It took the rest of the day for Merci to finish and by the time the full moon swung high and the stars shined brightly Merci welcomed her dingy bedroom.

“Merci,” Violet said as Merci tried to ascend the stairs, “Can I see you for a moment?”

Merci sighed and walked to her mother, “I’m exhausted and just want to go to bed.”

“I understand, daughter, but I have food for you.”

Merci’s mood perked right up as the only food she had in six days was the bread she had that morning. And just like it was on cue her stomach rumbled loudly. “Really!?” Merci didn’t mean to sound shocked but considering the events from this morning she was surprised that she was being offered any food at all.

“Yes, Zarro went to town so I was able to prepare a meal for the both of us.”

“Thank you mother!” Merci said as she hugged her mother tightly for the first time.

Violet was taken by surprise at this course of action but welcomed it. “I…well yes dear of course.”

“What are we having?” Merci asked as she released her mother from her grasp.

“Eggs, ham, and some veggies. Come follow me.”

Merci followed her mother to the kitchen and smiled widely as she saw the two plates sitting on the table filled with freshly made food and two glasses of milk filled to the brim.

“Thank you!” Merci ran to the table and sat down and began eating right away.

Violet was surprised by her behavior but she couldn’t get mad at her as she knew it had been days since her first actual meal.

“I was also thinking after you eat, I will take you to the wash house to get cleaned up.”

“I would love that!” Merci said happily. As at this rate, Merci had over a week of grime and blood still caked to her. Let alone the new sweat build up she had received from working in the two hot suns.

For the first time, Merci had enjoyed a full meal since she awoke. “This was delicious.” She said as she finished every bite on her plate.

“Glad you think so dear. If you are still hungry there is enough for seconds.”

“I’m stuffed,” Merci said as she sat back in her chair and rubbed her belly.

“I am sorry about your father's behavior this morning. He can be a bit rough at times, but he means well.”

Tough? It seems like he hates me. “Why stick with him if he treats us like that?” Merci didn’t understand this at all.

“He used to not be like this but time grew on him,” Violet said softly. “Let me take you to the washroom to get cleaned up.”

Merci nodded and followed her mother to a little shack just outside the house. “It’s just a quick pull of the string. Water will flow automatically. The soap is there,” she said as she pointed to the bar sitting on the shelf. “There is hair wash there and I will bring you a towel and a night outfit.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Thank you mother.”

Merci waited until her mother was out of sight before stripping down and turning on the water with the pull cord. Merci shivered as the first stream of water hit her body as it was ice cold. Stepping aside she waited a minute for the water to warm up.

“Merci! I have the towel and change of clothes. I will leave them on the wall.”

“Thanks mom!” Merci shouted as she poked her finger through the stream and felt that the water was warmer.

Sighing in relief she stepped under and let the water run over her body. Thankfully the majority of this shack was closed off to the elements so most of her body was kept well hidden. All but her feet showed through the three inch gap between the walls and the floor.

The area she was showering in was close quarters. As it didn’t give much to movement, however at this point Merci didn’t care.

She just enjoyed the warmth of the water and clean feeling she had once she was done.

“Better.” She mumbled to herself as she dried herself off before slipping on the nightwear her mother had given her.

“You’re happy, well more happy than earlier. Good.” The male voice chimed in her mind.

“Who are you?” Merci finally asked. However, she received no answer.

“Whatever.” She grumbled as she grabbed her clothing, the soap, and the stuff she used to wash her hair and went back inside the house.

“Mother, I have a question.”

“What is-”

Merci’s focus faltered as the voice spoke inside her mind, “Please dear, whatever you do, do not say anything. I beg of you.” The voice boomed with concern and worry.

Merci blinked. She was confused, however, she felt a burst of trust through her. She had no idea where this feeling came from however, it felt familiar to her.

“Merci, what is it?” Her mother’s face wore a concerned and desperate look. Merci could tell she was truly worried about her.

“Sorry, mom, it's nothing. I am just going to go to bed.”

Merci began to ascend the wooden staircase of their simple home. Her mother grabbed her hand, stopping her. “Are you sure daughter? You can tell me anything you know, right?”

Merci wanted to tell her mother, but the voice in her head was more welcoming than her mother tried to be.

“Yeah, I am sure. I just need to go to bed. It has been a really long day.”

“Alrighty dear, I am just down here if you need me.”

Merci saw her mother relax as she released her arm, “Thank you. And thank you for dinner.” Merci said with a smile on her face as she ascended the staircase once more.

“Of course dear. Good night.”

Merci walked the short distance to her room and shut her door. She sat on her bed determined to get to the bottom of this.

“Alright, start talking.” Merci said in a low voice. A voice she hoped her mother couldn’t hear.

“Not yet. Be patient. I will take you from that torture and save you. You can count on that. Rest. Tomorrow will just be as long.”

Merci was disappointed by the response she got from the voice in her head. She wanted more but she could sense that she wasn’t going to get any results.

“Fine. Don’t tell me.” Merci grumbled as she rested her body against the cool mattress.

“It’s best this way. You will find out soon enough. I’m on your trail.”

Comforting. Merci thought as she closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep.

“I’m not trying to scare you dear, I just can't let those thieves know I am coming for you.”

Huh. He called my parents thieves. Curiosity ran through her veins.

“Why did you say that?”

“Privileged knowledge.” The response was quick and short.

Go figure. Merci thought to herself.

“Well, goodnight whoever you are.” Merci said as she let her worn body rest for the night.

“Goodnight my sweet Elara. Soon, we will be together again.”