Chapter Twenty-Two, The Whisperers Summary

Will treats the gash that the harpy made in Lyra's head. Lyra's confidence is shaken since she thinks all she can do is tell lies, and telling lies did not impress the harpy. Will points out to her than she can do more than that, she can read the alethiometer. Now they turn their attention to their new surroundings. Before them stand a numberless quanity of people, both adults and children. These are the ghosts of the dead. They are listless and they cannot speak above a whisper. They are fascinated by Will and Lyra, but frightened, too. At the same time, they press close to the children, and the Gallivespians fly between Lyra and Will and the dead people to keep them from crowding in too close. The dead children press forward and brush up against...