Chapter 19Vredech closed his eyes and jerked his head away violently. The light swayed unsteadily.
‘Dim the lantern, quickly,’ a man’s voice said, and Vredech felt powerful hands at once supporting and restraining him. The light faded. ‘Gently, Brother, gently,’ the voice went on. ‘Don’t struggle. You’re safe. You must’ve been having a dream.’
Out of habit, Vredech mumbled, ‘Don’t dream,’ but it was barely intelligible.
‘Yes, yes,’ the voice said, comfortingly but not listening.
‘Whistler?’ Vredech said uncertainly.
‘What?’ came an amused inquiry, then to someone else, ‘I think he’s still dreaming.’
‘Is he all right?’ a woman’s voice asked anxiously.
There was a noncommittal grunt by way of reply. ‘Brighten the lantern a little.’ Vredech felt the returning light through his closed e
