Jonathan blinked surprised when Emily maneuvered her chair down the aisle between the stack of hay and the equipment. "Miss Emily," he hurried to help her, "what brings you here this morning?" He watched her with concern, her face pale and eyes still red from crying.

He, too, was sad the gypsy girl had left, but to this girl it had been a hard blow.

"Is Harun not here yet?" Emily asked softly.

Jonathan looked at her sadly. "You just missed him, Miss. He left early this morning. He had an errand to run."

Emily's lip trembled. "He will come back, won't he?"

The stable master smiled comforting. "Yes, Miss, he will come back. I still have a set of chores for him. The stables don't clean themselves. And I won't allow him to upset a lady." He winked at the girl. "I'll give him an earful when he comes back."

Emily smiled hesitantly. She appreciated that he was trying to cheer her up, but she was too upset to thank him for it. "Alright," she said quietly and she turned her chair around. "I'll be at the house."

Jonathan watched her progress sadly. The presence of both Leah and Harun had done wonders for the girl. Now Leah was gone. He hoped Harun wouldn't let her down. The girl deserved some happiness in her life, isolated as she was.

With a sigh he turned back to his job. Here were horses to be fed, tack to be cleaned and repaired and a dozen other things to take care of. There wasn't anything he could do to change the situation anyway, so worrying about it would be pointless. He would just carry on as he always had and let life play out the way it would.

He picked up a bucket and opened the door to the first stall.

Horses were much easier to deal with than people.

***

Now that everyone's attention was on him again, Harun suddenly felt awkward. What was he supposed to say? Where should he begin? It wasn't his story to tell and there were so many factors to take into consideration.

"Well, boy?" Milosh said, "what is it you came to tell us?"

"I..." Harun muttered, "I don't know where to begin."

"The man," Ramiro stated with a frustrated expression, "start with the man."

Harun sighed. "I wasn't there when lord Blackwood brought her home. I was still working for the Caldwell family, but... I heard the story after. Lord Blackwood had found her lying on the road, injured and unconscious. And he took her home. He wanted to help. By the time she woke up, you were already gone."

"We have looked," Vali said, "we believed her to be taken. We believed they had killed her."

Harun nodded. "I believe you."

Petsha looked at Milena now. "You lived with them? He let you stay in his house?"

Milena nodded. "With his sisters," she said softly, still not comfortable with her voice, "with his family."

Harun's eyes went wide. "Your voice!" he said startled, "you speak!"

"The girl has not spoken since she was a child," Aishe said calmly, "it is only now that she has found her voice."

It seemed at least some good had come from all of this. Harun nodded slowly, still amazed at the sound of Milena's voice. He was so used to her silence that hearing her speak had unsettled him.

"Daniel is a man of honor," Milena continued. She looked at Ramiro, whose eyes still held worry. "He has not touched me once."

"Still, you call him by name," Czibor said stiffly.

"Leave her in peace," Dorin growled. He had been there when Milena had spared the man's life. He had seen something pass between them. He understood. "The fault is not hers."

"Speak about the Caldwell man," Milosh said in a gruff voice. He had heard Cezar and Marius mention that name before and now the boy Harun had spoken that name again. He noticed Milena slightly flinched at the name and Harun looked down at his hands and bit his lip. He seemed unwilling to speak.

"Speak," Milosh said again, "I wish to hear your words."

Harun looked at Milena questioningly as if asking her permission. She swallowed difficultly and she had a haunted look in her eyes, but she gave a barely visible nod. It would be better if he told the story. She could not get the words past her lips.

Harun drew a breath. Around the fire it had grown quiet. Everyone could feel the tension in the air. Reluctantly Harun began the story of what Jackson had tried to do and how he had gotten involved. How Daniel had offered him a job after punching Jackson.

Milena had shrunk back as the story unfolded. The memory of Jackson pressing her against the ground made her chill to the bone. She flinched when two arms locked around her, but soon relaxed when she realized who the belonged to. Daria looked at her with tears in her eyes and held her close.

