Chapter 32

Months later into winter...

It was a particularly cold winter night and both Kendrick and Twillow had gone to their respective beds. Twillow's hanging bed was positioned strategically near the fireplace to keep her extra warm and Kendrick had even sealed off the outer entrances to his home to keep out the cold for her.

The fire in the fireplace crackled gently, lighting the darkened cavern with a soft, warm, orange glow. Kendrick was about relaxed enough to drift off to sleep when he heard a small hissing sound. He lifted his head and strained to listen. It didn't take him long to realize it was sniffling accompanied by gentle sobs. Quietly he propped himself up on the backs of his elbows. It sounded like Twillow was crying. He mentally tried to rationalize why she would be crying.

Was she sick? Was she upset with him? Did he do something to make her cry? Was she afraid?

With an abrupt swing of his legs he rose from his bed and gently padded across the stone floor toward the fireplace