A bar of light shot across the upper hall.

It was from Marette's room.

He had taken off his boots to deaden the sound of his feet, and he stepped outside his door.

He was positive he heard a low cry, a choking, sobbing cry, only barely audible, and that it came from down the stair.
No longer hesitating, he moved quickly to Marette's room and looked in.
His first glimpse was of the bed.

It had not been used.