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Estora longed to break the silence, to an real—to make all this real, for this slow ride in the dark, with a phantoht in so dream
Falan clambered out of the streaan reversed their direction of travel soa labyrinth Estora could not see, that she becaan hoped it would likewise confuse anyone who ca for them
As time went on, the terrain becaes lay about the woods As they picked their way a, and as it did so, Karigan the ghost was gradually revealed to her once again
Karigan sighed and solidified, her flesh and clothing taking on color, though ht
“We’re no longer faded out,” Karigan said She sounded weary, and rubbed her temple as if her head pained her “Bear with me for a few moments more and remain silent”
Estora nodded, though she was ready to abandon all restraint and leap off Falan’s back and hug Karigan She was free!
They came to the bottom of a rockfall that must have been calamitous when it happened The boulders were ju a pri became more difficult for Falan as she walked over the boulders, but then Karigan angled her approach toward the rockfall and an opening to a cavelike shelter appeared If they had not approached it just so, one would never know it existed
Inside, a shaft of brightening light fell through a gap near the back of the cave and she sao horses there, one of which she recognized as Condor He nickered quietly in greeting while the other horse seemed content to snooze
Karigan led Falan right into the cave The floor was gravelly Silently Karigan helped Estora dismount, then drew her knife to cut her bonds The tears finally came Estora wiped her eyes, and then rubbed her wrists, raw from the cords
“Are you…are you all right, an asked her
“A at once, thoroughly discarding her usual aloof coan who received her stiffly “Oh thank you, thank you for taking an, she saw the Rider’s eyes ide
“Uh, you’re welcoan said “Look, we need to talk, as I’m just as surprised to see you as you were to seeon”
“You mean you didn’t knoas abducted?”
“No idea I’ve been on the road” Karigan winced, closed her eyes with a groan and rubbed her teain
“Karigan?”
“Headache It’ll pass Make yourself comfortable I’ll take care of your horse”