"Tell yer tale to the underworld," Alain says, his expression grim, which is just as well, because it's hiding the shock he feels. His guns are in hand now, along with Cuthbert's, braced and ready. That roar's more than a single tree could make, meaning they're in the middle of an entire forest with fighting ability, and this isn't over.

There's sorrow on Susan's face, he sees, but she doesn't raise a hand. "Goodbye, aunt," she says, oh, so soft. "Fare ye well, if ye can."