Whispers to the fire
Kerrie, who had followed the woman asked, "What did you say to,
to ... um, was that a him or a her?"
The woman laughs a pretty laugh that sounds like tinkling chimes.
"That was a he, dear. Now come along. We'll follow the path
Fi-Yer left. That will bring us to your friend, I'm sure."
As they cross the scarred Marsh and enter the Forest of Sticks, the
woman sings softly. Kerrie cannot figure out the words, but thinks
the song is beautiful. She turns to look behind them and sees ...
She whispers to the fire. It stops and looks at her. It nods then
slowly walks away, being very careful to not burn anything as it goes.
