Standing beside the barn, Theuli whistled and called for the horses to come as her friends and neighbours anxiously looked on. She was answered with an ominous silence. Durus, who was Arlon’s wife and mother to Nevana and two younger siblings, a boy and girl of Zuic and Rani’s age, exchanged a look with Theuli, Mari and Durphel, who was Durus’ brother, who with Mari had four children, ranging in ages from six to thirteen. Durus said, with characteristic bluntness, ‘No offence, Theuli, but we would do well to leave this place, as soon as possible. You tell me a Pixie doesn’t trust what she scents in the air, and I say that diminished in Power or not, like the Old Wives’ Tales tell us, “A Pixie’s nose for trouble is best doubted from a safe distance.”’
‘I agree,’ said Durphel, who adamantly believed in old farm Lore where lonely farmers and Pixies were concerned. ‘We should leave for Narvi at once.’
Theuli, however, stood mired in anxiety and helpless frustration. ‘I cannot depart straightaway to Narvi. I fear for my brother-in-law, Io, his wife, Jan, and their children, Zuic’s brothers and sisters. Their farm lies east from here, away from Narvi; they must be forewarned. If they are not, I fear that something terrible may happen to them.’