*
He often dreamed about the woman with the black stallion. It was a pleasant dream, filled with blue skies, wild flowers, love, hope and laughter. But this night the dream was dark, the horse was mean, the woman fell and he woke up with a start. As soon as he shook the memory out of his mind, he went to check on his wife.
Her door was open and she wasn't in bed. Instead, she was still dressed and standing at the window again.
"Anna, you need to rest."
"I have rested most of the day. Now I need to think."
"Would you like my company?" She didn't say no, so he stayed. He leaned against the wall near the window and waited for a long time before she spoke again.
"My mother is chained to her bed."
"Dear..."
Anna raised her hand to stop him. "Please, let me get this said. It is not easy for me." She paused to collect her thoughts again, turned toward him and continued. "She tried to leave my father when Rachel was a baby, so he chains her and locks the door to her bedchamber. The only time he lets her out is to bathe. You see, he holds us captive, all of us, even the servants. When we do something that displeases him, he punishes my mother."
Kevin hung his head.
"We have tried everything to save her. We even sent a plea to the king, but my father is a very clever man. He does not hurt her where it will show and if she does not obey him in front of company, he threatens to kill one of us. The king even came, believed she was fit and dismissed our plea."
"Was it your father who beat you?"
She hesitated, wondering if she should admit it. Kevin was guessing, but if she said 'no' he would find out and hate her for lying. Besides, it was too late to stop now. "Yes."
"I will kill him." He watched her carefully to judge her reaction, but she remained calm.
"I have often vowed to do the same." She took a deep breath, "God help me, I have thought about it far more often than is fitting for a woman."
"What stopped you?"
She turned back to look out the window. "Fear. He is a strong man and if I failed, he would kill me and that could hardly help my mother and sister. Harold, the man who came here, is my dearest friend...my only friend. He once found me..." She decided not to elaborate on that. "He does not live on our estate, but when I can, I go to him. Many are the days Harold and I have plotted to kill my father. His guards will not let any man near him or Harold would gladly do it." She shook her head in sorrow. "God will never forgive me for these evil thoughts."