Torrael could see nothing, hear nothing. He was alone, could do nothing. It was peaceful, he didnt care. He could have lain there for hours or seconds, he didnt know, time being warped in Death. He felt a welcome presence nearby and hand reached down and grasped his, pulling him from the river. The Dead creature had grown twice as large since it knocked him down, its body twisting between inhuman shapes. Water still pouring off him, Torrael looked at the Abhorsen who nodded. They separated and tried to surround the creature. It spun round, arm stretching, almost hitting the Abhorsen. Torrael seeing its back and took his chance, stabbing it where he thought its heart should be, the charter marks burning a hole its Dead shape. Then Saraneth rang out and Torrael felt the creature struggle against Abhorsens will. Quickly he drew his Saraneth and joined in the binding. As the creature succumbed to their will, Abhorsen switched his bell to Kibeth and forced the creature to walk beyond the Ninth Gate.
Abhorsen turned towards him.
"Good binding, Torrael. Well Done."
Torrael didnt answer, still catching his breath.
* * *
They packed up the camp as soon as they returned to life. There were fewer incursions of Dead now, but every time they were stronger. There hadn't been anything for a while now, this could be the last time.
"We will travel west to Qyrre then back to the House. We should be in Qyrre by morning then a day by boat to the house." said Abhorsen, walking quickly into the forest.
"And I'll be glad to be back. I've nearly finished my Sending and I think this one will better than my previous attempts."
"If I remember correctly, Torrael, your last attempt dug a twenty foot hole in the North Lawn then fall apart."
"No, no, no! That was an older one. My last one is still whitewashing the tower, for all I know."
Abhorsen chuckled, brushing a branch out of the way. He started at nothing for a while, then sighed.
"I see a lot of your mother in you. She was always –"
"What was that?" exclaimed Torrael, "Something is ahead."
They drew their swords moments before a runner burst through the undergrowth.
"My Lords Abhorsen! There has been news of strange creatures in Norwel.l Also, the villagers in Ganel say there is – there is something wrong with their Charter Stone."
"Torrael, you should see the Charter Stone, you're half Wallmaker. I shall see about this creature in Norwell. If we're lucky it will just be a soul not wanting to let go. Runner? Norwell is north of Belisaere, isn't it?"
"Yes Abhorsen," replied the runner "Just – just south of Navis Port."
Abhorsen and Torrael grasped arms briefly.
"Abhorsen, this is my first time solo and –"
"Don't worry, you've been a good student. Does the walker choose the path, or the path choose the walker, Torrael. Abhorsen."
