Ingrid was clinging to Karakan's cloak, so she won't be lost in the woods.

It was midnight, new moon, pitch dark.

They've been walking for days now, always at night.

Karakan said, it's safer like this.

"I don't know how he's able to see in this dark."

"Darkness is the only thing thy hugs me,
arise me from the pit I have to fall by every morning.
Early birds are way too late to call me
when I am obliged to run away from the warning."
-Remembered suddenly Ingrid for a part from Karakan's letter.

They haven't talked too much, it was usually just minimized instructions from Karakan.

Whenever Ingrid tried to ask him about his background, something always came up.

Like last time...

-Hey Karakan, how old...

-Snake...

-...what?

-Snake!-He said and throw a dagger next to Ingrid, where the snake was.

After that, ants started to infest the girl, so she's been discouraged.

So they were just walking like this for a while now.

...

-I think you grew some during this couple of days.-He said all of a sudden and Ingrid stopped to measure herself, but he pulled her forward. -Don't stop.

-Ok...

They walked for minutes when he continued to talk.

-I remember, I had growth spurt until I reached the age of 15. It was very painful.

Ingrid's eyes brightened up.

-And how old are you now?- She asked.

-...

-Was I impolite?

-...

-I'm sorry for asking it is not my bu...

-No... I'm just not counting it that's all... I was 17 last time.

Ingrid stopped and let his coat go.

-Are you old?- She asked him, hoping that he will confess how old and lonely he is.

He turned around and looked into the little prince's eyes. His serious face turned to laugh suddenly.

-What kind of question is this. I am surely older than you! -He laughed and ruffled gently to Ingrid's curly hair. -Does it mean anything if I am? -He smiled half serious with his unusually illuminating yellow eyes.

-Yes khmm...it would mean that you are not a brat. -Forced Ingrid a smile on her face as she tried to stay positive and confident.

-You know...you have a rather sharp tongue for your age... You know I could kill you in an instant, do you? -Said the man still slightly smiling. Ingrid couldn't decide if he was threatening her or not.

-I DO know...that you are not a huffy to be offended by a child's words. -She answered like it was nothing and walked past him.

Suddenly he appeared in front of the kid that bumped into him surprised.

-Where do you get the idea that you know me?-He looked down almost pissed. Ingrid gazed at him and tried not to freak out.

-Why are you so serious?... Are you hungry? You have only eaten a rabbit for 3 days. -Said Ingrid with pitying face.

-Tchh!...-He turned away.-Grab my coat and let's go!