For Raoul Le Breton was there, a god among these demons. Some figment of her own creating that must vanish as she gazed.
But he did not vanish.
He came closer, straight towards her, the crowd receding like a wave before him. Raoul Le Breton, looking more handsome, more arrogant, more of a king than ever; sitting his black horse like a centaur.
Pansy's hands went to her heart, and the world started spinning around her.
Like a knight of old, he had come to her rescue.
How he could have got there she was in no condition to consider. It was enough that he was there, in time to save her from the Pit of Hell gaping at her feet.
He rode ride up to the dais, reining in at her side.
With outstretched arms, he went towards her.
"Come, Heart's Ease, my own brave little girl, there's nothing to fear now," he said.
Swaying slightly, Pansy looked at him again as if he were some vision.