The sounds of a song bird twilling out its morning lullaby protruded its lovely notes into my consciousness. I became aware of the warmth of the sun on my face.
The sun!!!
I bolted upright throwing the blanket covering me half across the camp. The fire was long dead and even though it wasn't late morning yet it was far later than I had wanted to remain in camp.
Why hadn't Krista wakened me when I had told her too? Where was Krista and for that matter where was the other horse?
Flin was cropping off grass by himself in the area I had picketed both horses on last night. I leaped to my feet my hand going for my sword. I looked around for any hidden danger but found none. Zarsha sat up sleepily from her bed of blankets having been awakened by my commotion.
"Where's Krista?" I asked.
From her blank expression I could tell she knew nothing. I walked over to where Krista had slept hoping to find some trace of her disappearance. Her blankets were gone too, but there was a piece of white paper weighted under a rock lying on the ground where she had lain.
I sheathed my sword and with a sinking feeling I reached down and picked the paper up and read it. "Dear Roric, I hope you understand why I have left. You of all people must know what the desire for freedom is like. And as you fought to claim yours so must I. I want you to know that I harbor no ill will against you. I know as a slave I could have wished for no better a master than you. Sebastian was wise to give me to you and I know I have disappointed both of you by my actions, but I must pursue my dream of being free whatever the risk may be. I feel that I will die inside if I give up on my dream now. I wish to thank you, Sebastian and the dear woman, who raised me for several years, for showing me that there is a God in heaven. As I seek my freedom so will I seek a greater understanding of the Creator in my life. I promise you this. Please don't worry about me. I know how to handle myself in a fight and I took one of your daggers and I have money that Sebastian gave me. I hope you will remain the good man that you are and care well for the dear little girl you protect. I wish you well as I would hope that you would wish the same for me. Goodbye and may the Creator go with you and be with me too. Krista."