"If we were dead, there would be a turtle," he replied, serious as the grave. "I do not believe the Crimson King would allow my death so far from the Tower. And you feel quite alive to me," he added, giving her hand a squeeze.

Moments later they broke through the trees to find a river. It was clear and deep, the surface still as could be. The bed of it was hardly dull, instead it glittered with precious gems and gold.