CHAPTER 48 A FATELESS JOURNEY

Mary woke up to the sound of creaking wooden beams and the murmur of voices from the common room below. She sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes, and looked around the small, dingy room. The inn was humble, but it had provided her with a roof over her head for the night. She quickly got out of bed and began to prepare for the day ahead. She washed her face with the cold water from the pitcher and tidied up her hair as best she could. She put on her cloak and grabbed her small bag, which contained all her belongings. As she made her way downstairs, the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meat filled her nostrils, making her stomach growl with hunger. She hoped John would be willing to buy her a meal before they set off. In the common room, John was already waiting for her, sipping a mug of ale. He nodded in greeting as she approached. "Ready to leave, Mary? We've got a long way to go." Mary nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this kind stranger. "Thank you again, John. I o