3
After I related my near-death experience, Maren and I left the room and wandered down to the other wing to find the bathing chamber. A hint of familiarity washed over me as we entered the room. Steam rose from the water that filled the tubs, adding a feeling of serenity to the atmosphere. It was a jarring difference from the landscape outside.
I helped Maren to one of the tubs and averted my gaze so she could undress. There was a quiet splash, followed by a contented groan.
“The water feels great,” Maren said.
“I wonder how they keep the water warm once they fill the tubs?”
“With magic,” she replied.
I turned around to look at her. The tubs weren’t very tall, maybe three feet, but they rested atop stones that lifted them a foot off the ground. A wooden step stool provided the way
