The Wizard and the Sylph - Page 26/573

He moved towards the living room, and she followed clutching his hand tightly. He sat upon the sofa by the front window so that she could see outside if she wanted to. She surprised him by laying down beside him and curling up into a foetal position with her head in his lap, and fell asleep so quickly that he worriedly checked her breathing. When he was satisfied that she was all right for the time being, he allowed himself to relax a little. To think.

Later that evening, as Caspar and his sons prepared supper, Anest approached Belloc who was poring over some scrolls that he had brought back with him from his meeting with Garnak the Warrior.

"She hasn't come away from that window since she woke up," he said. "I tried putting some clothes on her, but she just pulls everything off again as soon as she gets the chance."

"H'm."

"I'm sorry. What news?"

"What news indeed!" said Belloc taking off his pince-nez and setting down the scroll he was reading. "It seems we will be making a journey to Lund. There are grave doings afoot, and my presence is required."

"We?"

"Yes, you, the young lady, and I. I will be gone long, so of course you accompany me to continue your studies. The young lady must accompany you, as she has little choice."