He slowed his horse when they came around the walled park, the lake in front of them reflecting the castle as clear as a mirror. As it always did, the hope rose up in him at the sight of it. This time it came with a certainty he had not known before, something he could not name but that he knew as deeply as he had known her, in that moment he had opened his eyes from a fever.

He found himself searching the path to the castle, looking for the little white dog that had insisted on greeting him for years. It seemed to him an important thing, that the dog would greet him still. Perhaps he should give it a name, if it would persist in hanging at his heels. Then, as though to confirm the homecoming, the annoying little beast was streaking toward them through the cold. Ranulf took a deep breath, surprised at the stab of emotion that came with the sight. He closed his eyes and said a brief and silent prayer, that he would be worthy of the place. And of her, he thought as he opened his eyes. She had slowed too, and then stopped, looking up at Morency.

“Believe you that we are stronger than the ghosts that live here?” she asked suddenly, and looked at him. Of course she knew. Of course she had seen the fear in him, and what caused it, and what must be overcome. “Strong enough that they will lose their grip and leave your soul in peace?”

He looked at her, tall in her saddle, then to the castle.

“Already has their grip loosened. When they saw my soul was claimed by so fierce an opponent, they were compelled to make way for you.”

She nodded, eyes full of mysteries as she dismounted. He watched her reach into the pack on her saddle, digging deep until she found what she sought. It was a bundle of cloth, small enough to hold in one hand as she walked forward to the lake.

At the water’s edge, she bent down. She unfolded the fabric, letting the small pile of dried leaves inside fall. They floated on the surface for a moment before the water carried them out, away from shore. She watched them all the while they drifted until they disappeared from sight. When there was no trace of them left, she dropped the fabric in too. If he did not know her better, he would think she was saying a prayer, so long did she linger in silence as she sat on her heels.

“What was that?” he asked, when she finally stood up again.

She only gave a rare and secret little smile, hugging the cloak more tightly to herself. “Soon I will tell you.”