"It is a certain code enforced in the realm of dreams, but relevant here," Che said. "I think my dam thought I would neglect it, and perhaps I would have. I must consider its application carefully."

Jenny was frustrated. What was the mystery here? Why should Che keep it secret? But if he didn't want to tell what it meant, then he didn't have to. Right now they had to get on up to the surface, before the attack resumed.

"I will lead you out, Gwendolyn," Godiva said. "Che will walk with Jenny."

"Yes, mother." There was motion in the room. Then a shape loomed near Jenny. It was Che. He took her hand.

"Sammy!" Jenny exclaimed. "Where's Sammy?"

A ball of fur rubbed against her legs. She stooped to pick up the cat.

They trooped out the door and into the tunnel, two by two. It was a great comfort to have Che guiding her, for Jenny knew he could see perfectly and would not lead her into any mischief. She understood more clearly how important his companionship to Gwendolyn was. When a person couldn't see, trustworthy guidance was essential.

They came to the bright surface. Jenny blinked. The fact that she couldn't see well did not mean she wasn't sensitive to light; it just meant that shapes at any distance were blurred.

"I think we understand the nature of the agreement," Godiva said.

"We do," Cheiron's voice came.

Jenny knew why they weren't saying more. Goblins and winged monsters were surely within hearing range. Jenny's incapacity of sight was known, but Gwendolyn's had to remain secret.

"Gwendolyn will ride on me," Cheiron said. "We shall be afoot, because Che will walk, but there is no need to tax your daughter with a long walk."

"Understood," Godiva said, and helped the girl get on him. Jenny realized that this made it clear to monsters and goblins alike that Gwendolyn was under Cheiron's protection and that the siege was over. It would also make it impossible for others to tell that Gwendolyn could not see.

So it was done, and all was well. Jenny suddenly realized that her part in this was done. She was no longer needed.

It was time for her to say farewell to her friends. She fought back her tears, not wishing to embarrass herself or them.

Then Che was beside her. "And you will ride my dam, as I believe you did before," he said.

"Me? But that was just to—"

"Do we not remain friends?"

"Yes, of course, Che!" she exclaimed. "But now you are safe, and you have other things to do."

"I would like to have you remain with me, until you are able to return to your home."

"But Che! You have a companion, and your folks—"

"I have a companion and a friend. I do not wish to lose my friend."

"I would just be in the way! Your sire and dam will be so busy, and—"