“Come, child.”

A hand touched me gently on the shoulder. I was annoyed with myself that someone had been able to approach me undetected and I resolved never to abandon myself to that extent again.

She helped me stand as I gradually came back from the chasm. There was something in her manner that radiated reassurance. Her voice was authoritative without being harsh. Her grip was confident. In appearance, she was as unremarkable as anyone I’d ever seen. I suspected that she could walk through a crowd without being noticed.

“Let’s get you out of the cold and damp. Judging by the looks of you, I suspect a hot meal wouldn’t be unwelcome.”

Looking me directly in the eye, she continued, “You’ve been broadcasting for the last few hours.” She tapped her head several times and continued, “Honestly, anyone with the gift within a wide radius of you knows where and how powerful and desperate you are. I don’t think that’s in your best interest. Do you? Come now. We have some distance to walk.”

We walked.