Mumbling her apologies, Li'l flew to the first tree she could find. When we reached the tree, Fang pointed out her darker shape amidst the leafy shade. "Li'l," he hissed loudly, "we are here." "Go on without me," called back a tired voice. "I'll catch up later. I need to sleep a little longer." "We'll meet you at the castle," I shouted. "Look for us by the drawbridge." Li'l didn't answer. With a sleepy sigh, she'd already dozed off again. "I hope she heard me," I said to Fang and Eadric as we continued down the road. "She is a bat," said Fang. "I am sure she heard you. However, bats traditionally sleep during daylight hours and we have asked much of her today. She is also more timid than I expected now that she is out of her element, and I fear that she will be easily frightened for some time to come. I believe her bossy manner was a cover for her insecurities." Late that afternoon, a farm wagon leaving the castle grounds rumbled down the road.
