Canto XII Brief Be it short or long a journey must have a destination   “So, are you coming along?” I ask   “As far as I may,” she replies                 “But I have some clothes
that will serve you better”   I look down at my stained nightgown and bare feet “Definitely, a good idea.”   She brings out a simple green dress of floor-length skirt and long sleeve with sturdy boots, a hooded cloak of unknown hue   “Thank you,” I rub the cloak “It’s very nice.”   She dipped her head standing on the edge of the rippling water “Ready?”   Before I answer, she takes my hand we dive in as two sycronized swans in perfect unison   We swim into the fountain emerging perfectly dry   The night’s forest has dissolved into a grey wasteland  but the castle surrounded by ash heaps still waits   Each step takes us closer till a dozen paces separate us from hades’ domain   “Go on, Shyllen,” she encourages “Keturah needs us.”   “How do you know she’s there?”   “Do you doubt it?”   Socratic method So annoying I shake my head “No,” boldly stepping forward the castle’s stone underfoot