THIRTY
Loaded with more coin than George thought fair for capturing what were little more than angry horses, he and Melitta set off that evening in search of an inn where they could spend the night.
Yet as the sun began to sink, the largest settlement they encountered was a cluster of houses with not enough people to support an inn. One of the farmers offered space in his barn, and George was of half a mind to accept, but Melitta shook her head slightly, so he declined the offer. Instead, they bought food supplies for several days' travel and continued on their way.
By nightfall, George was ready to set up camp in the first clearing they saw beside the road. Melitta looked just as tired, so when he saw a likely spot, he called a halt. This time, she didn't argue.
They soon had a fir
