wax took careful aim , then shot miles in the hand , again blasting apart flesh and bone . then again , he could have been watching for my reaction , because when i saw what was on his bed , my breath caught in my throat . he found another body , that of a child , which had been washed into a corner like so much refuse . perhaps if they had to cross a river , the spell would be at an end and they would be seen once again . all were armed with swords or battle-axes . 