[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth sighed and thanked Holly as she trundled off to bed. Holly seemed to know a great deal more than she did about life on the road, and the dangers that could beset them. Yes, she would stay close beside her and Bird as they approached the Castle.

Andreth was gradually getting used to Bird's witty ways, even though the shapechanger continued to fix a suspicious eye on her. Still, at least three times that afternoon, she had found herself giggling over something Bird had said or done. Bird had a peculiar way of looking at things, but Andreth was convinced that, deep down, her heart was true as gold.

Now, if only the same could be said about the residents of the Castle.... Some of her dreams had brought disturbing hints of evil, something of which she had little direct knowledge. At least not the kind of darkness that put shivers down your spine. But then, what could she do but try? If everyone pulled back because they were afraid, nothing would ever change. It was probably better to plunge onward, uncertain and frightened as she was, than to refuse to try and do something to help.

With these hopeful thoughts in mind, she finally fell asleep.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]