Blackfeather Woods hours and armies couldn't keep me out

She was pacing, undoubtedly frazzled by Sobek's disappearance and wondering just what to do next. Muttering under her breath like some nutter, working things out aloud. Where could he have gone? Why?

Why did everyone leave? Funny, that she kept coming back to that question. It was starting to sound less and less crazy with each departure.

Maegi didn't have to go far upon hearing the call; she came upon her niece soon enough. Hela, she responded, clearly abstracted but not wanting to be rude. Her eyes raked over the pale girl; she was growing well, and fast. But if Maegi focused on that too much, her mind would wander back to Sobek, and. . .

Everything all right? she asked instead, hoping fervently that the answer was yes. They spoke briefly, perhaps, and then went their separate ways.