The Grim Wanderer (63 page)

‘There is
so much evil
in this world,’ Baek said darkly.

The Aborle’s eyes held such sadness that he looked on the brink of crying. Forgrun sighed miserably, as most of the others wilted. Logan glowered westward, out into the darkness, filled with the fire of vengeance.

‘But yet
so much good
,’ Hirandar said strongly, as she lifted her hand away from checking the temperature of Jvarna’s brow. ‘For think of the citadel under the mountain you have seen,’ a warm smile swept across Hirandar’s face. ‘So happy – so content! – the Rhungars are. Then there is the joy and freedom we brought to Gulren, or all the bustle and life on the streets of Dolam. What would these people do without us? It is easy to forget what lies westwards, in safer lands, when we are trapped here, with enemies all around.’ Hirandar held up a fist, ‘But when you need the hope and courage to go on, look back to the good things we fight for.’

Hirandar’s belief was so strong, and so infectious, that Taem felt glad to simply be alive. The Wizard’s smile and enthusiasm spread to all the companions.

‘Thank the Light you are with us, old friend,’ the Sodan Master touched Hirandar on the shoulder.

‘Yhee truly be a Great One,’ Forgrun knuckled his forehead, as was Rhungari custom.

Taem looked to each of his friends in turn, seeing how the Wizard’s words had heartened them all, and he grinned at his teacher.

Hirandar dipped her head to Forgrun and Logan. Sometimes, Hirandar knew, even if you did not believe it yourself, you had to tell others what they needed to hear.

The companions went about settling down for the night, organising a rotation of the watch, and making sure the door was barred. But Taem and his friends soon found it was difficult to sleep that night, whilst they heard the walking dead shuffling through the ancient streets. Those spine-chilling cries were dreadful sounds to drift with into the world of dreams.