They went up the hill at dawn.
There were five of them. Ainen went first, with his pack on his back and the iron pot tied to it. Almond walked beside him. Behind them came Tarren and Mira, holding hands.
"You don't have to come," Ainen had told them before they left.
"Essa is in there," Mira said. "She went in because she thought I'd follow. I'm going to follow."
Rudra came last of all. He did not go in. He stopped on the grass a few paces outside the open door and planted his feet.
True Heading.
He set it facing back down the hill, toward the dim stones of Westhollow and the twisted silver tree.
"Anyone who comes out of that door," he said, "comes out onto my line. They'll be able to find their way home from here. Even if they can't find it in themselves."
Marcus stood beside him, with one hand already pressed to his temple.
"And if you need to call anyone," Marcus said, "I'm here."
The door of the Leaving was not a door.
