Rapunzel had slept on and off throughout the night, the howling wind had blown so hard that she had felt the barn shuddering and had wondered if it would still be standing by morning. When daylight finally broke, Rapunzel awoke feeling worse than the day before, her body ached and her head was pounding. She shifted around in her makeshift bed trying to ease her discomfort but it was to no avail, her foot was hurting her again and she winced when she opened her eyes to the weak daylight that had begun to stream through the cracks of the barns wall. She was getting sick, she knew her foot was not getting better and so she closed her eyes and rested awaiting Gothel's return.

Sometime later, Gothel arrived back at the barn looking well rested and with supplies for the day's journey ahead. She scolded Rapunzel and shook her awake before tossing a black moth eaten cape and an old pair of leather boots at her. "Here, you'll need these where we are going."

"And where is that?" Rapunzel asked still half asleep.

"Across the mountains to a small isolated village, it's only another days walk, there is a small cottage for sale far enough away from everyone not to cause suspicion. We'll go there for now, until I can find something more suitable."

"How do you know where it is?"

"I spoke to some people in the town last night; it sounds like it will be just what we need. Get you cape on, we're leaving." Rapunzel struggled out from under the hay and gingerly put weight on her foot, she had planned to say something to Gothel about it but given that they only had another day to get to the cottage she decided not to. She could rest and heal when she got there and she still held hope that Eugene would find her before then. She had dreamt of him during the night, they were crazy, feverish dreams that made no sense but she felt a some comfort and a little closer to him none the less. Rapunzel wrapped the cape around her and awkwardly stepped into the boots, she then checked that Pascal was safe on her shoulder before limping out of the barn and began the journey further into the mountains.

Eugene awoke before dawn that day, the hearty food and a comfortable bed had revived him immensely and he hurried down to the stables to awaken Max. They set off at a brisk pace as the first glimmer of light broke through the darkness; they followed the road back to the fork and chose another path, this one winding up into the hills. Eugene feared that the trail may have gone cold and that Rapunzel was slipping away, he could sense the urgency in Max's stride as they desperately searched for clues. Not too far down the track Eugene caught a glimpse of white out of the corner of his eye. "Wait, Max!" he shouted as he leapt from the saddle. He threw himself onto the ground and pulled the white fabric out from under a small rock. "We're on the right path Max! Let's keep going!" He shouted as he tucked the fabric inside his shirt and leapt onto Max's back.

A few hours later they followed the trail to a large rickety barn that stood on the side of a windswept hill, Eugene dismounted and prayed that when he entered he would find Rapunzel, he pushed open the door. But alas it was empty; he rummaged around the barn looking for any further clues. There was one spot that looked like it may have been slept in, he looked closer and found a rag nearby with blood on it. His pulse quickened, she was hurt and badly enough that she was still bleeding a full day after they found the first blood. He carefully took the rag out to Max. "I found this Max, was it her?" Max sniffed and let out a low breath and nodded. "We've got to find to her." Eugene went back into the barn to check for any other clues he may have missed when a farmer appeared at the door.

"What are you doing in my barn?" He demanded in a gruff voice.

"Oh, sir, please, you might be able to help. I'm looking for my friend, she's been kidnapped and she's hurt, have you seen her, she's about eighteen years old and has long blonde hair; she was travelling with an older lady with black curly hair. Have you seen them?" Eugene blurted out without taking a breath.

"Eye, I did see them." The farmer leaned on his shovel.

"Where are they?" Eugene grabbed the farmer's arms and shook him.

"They left early this morning I think." The farmer said as he swiped Eugene away.

"Where did they go?"

"Headed in to town." The farmer smoothed his coat down as he frowned at Eugene.

"Just down the hill here?" Eugene pointed enthusiastically.

"Yeah, that's what I think the woman said."

Eugene bolted out the door as he called out thanks and Max and he charged down the hill towards town.

The farmer patted his jacket pocket that was weighed down by a few shiny new gold coins. The strange woman that he had run in to that morning had paid him to tell anyone that asked after them that she was heading in to town, he had agreed to it not just for the gold but out of fear, there was something strange about her and he wanted nothing more to do with her but he also dare not disobey her. He watched after the frantic young man and horse and hoped they would find whoever they were looking for, and then continued on about his business.