“Speak, girl, what’s amiss?”

“The room is empty.”

“What!”

“Igraine has left us,” said the girl with a stifled whimper.

Radamanth, sage and solemn soul, lapsed into the sin of blasphemy.

“When did you learn this, girl?”

“Father—”

“Quick now, don’t lie.”

He shook her by the shoulder.