“You can undoubtedly guess where the problem lies. You understand why the method they advise doesn’t especially suit me and why I’d prefer something less drastic. Firstly, I don’t want to have on my conscience the death of the monastery dullard, clothed in whose body I’ve been parading around the world for these three years. Secondly, neither Rupilius nor Axleben was willing to give me cast-iron guarantees that it would succeed. And thirdly and most importantly: I’m in no hurry to return. The main reason for that fact has copper hair and goes by the name of Marketa. And resides in Prague. Which is why I’m returning to Prague, my dear Reinmar.”

“Samson—”

“Not a word, please. I’m going back alone. You stay here. I’d be a poor friend if I tried to drag you away from here, separate you from what this place means to you. It’s your Ogygia, Reinmar, your island of happiness. So stay here and enjoy it as much and for as long as you can. Stay and act wisely. Separate what is subtle from what is gross. Then you will possess the glory of this world and all darkness will flee from you. I tell you this as your friend, the being known to you as Samson Honeypot. You must believe me, since vocatus sum Hermes Trismegistus, habens tres partes philosophiae totius mundi. Listen carefully. The fire wasn’t by any means smothered and extinguished, it only died down, the embers are smouldering. Any day now, the world will burst into flames again. And we will meet again. But until then… Farewell, my friend.”

“Farewell, my friend. Have a safe journey. And give my regards to Prague.”

At the edge of the forest, Samson turned around in the saddle and waved at them. They waved back before he vanished into the trees.

“I’m afraid for him,” whispered Reynevan. “It’s a long way to Bohemia. The times are hard and perilous…”

“He’ll arrive safe and sound.” Jutta clung to his side. “Don’t be afraid. He’ll get home safely without losing his way. Somebody is waiting for him. Somebody’s lantern will shine for him in the gloom, lighting his way. Like Leander, he will safely cross the Hellespont, because Hero and her love wait for him.”

It was the first of August. The Day of Saint Peter in Chains. For the Elder Folk and witches, it was the holiday of Hlafmas. The Harvest Festival.