“No, I suppose not,” said Maskull, “but I see I have a great deal to unlearn.”

They talked together a little longer, and then gradually fell asleep.  Joiwind opened her eyes, smiled, and slumbered again.

Chapter 8

THE LUSION PLAIN

Maskull awoke before the others.  He got up, stretched himself, and walked out into the sunlight.  Branchspell was already declining.  He climbed to the top of the crater edge and looked away toward Ifdawn.  The afterglow of Alppain had by now completely disappeared.  The mountains stood up wild and grand.

They impressed him like a simple musical theme, the notes of which are widely separated in the scale; a spirit of rashness, daring, and adventure seemed to call to him from them.  It was at that moment that the determination flashed into his heart to walk to the Marest and explore its dangers.

He returned to the cavern to say good-by to his hosts.

Joiwind looked at him with her brave and honest eyes.  “Is this selfishness, Maskull?” she asked, “or are you drawn by something stronger than yourself?”

“We must be reasonable,” he answered, smiling.  “I can’t settle down in Poolingdred before I have found out something about this surprising new planet of yours.  Remember what a long way I have come....  But very likely I shall come back here.”

“Will you make me a promise?”

Maskull hesitated.  “Ask nothing difficult, for I hardly know my powers yet.”

“It is not hard, and I wish it.  Promise this—­never to raise your hand against a living creature, either to strike, pluck, or eat, without first recollecting its mother, who suffered for it.”

“Perhaps I won’t promise that,” said Maskull slowly, “but I’ll undertake something more tangible.  I will never lift my hand against a living creature without first recollecting you, Joiwind.”

She turned a little pale.  “Now if Panawe knew that Panawe existed, he might be jealous.”

Panawe put his hand on her gently.  “You would not talk like that in Shaping’s presence,” he said.

“No.  Forgive me!  I’m not quite myself.  Perhaps it is Maskull’s. blood in my veins....  Now let us bid him adieu.  Let us pray that he will do only honourable deeds, wherever he may be.”

“I’ll set Maskull on his way,” said Panawe.

“There’s no need,” replied Maskull.  “The way is plain.”

“But talking shortens the road.”

Maskull turned to go.

Joiwind pulled him around toward her softly.  “You won’t think badly of other women on my account?”

“You are a blessed spirit,” answered he.

She trod quietly to the inner extremity of the cave and stood there thinking.  Panawe and Maskull emerged into the open air.  Halfway down the cliff face a little spring was encountered.  Its water was colourless, transparent, but gaseous.  As soon as Maskull had satisfied his thirst he felt himself different.  His surroundings were so real to him in their vividness and colour, so unreal in their phantom-like mystery, that he scrambled downhill like one in a winter’s dream.