Leaves On The Wind. Carol Townend

had been betrayed by the drink.

      But Judith could at least resist in her mind. They could not take away her will. They could chain her body with their foul potions, but they would never, never chain her mind.

      Zoe rose with a fluid grace and pinched Judith’s cheek.

      Judith did not move.

      For a moment Zoe stared down at the slight figure sprawled across the silks. Zoe’s swarthy, painted face showed no emotion, but the yellow lamp light glistened on a tear-track running down one flawless cheek. “Forgive me, my dear,” she whispered. “’Tis always worse for those with a will. Once I thought as you. But now I am theirs, mind and body. Mind and body.”