Ramiro watched the two girls a moment and gritted his teeth. This man, Daniel, had done a better job at protecting Milena than he had. Slowly he rose to his feet, his hands balled to fists. "I owe this man a debt," he said. He looked at Laszlo.

The old horse trainer gave a solemn nod before standing up and walking towards his animals. He came back not long after, leading a young horse by the reins. It was one of their finest animals and would have made a fair price at the summer market.

It was a fitting gift.

Harun bit his lip, fully understanding the value of the animal and the meaning of such a gift. "He may not accept," he said carefully. He had come to know Daniel Blackwood as a proud man. He had not offered the girl a place in his household to gain from it. And he had shot this man. Taking a gift from him would go against his conscience.

"Then he will insult me," Ramiro spoke, "let there be no debt between us."

Harun nodded. "I will tell him." He stood up and took the reins from Laszlo. He turned to Milena next. "Will you not say goodbye to them?" he asked quietly.

It was Milosh that answered for her. "Our camp will be here for a few more days." They would not travel until Ramiro was well. The young man may put up a front now, in the presence of the boy, but it was obvious he was in pain. He needed to rest.

Harun nodded again, accepting that answer. "I will take my leave now," he said. He bowed respectfully.

"Wait," Dorin stopped him.

Harun paused and looked at the young man questioningly. "The Caldwell man," Dorin gritted through his teeth, "where can he be found?"

A faint smile appeared on Harun's lips. "There is no need to take revenge. He is already being punished." His smile turned into a grin. "His wife will bleed him dry."

***

It had been a while since he had last visited this place, but the silence helped him clear his head. Daniel looked at the headstone on his father's grave and sighed. He could have used his father's advice right now.

Not far from him, Zachary was working on the wooden fence around the pasture. The man kept a discrete distance, something Daniel respected. Shaking the last of his haze from his clouded mind, Daniel walked up to the man and nodded a greeting. "Morning." Though it was closer to noon by now.

Zachary inclined his head. "Good day, my lord."

"I haven't seen your son today," Daniel commented, "he hasn't fallen ill, has he?"

Zachary smiled sadly. He could see the young man's struggle. He had loved the girl, that much was evident, but in his heart he must have known she would not stay.

"No sir," Zachary answered, "he is not ill." He averted his eyes. "He went in search of the travelers this morning."

Daniel scoffed. "So he is leaving too?"

"Not leaving," Zachary shook his head, "I expect him back soon. He only went to speak to Miss Leah."

Daniel raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I've known they were friends of course, but I did not think he would go after her."

"With all respect, my lord," Zachary cleared his throat, "he did not go for Miss Leah. He understands she would go to her family."

"Then why?" Daniel questioned.

Zachary averted his eyes. "For your sister, my lord," he confessed, "he went on her behalf."

Daniel blinked at the revelation. Harun would do that for Emily? Despite his own grief, he couldn't help but smile at that. "It seems he has taken quite a liking to her."

"Please forgive him, my lord," Zachary requested quietly, "he knows his place. He would never overstep his boundaries. If it is your wish, I will speak with him."

Daniel sighed. A few months ago he would have been opposed to the idea of his little sister growing close to someone of such low status, but things had changed. He saw things differently now. "No," he said, "that won't be necessary. I am glad my sister has found someone reliable that makes her happy. It is her decision. I will not gainsay it." He looked at Zachary. "But if he ever makes her cry, he will have me to answer to."

Zachary bowed his head respectfully. "You are a good man, my lord, with a good heart."

Daniel let out a bitter laugh. "It didn't stop her from leaving." Why did it affect him so much? He loved her, yes, he had already accepted the fact that she did not return his feelings. Still, he had imagined she would stay. If not for him, then for Emily. He had expected her to stay.

Zachary seemed to debate on something for a moment. He knew it was not his place, but he wanted the young man to understand. "Her leaving," he said carefully, "does not mean she does not care for you, or your family. I know she cares, but they are her kin. And she had been separated from them, not knowing their fate. There is someone she loves. Would you see her unhappy?"

Daniel lowered his eyes. "Of course not," he said.

"Family ties are very strong amongst the traveling people," Zachary explained.

