CHAPTER FORTY-ONEI woke at first light to the sound of their talking. I was cold and damp, and every bone in my body hurt. There was a scab of dried blood on my thickened lip, a swelling on my cheek that pained me whenever I opened my mouth, but incredibly I had survived the night without being further molested.
As we carried on our way, I gave up the idea of escape, partly through inertia, partly through the realization that they were not going to hurt me further if I did as they asked. At the first village we came to they bought bread and milk which was shared out scrupulously. Although I had done nothing, I was ashamed and averted my battered face from the curious stares of the villagers.
When the overburdened horse grew tired, Béla granted me the respite of riding alone while he walk
