Don’t touch me.

Then the Cord turned. Gazing nakedly into Linden’s eyes, Pahni said, “Yet Liand is not a small creature. He is not. He is the first true Stonedownor in uncounted centuries, wielder of the Sunstone’s wonder”—she faltered for a moment—“and my beloved. His valor and daring are worthy of Giantish tales. Indeed, they are worthy of the Ranyhyn. For his sake, I will speak.”

Linden knew what was coming. Nevertheless she required herself to wait in silence.

Carefully Pahni said, “It becomes ever plainer that when Anele addressed us on the plateau of Glimmermere, he spoke at the Timewarden’s behest. His pronouncements were given to him by the Timewarden’s spanning consciousness.”

Linden nodded. “I remember.”

I wish I could spare you. Hell, I wish any of us could spare you. But I can’t see any way around it.

“Then you will recall,” the Cord continued, “that Anele’s words led Liand to the orcrest which has exalted him. But they also suggested some arduous and mayhap fatal outcome which can not or must not be evaded.

“Ringthane—” Again Pahni faltered. Lowering her eyes, she asked over the background whisper of the stream, “Do you now comprehend the Timewarden’s prophecy? It lies beyond me, little as I am. By bravery and foresight and love, you have grown to stand among the mighty of the Earth—aye, and to defy them when you must. Do you possess any light that may dispel the darkness which knots my heart? For Liand’s sake, I ask it—he who has been your friend and companion from the start, and has never wavered.”

Oh, Pahni, Linden wanted to say. You’re going to break my heart. She had been afraid for Liand since the day when he had insisted on aiding her escape from Mithil Stonedown. But she had no idea what Covenant’s assertions meant.

She can do this. Tell her I said that. And there’s no one else who can even make the attempt.

Stroking the Staff for courage, she answered, “I’m sorry, Pahni. I just don’t. No matter what you think, I’m not brave, and I sure as hell don’t have any foresight. The future is as dark to me as it is to you. You’ll have to ask Covenant,” although he had probably lost that memory. “Or I will, if you want.”

Pahni set her teeth. Blinking furiously, she stared out over the watercourse. “I discern sooth in your words,” she said after a moment. “But I do not grasp how they can be sooth. You are Linden Avery, Linden Giantfriend, the Ringthane, the Chosen. How does it chance that you are able to offer me naught?”