Chapter 59

I sat in a chair and took out a map as I spread it out before carefully comparing each destination we planned to visit. We chose this place not only because of its environment but, more importantly, because it was the closest spot to Grace Haven that we were about to head to. The inn's elevated location also offered a sweeping view of the valley below. Everyone had gathered around the table for breakfast by 7:30 am. I paid closer attention to the owner's wife when she served our meal and spotted faint scars hidden in subtle places beneath her long sleeves and high collar as expected. My heart tightened as a sense of compassion washed over me. Poor woman. Our guide, Andy Quinn, was a local young man around 20. He was tall and slender with tanned skin. He was a relative of the inn's owner. He sat in a chair by the entrance and played with his sun hat while waiting for us to depart. We officially set off for Grace Haven after breakfast. There were eight of us in total, including