Ruger had not expected the rabbit to leave so quietly. Of course, he could understand. Such shifts in mindset, and the gulf between one state and another, were subtle things. But understanding was all he could do; without experiencing them himself, he could never truly know how they felt. Emotions were complicated. From the moment the rabbit saw Ruger from its lounge chair, it must have gone through countless emotional upheavals. Calling its departure silent was not quite right, either. It had said plenty before leaving, but all that talk about fixing the door had been nothing more than empty excuses.
Perhaps Tuzel the rabbit counted as a person, too? Ruger thought.
Perhaps this was also a sight the old Wizard, whom he had only seen from behind, would have been pleased to see.
Ruger strode toward the distant campfire.
Layden was sitting beside it. Unfortunately, Vito Belfort was already gone, and his crookedly worn hat was nowhere to be seen.
The meat still sizzled as it roasted, giving off its familiar aroma.
"You certainly spent a long time in there..." Layden poked at the campfire.
His tone made it sound as though he had thought Ruger would disappear into that strange place forever.
Ruger smiled. "Did you find that well?"
Layden adjusted the fire with a stick and, to Ruger's surprise, nodded.
"Looks like you gained something, too." Layden glanced toward where the rabbit had disappeared. "And you even helped that expressive rabbit gentleman."
"I wouldn't call it help. Just a fair little trade." Ruger sat down beside him. "What did you see after entering the house? Were there paintings everywhere on your side, too?"
Ruger truly had not expected Layden to secure a spot.
That meant that, counting the old woman whose arm had transformed and who had