Chapter 46

Robert still had episodes of nightmares, even though they were not as frequent, unlike in the beginning when they came in alarming frequency. He had another the previous night. He was in the woods, as usual, surrounded by a troupe of soldiers, soldiers that should be obeying his every order, yielding to his every whim. His brother stepped out from their midst, a sinister look on his face, and before Robert would say a word, he was smacked on his face, so hard he fell to the ground. Before he woke up, he saw Fabian's boot about to stomp his face.

When he woke up, he went to the corner where Merga kept a small barrel filled with water. He filled the jug and then emptied the water down his parched throat, guzzling it thirstily. He always felt extremely thirsty every time he had one of the dreams and his body would be damp with sweat.

He sat on the bed, his mind spinning with a myriad of thoughts. He hoped Merga would come visit him today. He knew that for some reason s