Equal Rites, pgs. 180-213 Summary

Something else is happening, the thickness of a shadow away. Granny and Cutangle, who are still locked in magical combat, are summoned to Simon's room along with doctors. Granny takes Cutangle outside, complements his fighting, watches him roll and light a cigarette, and declares the kids have gone Wandering and the wizards will not get them back. Cutangle knows. Both claim blame. Rolling a cigarette of her own, Granny tells about Esk's birth, staff, and forays into magic. They realize the chances of finding the staff in the rain-swollen river, but set off into the driving storm together. The University is aflood, but they make it to the polluted Ankh. He declares it madness to take out the rowboat they find at the jetty, but Granny shames him aboard. They are swiftly carried along, with Cutangle bailing...