I bit my lip in dismay at the realisation that I had been about to do exactly that. I went to the windowsill and drew out the long, heavy sword from the shelf under it. Inevitably, it made me think of the black sword that was now part of my spirit-form, and it seemed to me that I could actually feel its weight against my hip.

I tied several thongs about the cloth wrapped around the stone sword to hold it in place and then I used one of the lengths of rope the futuretellers had gifted to fashion a simple harness that would enable me to carry the sword over one shoulder; too late to wish I had got Grufyyd to make me a proper sheath for it as I had intended. I tested the weight of it and was dismayed at the thought of having to carry it any great distance.

Then I realised that Gahltha would be able to carry the sword without much discomfort if I took some of the webbing Grufyyd had designed to allow equines to carry things with ease. Maruman had not mentioned him but since the black horse had been appointed one of my guardians by Atthis, he would obviously go with us. I took several lengths of webbing from my trunk, checked the buckles, and then coiled them and stuffed them into the pack.

Finally, I reached into the shelf under the sill, drew out the memory seed and buttoned it into a waxed pocket as well, where it would be protected from moisture so long as I did not fall into a river, and even then it would be safe as long as I got out in a hurry. Jak always said it was moisture as much as the Great White that had destroyed the devices and relics of the Beforetime.

I pulled on my coat, wrinkling my nose at the still pungent scent of the waterproofing oil, and heaved the pack onto my back, taking care that the coat lay flat under the straps. I was relieved to discover that the weight was not too great. I knew from other expeditions that the heft of a pack increased the longer one carried it, despite it being lightened as supplies were consumed.

I had too little food for a very long journey, and only three water gourds, but if Maryon or Christa had not supplied more, I had to assume that they had seen I would not need it. In fact if Atthis was to provide, then I had taken more than I needed, but I could not bring myself simply to walk out and expect that all of my needs would be met. On impulse, I went to the mantelshelf above the hearth and got a small bag of coins. As I dropped it into my pocket, my eyes settled on a delicate long-toothed comb.