Leaving the boy alone with his misery, I stormed downstairs and took the last of the family’s money out of the jar by the fireplace. I shook it in my purse so they could hear the clanging. “You dirty scum will never work for me again!” I spat at the father. He flinched. I scowled and went back outside.

Gerard, my horse, was waiting patiently by an oak tree. I climbed on as quickly as I could and rode off again through the woods. This time there was no noise, so I did my best to create my own. Silence was never OK, unless I could feel somebody’s unrest near me.

I cantered along the pathway until I came across two men who were sleeping a little ways to the left of the path. Between them huddled a young woman of exceptional beauty. I immediately reigned in. “Whoa there buddy. Check out this little baby and her two big protectors!” I made my voice deep and overbearing. The two men leaped to their feet and stumbled around grabbing their swords while I laughed. They were pathetic.

I’d have a woman tonight….