***
Rose very quickly began to regret her decision to wait in answering the robed man. That night when the guards changed and Galvin went home to his family, others came who had no qualms about taking what they wanted from a captive prostitute. Once they had had their way with her, she crumpled up in the corner; lay on the side that was least bruised and began to shiver. She thought to herself, if I leave with this stranger, at least I may have a chance to escape. I could head to some other city, Jeru maybe. Living conditions may not be much better there, but at least the soldiers in that city would know nothing of her reputation. Maybe she could even get a job as a maid or barkeep. As she drifted off to sleep, she once again dreamed of dark forests, clawing hands in dank tombs, and this time, of a strange hooded man with dimly glowing eyes.
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