Stranger
Waiting alone in the humble comfort of old Ben's hovel, with the sweet orchard smell wafting in from outside, Beth thought once more of tall Trader Tom, the 'hooded visitor' in her recurring dream. He was now, according to the message on the dagger, drinking himself to death in the company of the hateful Luiz.
Then came an eerie chill of premonition, and she shut her eyes tight for one moment of silent prayer. He was here! "I couldn't stay away, you sweet little morsel of girl-flesh!" he intoned, setting her aglow with the heat of his passion, and as he slid the little ring onto her finger, she took a moment to plan some of the details of their pre-nuptial agreement.
The waiting was over.