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The Aldermaston approached the bedstead slowly, as if every step caused him pain He clasped Prestwich’s shoulder "Do you believe, my old friend?"

Lia wondered what that meant

"I…I loved that lad He…he was always so obedient" His voice choked away "Should have been I I am old"

"Do you believe still?"

Prestwich looked up at the Aldermaston "Yes I will always believe I have seen toothe other’s back and then faced the bed He approached the soiled blankets where Astrid lay stiff but peaceful

"Lia, close your eyes," the Alder her head as well She heard the Alderasp shortly as he reached towards the boy’s head

"Astrid Page," he said in a pained voice He said nothing after that Lia felt the Medium in the roo the Medium could heal the boy He was like a little brother to her But there was so with the Mediue," the Alderain, as if his voice were choked with an unspent cough

Lia added her will to his Let the boy be saved and recovered Let him live! She burrowed deep within herself She was dizzy with the lack of sleep and the terrible emotions of the day Never had she felt so spent, so drained Yet she shoved the despair and discourage deep inside herself for hidden wells of strength

The Aldermaston’s voice interrupted her "Lia?"

She opened her eyes and saw the Alder at her, a peculiar expression on his face His right hand was resting on the crown of Astrid’s hair The other hand was lifted skyward, as if pointing to the stars nearest to Idumea

"Join your hand to mine," he whispered hoarsely "It must be so"

Lia stared at him, then nodded in obedience and approached the bed from the other side She looked at him curiously, then reached her hand over to Astrid’s head The Alder like old worn," he said and she copied him