Chapter Fifteen: Leaving Dora. Refugees. Peterkin. Woody.

The chapter opens with the protagonist preparing to leave Dora's cottage. Despite wanting to keep everything that belongs to her, Dora insists that he adopts her cart for carrying Radar, who is ageing and slowing down.
The protagonist envisions that Radar will rejuvenate once they cross back to their own world from Empis. He also hopes to reach Leah's uncle's house before it gets dark as he is concerned about the creatures of the woods, referred to as 'wolfies'.
On their journey, the protagonist and Radar encounter many other refugees. One particular group included a heavily pregnant woman who was carrying a dead child, likely a victim of the "gray". The protagonist feels compassion for the suffering and while he cannot share much, he directs them to Dora's cottage to seek help.
The protagonist comes face-to-face with a dwarf named Peterkin who was torturing a giant cricket. Despite his own adverse circumstances, the protagonist feels anger and disgust at such cruelty. On confronting Peterkin, he reveals about 'night soldiers' - who appear to be a possible danger.
Throughout the journey, the protagonist notices AB, the initials of his mentor, Mr Bowditch painted on trees and rocks as a trail to follow, which comforts him amidst the isolation and uncertainty.
By late afternoon, they had not reached Leah's uncle's house and it seemed like they might have to spend the night in the open, which the protagonist is wary about.

The protagonist, Charlie, approaches a house made of brick, located at a fork in the road.
The door to the house is opened by a tall, thin, almost gaunt man, who welcomes Charlie warmly.
Charlie enters the house, which consists of a sitting room and a small kitchen with food laid out.
The man, named Woody, reveals that he expected Charlie's arrival. They engage in conversation about the world as they eat together.
Woody reveals they are living in the post-apocalyptic world of Empis, significantly changed due to an event referred to as "the gray."
Woody, who is blind, and his niece, Leah, survived the crisis by escaping Empis, but they were cursed with the loss of one of their senses.
Woody tells Charlie about other family members and survivors, recounting their tragic fates and sacrifices.
Charlie reveals his intention to save his dying dog, Radar, by putting her on a sundial—a plan Woody supports.
Charlie wakes up the next morning and is urged by Woody to start his journey after breakfast.

As they eat their meal, Woody informs the group that he has packed their possessions in Dora’s cart and added an item for them to present to his cousin as proof that they arrived on his recommendation.
Woody cautions them to rely on physical proof over intuition in his cousin's case, indicating the item in the packsack may be useful later if they successfully complete their mission and return to their fairy-tale world.
Woody compliments Charlie on his bravery and they share a moment discussing an old song.
Charlie thanks Woody for all he has done for them desiring for Woody and Catriona to take care of themselves.
Woody reiterates the important instructions he gave to Charlie: to follow Mr. Bowditch’s marks, be quiet, not to stay in the city after dark, and to watch out for the night soldiers, which he described as undead.
Charlie expresses his belief in what Woody has told him, even though it involves accepting the existence of giants and undead
Charlie retrieves a heavy golden fist from the packsack, which Woody confirms is solid gold and reassures him that this would add value to any treasures Adrian might have collected, discouraging any temptation to venture further than the sundial.
Woody hopes that Charlie won't require to use Adrian's weapon, but encourages Charlie to not hesitate to use it if necessary.

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