The next morning, Alexei was doing much better. They’d managed to put his arm in a sling and even though his leg still had the bullet lodged in it, he could walk with a slight limp.
He opened the door and heard Helaine talking with Kyle in the hallway.
"I bet he killed someone," whispered Helaine. "Why else would he be an outlaw? Father should be more careful who he brings in here."
"No he probably killed lots of people in battle!" said Kyle excitedly.
Kyle then looked up and saw Alexei.
"Uh-oh," he squeaked.
Helaine looked behind and saw Alexei too.
There was a rush as the two tried to be the first downstairs.
Alexei laughed and walked downstairs to see that the two gossipers had disappeared.
He had a quick breakfast and went to the stables to see Lily sitting there.
"Alex
