Chapter 51

Robert was beginning to grow uncomfortable staying in the cottage. Merga had refused the frequency of her visits and he often got very bored. For a few days, he had not heard from Louis and this made him quite nervous. When he could not endure the boredom anymore, he would get out of the cottage and go into the woods for a long time. Often he would just walk around, taking in the beauty of nature — the birds twittering, the flowers and plants in majestic display. But other times, he would have to hunt game. This served a useful purpose as he also needed food. He was completely recovered by now and felt like he was back to his agile self and could do anything.

One evening, however, Louis came to visit him. He led Louis to the cottage and they both sat down for a talk.

"How's my mother?" Robert asked him as he handed him a cup of water. Louis drank thirstily before answering him.

"Ohh, that is out of the way," he answered after he had quenche