“Yes,” I whispered. Linn came over to me, thrusting her cold nose into my hand. I buried my fingers in her soft coat. “Will I see my brothers?”

“You will see them. Next year on midsummer eve, and thereafter twice a year at midsummer and midwinter between dusk and dawn, they will resume their human form, and they will come to you if they can. But remember, you must not make a sound, you must not tell your tale, even to them, or they will be swans forever. The task will be long, Sorcha. You must leave this place and travel to safety as your brothers planned. Take the cart track to the west. Just before the crossroads there is a very old track to the right, that leads back into the forest. Look carefully, or you will miss it, for it is well concealed. Follow that path along the lakeshore. It will lead you to a place of safety, where the forest will conceal you for a time at least. Take from here what you need. Choose with care.”

I spoke hesitantly. “Sometimes my brothers—sometimes we talk without words. Through images of the mind. Is even that forbidden?” How could I survive, if that link were broken? I looked up at her. Her features were very severe. I thought she was assessing me, wondering whether I was indeed as strong as I thought. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated. I took a deep breath.

“I will do as I must do,” I said. “But my brothers are part of me, and…” I could hardly ask her any favors.

The Lady gave a little smile, as if she understood all too well. “I did not make this spell; I seek only to counteract it. This silent speech will still be safe, I think. The lady Oonagh plays with forces she does not fully understand. The bond between your brothers and yourself is far stronger than she could ever imagine. You will not reach them in this way while they are swans. But you may use it when they return. You take a risk if you do. Remember, you must not tell them your story, for if you do the spell cannot be broken. You must learn to guard your mind, even from them.”

“But what if—”

“Hush, child. It is the way of spells, and charms, to set these tasks for us. You may choose to do as I ask, or not. Remember, when your shirts are sewn you must place them over these swans’ necks, all six in the same place, one after the other, and if you have kept silence, then your brothers will be men again.”

There was a rustle as of a sudden wind in the bushes around us, and in the wink of an eye she was gone.