William settled himself into a corner of the carriage with his arms crossed, studying the others who rode with him. The ghost queen was grim as ever, a dreadful seriousness having overtaken her now that there were enemies about. Tamara listened intently to her words but William saw that his sister's eyes shifted toward Doctor Nichols every few seconds with a dark curiosity. Those stolen glances confirmed William's own thoughts. The man was genuinely afraid for his granddaughter, for their village, but he had not been completely forthcoming. He had, for instance, not been at all surprised that they had been waylaid by Wild Edric. William suspected he had worried that they might have been daunted by the truth and if that were the case, was prepared to forgive the old fool. But not quite yet. Despite his promises he had been forced