But I- what I was doing wasn't something that can wait. [How long can a living spirit remain in Death before it isn't alive any more? Sabriel doesn't know the answer, and some small, suppressed part of her suspects she's already too late. The rest of her refuses to believe it. So she presses on, trying to ignore the growing tightness in her throat.]

I can't wait several weeks to be sent back- if I don't get back to Belisaere soon, Father will- [Sabriel can't quite say it.]

I have to get back.