Chapter 18

Night fell and wrapped me in its embrace. I stopped crying, and the pain across my shoulder blades eased to a dull ache. Thankfully, my coarse clothing saved my skin from the switch and I couldn't feel any blood. But my nerves still protested and my joints hurt as the shackles held my arms up, and I couldn't relieve the pressure. At least the soft breathing of the horses kept me company and reassured me I wasn't alone. They munched hay with a steady grind, occasionally whickering to each other.

Then my ears pricked at something not equine in origin?a tread more foot than hoof. Fear gripped my heart and gave a squeeze. "Who is it?" I called out.

No reply.

The feet shuffled closer. Oh God, a vermin was in the stalls. Had she laid a trail of vermin breadcrumbs, so one would find me helpless in the barn? Had she planned to use an undead creature to do her work and dispose of me? I renewed my effort to pull the ring from its home embedded in the wall. I leaned my weight against the chain