I SAT UP in bed, confused and shocked.

I did not deserve this. I was no knight, no noble. Just a commoner. And a lucky one at that-fortunate not to have been ripped to shreds by a beast. My ordeal came back to me, my wife and child. It had been more than a week since I set out to find Sophie.

Your care is most appreciated, Doctor, but I must leave. Please thank my gracious hostess for me.

I got up out of bed but managed to limp no farther than a couple of painful steps. There was a knock at the door. Auguste went to see who was there.

You may thank the lady yourself, the doctor said. She has come.

It was Emilie, adorned in a dress of linen gilded with golden borders. God, I had not been imagining her. She was as lovely as the vision from my dreams. Except her eyes shimmered soft and green.

I see our patient rises, Emilie exclaimed, seemingly delighted. How is our Red today, Auguste?

His ears are not injured. Nor is his tongue, the doctor said, prodding at me.

I didn't know whether to bow or kneel. I did not speak to nobles directly unless addressed. But something made me look into her eyes. I cleared my throat. I would be dead if not for you, lady. There is no way I can express my thanks.

I did what anyone would do. Besides, having vanquished your boar, what a shame it would've been if you had become the dinner of the next pest that stumbled by.

Auguste pushed qver a stool and Emilie sat down. If you must show gratitude, you can do so by permitting me a few questions.

Any, I said. Please ask.

First, an easy one. What is your name, redhead?

My name is Hugh, lady. I bowed my head. Hugh De Luc.

And you were on your way to Treille, Hugh De Luc, when you encountered the boorish boar?

I was, my lady. Though the doctor has informed me that my direction was slightly askew.

So it would seem. Lady Emilie smiled. This surprised me. I had never met a noble with a very keen sense of humor, unless it was cruel humor. And on this journey you set out alone. With no food. Or water. Or proper clothes... ?

I felt a lump in my throat-not from nerves ............