The voice came out of the darkness, but not addressing her. It was more like one of those off stage voices that she had heard at the Mummer’s theater. It was too loud to be any real pretense at stealth and then she realized it was a warning.<br/><br/>Lydia  sprang from the circle to rush into the small bedroom. She crept into a wardrobe that contained a false back which opened to a narrow passageway. Darkness assaulted her eyes as she pulled the panel shut behind her. The clothes that were crammed in the small space would hide her defensive exit.<br/><br/>A mouse ran across her shoe and she had to stuff her fist in her mouth to keep from crying out in surprise. She didn’t know who had warned her but she did not wish to betray their kindness. Lydia knew that one did not openly defy the nobles. She was also curious. Who was demented enough to walk the streets after dark and yet be human?<br/><br/>She hoped she lived long enough to make the acquaintance of such a man, for the voice was not that of a woman. Lydia shivered in anticipation.<br/>