Amelia did not even wait for the sun to wake her the next morning. In the predawn light she milked the cow and saddled her horse. Amelia opened the door and was met by Kayla, who was up and stoking the fire. The girl jumped at the sound of the door opening.
'Where is Nene?' she asked, her voice barely carrying over the scraping of the coals.
As Amelia recounted the events of the previous night, the young girl huddled in a chair, wrapping her arms protectively around herself.
Amelia made them some breakfast and, as the girl ate, she outlined her plan. Kayla's hands shook as raised the spoon to her lips. She placed it back in her bowl with a thunk before she announced, 'I will come with you. I can help.'
'No, please. You will be safer here.' Amelia would not be able to get what she needed in Port Marden without becoming Amalie again, and the fewer people who knew her by that name the better.