"Your wife still left them," Daniel countered.

"And it cost her dearly," Zachary said.

Daniel looked away, knowing he had been insensitive. "Forgive me," he said, "I should not have said that."

"People often say thoughtless things when they are upset," Zachary said calmly.

Daniel inclined his head, accepting the rebuke. "I will leave you to your chore," he said and he pushed away from the fence. He had much to think about. He had been upset with Leah for not looking back when in fact he only had himself to blame. He had shot the man she loved. He hadn't even stopped to listen to reason. He had only called accusations. He hadn't even apologized. It should have been him that had gone to find the gypsies. He should have sought them out instead of Harun. The boy had nothing to do with it, but he had gone anyway, on his own accord, because Emily was crying.

He sighed. He was a coward. No wonder Leah hadn't come back. She probably thought he was going to hurt her too. That careful trust she had built up around him had all been shattered in a single moment and it was his own fault.

He looked up at the sound of hooves against the stone. Harun had entered through the gates, leading a horse. When the boy noticed him, he changed directions and brought the horse to him.

"What is this?" Daniel questioned.

Harun handed him the reins and took a deep breath. "It is a gift," he said.

For a moment Daniel was dumbfounded. "They're giving me a horse?"

"It is a fine animal, sir," Harun said, "strong and healthy."

Daniel nodded. He could see that. He just didn't understand. He had shot one of their own. They had been ready to kill him. Why send him a gift? And such a valuable one at that.

Harun cleared his throat. "The man you shot," he said awkwardly, "he lives. He sends you the horse in thanks of taking care of Leah, for protecting her. He says you must accept it so there will be no debt between you."

Daniel sighed and patted the horse. It truly was a magnificent animal. "So she is going to stay with them then." He had already known.

"Yes," Harun said quietly, "yes she will."

***

Milena didn't look up when Laszlo appeared at her side. She was brushing the horse with long strokes and had let her thoughts wander. She was happy to be home, but it still felt strange, as if the past weeks had never happened.

"They have grown on you, have they not?" the horse trainer asked kindly, "these gadje people. Do you miss them?"

Milena glanced at him hesitantly. She wasn't sure she could explain and using her voice still felt unnatural. "They are family," she said quietly.

Laszlo nodded in understanding. "It sounds like they are good people." He watched as a faint smile appeared on Milena's face. "And this man must have honor if he truly has not touched you."

The smile vanished and was replaced by sadness.

"Do you wish to return to them?" Laszlo asked carefully. He would hate to see her go again after only having found her a day ago, but he could understand she had grown to love the people that had taken care of her.

Milena sighed and shook her head. "I want to be here," she said, "this is my home. But..." She thought about Emily. And Amelia. And yes, Daniel too. "I will leave behind family."

Laszlo smiled kindly and patted the horse Milena was tending to. "You will see them again, chavi. We may travel the roads, but we always come back."

Milena produced a watery smile. "I know this." Yes, they would come back, but the roads would be long this year. Much could happen.

"Milosh says we should get ready to travel in a day or two. He does not wish to remain here long. We have camped away from the place we held last time, but some of us are scared." In two days, Aishe had said, Ramiro would be strong enough to travel and they would be on their way. He too would be happy to leave behind the place that had caused them so much grief. "Perhaps we will cross paths with Vitor's kumpania. Carmen will be happy to see your face."

Milena looked down. Carmen, who had lost her child. Did Carmen blame her? If they hadn't hidden Tsura in that tree, would the girl have lived?

"She knows it is not your fault, Lenka," Laszlo assured her, "do not fear. All will be well."

It didn't ease the pain.

Both looked up when Alec came running their way. He paused to catch his breath and looked at Milena. "The boy," he said, "from the fancy place. He is back."

With a mix of fear and worry, Milena hurried towards the fire where a few of the others were already gathered. She was relieved to see the atmosphere as less tense than before. She looked at Harun curiously.

He smiled at her sadly and held up a bag. "Lord Daniel said to bring you this. He said you forgot your gifts."

