7
The tall, slender woman quietly approached the door. She put her ear to it and listened. When no sound came from inside, she turned the knob and slowly opened it. The room was bathed in moonlight and cast shadows in each of its corners. There was no movement from the bed in the center of the room. She shuffled closer with caution and placed a hand to her mouth to keep from crying out. The woman in the bed was pale and gaunt. Where there was once a radiant beauty, in her place was a picture of death.
“Griselda,” she said, softly. The woman in the bed opened her eyes and looked at her.
“It's time, sister,” the woman whispered.
“Are you sure, Griselda? Is there nothing I can do for you?” she asked, “The boy knows nothing about us. Perhaps he will not come willingly.” She moved closer to
