Bettor Mr. Nobles
Chapter 67

Behind the bush Abellard and Naeva hide while waiting for who comes.

The sound of the spinning wheel was heard getting closer, acted out by the sound of night animals in the middle of the quiet atmosphere of the forest.

Three caravans appeared, (a wagon-shaped train pulled by two horses). Then stop before reaching the mud puddle.

Vaguely Naeva could see that the caravan was painted colorful with cheerful and unique motifs.

Soon, an old man descended from the front caravan. The man was wearing a short jacket with bright gold studs. His hand was clutching a long stick with a silver head.

From his vest pocket stretched out thick gold chains hung by earrings. He wore a wide-brimmed hat with red, white and green triangular motif embroidery.

"That's a gypsy caravan" whispered Naeva.

(Gypsy: ethnic groups that live nomadically or always move places to live. And they live in caravans)

"Yes, they will definitely check around this place. We cannot make a sound" Abellard said in a whisper.

"We can get out, maybe they'll help us."

"No. They're the ones who can't be trusted."

"Who said? They're good people" Naeva argued.

"They're thieves, Naeva. Wherever they go, they will plunder the livestock of the people where they stop. They're detrimental bullies."

"They're not like that. It was just the actions of some people who then defiled the name of the entire gypsy until now. Just like we are ordinary people, there are some who like to do evil. It's just that they live in groups, until the crime of one person affects the group."

Abellard sighed hearing Naeva's rebuttal.

"Alright, we'll see if they'll take our horses or not" he suggested.

Naeva fell silent and was forced to follow Abellard's advice even though her heart disagreed.

The old gypsy then went around to check, exactly as Abellard had expected. Then a young man of similar appearance came down from the second caravan and approached him.

"Is there a problem, Doike?" (Doike: a salute to the older person)

"There are horses drowning in mud while their owners are nowhere to be seen" replied the old man who looked like the chief of the tribe.

"Maybe the owner is gone."

"It's a shame to leave his travel companions to suffer after they can no longer be benefited." The old man crouched down on the edge of the mud while watching the dark horse.

"We didn't leave him!" fierce Abellard with a whisper. I can't believe he abandoned his horse.

"I'll get you a rope to pull it!" exclaim that young man.

The young man entered his caravan, and returned with a rope. Then from the third caravan came an adult man with a teenage boy. They immediately prepared to help.

The chieftain then threw the rope that had been knotted towards the neck of the horse like a professional Cowboy.

Taps!

Horse's neck is successfully tied to the rope.

The old man then pulled the rope slowly. While his lips seemed to be muttering a mantra. (Don't forget that the gypsies strongly believe in the mystical). The other three men were willing behind the horse and made strange noises. A voice that sounded like the cheers of the Indians as they circled the fire in their ritual.

Naeva and Abellard watched the incident with bated breath and eyes wide open. Just this time they saw such a mystical laden event.

After a moment of silence, Naeva grabbed Abellard's hand. "Let's get out!" bring him.

Abellard immediately pulled Naeva's hand back, "don't be rash, my dear. I don't think asking them for help is a good idea."

The girl then clasped Abellard's hand and looked into the ocean-blue eyes deeply. "Abellard, please. Trust me. I know the gypsies well. They always stop by my castle when passing through the village. And you should know, they didn't take anything back when they left, '" he said, trying to convince.

That gaze of course made the heart of the Count melt.

"All right, we'll try. But on one condition," he insisted.

"What conditions?"

"If they want to help, we must claim to be husband and wife. Because I don't want you and me to be separated. We should always be together so I can take care of you."

Naeva turned her gaze with a rustling heart and misbehavior. Husband wife? It was thrilling to imagine him and Abellard performing as a couple.

The girl then nodded, "well, I agree!" the answer.

The chief and the three other men cleared the mud at the horse's feet. They were instantly shocked to see the arrival of a dashing young man with a beautiful girl coming out of the bushes.

"Bonjour, Monsieur ..." said Naeva while nodding respectfully.

The chief rose from the crouching. Then pay attention to the two young people who appear suddenly for a moment.

"Bonjour ..." she replied. "If I had noticed, you must have owned this horse."

"That's right, Monsieur. We were plunged into the mud. Then I heard the sound of the wheels. We're worried that the robbers are coming, so we're hiding."

The chief nodded in understanding. "This horse seems unable to continue its journey now. He's too tired."

"Yes, that's right" said Naeva as she stared at her pity horse. "Thank you for helping our horse land" he said with a slight bow.

"No need to thank you, M'mselle. We only help animals that need help. Are you going through this forest?"

"Come, Monsieur. We had to go through the forest and look for the countryside to rest. Can we ... hitch a ride on your car? Only until our horses are strong to ride," pinta Naeva expectantly.

The chieftain fell silent, considering the request of the beautiful girl who behaved differently than the others towards them. Usually girls who meet with them will immediately move away and avoid eye-to-eye with them.

All because the gypsies are accused of having evil eyes. Their skill in mysticism, made the villagers think the gypsy eye gaze would hypnotize and bring ugliness.

But this girl is different.

The eyes of the chief glanced at Abellard at a glance. "What about your friend? Looks like your friend isn't really interested in coming with us."

Abellard who felt talked about was completely expressionless. The man was just on standby to take care of his lover.

Naeva smile. Then he took Abellard's hand. "This is my husband. He knows less of your kind, Monsieur. Please forgive her for offending you."

The chief fell silent again. Until then a voice called out from inside the caravan to one.

"Already, Vataf. Let them come."

A rich old woman came out with the help of her cane from inside the caravan. The old woman was wearing a bright red dress with a combination of green. His head was tied with a red handkerchief decorated with gold beads. While his neck and arms were filled with gold jewelry that numbered not a little.