noon
Josian 's delicate brows drew together . `` Mouldi -- what strange beast is that , Al-an ? '' and Alan laughed and explained that it was a mole . It was at noon of one of the long fragrant days of early summer , while the travelers rested in the forest , that Josian spoke of the jester once more . In the green stillness of the deep woods , birds singing and shy delicate blossoms gemming the moss , the fierce and savage past was like a dream . `` Father Stephen gave me a packet that last night , '' she said . `` He gave Giovanni gold for the journey , but this parcel he said I must carry myself and show to you when I thought fit .