For my part I do not remember what I said to soothe her, for the sight above was so amazing that it took up all my attention.

The aurora shone bright, and in the sky I saw two vast objects wheeling and circling, as if about to descend.

I recognized them at once as athalebs; but as their backs were hid from view by their immense wings, I could not make out whether they were wanderers about to alight of their own accord, or guided here by riders--perhaps by the Kosekin from whom we had been parted.
This much at least I remember.

I said to Layelah that these athalebs were wild ones, which had come here because they saw or scented our wounded one; but Layelah shook her head with mournful meaning.
"Oh no," said she; "Almah has come back for you.

This fire-light has guided them.