Slowly Milena accepted the bag and opened it. Tears locked in her throat when she pulled the objects out one by one. A music box she had received from Jacob, the smooth stone Nathaniel had given her, Emily's story book and Amelia's necklace.

When she pulled out that last item, she looked at Harun startled and shook her head. "Not this." She knew how much it meant to Amelia. The girl had told her it had been a gift from her father. It was all she had left of him.

Harun's eyes were grave. "She told me to give it to you," he said, "she said you cannot refuse. She said if you give it back you are not her sister."

Now her tears fell freely. She locked her hand around the necklace and nodded. Sisters.

Milosh watched the exchange with a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps we need to speak in person," he mused, "the girl is right. If they are sisters, this is not a good way." He looked at Harun. "You, go speak to this man. Tell him to come. He took care of one of our own. We owe him a debt."

Harun lowered his eyes. "He is ashamed of what he did. He may not come."

Milosh shook his head and motioned at Milena. "Lenka has forgiven. Ramiro, he lives. We will not seek revenge. Tell him to come. And his family. We cannot leave without Lenka saying goodbye to her sisters."

Milena looked at him wide eyed. He would allow them into their camp?

Harun nodded. "I will tell him."

***

"You want to visit those people?" Cecily looked at her son horrified. When Harun had returned from the gypsy camp, he had told them of the invitation. Both her daughters had happily agreed and now Daniel was considering it? "Daniel, you cannot be serious. Allowing that girl to stay here was one thing, but going to them? In their wagons? They are so uncivilized. Where would we sit? On the ground?"

"Mother, don't be so dramatic," Daniel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You are free to stay at home, but I plan on going. I owe it to them. And if Amelia and Emily wish to come, I will not stop them."

Cecily's jaw dropped. "Emily?! Certainly not! How can you even suggest that! A disabled girl in the company of those barbaric men."

"Emily is not that fragile, mother," Daniel said, "and you have no objections against her friendship with Harun. Just because they have different customs doesn't mean they are barbaric. Or do you think I will let anyone harm her?"

Cecily sighed. Of course she knew Daniel would protect his sister, both of them. It was just that she was uncomfortable with situations she could not control. "Go then," she conceded. She knew she wouldn't be able to stop him either way. And her daughters were just as stubborn. "Go," she said again, "I hope you will not regret it."

***

The whole camp was bustling about, making preparations for their guests. Milena had extended the invitation to Harun and his father. She wished to say goodbye to them too. Harun had been a good friend to her. Without him things would not have been this easy.

She watched as Petsha and Kristof placed a comfortable set near the fire for Emily. She had told them about the girl's disability and had not been sure she would be able to bring her wheelchair. The men immediately had jumped at the task. It had made Milena smile.

"So," Daria's voice made her slightly flinch. She had not noticed her friend sneaking up to her. Daria smiled at Milena hesitantly. "Tonight I will meet your new sister."

"Do not be jealous," Milena pleaded and she locked her arms around her friend, "you will always be my closest sister."

Daria smiled smugly. "I will remember those words."

The two girls laughed softly. Daria sighed. "It is good you have found your voice, Lenka. I am happy."

"Voice or no, I would always have you." Ramiro had approached the girls, his steps still cautious, but his eyes were bright and free from fever. He looked at Milena with tender eyes that burned with fire.

Milena stared back at him with equal love ad let out a sigh.

Next to her, Daria watched it amused. Had she been like this with Petsha? No wonder Alec and Milena had always made fun of her.

She cleared her throat. "Will you neglect your guests, Lenka, to make eyes at my brother all night? You will have him soon enough." She giggled when Milena's cheeks flared up.

Ramiro scowled at his sister. "Go, Darka, and make yourself useful." But there was no ill will behind the words and his tone was light.

Daria giggled some more and hurried towards the fire to help Ihrin.

"Promise you will never leave me again," Ramiro asked.

Milena smiled lovingly. "I promise."

"They are here!" Alec called from a few feet away.

Milena and Ramiro looked up. Indeed they could see a carriage pull up just outside the camp. Milena stood on her toes ads tried to peer into the carriage to see who had come. It made Ramiro smile. He kissed her hand. "Go," he said kindly. "I will come after."

