Shay woke with a start the next morning. She fought the confusion of where she was. Her entire body ached as she rose to her feet. She felt to make sure she still had the book and bookmark and found them inside her pocket. Shay felt as though she was being watched but could see no one. As she stood there in the early morning light she pondered what to do.

She chided herself. She should have kept moving the night before. By now she was sure the search for her would have extended beyond the castle walls. She thought herself lucky that she had not been found yet but...