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'We're over here,' the old woht the voice belonged to a girl Then, as the coracle drew near, she realised the occupant was a boy He ran the craft ashore and waded towards thehs Below that he was soaking wet

'Sister'

He ran forward and grasped the old woreat battle The Sky Warrior has beaten Morgon but he's escaped into the et to Adrina before it is too late'

The boy's teeth chattered His face was blue and the ends of his fingers were deadly white Alison ran to the fire and blew it into life Then she shouted to Fury to get soiven a tunic that was too small for her but it would fit the boy

The lad was stockily built with fair hair and freckles Alison pulled at his outer tunic, which was caked in ice He tried to help her undo the toggles but his fingers were nule with ice-encrusted leather, she freed the toggles and pulled the tunic over his head

Alison was filled with adoing She undid the belt that secured his trousers For a moment she felt shy He was hardly a mature adult but he wasn't i undressed by toh to be his grandmother

Weasel didn't seem to notice He was either too cold or didn't care She dried him with a linen cloth and helped Miralda dress him in dry clothes He wanted to leave at once but the old woave hi to drink and he was soon asleep

The tide turned towards midday Fury helped Weasel pull their two coracles into the water The boy wanted Alison to go with hiue

'Little Cat comes with me'

'It's best she comes with me and you follow,' the boy replied

'She cos I must teach her'

'Don't tell me what to do'

Alison led Fury aside 'What's theto be told what to do' Fury shook with anger 'I'm a prince of the royal blood I don't take orders from little boys'