Silent Blessing

Thalia lowered her eyes and saw the man bowing at her. His face was covered in blood; bruises covered his entire body.

His two children ran over, bowing again and again at her.

The little girl looked only seven or eight years old. Her face was bruised purple and blue, but her delicate features could still be seen beneath the injuries.

"What a pitiful girl!" Isolde said softly as she walked over an