“Thank you, Sir Humphrey,” she said, and then closed her eyes once again. After she heard him leave and the door was shut Isabelle sighed and slowly got up. She removed her cape and draped it across the bench to dry, then removed her boots and placed them on the hearth. After warming herself before the fire, she moved to the bed, pulled back the bear skin cover and climbed into bed. The feather mattress was soft and though it smelled somewhat musty, Isabelle lay down and pulled the fur up to her chin. Within moments she was asleep.

Isabelle dreamed she was running through the darkened corridors of her family’s castle, searching for her mother and father, but could not find them anywhere. Then she realized that something was following her—something dark and deadly. She ran faster and called out to her parents for help but received no answer, and all the while that thing behind her got closer and closer. Suddenly she found herself lost out in the deep woods. It was raining and cold. Dank fog swirled about her legs and thin, chilled tendrils seemed to grasp at clothes. Isabelle began to run because she knew that something was looking for her. It was something incredibly evil and she could not allow it to find her, else it would surely take her life.

She continued to run, although she had no idea where she was going; Isabelle knew only that she must keep moving until she found help. Then through the mist she saw a tall dark figure, standing and waiting for her. She ran toward this man and knew that is must be Humphrey, her protector; he would save her from whatever was hunting for her. But as she got closer to the figure, Isabelle realized it was not Humphrey, but a man she had never seen before. She stopped, fearful that this was whoever was seeking her.

The figure held out a hand to her. “My child,” he said.

Isabelle moved closer to the man. “Father?” she asked, puzzled, but was now close enough to see that she did not recognize his face. She nearly turned and ran, but then saw something in this man’s eyes that was familiar to her; in his eyes and around the mouth. Yes, they reminded her of someone. With a start, Isabelle realized this man somehow reminded her of her mother. But, how was that possible…unless. “Grandfather?” she asked cautiously.

The man dropped down to one knee and held out both arms to her. “Isabelle,” he said.

With a cry of surprise, Isabelle rushed into his arms and hugged this man she had never before met. They shared a moment of profound peace together before he whispered, “We must get you away from here, my child. It be no longer safe for you in this land.” He stood and took Isabelle’s hand and together they moved quietly into the shadows of the forest.

In her grandfather’s bed, Isabelle turned over and finally settled into a sound sleep.