– Are you sure? You'll be all alone in this snake's den. I don't want you to get into trouble," Evans said warmly, and I wondered for the umpteenth time what had happened between them.

– Don't worry, I can take care of myself… But don't just stand there, take Sylvia and run to the valley! – Astrid said with pressure. – I'll be back as soon as I've finished my business! I'll try to do it before sunset. – The girl hurried away from us, as if she didn't want to waste any more time with us.

– Well, let's go without her. – Evans held out his palm to me. – Give me your hand. I don't want to lose you, too.

I silently complied, and we walked through the stream of people, holding hands and gripping the reins of our horses with our free hands, and soon reached the main gate of the city and left.

Fortunately, our way back to the valley seemed to me much easier than the way to the city: the sun was still high, but it was not so hot, so it was much freer to breathe. When we reached the ravine, I had to wrap myself more warmly in my cloak.

Evans was silent the whole way, and I was curious, but I didn't want to disturb him, because I could see that he was thinking hard, his forehead creased, his lips tightly pressed together, his eyes staring off into the distance. But when we stopped to give the horses a rest and let them chew grass and drink water from the stream that ran along the road, I walked over to my friend and looked into his brown eyes.

– Evans… You're so thoughtful… You can share with me, and I promise that everything we say will remain private," I said softly.

– Nothing can be kept from you, my queen," Evans smiled, but his smile was fake. – You're right: thoughts are tearing at my head, and they're dark thoughts, I'm afraid.

Tell me, do you really hate your spouse and all people so much that you would kill them if you had the chance?

– Of course not… Though I can hardly deceive Dead Man's Axe, for he has clung to me with such strength and joy… – I hesitated, for I did not know what else to say.

– You say you love Derek, but your soul can't forgive what he did to Flammehav?

– It's… It's complicated, Evans! Yes, I love him! But I saw with my own eyes the horror and destruction he brought to my kingdom! Thousands of blood-covered refugees who took refuge in our capital told me that Derek's warriors did not spare even children! – I exclaimed with feeling, amazed by the healer's skepticism. – How could I forget? I remember that Derek wasn't the instigator of this war, that he didn't attack Flammehav but my father attacked Kaldwind, that Derek was just protecting his people from us demons, but… I can't forgive. I want to, but I can't. I guess I just choose not to bring it up, yet these thoughts won't leave me, I have no power over them!

– I understand how you feel," Evans said calmly, taking my hand in his. – You have a right to be angry, but remember what Axe did to you. Try to tame your hatred, banish it from your soul, because if that sword accidentally falls into your hands, you'll turn into a monster. Remember that you love your husband and that you volunteered to save his life. Derek Merkswerd awaits your return. Remember that.

– You promised to tell me, does this sword have any effect on you? What do you see in your mind? – I persisted.

– Alas, I too am imperfect, but the Axe seems to have nothing to eat in my soul: I have forgiven all my enemies and wish them nothing but good and happiness.

– You are honorable, Evans Vallas," I smiled involuntarily. – Stay that way always.