"That of those we would take."

"And who might they be?" I asked.

"Those the world might be better off without," she said. "Most of themsimply vanish. Occasionally, with a feast of jokers, only parts of someremain."

I shook my head.

"Shroudling lady, I do not understand," I told her.

"We come and go where we would. We are an undetected people, a proudpeople. We live by a code of honor which has protected us against all yourunderstanding. Even those who suspect us do not know where to turn to seekus."

"Yet you come and tell me these things."

"I have watched you much of my life. You would not betray us. You, too,live by a code."

"Watched me much of my life? How?"

But we distracted each other then and that moment came to a close. Iwould not let it die, however. Finally, as we lay side by side, I repeatedit. By then, however, she was ready for it.

"I am the fleeting shadow in your mirror," she said. "I look out, yetyou see me not. All of us have our pets, my love, a person or place ofhobby. You have always been mine."

"Why do you come to me now, Rhanda?" I asked. "After all these years?"

She looked away.

"Mayhap you will die soon," she said after a time, "and I wished torecall our happy days together at Wildwood."

"Die soon? I live in danger. I can't deny it. I'm too near the Throne.But I've strong protectors--and I am stronger than people think."

"As I said, I have watched," she stated. "I do not doubt your prowess.I've seen you hang many spells and maintain them. Some of them I do not evenunderstand."

"You are a sorceress?"

She shook her head. "My knowledge of these matters, while extensive, ispurely academic," she said. "My own powers lie elsewhere."

"Where?" I inquired.

She gestured toward my wall. I stared. Finally, I said, "I don'tunderstand."