A shiver rippled over her at the thought of going to it, of getting near enough to try to heal it.

"No," she answered. "If I went near enough, it would try to grab hold of me and not let go." She was certain of that, more than anything. It was not a weak sickness, but a corruption she felt. And it wanted her.

"It is not... a natural thing. It is not a sick animal or sick tree. It is a darkness."