"She lives, Petsha," Daria cried, "we should not have left. We should have stayed and look."

"We will find her, love," Petsha promised, "we will bring her home. And then we will find Ramiro. He needs to come back and take Lenka for a wife before Dorin does."

"Why would Dorin want Lenka?" Daria crossed her arms, "he knows she belongs with Ramiro."

Petsha chuckled softly. "Please do not hurt Dorin. We still need him for the horses."

Daria huffed. "I have not decided yet. We will see when my sister comes back."

Petsha smiled affectionately and planted a kiss in Daria's hair. "I will go see what they have decided."

"You will tell them we will go. I do not care what they have decided. I will go and bring Lenka home."

The only answer she received was the closing of the door and Petsha's soft laughter.

***

"Hurry up Jackson!" Katherine called impatiently while adjusting her earrings. She brushed at her new, and expensive, gown and admired her reflection in the large hall mirror. "The party has already started. If we wait any longer, fashionably late will become rudely late. I bought this dress especially for this occasion. I want people to notice it when I arrive."

"You mean I bought the dress," Jackson appeared in the hallway, a glass of brandy in his hand. He glared at her . "It is my money that you spend. Don't you forget that."

"How could I?" Katherine hissed, "you keep reminding me."

"Aww don't be upset," Jackson leered, "you'll ruin your make up."

"I hate you," Katherine growled.

"I hate you too," Jackson said casually. He emptied his drink and placed the glass on the dresser. "Now," he said while straightening his jacket, "I believe there is a party you wanted to attend. Let's go. And put on your best charade, we don't want people to think we are at odds, do you? Think of the gossip."

Katherine glared at him. There were already rumors. She had seen the looks people cast at her. That was one of the reasons she had bought this dress. It flattered her figure and her flat stomach.

But that wasn't the only rumor and Katherine was pretty sure Jackson was having an affair. She just didn't have any proof yet. She would have paid him back even, but she couldn't. Lord Caldwell had drawn up a marriage contract. If there was even the slightest suspicion that she was having an affair, she'd be cut off from the Caldwell family fortune. And if Jackson decided to divorce her for it, she'd be left with nothing.
On the other hand, if Jackson had an affair, she was entitled to half his possessions. But she would need proof. Which happened to be very difficult, because Jackson had always been discrete in his hunt for pleasures. Except of course that one time. Which was exactly what had led to all of this.

So for now, both of them we stuck in this predicament. The only way to get revenge was to drain the Caldwells' money by buying luxuries for herself. She just had to be subtle, start with small things like dresses and jewelry. But she would get it all. She was entitled to it. She deserved better than this.

Katherine tightened her coat around her and followed Jackson to their carriage. He would regret making a fool of her. She would make sure of that.

***

Emily scowled annoyed while wheeling herself through the corridors of the mansion. "Why do I have to go?" she complained, "why can't Amelia go herself? She is the one that insisted on sweet pastries. She should ask Agnes."

Emily let out a huffed breath as she struggled to open the door to the kitchen and maneuver her chair inside. "Agnes!" she called, "Amelia wishes..." The words died on her lips when she noticed the two people at the table, working their way through a plate of food. One of them was a man she had never seen before, but the second person...

"Miss Emily," Harun looked up from his plate and a warm smile spread across his face.

Emily's cheeks heated up and her eyes went wide in shock.

Harun hurriedly rose from his chair and made a formal bow. Across the table, Zachary's eyes moved from one to another, amusement sparkled in his eyes. He too rose respectfully, though with a little more effort. He winced in pain but bowed to the girl. "Miss," he spoke.

"Miss Emily?" Harun asked concerned when she didn't respond, "are you alright?"

Emily drew a breath and pouted. "I told you to call me Emily," she scolded lightly.

A smile tugged at Harun's lips. "I know Miss," he teased fondly.

"Don't tease me," Emily pouted. It only made Harun laugh. "When did you arrive?" Emily asked, "I didn't know you were back."

"We only arrived just now, Miss Emily," Harun answered, "your brother showed us to our new house and then we came here." He turned to his father. "Da, this is Miss Emily Blackwood. Miss Emil, my father."

Emily's eyes turned to the man. Her cheeks turned red again for having been so rude to ignore him. "Pleased to meet you sir," she whispered embarrassed.

Zachary bowed again. "The honor is all mine, Miss Blackwood. Please call me Zachary." He straightened and winced again.

Emily's eyes widened. "Oh please sit down, you are injured. You mustn't strain yourself."

"You are very kind, Miss," Zachary said while sitting down.

"Was there something you needed?" Harun asked the girl.

Emily looked confused , but then remembered her purposes of coming to the kitchen. Pastries or her sister. "I was looking for Agnes," she said. Clearly the cook wasn't in the kitchen.

"She went to the market," Harun informed her, "I believe she was going to make sweet pastries tonight for tomorrow's tea."

Pastries? Emily frowned. "But Amelia said..." She closed her mouth and gritted her teeth. Amelia had not wanted sweets at all. She must have sent Emily here for a different reason. Her eyes found Harun again and she blushed. Her sister was going to pay. "Nevermind it wasn't important."

Harun smiled knowingly. "I saw the pup earlier. Rowdy? You've taken good care of him."

Her cheeks flared up again. She wasn't even sure anymore how they were supposed to feel. "You must want him back now," she said, slightly disappointed. She had grown attached to Rowdy, but he was Harun's dog. She had only taken care of the pup for him.

Harun smiled and shook his head. "It wouldn't be good for him to take him away from you now. Besides, I'll be too busy with the horses to give him the attention he needs. And you've done such a good job. He should stay with you."

