“Forgive us, we’re pilgrims from Barcelona. We’re on our way to Tours to venerate the holy relics of Saint Martin,” Tania replied in Catalan to the soldiers guarding the gate of Andorra.

  Meanwhile, another guard inspected the caravan, checking for weapons or contraband.

  “It’s clean,” he shouted to the others at the city gate.

  “And tell me, young lady—don’t you know the Frankish territories are dangerous and crawling with bandits? Why would you cross them alone, without guards or an escort? Travelers usually join merchant caravans or large groups of pilgrims,” the soldier asked, puzzled.

  “I have faith in Jesus Christ and His blessed mother Mary to protect us on our journey,” Tania said with a serene smile, positioning herself so that the crucifix on her neck caught the guard’s eye.

  “Well then, welcome! Enjoy your stay in Andorra la Vella,” he said as they opened the gates for the travelers.

  A full day had passed since they’d left Barcelona, and now they stood at the outskirts of Andorra—finally entering the Christian lands of the Franks.

  Andorra was a small town founded by the brave soldiers who had once blocked the Moors from advancing into Europe. Those men had been rewarded with these lands. Now, the settlement served as a buffer zone between Barcelona, Córdoba, and the Frankish kingdoms.

  “It’s cold here, isn’t it?” Rodrigo said, pulling his cloak tighter.

  “Of course. We’re entering a mountain range called the Pyrenees,” explained Tania, settling back into the caravan as Anpiel continued driving.

  “The road ahead will be steep and difficult. With luck, we’ll reach Toulouse by nightfall,” added the fiery-haired goddess.

  “Aren’t we staying to rest in this village?” asked Epona, her face weary. “This wagon is unbearable—I’d kill for a feather bed right now.”

  “We’re in a hurry, Epona. We can’t afford to waste time. If we reach Toulouse tonight, we’ll sleep there,” Tania replied firmly.

  “Don’t worry, I’m not tired yet,” said the angel, guiding the horses onward.

  They soon left Andorra behind, climbing and descending treacherous, narrow roads through the mountains.

  The scenery was magnificent—rolling green peaks stretching endlessly beneath a pale blue sky. Here and there, small cottages dotted the grassy slopes, and the air was sharp and pure, carrying the scent of pine.

  Deer herds darted across the fields, and high above, eagles soared with their shrill, echoing cries.

  “They say a Punic general once led an army of elephants through these mountains,” said Epona to Rodrigo, who was leaning out of the wagon to admire the Pyrenees.

  “That sounds like quite a feat, Lady Epona,” he replied.

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  “You can ask the redhead up there—she was part of that little adventure,” Epona said, smirking as she pointed toward Tania.

  “So that’s why you know this route so well?” Rodrigo asked the Punic goddess.

  “In those days, neither Andorra nor Toulouse existed, so it hardly matters,” Tania replied dryly, her tone making it clear she didn’t want to elaborate.

  Rodrigo took the hint and dropped the subject.

  Ana lay half-asleep, her head resting on Tania’s shoulder, and even the Punic goddess was starting to doze off.

  “So, how did you find out you were a nephil, Rodrigo?” Epona asked, eager to make conversation. “Did these goddesses just show up one day, and you thought you’d gone insane?” she teased, making a circular motion with her finger near her head.

  Rodrigo explained what had happened—how he met Tania and Ana, and how their paths had crossed.

  “Oh, I didn’t know Tania helped slaves,” Epona said with mild surprise. “She’s always given me the impression of being cold and unfeeling… but I guess she’s got a heart too.”

  Rodrigo felt a strange flutter in his chest. Epona was stunning. True, Ana’s personality was gentler, and Tania’s body was divine—but Epona possessed a charm that was harder to describe. Maybe it was her confidence, maybe her teasing nature, but his heart beat faster whenever she spoke to him.

  “Did I make you blush?” Epona asked with a playful smile.

  “No, not at all, Lady Epona,” Rodrigo stammered, his cheeks red.

  “Hey, drop the ‘lady’—just call me Epona. Or Ep,” she said, laughing softly.

  “You find me attractive, don’t you?” she added, gazing at him with that mischievous glint in her eye.

  “I’ve noticed you’ve been staring at me since the moment we met. You like blonde girls, huh?” she teased, her grin widening as Rodrigo’s embarrassment grew.

  “I—I’m sorry if I offended you, Lady Epona,” he said, flustered beyond words.

  Epona burst into laughter. “Relax! It’s not a crime. Don’t be so tense,” she said between giggles.

  “And tell me,” Rodrigo asked, desperate to change the subject, “why do you and Ana argue so much?”

  The blonde goddess looked over at Ana, who was still sleeping on Tania’s shoulder.

  “She and I were enemies long ago—back when Ireland and the Romans of Britannia were at war. When Ireland finally embraced Christianity, we became friends. But… old habits die hard,” Epona said, her tone softening.

  Rodrigo found himself staring at her again. She truly was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen—but part of him also felt guilty. He knew he was drawn to Ana as well.

  “They’re goddesses,” he thought to himself. “To them, I must look like nothing more than an insect.”

  Epona caught him looking again and laughed. “I should start charging you every time you stare at me like that,” she said with a wink.

  Then she leaned closer and placed a hand on his leg.

  “If I weren’t a goddess bound by a vow of virginity, I’d sleep with you. You’re quite handsome, trust me,” she whispered in a sultry tone.

  (Imagen creada con Gemini IA con fines ilustrativos solamente)

  “Please don’t say things like that, Lady Epona,” Rodrigo said nervously, trying to edge away.

  Epona burst into laughter again. “You’re so easy to tease, Rodrigo,” she said, removing her hand.

  “I’ll try not to look at you anymore, Lady Epona,” he muttered.

  “I told you—just Epona. Or Ep,” she replied.

  “Alright, Ep. I’ll try not to do it again,” he said shyly.

  “Are you always this stiff and proper? Has no woman ever flirted with you before?” Epona said, laughing. “You’ve got to loosen up! You’re traveling with three gorgeous women—three goddesses—and you’re sitting there all tense like a Viking sword!”

  Rodrigo couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’ll try to relax more, Ep.”

  “That’s better! Cheer up, boy!” said Epona, flashing him a radiant smile.