She smiled again and nodded before hurrying towards the approaching group.

Amelia was the first to disengage herself from her company and met Milena halfway. She grabbed Milena's arms and pressed them before kissing her cheek and embracing her. "It is good to see you," she said, "I was afraid you would leave us and not say goodbye."

Milena answered her embrace ad pulled away. "Forgive me," she said softly.

Amelia's eyes went wide. "You speak."

A grin broke through on Milena's face and she nodded. "Yes, I speak."

The girls looked up when Emily's voice rang out. "Harun, you should not carry me."

Harun grinned widely. "You hardly weigh a thing. I've carried flour bags heavier than you. Besides, who else would carry you? You do not have your chair." His grin turned wider. "And I do not mind at all. Perhaps you should leave your chair behind more often."

Emily's cheeks turned bright red and she gasped, unable to answer him. She only looked up when she heard laughter. She looked at her sister and Milena and her cheeks turned even redder. "Put me down this instant!"

"Can't do that, Miss," Harun grinned, "your brother would have my head. Besides, don't you want to say goodbye to Lenka?" It was the first time he spoke Milena's true name.

"Ugh!" Emily huffed, "you are insufferable."

"Throwing fancy words at me won't change a thing," Harun said amused. He winked at Milena, having reached the two girls.

Emily stuck up her nose. "Then I will not use words at all with you." It only made him chuckle. Emily looked at Milena now and smiled. "I like your name," she said, "I have not heard it before."

Milena smiled and kissed the girl's cheek. "Welcome at our camp," she said.

"All of you," another voice agreed. Amelia looked aside where a girl around her age had appeared next to Milena. The two girls measured each other a moment. Daria broke the tension. "Do not looks so frightened, pena," she said, "you are not in danger here. A sister of my sister is also my sister."

Amelia blinked confused for a moment and Emily stifled a laugh. "I am Emily," Emily introduced herself, "she is my sister Amelia."

Daria smiled. "Such pretty names."

Milena barely paid attention to their conversation. Her eyes rested on the rest of the company. Daniel was leading his grandmother on his arm. Not far behind them, Cecily was looking around with an uncomfortable expression.

With the carriage, Zachary was being aided by a few men from the kumpania to unclasp the horses.

Daniel's eyes caught Milena's and she could see him swallow nervously. She cast him a comforting and assuring smile.

"Stop your dreaming, Lenka," Daria gave her a playful push, "or my brother will think you have eyes for another man."

"Your brother?" Amelia questioned. She looked at Milena, understanding better now the relation between the two girls. Though she was still disappointed her friend would not marry Daniel, Amelia had to admit she was curious about the man that had stolen Milena's heart. "Which one is he?" she asked.

Daria pointed and a soft smile appeared on Milena's face. Amelia looked and could not help but blush. This man truly was handsome.

...

Girlish giggling made Ramiro look up and he watched Milena and his sister with the other two girls and the traveler boy.

Next to him, Petsha grinned. "It seems you have made it through their inspection," he said.

"Or you," Rarmiro commented, seeing how Daria was also in their midst.

The two men shook their heads bemused and found themselves a seat around the fire.

...

Daniel carefully progresses across the camp. He had made his case against his mother about coming here, but actually being here made him feel oddly out of place. How could he ever act normal around these people after what he had done?

An older woman approached them and extended her hands towards Ruth. "Be welcome at our fire," she spoke, "I am called Aishe."

Ruth smiled and presses Aishe's hands. "My name is Ruth," she said, "I am honored to be here. When I was still a little girl, I saw many travelers. My grandfather allowed them a piece of his land to use as a camping ground."

Aishe studied her for a moment. "Your grandfather, what was his name?"

"He was Edward Evans."

Aishe nodded in thought. "The name is known amongst the travelers. This kumpania did not frequent those roads, but he was considered a friend amongst us."

Ruth smiled. "Then I hope we can become friends too."

