[It does frighten her. It frightens her, but doesn't panic her; and if anything, her resolve only hardens. If Flagg is the real danger here, if it's true what Roland is saying, then that's all the more reason she must go; because if there's such a danger, then who would she be if she didn't try to keep Eponine safe? Or Nadine, for that matter, who's been naught but kind to her.]

[(The thought does come, with an uneasy prickle up her spine, of Nadine's domain; of a white city and playthings made of bleached bone. The thought does come that she may have put her faith in the wrong person. But she owes a debt there, and she'll square it, one way or the other.)]

[She squeezes his hand again, presses her lips tight. Her own voice is quiet, though not as rushed as his.]

I don't doubt it, Roland. I can see it in 'ee, that 'ee mean it.

And I'll be careful. Thee knows I can be careful. But... [Her tongue darts out, wets her lips for a moment; her voice lowers just a little more.] Roland, if he's past what we've known, ye'll want eyes on him. Him and sai Nadine both, most like, for whatever he is, she loves him. [And if anyone ought to know what a danger love can be, why, it's the two of them here.]

[She squeezes his hand, one last time, then lets it go.]

I'll meet 'ee in the Horizon, come what may, and there'll be time to talk then, time to argue if 'ee will. But I'm goin'. I'm sorry. I have to.