When I awoke the sensation of light through my lids had my eyes fly open with surprise.  Sitting up and getting my bearings in a strange location it was difficult to believe I had slept so late.  Always an early riser, long before the sun, I berated myself for sleeping so late when I had so much to tend to before departing.  No sooner had I rose from the bed I heard a knock on the door.  It was a serving maid with two pails of hot water, followed by a young lad carrying a small tub.  The water was added and both went to fetch more hot water.<br/><br/>A young woman walked down the street  toward the tavern under a heavy load.  She had filled bags with items ladies often wanted when they paused on a journey in the village.  She longed to be on a journey to anywhere but here.  But those were just the longings of someone who had not traveled farther than the neighboring small village.  The rising sun highlighted the golden strands mingled with the red curls she was always trying so hard to smooth into submission.  Her steps slowed as she saw the blacksmith apprentice hard at work on a disabled carriage.  Her gaze was more intent on the stranger.  Shirtless, in public no less.  The look she gave him as she passed told him of her disapproval yet she said not a word.  He was a stranger after all.  She simply whisked past him and entered the tavern.<br/><br/>I heard another knock at the door.  Honestly, things were as busy in her room than they were at her home.  Opening the door she saw a bright faced young woman carrying two large cloth covered bags.  She curtsied, "Morning Ma'am"  She looked past me to survey the room before speaking again.  "The bar keep told me you requested a shopmaid to aid you."  I smiled brightly and bid her to enter the room.  Waiving a hand down my disheveled and dirty gown with a blush of embarrassment, "Indeed, I am in a frightful state."  The shopmaid introduced herself "Oh I've seen worse ma'am.  My name is Annabelle" she said as she put the bags on the dresser.  "I brought a few things that you might need.  Traveling can be damaging to a ladies necessities."  I could not help but smile at that truth.  "You are very thoughtful Annabelle.  I do appreciate you bringing these things."  More hot water was brought and when the tub was full I undressed and sank into the tub.  It was a wooden, rustic tub.  Too small to actually stretch out.  My need to be clean was so great that despite all of this it felt like pure heaven to take this bath.<br/>Soon I was cleaned and Annabelle styled my hair.  No lady ever would be seen outside her chamber without being properly dressed and hair styled.  Still, I was anxious to go downstairs and see to the driver.  I asked Annabelle if she saw anyone with the carriage.  She told me a blacksmith was working on it and there was a stranger with him.  I assumed that was the driver and was much relieved that the needed repair was being made.  I found Annabelle delightful to speak with.  Though not educated, she was a keen observer of the world.  "Tis a shame you cannot accompany me.  I shall travel not much farther and return through this village on my way home."  It was with much surprise when she exclaimed "Yes!  I would be so honored to accompany you.  I won't be any trouble to you.  No trouble at all.  A lady like you ought not be traveling alone."  My eyes were wide when I looked at her.  "But your family will think it most odd."  She shook her head "Don't have a family.  The shop owner can do without me a couple of days."  I made a rather rash decision.  Seems I have made a few of them over these last few days.  "Very well Annabelle.  But you must be prepared to leave very shortly."  She nodded her head and I chuckled watching her curls bounce.  "Oh I will be ready.  And you won't regret this...not one bit ma'am."<br/><br/>Once prepared, I walked downstairs with Annabelle.  She left with a skip in her step and promising to return in a blink of an eye.  Having a seat in the tavern I ordered tea, eggs, toast and roasted chicken.  My gaze traveled to the window and I saw a mountain sized man working on the carriage.  It was then that my heart stopped.  Moving next to him was the shirtless man who seemed to be giving him orders.  My hopes of a successful morning suddenly spiraled downhill.