For a moment, Deborah hesitated. But then, reluctantly, she said, ‘Because I had a dream last night. Something is going to happen . . . to me . . . something important. Theuli, please don’t look at me like that! It’s not like I’m going to die, or anything! It’s just that I have to go. It has something to do with the reason I’m here. I think it may very well be the reason I’m here.’
Staring at the Human girl with undisguised mistrust and apprehension, Theuli drew a stiff breath that may have been a mixture of anger and frustration.
‘Very well! But stay close to me! I do not believe that either of you are equipped to deal with what we may encounter.’
As they left the house, Theuli waited until the others were well on their way before setting out herself, with her two companions. Then, looking toward the meadow as though trying not to appear nervous, or make it obvious that she was looking for any sign of danger, she indicated with a curt nod that they were to begin their journey.
Selecting a wandering path between the low but concealing hills, she led the way to a hedge which bordered an irrigation ditch. On the other side was a continuous mound like an earthen dike, which had been made from the soil removed to form the irrigation channel. As they began following the hedge on the inside walking single-file, with Theuli leading and Deborah and Malina following her in tandem, the Elven woman said, ‘It is a good two hours’ walk to the house of my brother-in-law. This area, the Eastland Waik, is sparsely populated: there will be no aid for us if we are discovered.’