Aishe answered her smile and her expression became serious. "We owe a debt to your grandson. He has protected one of our daughters. Let us now extend that protection to your family. Come sit at our fire." She glanced at the side at Cecily. "And tell your daughter to stop looking as if the trees will bite her."

Cecily flinched and looked at the woman undignified and then narrowed her eyes at her mother when she heard soft laughter.

"You too, young man," Aishe scolded Daniel, "whatever wrong has been done has been forgiven. Do not squander that gift by insulting us now."

Daniel swallowed, taken aback by the fierce old woman, but followed her towards the fire where the girls had already arrived. He smiled when he saw Emily in a comfortable seat, covered with pillows and a blanket. Harun was at her side as a silent companion and Amelia and Milena sat at her feet with another girl he had not yet met. Slowly he started to relax. Perhaps things were not so bad.

...

Emily didn't know where to look. The camp was so exciting and new. There was food, laughter and music. She was enjoying herself. And no one treated her as something broken. It was like they didn't even see that her legs didn't work properly. Or was it because she had not brought her chair? Though, Milena must have said something, for they had arranged this seat for her.

A few of the men had reached for their instruments and were now creating music. Daria pulled Milena to her feet and the two started dancing around the fire, much like Milena had done at Arabella's wedding. Others started to clap to the rhythm of the music and the two girls danced faster and faster.

Then suddenly they came to a stop and looked each other in the eye. Milena made a small hand sign and Daria grinned mischievously. The two girls approached Amelia and grabbed her arms while dragging her with them to the fire.

Amelia gasped, aware of their intentions, and protested loudly. "No! No! I do not know the steps! I cannot dance like this!"

"It is not so hard, pena," Daria said, "you will learns." She slowly showed Amelia how to plant her feet and sway her hips. When Amelia awkwardly tried to copy her and almost tripped, Daria pursed her lips. "Those shoes are not for dancing, pena,"she said, "bare your feet. It will go better."

Amelia's eyes went wide. Go bare foot?

Daria rolled her eyes at the girl's reaction. "It is only grass, pena. It will not bite you."

Amelia looked at her annoyed and turned on her heels. With a haughty expression she took off her shoes and handed them to Emily. "Hold these for me," she said and she turned back to Daria.

Daria grinned. "Well now. Let us dance."

...

A little away from the group, Cecily was still looking around nervously. When she saw her daughter dance without her shoes, she gasped loudly.

Next to her, Ruth calmly patted her daughter's hand. "Do not fret, Cecily," she said, "no one is here to see. I doubt there will be gossip." She herself smiled warmly as she watched her granddaughter. It was about time Amelia became a little more free spirited. "Let her enjoy herself."

Aishe shook her head and took Cecily's arm. "You, why do you not come with me?" She pulled Cecily inside the wagon they were sitting against, ignoring the woman's reluctance and protests. Once inside, Aishe opened a chest and drew out a handwoven shawl. She nodded approvingly and tied it around Cecily's waist.

Cecily gasped and tried to stop her, but upon seeing the richly decorated fabric, she ran a careful hand over it.

"Now you are one of us," Aishe spoke, "you will not feel so left out." She nodded at the shawl. "A gift."

Cecily gawked at the woman. "I cannot accept this."

"Eck," Aishe said, "do you wish to insult me? One does not reject a gift. It is bad luck."

"B-but..." Cecily stuttered. She had done nothing to deserve a gift. "Why?"

Aishe waved her hand dismissively. "One should not question gifts."

"More bad luck?" Cecily asked fearfully.

Aishe laughed softly. Such a silly woman. "You are a strong woman, raising three children on your own. And they are good children. We don't see such kindness often. You took in my granddaughter as your own daughter. It is no light feat."

Cecily bit her lip guiltily. She had not been very welcoming at all. She didn't deserve this woman's kindness.

Aishe smiled a knowing smile. "Come," she said, "the evening is still young. And you should watch your daughter dance."

...

Amelia bit her lip in worry when she took note of the man that had seated himself beside Emily. The two seemed intently focused on something in the man's hands. She did not know what to do. He did not seem a threat, but she did not know this man.

