THE SUBTLE KNIFE 精彩片段：
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: AESAHAETTR-2
And what was worse, it had begun to bleed again.
When Serafina looked at it, she put more herbs on the wound, and tied the silk tighter than ever, but this time her face was troubled. He didnt want to question her, for what would be the point?
It was plain to him that the spell hadnt worked, and he could see she knew it too.
As darkness fell, he heard Lyra come to lie down close by, and presently he heard a soft purring.
Her daemon, cat-formed, was dozing with folded paws only a foot or two away from him, and Will whispered, "Pantalaimon?"
The daemons eyes opened. Lyra didnt stir. Pantalaimon whispered, "Yes?"
"Pan, am I going to die?"
"The witches wont let you die. Nor will Lyra."
"But the spell didnt work. I keep losing blood. I cant have much left to lose. And its bleeding again, and it wont stop. Im frightened...."
"Lyra doesnt think you are."
"Doesnt she?"
"She thinks youre the bravest fighter she ever saw, as brave as lorek Byrnison."
"I suppose I better try not to seem frightened, then," Will said. He was quiet for a minute or so, and then he said, "I think Lyras braver than me. I think shes the best friend I ever had."
"She thinks that about you as well," whispered the daemon.