And then Farris was there, reaching for the babies in his arms, and William gazed up at that kind gentleman and felt relief wash through him. He was exultant that he had succeeded, but the moment Farris had taken the babies from his arms, he bent over in the road and vomited beneath the wheels of the carriage. His stomach convulsed, either the magick or the pressure too much for him, and he threw up again. Then his stomach began to settle and he sat back on his haunches, drawing a hand across his lips in disgust. William took several long breaths, steadying himself, and then he stood.

Farris was already putting the last of the five babies in the rear of the carriage. He had taken blankets from beneath the seat and now was making the floor of the carriage comfortable for them, singing to them in a soft but surprisingly melodious voice.

"Will you be all right with them from here?" William asked.