An Unexpected Visitor

I awoke with a jolt and was immediately overwhelmed by a wave of grogginess. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I carefully disentangled myself from Fable's comforting fur, mindful of the ever-present sunpurge. Sleep had become increasingly difficult lately, and I found myself eschewing the sheets to curl up with my wolf instead. If there was going to be pain no matter what I did, I might as well find solace in the warmth and safety of his embrace.

Strangely, it was still dark outside, with the moon high overhead. Its white light filtered through the canvas, seeming to set the entire tent aglow. For a few disoriented seconds, I couldn't figure out what had woken me. With each passing night that took me further from my life as a slave, I slept deeper and more peacefully, especially during long, exhausting marches.