She nodded.
More stompers crossed the moorland, some white crested. They moved there randomly at night and from the forest came a far-off sound of stompers singing. The Maidens formed a house and Hoggy Darn grazed the side of it before they fled. To south and west faint rose glowed in the night sky.
"Fire mist," Pia said. "The nights of harrying have begun. Oh Flinter, if this is really Emrys Upland it will be perfect."
"What will?"
"You—us—oh, I can't say yet."
"Secrets, Pia? Still secrets? Between us?"
"You'll know soon, Flinter. I mustn't spoil it."
The love in her eyes was tinged with a strangeness. She sought his arms and hid her face in his shoulder.
Stompers on the moorland all day so they dared not leave the cave. Flyers streaking high overhead, scouting.
"Pia, I believe this is Emrys Upland. I'll help after all with the great killing."