She reached up, caught one of Norhala's hands.
"Norhala--don't let them kill him.

Don't let them hurt him any more.
Please!" she sobbed.
Beside me I heard Drake cursing.
"If they touch her I'll kill the woman! I will, by God I will!" He strode to Norhala's side.
"If you want to live, call off these devils of yours." His voice was strangled.
She looked at him, wonder deepening on the tranquil brow, in the clear, untroubled gaze.

Of course she could not understand his words--but it was not that which made my own sick apprehension grow.
It was that she did not understand what called them forth.

Did not even understand what reason lay behind Ruth's sorrow, Ruth's prayer.
And more and more wondering grew in her eyes as she looked from the threatening Drake to the supplicating Ruth, and from them to the still body of Ventnor.
"Tell her what I say, Goodwin.

I mean it." I shook my head.