She had spent the day pacing the cottage, trying to plan an escape, or trying to work out a ploy to fool Werner and gain her release. She failed miserably at both endeavors. True to his word, Werner had had Roulf bring her more base metals, and now two large jars rested on the table, reminding her of her imminent demise. When it was fully dark, Anja built the fire and ate a bit of the food Roulf had brought her. She tried not to let the fear and panic building up within her overtake her completely, but she was afraid she was losing that battle. She was worried she would succumb to full-blown hysteria before the moon had risen. She sat on the rug by the fire, stared into the flames until she felt hypnotized by the light and motion. Sleep threatened to claim her but she fought it. She still believed that, given sufficient time, she would think her way out of her current situation, out of the cottage and away from Werner forever. After several hours had passed, she was about to give up and finally admit defeat.
