Everychild turned and restored the slim sword to the Masked Lady.
"Do you not wish to keep it?" she asked.
But it seemed to Everychild that he had no need of the sword, now that the Giant Fear was dead. "Thank you, I shall not need it again," he said.
She said, in a strange, sad voice, "Alas, the greatest need of my sword arises after fear is gone!"
But he scarcely heeded her now. The sound of music was heard much nearer. He lifted his eyes and beheld the door which had always stood between him and the world. He drew nearer to the door. It was wide open.
He heard the voice of Father Time: "The moment has arrived for you to go, Everychild!"
He caught step with the music, which was very loud now.
He marched valiantly away.