"You're safe now," Alfraed said softly, maintaining a respectful distance. "I mean you no harm."
The woman's eyes narrowed, disbelief evident in every line of her face. "What do you want from us?" Her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.
"Nothing," Alfraed answered. "I would like to say you can go wherever you want. However, we're in the middle of a journey, so you need to stay with us until it's completed." He showed the documentation. "These documents provide legal protection. Keep them with you at all times."
The woman's eyes widened with suspicion. She clutched the papers but didn't look at them.
"Free?" She tested the word like an unfamiliar language. "There's always a price."
Alfraed shook his head. "No price. No conditions. At least, not in this situation." He gestured toward the carriage. "We're heading to a place where we can stay for the night. We have food and a place to rest."
