Tears streaked down Elsa's cheeks. Between sobs, she whispered,
"He never told me anything like that…"
She broke down again.
It took her a while to gather herself. Erik leaned back, staring out the window, his breath fogging the glass.
"So. What do you want to do now?" he asked.
Elsa didn't answer right away. Then she muttered,
"Then why didn't he come for me?"
"What?" Erik asked, frowning.
"You said Evin killed Ed for me, right? Then why didn't he come for me?"
The question twisted in Erik's gut.
If Evin never even tried… had he lied to Ed? And if he had — why?
The carriage slowed to a halt.
"We're here, ma'am," the driver called.
Elsa wiped her face, pulled her cloak tighter, and climbed out.
"Come on, Erik," she said.
They stood outside Boke's Inn.
"We'll stay the night. Evin and his friends head out early to cut wood — we'll find them in the forest. Tomorrow," Elsa said.
Erik nodded and followed her inside.
They booked one room with two beds.
"Safety reasons," Elsa told the innkeeper.
Fair enough.
Elsa washed up first. Erik went after.
Later, in the dark room, Erik lay awake.
"Elsa. You awake?" he asked.
A long pause. Then a tired, "Yeah."
"What are you planning to do tomorrow?" he asked.
"What do you think? I kill those fuckers," she said.
"Then why bring me?"
Silence.
"You haven't killed a man before, have you?" Erik said.
Another silence, heavier this time.
"Erik…" she breathed. "Kill them for me."
"Elsa," he said, voice low. "Do you think killing them will fix it?"
"What are you saying?" she asked sharply.
"I'm asking what you're trying to get out of this."
"Nothing, Erik. I don't want anything. Just kill them." She turned her back to him.
Erik stared at the ceiling.
You've fallen that far, huh.
He closed his eyes, knowing exactly what tomorrow would demand of him.
---
Morning came.
"Erik. Erik," Elsa's voice woke him.
He opened his eyes to find her already dressed and ready.
"We have to go. Get ready — quickly," she said.
Erik geared up and stood in front of her.
"Let's go."
Elsa gave him a once-over and smirked.
"You know, now that I'm getting a good look at you — that armor really suits you."
Erik didn't respond. He pulled his cloak over it, the hem brushing against his knees.
"Come on, then," Elsa said, heading out the door. Erik followed.
The rain from last night had left the jungle path muddy, but that worked in their favor. Footprints — at least eight sets — stood out in the dirt.
Elsa was right. They were here.
"How did you get this information?" Erik asked as they walked.
"I have my ways," Elsa said, her voice flat.
The forest broke open into a rough clearing, full of stumps and stacked logs. The air reeked of fresh-cut wood and wet earth. Mud sucked at their boots as they stepped closer.
It didn't take long before they spotted them.
Elsa pointed.
"Erik — the one in the blue shirt. That's Evin. Leave him alive. Kill the others."
Erik glanced at her, a little surprised, but said nothing.
The group noticed them. Heads turned.
Evin's expression shifted the moment he saw Erik.
"Shit," he muttered, stepping forward.
"Elsa. Why are you here?" he asked.
"Why do you think?" Elsa said coldly.
Evin gave a bitter chuckle.
"Well. I'm surprised you figured it out. Sad, that you have to die today. Boys!"
The men around him grabbed their axes, advancing toward Erik.
Elsa stayed behind him, silent.
Erik drew his dagger, the blade catching the morning light.
"Nothing personal," he said, "but all of you have to die today."