“Knowledge,” she’d said. “The symbol of the Corcillium. It guides us. Fear of the unknown cannot rule us. Doubt is our driver. An unflinching clarity of what we’re facing gives us a foundation upon which to act. A light in the bleakest of times. Remember that, my boy.”

William could barely make out the owls on the fountain, as the lights from the porch were a good distance away. The dark did allow, however, for the stars to shine brilliantly above.

“Careful, kiddo, it’s dark out here,” William said as Lily made another round on the edge. “In fact, why don’t you come sit next to me?”

She obeyed quickly, coming to rest, as she always did, directly beside him.

“We need to talk. I know so very little about you. Where are your parents?”

Her response was her typical silence, staring out into the night. “Whatever happened, you can tell me. It’s OK if it’s scary. How did you end up in that valley in North Dakota? Do you remember?”

She looked down, wearing an expression of guilt.

“Hey. Whatever happened, it wasn’t your fault. Just like it wasn’t my fault that they took me too. Did you know they took my grandmother as well? We didn’t ask for it, Lily.”

“But it is my fault,” she said, tears springing to her eyes.

“No it’s not. Just like it’s not your fault what happened to those bad men. I know you were just trying to protect me. In fact, it’s my fault. And you don’t ever have to do it again, OK?”

“There’s a monster in the mountain.”

“Honey, I don’t know what that means. You have to tell me—”

The girl stood up and began to walk on the fountain again. “Lily—”

She shook her head fiercely.

He followed, keeping pace beside her. “You’re going to have to tell me. I know you’re tired. I am too. After a good night’s sleep, we’re going to talk about it. I know what it’s like to be a confused kid. A scared kid—”

She turned to him and reached out. He wrapped his arms around her, and she buried her face in his neck. “We have to go there! It’s my fault what happened to her—”

“William!” Quincy’s voice came from the porch.

“What do you mean?” William asked. “What do you think is your fault?”

Hearing Quincy’s loud approach, Lily let go and began to walk again.

William sighed, turning to the outlines of Quincy and Steven walking across the grass. “Man, I knew I was right. My Dad was right about his grandfather. I just never knew how right until I read those letters!”