Isolde woke again, this time feeling refreshed. She could have sworn she heard the maid calling Hamish, James. That little maid had her cap set for the employer Isolde thought with a smile as she leaned back against the pillows. Today, her head did not hurt and she was truly hunger. Smells of fresh bread and coffee wafted up from a kitchen somewhere, making her mouth water.<br/><br/>Rustling around in the bed, Isolde positioned herself prone against the pillows, taking in the bright sunny room and the fresh cut flowers on the table close by. She saw Hamish snoozing in the overstuffed chair in her doorway. He snored a little, jumping awake at the sound of his slumber.<br/><br/>“Hello,” Isolde said quietly, smiling at the man. “I think I have you to thank for being alive.”<br/><br/>She listened to soft jazz music drifting through the room and the gentle laugh of a woman trickled through as well. This was a safe place, filled with love and caring, she thought. Tears welled in her eyes, not from sadness but as a by product of recovery from a traumatic injury.<br/><br/>“Is that  newspaper on  your side table?” she asked, pointing toward the large white paper with the grainy black and white photos. “If it is, would you allow me to read it when you are finished with it for the day? I feel like I have been away , far away and do not know what is going on in this crazy world. “<br/><br/>Suddenly tired again, Isolde fell back on the pillows and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes.<br/><br/>“I’m not sleeping,” she explained, “ just a little dizzy. I’m not faint,” she hastened to reassure him.” I just feel like I have come a long distance. I do not wish to sleep any more. I want to become strong again. I want to become useful again. You and I, Hamish, we have a vanquish to plan.”