Sage “What was that?” The friar’s face twisted with rage. I bit my lip. If one of the girls had a nightmare and cried out loudly enough to wake the nuns, all of the orphans would pay. “I’ll go check.” I sidled away, but not quickly enough. His backhand caught me and I staggered. “Silence. You think I do not know what sluts like you all do at night?” The friar rose, lurching after me with sluggish movements. I backed away. Laurel must have drugged the ale, but he hadn’t drunk enough. He lumbered forward, and I closed the door on him. His bellow told me I would pay. I rushed back down the hall through the kitchens. Laurel met me there, wringing her hands. “What is it? What’s happening?” “Somebody cried out,” I said through gritted teeth. “One of the girls must be having a nightmare.