“It is my task to ensure that the Harrow abides by his oath. That mission I have begun. I will continue it. I will assist him when I am able to do so. For the nonce, however, Timewarden, I have another purpose, one which the conjoined will of the Insequent has urged. I have drawn you hither, to my side rather than to the Harrow’s. Him you cannot succor. Here knowledge which you have forgotten may be restored.

“Among those who assiduously seek out auguries and prescience, there is disagreement concerning the outcome of our present quest. Yet all concur that we must stand in this place at this time. Here we are vouchsafed an opportunity which will not recur, and which is greatly to be desired.”

“What opportunity?” Linden’s voice shook on the verge of hysteria. “How does this help us find my son?”

“It does not—” began the Insequent.

Before he could continue, Rime Coldspray put in, “Stonedownor, this illumination is a great boon.” She sounded studiously nonchalant, casual, like a woman trying to ease the tension of her companions. “Can it be extended to supply warmth as well? Clearly the Ramen are hardy, inured to extremes. The same may be said of Giants and Haruchai. But Linden Giantfriend suffers here, as you also suffer. And it appears that the Timewarden is shielded only by his illness.”

Covenant nodded reflexively. The state of his hands and feet gave him no protection. Fingers of ice had found their way through his clothes into his unfamiliar flesh. He trembled to the rhythm of Linden’s shivering. But he did not care about himself. Even wrapped in vellum, the krill’s heat defended his physical core. And whenever Joan probed the gem, he gained more warmth. Inadvertently she did him good.

Linden was more at risk.

“It does not,” repeated the Ardent. “Nonetheless it is needful.”

Studying Linden, Liand replied to the Ironhand, “I have not made the attempt.” His concern was evident. “Yet at every turn the virtues of orcrest have surpassed my imagination. If it gives light, banishes the effects of Kevin’s Dirt, and cleanses this foul air, perhaps it may also emit heat. I will endeavor—”

“Needful how?” insisted Linden.

“Chosen,” Stave said flatly: a veiled command. “Attend to Anele.”

Linden hardly appeared to hear the former Master. Her attention clung to the Ardent. But Covenant forced himself to glance toward the old man.

How could he not remember this? Surely it was the task for which he had been resurrected? To remember—and give warning?

The marks on Linden’s jeans should have reminded him—

Pahni drew a sharp breath as she followed Covenant’s gaze. Baffled in his efforts to concentrate on the Sunstone, Liand looked momentarily flustered. Then his black brows arched in surprise. Blindly Mahrtiir faced Linden’s first companion.