The next few days went by quite quickly for Lirael. She was morning as well as in shock. Sabriel, Touchstone, Sam, Ellimere, Sanar and Ryelle had all cast healing spells upon Nick and Lirael.

They where all back in the Old Kingdom now with Sanar and Ryelle back at Clayr's Glacier and everyone else except Mogget, who had wondered off somewhere probably looking for fish, at the palace. Lirael had been given her own rooms and had spent most of her time there.

Nick had tried being friendly towards her but she wouldn't talk back so he just left her alone and spend most of his time with Sam learning about the Charter and Charter magic.

After what seemed like years which was actually and week or so after they returned to the palace Lirael gave up on crying for her long lost friend, who would have given her about 90 bite marks and possibly 10 more scars to the one she already gained on her 17th birthday, and decided that she would have to get on with her life whether she wanted to or not, got up and went to her bedroom door, opened it and found Sameth just about to nock on her door as she opened it. " Oh sorry Sam, what do you want?" Said a semi-startled Lirael

" Hi, how are you?" Replied Sam almost dropping what he was carrying.

" I'll live, for now. What's that that you've got there?" she inquired

" Oh it's a new hand for you I thought that you might like to see if it works before I show it to everyone else, if that's ok?"

" Yes it's fine."

Sam helped Lirael; trying still to remember that she was still his aunt, attach the golden hand to her right arm. Once it was attached Sam stood back and asked, " Well what's it like? Does it work ok?"

" It's brilliant, thanks Sam, it works fine. How can I ever accept this though I won't be able to pay you for it, I don't have any money."

" It's ok I asked Mum and Dad if I could have some gold so I could make a new hand for you. It's all paid for, you're a member of the family now."

" Thanks" Lirael replied weakly.

They both walked down the stairs to the great hall on the first floor for breakfast and a good morning.