A Savior's Worth (Book #3)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Despite Sebastian's wish to see them off, Elouise rushed Noemi out of their room. Outside, she quickly ensured they had their belongings. Then she held Noemi close as they headed for the back of the village where the tavern owner had told them would lead them east.

Unfortunately, right near the exit was Sebastian, patiently waiting for them atop a brown stallion. Upon their arrival, he smiled knowingly at Elouise. She noted how his horse was packed with supplies, and she squinted at Sebastian as she caught onto his motive.

"You told me you didn't want my help," he started, swinging his right leg over and hopping off. "What kind of person would I be if I allowed you two to wander off unprepared?"

Elouise folded her arms across her chest. "A person who respected one's wishes." Sebastian feigned a ridiculously dramatic gasp, which caused Noemi to giggle. Elouise wanted to scold her for encouraging him, but even she felt her lips twitch.

"I do not know how to ride a horse," she informed him.

"Who said anything about letting you ride?"

Elouise gasped. "No... do not tell me—"

"Things around here have gotten a bit dull..."

Noemi squealed. "You're coming with us?"

"No," Elouise responded. "No, he is not. He cannot come with us."

"And why am I not?" asked Sebastian.

"We do not need your assistance, Sebastian. We can do this on our own."

Sebastian frowned and averted his eyes. "I know these mountains fairly well. I could take you to wherever you need to go."

Noemi tugged on Elouise's skirt. "We should let him."

"No," Elouise whispered to her.

"But—"

"I said no, Emi." Although Noemi's little pout nearly changed her mind, Elouise held her ground and looked away.

"Very well," Sebastian said, nodding and smiling softly. He faced the stallion and added, "I still suggest taking him with you."

Elouise sighed. "I've already told you that I do not know how—"

"Walk beside him, then. Allow him to keep you company." Sebastian opened one of the bags tied to the horse's back. He pulled out folded parchment and explained it was a map. "I circled where we are, currently. Maybe you can figure out where to go from here."

Elouise widened her eyes as she eagerly took the map from his hands. "Thank you! Truthfully, this is all we need." She scanned the area, spotting her destination higher up from the village. It wouldn't be much longer now. She'd been going in the right direction the entire time. Her heart leaped in her chest, and she exhaled in relief.

"Yes, now you can take that and more," Sebastian told her. With that, he nodded to them both and walked past them, murmuring how he wished them luck and hoped to see them again.

"Ellie," Noemi whined under her breath, tugging on her skirt harder.

Elouise frowned as she looked up from the map and watched Sebastian walk further away from them. It would've been quite simple to grab the horse by the reins and lead him out without another word.

Unfortunately, the sad little eyes staring up at her would not allow her to do so. At least not without breaking her own heart first.

"Sebastian," Elouise called, folding the map again. "If you join us, it will only be halfway there."