[ As the two of them leave the wilderness, they take a piece of it with them. That must be what is happening. These woods are smaller, though, and more tamed by humans. Maybe that's why the footsteps sound so wrong.

To look back would be rude. To look back would be to risk the goodwill of her companion, or worse, to invite his prayer. Lottie isn't a very good leader.

That's why she has to answer his question carefully. ]

I heard it. The wilderness. It speaks, if you listen.

[ Lottie stops. The footsteps stop, too. She can feel someone's breath on the back of her neck. ]

It doesn't bargain or trade, but it will tell you what it wants.