Something terrifying was happening and she did not know what it was. She knew only that she was desperately frightened.
Then a deep voice that for the moment she could not recognise said,
“It is all right, nothing will hurt you now. Go to sleep.”
Because it was a command and was easier to obey than refuse, she closed her eyes and slipped away into unconsciousness.
*
When Atayla woke again, she was aware that somebody was pulling back the curtains and the sunshine was coming in through the windows.
All she was aware of was a great reluctance to come back to reality and she kept her eyes closed until she heard Jeannie moving about the room.
Then the maid asked in surprise,
“Are you all right, miss? You didn’t get into bed when you came back last night.”
Atayla opened her eyes and sh
