"We can talk now without fear of being overheard, by natural ears or other means," Sabriel says, and reaches for their hands, taking Sameth's in one, and Ellimere's in the other and holding them tight. Her fingers are warm from the strength of the Charter down here.

"Your father and I are certain that the Southerlings were brought across the Wall to be killed - slain by a necromancer who has used the bodies to house Dead spirits who owe him allegiance. Only Free Magic sourcery can explain how the bodies and all other traces have diappeared, unseen by our patrols or the Clayr's Sight."