[ He feels The Flower Girl wrapping around him tighter, seeping into his skin even if he'd not asked for not unlocked The Caul. His skin dulls to the pallor of death, and he can feel ghost fingertips crawling down his arms as if securing invisible vambraces. He smells freshly turned dirt and hears the click of a Key in his head, prompting more internal exasperation.

There's no need, he tells her in his mind, but his geist is having none of it.

we are in a strange place far from home. we are speaking to a strange woman who might mean us harm.

i listened to Rabbit, Joshua. Rabbit says the Fae are not to be trusted. i will not risk them taking you from me.

So he takes a breath and carries on, offering another apology first. ]

Perhaps if you show yourself first, my Lady. [ Dealing with an anxious child geist was not on his list of things to do today. ] My companion, [ he emphasizes the word ] is a touch skittish.

She does not want to be here. But I promised Arthur I would help.

[ There is your answer. ]