‘Cassie,’ whispered the boy, ‘are you awake?’
‘Yes,’ whispered Cassandra.
Raphael got out of bed and went over and perched himself on Cassandra’s counterpane.
‘Cassie,’ said Raphael, very low, ‘do you want to go home?’
‘Yes,’ whispered Cassandra, sitting upright.
‘Well, I’m going back to join the animals. We shall destroy the Sorcerer and his city, and then you can go home with me.’
‘Oh, Raff,’ wailed Cassandra, ‘don’t leave me here. Take me with you.’
‘I’m afraid I can’t, Cassie. Gæa hasn’t given you any power at all, and I don’t see how I could get you out of the tower and over the wall.’
‘But, Raff,’ sniffled Cassandra, ‘if you destroy the city, you may kill me doing it.’
‘I’ve been thinking of that, Cassie. There is a cellar in the tower. When the attack comes, hide there. It’s the only chance.’