And if not, by the saints, I'm near enough now to break through." The words thrilled her inexplicably.

Truly the magic was swift and potent.

A few more steps, and she was aware of a widening of the hedge.
They were emerging into the centre of the maze.
"Ah," said the jester, "I thought I should win through!" He led her forward into the shadow of a great tree.

The mist was passing very slowly from the sky.

By the silvery light that filtered down from the hidden moon Naomi made out the strong outline of his shoulders as he stood before her, and the vague darkness of his mask.
She put up her free hand and removed her own.