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"You and Chong can say your good-byes in thebe safe? I h protection for hih She doesn’t like killing zoms, so she knows all the routes that are clear and safe"

They were silent for a while, each cutting looks over at Lilah, as still working on Nix

When Toht "If we’re lucky we’ll catch up with Greenman, maybe stay a couple days at his place"

"Greenman, really? Cool! I can’t wait to e on the card was that of a tall, thin reen leaves, berries, and pinecones The artist had depicted hi a mask made from oak leaves and acorns The card read:

Card No 172: The Greenure seen haunting the forests between Magoon Hill and Yoseerousto pounce on unwary travelers? Beware the Greenh," said Tom, "but he is a bit of a character His real naer over in Yoseht the Ruin has become a real home to him Never comes into town, doesn’t talk to too many people Prefers to be alone"

"Does he really dress like that?"

"Soht past him and not see hi with et the same effect as cadaverine Not sure if he’s worked it out yet"

"The Zoht be crazy," Benny said

Toed "Most people are a little crazy, especially since First Night, and doubly so if they live out here But Greenht kind of traveler"

"What’s the right kind?"

"Let’s just say that Greenman wouldn’t have invited Charlie or the Ha into his own thoughts "I’ve spentabout the old days, and learning what he has to teach"

"You learned froht be the wisest person left alive Certainly the wisest I know"

A few minutes later, Benny nodded toward the forest "How far have you been?"

"Since First Night? All the way to the far side of Yoseh the park, it’ll be as new toit all the way?"

"Nah I dropped off soo Carpet coats,else we need we can get froht For the real trip I want us to be as well supplied as we can be"

Benny looked over and saw that Lilah was applying a bandage The stitchery was done and Nix still hadn’t lanced over "Nix or Lilah?"

"Take your pick"

To inside Nix’s head?"

"All the time" Benny shook his head "I’ve known her… but then I catch a look in her eye e’re training, or she’ll say so odd, and then I wonder if I really know her at all"

"How’s that make her crazy?"

"I don’t know I … can’t quite put it into words Since last year she’s different She’s obsessed about this trip When we talk about it, ical, but if I bring up any reservations about it … she either bites " He looked at Tom "I know you’ve seen it too"

"I have," Tom admitted, "but I don’t know if it one, Benny In a lot of ways she feels that she’s all alone"

"She isn’t!"

"Sure she is We’re each alone inside our heads, some more so than others Lilah’s been alone inside her head for years, and shethat Nix is just obsessed and lonely?"

"That’s not what I’ with you that there are forces at work in her life I don’t know if she’s truly crazy--as in a danger to herself and others--but I suspect that her sanity is a work in process Keep your eye on her"

He clapped Benny on the shoulder, and they walked over to see how Nix was doing She was pale, alreen, and her face--what Benny could see of it under the bandages--ran with sweat Lilah sat on a tree stu the needle with alcohol

"World’s dumbest question," Benny said to Nix, "but how do you feel?"

"Like I was attacked by Mrs Lafferty’s quilting circle" Nix’s face was puffy, and she barely lassy with pain and the fatigue that co pain "Thanks," she said to Lilah

"I don’t want to go back to that town either," Lilah said, and walked away

Benny and Nix looked up at To"

24

THEY RESTED FOR ANOTHER HOUR, AND THEN TOM TOLD EVERYONE TO get ready

Benny ca, but his friend didn’t want to talk Chong put his pack on, adjusted the straps, and didn’t o," said Toht Nix … we’ll only go as fast as you can e"

"I’h it’s not as serious as it looks, your body has gone through trauma Be smart about how you feel Push too hard and you’ll collapse, and then I swear to God I will carry you back to town Is that clear?"

"Fine"