Because--you know--I ought to have died more than a year ago.

But you are different.

You have your life to live." Merefleet's hand closed tightly upon hers.
"Don't talk like that, child!" he said.

"Heaven knows your life is worth more than mine." Mab leant her elbow on his knee and gazed thoughtfully over the far expanse of water.

Merefleet knew that she was faint and exhausted, though she uttered no complaint.
"Shall I tell you a secret, Big Bear ?" she said, in the hushed tone of one on the threshold of a sacred place.