For a moment it seemed as though he would erupt in anger, but instead, he sighed, and shook his head.

“No matter. It is done.”

Susan was almost in tears. She could not bear to see the old man so distraught, especially when she felt responsible for his plight.

“Is there nothing we can do?”

The wizard looked up at her, and a tired smile came to his lips.

“Do? My dear. I think there is little any of us can do now. Certainly, there will be no place for children in the struggle to come. It will be hard for you. I know, but you must go from here and forget all you have seen and done. Now that the stone is out of your care you will be safe.”

“But,” cried Colin, “but you can’t mean that! We want to help you!”

“I know you do. But you have no further part in this, High Magic and low cunning will be the weapons of the fray, and the valour of children would he lost in the struggle. You can help me best by freeing me from worry on your behalf.”

And, without giving the children further chance to argue, he took them by the hand, and out of the cave. They went in misery, and shortly stood above the swamp on the spot where they had first met the wizard. three nights ago.

“Must we really not see you again?” said Colin. He had never felt so wretched.

“Believe me, it must be so. It hurts me. too, to part from friends, and I can guess what it is to have the door of wonder and enchantment closed to you when you have glimpsed what lies beyond. But it is also a world of danger and shadows, as you have seen and ere long I fear I must pass into these shadows. I will not take you with me.

“Go back to your own world: you will be safer there. If we should fail, you will suffer no harm, for not in your time will Nastrond come.

“Now go. Fenodyree will keep with you to the road.”