Emily beamed happily. "I've helped with the house too," she blurted out, "Did you like it?"

His smile grew wider. "It's perfect," he said softly.

They turned their heads simultaneously when a throat was being cleared. "Beg your pardon, Miss, but my son and I should return to our new home. We have imposed on your family long enough now."

"Ah no! You're not imposing," Emily hurried to say. She didn't want Harun to go yet. It had been so long since she had seen him.

"It's alright, Miss Emily," Harun assured her, "we need to get settled in and I have to go back to the job tomorrow."

"Oh," Emily's face fell, "of course."

"It was nice to see you again, Miss," Harun said. He could feel the heat rise to his cheeks, "thank you for the work you have done, with the house and with Rowdy."

Emily blushed too. "It was my pleasure. And call me Emily. I insist. Please."

Harun inclined his head. "Very well," he said, "thank you... Emily."

She was still staring at the door long after they had gone and wondered if her cheeks would ever regain their natural color.

***

Daniel looked down the barrel of the pistol he was cleaning. They truly were magnificent pieces. He couldn't wait to try them.

Carefully he placed the weapon back in its coffer. He would have to find a way to thank Christopher who had tipped Jacob about the precious items. In a few weeks time he would have to plan a visit to the city again. A ship was coming in that carried a cargo for him and it would carry back a new load. Wool, brick and linen. There was a good market for it across the sea. In turn he purchased spices, perfumes, silk and gems. And on rare occasions he'd manage to get a hand on old manuscripts or artifacts. His father's business had flourished and he was proud to follow in those footsteps. He was currently trying to find an agent that could land him a position in the livestock trade. It was something he hadn't tried before and an entirely different field of expertise, but if he succeeded there would be a great profit.

Sounds in the hallway drew his attention away from his work. Curiously he made his way towards the door and peered through. Amelia and Leah were peeking around the corner and keeping a close eye on the kitchen door. Amelia was giggling.

Daniel suppressed a smile and leaned against the doorframe of his study. He crossed his arms and watched the girls amused.

He didn't have to wait long.

The door to the kitchen opened and Emily wheeled out onto the hallway. When she noticed her sister, she narrowed her eyes. Red was marring her cheeks. "Amelia!" she called, "you are a terrible sister!"

Amelia's eyes widened in mocked surprise. "Did you not wish to greet your friend?"

"You could have told me," Emily huffed, "now I made a fool of myself."

Amelia laughed softly. "It was my turn to tease you, little sister, for what you did to me when Jacob was here." She and Milena walked up to the wheelchair where Amelia leaned over to hug her sister. "Are you happy to see him again?"

"Yes," Emily admitted shyly, "very."

"Well then," Amelia said, "I will send you for errands more often." She smiled mischievously.

Emily gasped. "Then I will... I will tell Jacob how you fell and ripped your dress at the picnic last summer."

Amelia looked at her sister horrified. "You would not!"

Emily stuck out her tongue and turned the wheelchair. "Miles! I need to send a message! Can you get me ink and a quill?"

"Get back here!" Amelia chased after her down the hall.

Milena covered her mouth with her hands and laughed soundlessly at the two sisters. A movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention and she looked over her shoulder.

Daniel stood leaned against the doorframe of his study and smiled at her. She answered his smile shyly and he walked over to her.

"It sure will be lively here again now that Harun has returned," he commented.

Milena smiled and nodded. Tomorrow she would go over to help Harun's father around the house while Harun was working . She was sure he would appreciate it.

Daniel smiled again and opened his mouth to speak, but a shrill voice interrupted what he was going to say.

"Amelia! Give that back!"

Daniel sighed. "I better break them apart before they break something else." He offered Milena an apologetic look. "Enjoy the evening." He inclined his head and hurried over to where his sisters were at.

A lively house indeed.

***

Aishe stood in the opening of her wagon and peered at the sky. It was a clear night. The air was still cool, but already carried the smell of spring.

The old woman took a deep breath and sighed. Change was in the air again, and again she could not see if it was a good change or not. "Too many paths," she muttered.

The news that their Lenka was still alive had everyone on edge. If only her grandson was here now too.

Aishe shook her head sadly. She only wanted her children to come home, to see them again before her time would come. "Return to us, Lenka," she whispered at the sky. She stood in the entrance of her wagon a moment longer as the wind carried her words away.

***

Milena stood at the window of her bedroom. There was a cold breeze in the air. Spring was near. Milena felt restless. The wind promised change. She had always loved spring, the time when the flowers and the hills would come alive again. It was a lovely time to travel the roads. This year would be different.

This year she would be here at Blackwood.

Milena sighed as the breeze caught her hair. She liked it here, even more now that Harun was back, but she also missed traveling. If she stayed here, would that feeling ever disappear? And what would happen after Amelia had wed? She would leave with Jacob and Milena would stay here.

With Daniel.

She liked Daniel. She trusted him,. Could she make out to be one of his society girls? Live at Blackwood Manor all her life? Did she want to?

But where else could she go?

Milena looked up at the night sky and sighed. Things had been so much easier before, when she was still in the kumpania.

But then again, perhaps it was better to be here than to be heartbroken.

Maybe there had been a reason she had been separated from her family that day. Perhaps it had been to save her from heartache. It had brought Daniel on her path. He was a good man. She could grow to love him.

Her eyes drifted towards the sky again and then to the forest and the hills beyond the estate walls. There was still a longing there.

And if she closed her eyes and listened closely enough, she could almost hear the wind, beckoning her home.