“You keep saying that the Inquisition would question you and see this body as an abomination. I can tell by the way you sit forward on the seat that you are urging the horses ahead. Are we safer to continue toward the destination? Would you not be in jeopardy were we to stop to coddle me?” Caroleen searched his face in the faint glow of the moonlight that would stab through the fog at intervals.<br/><br/>The voice in her head hissed as if mocking her but Caroleen just held up her hand, fingers spread wide close to her face as if trying to stop the air from flowing by.<br/><br/>“Ivan, I do not know about the constitution of this body, but if Teresa’s body has lasted these long years then perhaps it is strong enough to meet the safety you have prepared for it. As for me? I am not accustomed to being asked for opinions about my comfort. I learned young that women must adjust to meet the demands that life presses upon them. My husband, while thoughtful and loving, was a strong man who expected those of his household to shoulder their duties without complaint. Thank you for your kind consideration in seeking my needs above your pressing desires.”<br/>Caroleen pressed her hand against his arm, the rough serge dusty under her fingers.<br/><br/>“I yield to your judgment in this matter.” She said, kindly and gently as she gave his arm a squeeze to assure her that he was real. “If this is a dream and you share it, then we must find a common ground of respect. If this is a nightmare that we share, then you are my hope against the dragons of fear that threaten to devour.”<br/><br/>They swayed along in silence, Caroleen sagging in weariness but determined to abide by Ivan’s need for urgency. The bats were still in full force but after Ivan’s kind offer and his solid strength beside her, nothing seemed to really matter now.<br/><br/>The voice whined, “Ivan is mine. You will be good to him.”<br/><br/>“Men of consideration are rare jewels.” She answered the voice aloud, in a soft murmur. “I will be good to him because it is in my nature to be good to all life, not to please anyone other than the man himself.”<br/><br/>To Ivan she said,<br/>"She lives in my head, although she doesn't want you to know."<br/><br/>No sooner had the words escaped her than a terrible pain stabbed at her stomach. Caroleen was afraid that Teresa was making good on her threat.<br/><br/>"So sorry, Ivan, but I must make a comfort stop." Caroleen begged, hoping she would not disgrace this body in front of the man.