A candlelit doorway opens in the darkness and three silhouetted figures step out into a dark and breezy night. The dull brush of clouds, if one were to peer long enough, can just be made out, scudding the night sky. For a brief moment Nurse Weevil, candle holder in hand stands at the doorway, and the three figures seem to say some words of departure before turning and setting out upon the road, their footfalls softly crunching the gravel beneath them. Nurse Weevil steps back inside, the door closes and what little light there is disappears.

Madeleine leads the way, Hy-Jinx in the middle, her bells stuffed with rags to stop them tinkling, and Hood brings up the rear. They walk south in silence for about two miles, initially tense and anxious but relaxing more and more the further they walk. However, it is only when they have fully left the environs of Burydead that they fall in line with one another and the odd word is spoken.

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As they head south, Madeleine has a whispered conversation with Hy-Jinx concerning what happened on the Mermaid’s Purse.

“Anyway, I think one of us needs to inform the Countess,”

Hy-Jinx nods solemnly, kicking the ground as she walks, absorbed in thought. “I had been planning on heading to Manahorn, but I think you’re right. I’ll accompany you back down to Kera’Bur. Do you know there’s a cave about three miles from here where we can camp? It might be a good idea to bed down and get some more rest.”

“Yes, I know the one - assuming there’s no one there already.”

“It’s worth a go.”

“Hood?”

Hood says nothing.

“Then I’ll take your silence for agreement. The cave it is.”