"Ah do not worry, pena," Daria said while following her gaze, "it is only Dorin. Besides, she has a protector." Her eyes twinkled amused while she watched Harun hover over the two with a slightly frustrated expression.

"Why do you keep calling me this?" Amelia asked, "'pena'."

Daria smiled. "Is it now what you are? My sister?"

"Is that what it means?" Amelia asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Daria laughed, "come," she said and she took Amelia's arm. "You can see what Dorin does."

"Look Amelia!" Emily held up a small object. Three leather straps braided together in what looked like it would become a bracelet. "It is so cleverly done! Dorin is teaching me." She smiled sheepishly. "I am not so good."

"First tries are never good," Dorin commented calmly, "so you try again." He handed her the bracelet he had braided. "For you."

Emily accepted shyly. "I have nothing to give you in return."

Dorin shook his head. "I need noting."

Emily's smile grew. "I will practice very hard," she said.

...

Ramiro had been following Milena with his eyes all night. No matter how much he would like to sit at her side, this evening was for her to say goodbye. So he kept a distance. She would be his for the rest of his life.

His eyes narrowed on the man that stood across the fire. Daniel. He hadn't made a move towards Milena, but Ramiro still kept an eye on him. He knew how close he had been to losing Milena to this man. He wanted to dislike Daniel, but could find no fault in the man. Daniel had been polite and respectful the entire night.

Petsha chuckled. "Are you trying to send flames his way? Lenka loves you, my friend. You need not have fear."

"I know this," Ramiro said. It was the reason he allowed this man near.

"Perhaps you should make your peace with him," Petsha mused, "it is not good to leave things unspoken. It is bad luck."

Ramiro sighed. He knew this too. "I will speak with him," he promised, "before the night is over."

...

Daniel stood at the fire, his hands in his pockets and his eyes on Milena. A faint smile was on his face. She looked happy. She was a different person here. And he knew in that instant the she would never have been this happy if she had stayed with him.

His eyes flickered in surprise when she caught his gaze and disengaged herself from the group to approach him.

"Do you enjoy the night?" she asked quietly.

He smiled. "I am still not used to hearing you speak. I am glad you have found your voice." She smiled in answer and he let out a breath. "I was not sure I should talk to you," he said awkwardly, "I did not want to cause trouble."

Milena smiled in understanding. "All is well," she said, "you should not fear. Ramiro, he knows."

Daniel smiled wryly. "Milan," he said.

"We do not give our names lightly," Milena explained, "only to those we consider friends."

Daniel bowed. "Then I feel honored." He looked at the night sky. A lump was forming in his throat. "We should return home soon."

Milena nodded. In her own eyes, tears were forming. She followed Daniel towards his sisters.

"We should return home," he informed them, "it is very late."

"Already?" Amelia said startled.

"Must we really?" Emily begged, "please let us stay a while longer."

Daniel sighed but resolutely shook his head. "No. We should leave and let these people prepare for their journey. We have taken advantage of their hospitality long enough. It is... It is time to say goodbye."

Both Emily and Amelia looked at Milena sadly. Emily's lip started to tremble. "I don't want to say goodbye."

"Tis not goodbye," Milena promised, "I will see you again."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise," Milena said and she hugged the girl tightly. When she straightened, she turned to Amelia.

Amelia looked at the ground. "So you will not come to my wedding then?" she said with a thick voice.

Milena was silent. She did not know what to say.

"You will marry soon, pena?" Daria asked. When Amelia nodded, she smiled. "Then we must make sure to return in time."

"Return?" Amelia asked confused.

"We travel the roads," Daria said, "but we will always return. Every year we come back."

Both Emily and Amelia's eyes lit up. "When?" they both asked.

Daria tilted her head. "I do not know. Somewhere before the summer solstice."

"Then I will move my wedding date," Amelia said decisively, "I will wait for you to return, so you can both be there." She looked at Daria. "Then you can meet my other sister." She was sure Arabella would like Daria.

"But how do we know when you will come?" Emily asked.

Milena smiled. "News travels across the roads. We are not the only kumpania. Look for the road. And you will know."