The way Anest laughed in response told both Damond and Brogan that there was far more to his relationship with Lily than met the eye. He told his friends everything, skimming over the more personal details. And he finished saying, "You know, whatever happens, I have someone who is more important to me than the love of magic or the plight of the world. This may not make any sense, but because of her . . . I know that everything else will endure."
They were silent a moment, watching the workers ready the four rafts for departure. Finally, Damond said, "My father used to say that there is no journey so strange or so wonderful as a journey of the heart. I used to wonder what he meant, but perhaps you now know better than I."
The dull clang of a bell drew everyone's attention.
"It's time," said Brogan.
Forming four companies, they organised themselves and boarded the rafts. When they were ready, a horn sounded, echoing mournfully as it carried over the water. The rafts were then poled one by one out into the current, slowly floating out of the dock lights into the deep night.