Chapter 61

Slowly, as though sensing my anxiety, our tiny fire rekindled to life. I refused to turn around, not wanting to become any more blinded by it than was necessary. This was the moment when a number of truths would surely become evident -- or at least I prayed that they would, because otherwise the tension was killing me as surely as any weapon.

'Mother Moon; please protect us, and let us strike first if it comes to that.'

"Here we are" I called. "Once again, I am River. May I now see who I'm speaking with?"

Shapes were moving again in the dark, with the fire helping tremendously to illuminate them. I began counting the ones I could see; I estimated about a dozen that were close enough to discern, plus a few others that were still to