"Of course," the ghost replied. "I shall return as soon as I've found some word." Her spirit flesh began to shimmer before she simply disappeared with a sound like a bow lightly dragged across a violin.

Farris opened the door for them and William was the first out. He offered his hand first to Tamara and at last to Doctor Nichols. The butler assured them he would speak with the innkeeper and see to their baggage and the stabling of the horses. William was grateful and wanted to help him, but they had arrived now, and there were other things to attend to.

Doctor Nichols led them into the Rose and Thorn and William felt immediately better upon entering the place. There was a fire in the hearth and though it was not precisely cold outside, still the night had been damp and unfriendly. He glanced at Tamara and saw his sister breathe a sigh of relief.