Ethlyn didn't move a muscle as the specters continued to stand and stare at William. She felt her heart beating against her ribs and tried to calm it by breathing as slowly and quietly as she could. Part of her wanted to raise her sword and slash through them to see if that would dispel them, but for all she knew, it might be the last thing she ever did... again.

And then he stepped forward to speak a simple benediction, and it was over. Ethlyn crouched down, just to make sure the dim light wasn't deceiving her. No, the marks of the brand were fading, leaving the spectre's skin unblemished.

"You healed them," she said, plainly in wonder.