“I do not but please accept this as equal value, “she says removing a necklace from her neck placing it on the table.

“This is no value to me, “she says picking up the necklace then placing it back on the table. Alice taking a cue from her tone looks at her somberly not knowing what to do next. The younger woman walks towards the older woman and whispers in her ear then looks up at Alice. The older woman immediately turns around finally looking at her. Adjusting her glasses, she looks at her up and down. Flipping over a few pages she scrolls down the page until she finds what she is looking for grabbing a pen she begins to write. Signaling to the other woman she opens a safe removing a skeleton key.

“She must deem you important to bring you here, “the old woman says writing a few notes down in her book.

“She, “Alice ask confused only to have both women glance at each other then back at her, “Take this key and enter into the gate to your left it will open the 10^th door upon your right.”

Taking the key from her Alice stood confused, “If you will not accept my necklace as payment how will I——-.”

“Payment has already been rendered, “the woman says melting wax then stamping her book with a seal.

“I do not understand rendered how?”

“Room and board have already been settled, “the younger woman says reassuringly.

“Gratitude.”

Still not sure what caused the woman to change her mind she did as commanded. Entering the gates she finds the home using her key she opens the door. Inside the small home she was surprised to see a bed, fireplace, and wooden table with two chairs. Closing then locking the door behind her she pulls back the covers gets in bed hoping to find peace as she slept.

As they continued to journey east lead by both Bette and Gaia, Bettes horse sensing danger begins to stir. Seeing nothing visible she grabs the reigns in an attempt to get her under control. Her horse unruly behavior caused the others to be alerted. Witnessing Bette struggle with her horse Gaia was surprised to see her horse exhibiting similar behavior trying to control her horse the rest of the horses began to stir as well.

“Gaia they sense something we cannot.”

“Yes, but what?”

“I do not——-, “Before Bette could complete her sentence her horse picks up on a scent. Bette trusting her horse relaxes allowing her to lead her. Sniffing the grass then the ground Bettes horse leads her to the bank of the river.

“Bette there, “one of the followers points towards the ground. Dismounting her horse she sees discoloration and a difference in texture in the soil in the ground. When she gets close to it with her foot she applies pressure to the soil feeling the softness beneath her feet.

“Something is buried beneath.”

“Gaia look, “one of the followers pointed to, “The same non-human like prints appear just as they did when Jennicus soldiers were discovered.” Gaia looking upon discovery looks at Bette with worry as she sees visible blonde strands on the ground.

“You and you start digging here, “following her command the two women dismount their horses and began digging. With the others joining alongside her she watched in an anticipation. Bette relying on her inner strength kept her focus towards the ground even though she could feel Kellys eyes upon her.

“Keep digging until commanded to stop, “she says in an uncomfortable tone.

“Bette, “Gaia says now standing besides her, “I pray to the Gods whatever lies beneath is not what I assume it to be.”

TBC