Whatever had seized Andreas's attention, the sheer terror in his eyes when he uttered her sister's name compelled an immediate response from Adela.
"Go! Please! Protect my sister and mother in the manor!"
"Haiyah!" Andreas bellowed, leaving Adela and the knights in his dust as he raced toward the nearest thicket. Adela knew that he would abandon his horse and proceed on foot the moment he believed he was out of sight, casting one last anguished look back at her before vanishing into the thick line of trees.
Adela turned her gaze toward the perplexed Viscount who struggled to keep pace with the reactions of the noble Lady and the haughty merchant from House von Conradie.
"Prepare your men! Issue immediate formation orders!" she urged, her anxiety causing her knees to tremble.
"..."
She glared up at the man who continued to stare at her, bewildered.
"Viscount!"
