Hellrien found Maria from Ray’s tent. She was lying on dry leaves and withered grass. She was tossing her head slowly from side to side. Quiet, mournful sounds emanated from her throat. She was unharmed, at least physically. Hellrien found a woolen blanket from the tent. She wrapped the blanket around Maria and lifted her up. She was swaying under her burden. She would have to act quickly – there was not much light left and the orcs would begin to wake up soon. Hellrien slipped out of the camp and began to slowly descend the hillside. She had to stop often to rest. Maria lied immobile on her arms. Often she could hear the woman’s quiet, weird laughter. Hellrien shivered from cold. Brisk wind blew from the west.
”Dora?” Maria whispered suddenly. ”Dora…”
Hellrien gritted her teeth. She continued her way down. Her boots slipped on the slick rocks.
”Dora… I am so sorry. I failed you. I broke my promise.”
”I’m not Dora”, Hellrien said hoarsely.
”Dora… please tell me that you forgive me. About your boy. About Ray. Please forgive us what we did to your boy! It’s been weighing on my soul for so many years. I can’t carry this weight any more.” Maria’s voice was frail. It was an old woman’s voice.
”That’s alright”, Hellrien said. ”I forgive you.”
