"What is she talking about?" Brogan demanded of Anest in a low voice, mindful of possible threat, fearful for the safety of the men under his command. "What are they?"
"Lily?" Anest prompted, as she seemed lost in thought.
As though she hadn't heard him, she said very quietly, "The wide world seems a very different place from this vantage . . . not so wondrous or so alluring as it appeared from the Waters of Life. As a spirit-child, I used to wonder what it would be like to be able to fly, or to roam freely upon the earth's surface. You cannot hear them, but they call to me . . . and I . . ." her voice broke. "I cannot give answer, for they can no longer hear me . . . they have so many questions . . ."
At a nod from Belloc, Anest nudged Thunder onward and across the ford. In their wake the soldiers mistrustfully avoided the concentration of lights still gathered like a bereaved wail of loss where Lily had been, and muttered to themselves in superstitious anger and fear.
Their horses were soon labouring as the road wound its way upward into the Wood, and again night seemed to enclose them, a night that within the forest had no end. The air grew warmer and became stifling. There was not the slightest stirring of air here. At a word from Belloc, Brogan signalled the company to halt. A message was quickly passed through the ranks, and everyone removed their rain gear, which had become unnecessary and hot.