I lowered my flute, "Miss?"

"Please." She knelt, looking me in the eyes, "Please help me."

I glanced up the road towards the woodshop. The door and shutters were closed. I glanced at my hat on the edge of the blanket, only a few coins, but it would be enough.

"Not here." In one motion I scooped up my flute, hat, and blanket, tying them into a neat bundle. With my free I grabbed hers. "Follow me."

She obliged and I led her to one of the smaller taverns on the other side of the square. It was lit by large lanterns inside that hovered over wide tables made of a dark wood, shiny and scarred from years of grimy patrons with knives. Choosing a small table for two by the far windows, we sat. Madeleine gently placed her basket in her lap. Her eyes didn't meet mine. A low-cut waitress swung by and brought us two mugs of ale. I flipped her my few coins then took a long sip. Madeleine stared at the mug as droplets dripped down the side. Suddenly there was a matching streak down her cheek. I gave her a moment before I began.

"What can I help you with, Miss?"

She gingerly wiped her face and then met my eyes. "I wish to be free."

I leaned in, "Are you enslaved?"

She sighed. "Worse. Blood-bound."

I winced. How much of a mess was I getting myself into? Sighing, I asked, "What could I do to help?"

She reached out and touched the cool edge of her mug. "I was bound as a child. My parents performed the ritual, they--" she looked away, "they needed the money."

I winced again.

"If I wish to see my freedom, I have to know the terms of the deal. I recently discovered the box in which she keeps my contract. It sits on the highest shelf in the woodshop. I would need five minutes alone in the shop to climb up there, read it and climb down."

I took another sip of ale. "I'm guessing that's where I come in."

Madeleine nodded. "As of late, the wi--woodwoman has been somewhat fascinated by music. I think with your skill you could lure her out of the shop long enough for me to read the contract without getting caught."

She quieted.

"What happens if you get caught?"

"She--" she swallowed, "she'll take one of my legs. I saw it happen to the last blood-bound she had."

I winced for what I hoped to be the final time.

"Please, sir, I beg you." She looked down into her mug. "I have no one left to turn to."

In that moment, something came over me, something warm that itched just enough to make me aware I was wholly alive. I took one of her hands in mine. Her golden eyes refused to move from the inside of her glass.

"Madeleine." I waited until she looked up. "I will help you free yourself. I promise."