'Try to calm yourself ... you're opening up the wound.'
'I don't care.' Adrina shook. 'He's going to die and I shall die with him. Our soul lights will go back into the void together.'
'No. You mustn't talk like that.' Alison hunted for words. 'The Holy Mother has need of you.'
Mention of the goddess had the desired effect. Adrina became less agitated. She grasped Alison's hand and hung onto it. 'Do you really think so?'
'I wouldn't have said so if I didn't.'
Adrina gazed into Alison's eyes. I know you are part of Her Great Plan. But does She still need me?'
'I'm sure She does,' Alison replied gently.
'She has forsaken me,' Adrina wailed. 'I was vain and silly. I thought I could do anything just by calling Her name. All I have done is bring destruction on those I hold most dear.' She took Alison's hand. 'You wouldn't do anything as stupid as me. You're not vain and silly.'
'Yes, I am.' Alison squeezed her hand. 'I've done the most stupid things.'
'No, you're not stupid. You're strong and sensible.'
'I'm not. If I was sensible, I wouldn't have chased after your brother and I wouldn't be here on this island with murderers and rapists … and I wouldn't be pregnant.'
'If I hadn't been stupid Alvero wouldn't be dying,' Adrina sobbed. 'This is a terrible place to die. The bog swallows you up like a criminal. Your soul light gets trapped.' Her fingers tightened on Alison's arm. 'We can't let that happen. Please, sister. I'm too weak. Say you'll help me.'
'Of course I will.'
'When it happens I want you to be here.' Adrina grasped her hand. 'I don't want them to get near him ... they'll throw him into the bog.' She pointed to the men. 'When it happens, cut his head straight off and hang it in that elm tree. Then sit guard with your sword till our brother crows have done their work. Don't stop when they've just picked out the eyes. Wait till they've taken all the flesh. Only then can you be sure his soul light is free and ready to fly away.'
'Aye, sister.' Alison nodded. 'I'll do as you have asked.' She eased Adrina back beside Alvero and covered them with the skins that formed their bed. Then she returned to her former position, sitting on her haunches, sword beside her, surveying the marshes.