"The land is not unlike that surrounding Buttercup's farm," Aramis agrees, but sobers for the rest of what Porthos says. "The process can take time," he says, heart fluttering restlessly. "A lot of time, if one is unlucky. We must begin right away."

He lies down himself, though he stays close to Athos, hidden though his eyes might be. "I suppose the process could be considered crude, but it is the only way for us."