Forty-Two

Mercedes’ body screamed in pain. Her skull had long since stopped throbbing, but being in one position for a lengthy amount of time stiffened every muscle in her body. When Captain Wilkes wasn’t looking, she’d tugged both her arms and legs, trying to free herself from the ropes. But to no avail. After several hours, she slumped in the corner in exhaustion.

She leaned her head against the wall. Where was William? She blinked back tears threatening to streak down her face. Crying wouldn’t assist William in rescuing her, so why waste her energy?

Henry had stepped outside the barn, and rel