Sophy noticed that Hidenory had given up her silent vigil and was now making her way towards the head of the table, where Aubranael still sat. A nameless fear seized her heart and she began to push her way towards him. If Hidenory intended him some form of harm, she had little idea how she would intervene; but she knew she must at least try.
‘All right, that’s quite enough!’ roared Balligumph. ‘I will be makin’ an end t’ this unnatural business an’ no mistake. Who among the lot of ye can tell me what this nonsense is about?’
His gaze was fixed on the sleeping girl who, Sophy now saw, was no longer sleeping at all. She was sitting up, her thin body trembling with the effort and her eyes fixed on Aubranael’s face. He was sitting with one arm around her shoulders and his free hand at her wa
