Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 45
Jordan put his hands out and hesitantly edged in the
direction of the sounds. The darkness was total. “Are you all
right, ma’am?”
“I’m fine. But I can’t find the lantern.”
Now that he was completely drowned in darkness, Jordan
realized Emmy could never have come this far. It was
impossible to take two steps in any direction without
encountering a wall of uncertainty more solid than any tree
trunk.
"Hmmf. Well, that's that," said the lady. "I can’t find it.
Give me your hand." He reached out tentatively, felt her warm
fingers entwine his own.
"Come. This way."
“What are you doing?”
“We were headed uphill. I’m just going to go down. I’m
sure we’ll find the path again.”
“Begging your pardon, but we should stay right here.
You’re not supposed to keep walking if you’re lost in the―“
“We’re not lost!” Her voice expressed outraged anger.
“And I am not going to miss my appointments tonight!”
“But―“
“Come.” She tugged, and though his every instinct was
to remain still, Jordan followed so as not to lose contact.
Slowly, they walked hand in hand over the uneven path.
Jordan was completely blind, and was sure he would
blunder into a tree at any moment, but the lady’s pull was
steady. Jordan fought within himself and craned his neck up,
looking for small swaths of starlight overhead instead of
straining to make out the logs and stones underfoot. He tried to
feel his way. And she did seem to know where she was going,
for she did not stumble at all.
It seemed so strange, placing his feet by faith, seeing