Meggie saw Mo with the other strolling players. He had the sword hanging from his belt – Firefox's belt. With it he had killed Basta – and not just Basta, but dozens of other men as well. It made Meggie feel sick.

Her father was so gentle, so soft-hearted before he had been transported into the Inkworld. Meggie had loved Mo's soft heart, but now he had changed – changed far beyond imagining.

Meggie went over to Resa, who looked as if she was half-asleep, leaning against a tree. Meggie sat beside her mother. Resa, stirring, turned to look at her.

"What is it, Meggie?" Resa murmured, stroking her daughter's fair hair. "Is something troubling you?"

Resa could always sense when Meggie had something on her mind. Mo knew her just as well as his wife. Perhaps even better. But today Meggie wanted to talk to Resa.

"I'm scared, Resa." Whispered Meggie.

"Of what?" Resa asked quietly.

"Mo." Meggie replied, looking into her mother's eyes. "He's changed so much, Resa. He couldn't kill a rabbit when Capricorn had him abducted, but now…" Meggie didn't need to say any more. Resa understood right away.

"Your father has suffered a great deal, Meggie." Resa said, looking at her husband, who was now saying something to the Black Prince. "He's been through great pain, pain we can't even imagine. Rage and fear, I think, would have changed him as well."

"Yes, but… He's so different now, it's so… Strange, Resa." Meggie said softly.

"I know that feeling." Resa said with a sigh. "But we can't change the past, Meggie. We can't do anything about Mo's new heart. But think about it. He can protect us, now we've got a better chance of surviving in the Inkworld, haven't we?"

Meggie thought for a minute. Yes, it was very true. It was much more reassuring to have a warrior as a father than a bookbinder. But it still hurt Meggie. It hurt that Mo changed. And it was partly because of her…

Resa seemed to have read her thoughts. "It's not your fault, Meggie," She said gently. "Anyone would have gone into the Inkworld if such an opportunity had gotten to them…"

"Mo wouldn't have." Meggie said defensively. "He cares so much about us… He would never do such a thing." Resa didn't reply. Meggie stuck closer to her mother. "I'm sorry, so sorry, Resa…" She whispered, and felt tears spring to her eyes.

"Meggie," Resa said, looking at her daughter. "Promise me one thing. Accept the new Mo. He may have more of the Bluejay in him, Meggie, but he's still Mortimer Folchart. It won't change. His love for us won't change, either, Meggie, and yours shouldn't either. Your father still loves you. Have no doubts about that."

Meggie nodded. Yes, she would have to accept that her father was now the Bluejay. She knew that Mo still loved her. And for now, that was enough.

Walking over to her father, Meggie put her arms around him. Mo hugged her back. No words had to be said, but they both knew what each other was thinking – I'm sorry.And I love you.