Rolfe hastened to the tower, hoping that he would find Annelise waiting for him there.
The sight of Mephistopheles and the palfrey standing outside the tower seemed a sure sign that his expectation was sound. Both horses were saddled and the saddlebags appeared to be packed. Rolfe smiled with pleasure that his lady understood his intentions so well. He found his garments neatly folded within the destrier’s saddlebags and dressed his wound as well as he was able. It was in an awkward location, but he managed to staunch the blood. He did not want Annelise to see it at its worst. He dressed quickly and took the stairs three at a time, calling for her.
But the tower room was empty.
Indeed, it did not look as though anyone had entered the chamber since he had left it that morning. Rolfe look
