Tilly quavered. She slowly turned around, and there was a multitude of feelings in her eyes. As if confirming what she had just heard, Tilly asked, "What... did you say?"
"I said that Ashes might be still alive," Roland repeated slowly. He knew he could not retract now.
"No... brother," Tilly mumbled as she managed a smile. "I know you want to comfort me, but you can't..."
"But it's not what you think," Roland cut across her. "To be honest, I was as incredulous as you when I heard the news, and I know it's unfair to tell you before I confirm that it's true. However, I don't want to regret it later."
Tilly fell silent.
She stared at Roland out of his countenance as if processing the information. She suddenly realized that what Roland had said was probably something unusual.
Tilly was one of the smartest and most open-minded witches among all.
After about seven minutes, she asked tentatively, "Who told you that?"
"Lan."
