CHAPTER THREE-1
266 Words
CHAPTER THREE
Dariusz and Aleksandra stood atop Castle Hill Fort’s crumbling parapet, leaning against the trunk of a spindly tree that had somehow taken root in the masonry. It had been several days since the Tartars had left the village, but still buildings smoldered and spot fires burned. The imposing buildings in the center of town were no more than heaps of burnt-out rubble, however Aleksandra knew that Lvov would survive and prosper once more. This area had been inhabited for untold generations; had developed into a key trade stop on both East and West Caravan routes during the late 1400s. It would survive. High above the dirty black haze that clouded the sky, several cranes circled. They would soon be rebuilding their nests on the chimneys of the town.
Aleksandra turned to Dariusz who surveyed the valley for any sign of hidden threat. She smiled at the thought of the touch of his cheek against hers—his lips upon her own that one tender time.
“Best I return to my chores before old mother Baranovsky chastises me,” she said at last.
Dariusz’s lips parted as if he wished to say something, but instead he was silent, his brow crinkling in thought. Eventually he offered, “Will you sit with me again when we sup tonight, Aleks?” He reached out and dared entwine a lock of her hair around his finger.
“And every night,” she whispered in return.
She held his gaze as she hobbled to the ladder and climbed down its rungs. He put his hand to his breast—gingerly feeling the swelled tenderness of the wound close to his heart. And still their eyes were locked upon each other’s.
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