Maerad awoke to the smell of blood. She drowsily lifted her head off her ground pallet and looked in to the distance. The black figure of the Iron Tower stood on the horizon, shadowing over the mountains and spreading its evil to every near soul. The smell that had awakened her was from that wretched tower; lingering over her head like a dark cloud. Today is the day. She thought sadly.

Maerad thought of all they had discovered since she and Cadvan were reunited. They found Hem and Saliman, and had discovered Maerad's Elidhu name; Loreida. No person knew it, except Maerad. They had fought and killed many hulls, and had nearly faced death many times. But they had survived, and here they were.

Maerad decided to wake Hem and the others; the sun was rising over the hills, struggling to shine through the shadows of darkness that enveloped the land of Den Raven. Before she woke Hem, she gazed upon his sleeping face. He looked so peaceful; she knew he was in a place of happiness. She did not want to take him from that. So she woke Cadvan and Saliman first.

Cadvan yawned and stretched his arms, smiling widely at Maerad as he tossed her a biscuit from his pack. But even his smile could not comfort her. Saliman also smiled at her, flashing his white teeth. Cadvan was about to speak, but Maerad put her finger to her mouth and pointed to Hem's sleeping body. She mind touched with Cadvan.

He just looks so happy. I wanted him to be as happy as he could for as long as he could. Maerad told him with her mind.

Don't worry Maerad. It will be okay. He assured her.

Maerad smiled weakly and looked into the sky. At least, the sky will always be there for me to gaze upon when I'm scared. Maerad thought, putting her hands behind her neck and stretching.

Eventually, Hem woke up, and cheeringly broke his fast. He looked towards the Iron Tower after he ate and the smile immediately faded from his face. He did not linger upon the tower for long; he started to talk anxiously to Saliman and Cadvan, about what they planned to do.

"Well, we have both halves of the Treesong now, so I'm guessing you and Maerad will have to play it at sometime," Cadvan said hopelessly. Maerad laughed aloud. The group looked at her in confusion.

"What? I just think it's funny that we don't have any idea what we are doing," she said humorously.

Cadvan eyed her. "We never have any idea what we are doing Maerad. It's worked so far hasn't it?" He said, giving her his rare, brilliant smile.

"The army from Til Amon and Innail will be arriving very soon," Saliman spoke so suddenly everyone jumped, "That will distract Sharma. We'll have to get passed the Hulls first of all, I think we'd better send Irc to find a way in, if he's willing to go," Saliman finished, turning his head to the sleeping crow sitting on a low branch above them.

"No!" Hem shouted. "No. It's too dangerous. Irc will get hurt. He almost got killed last time he went there."

Saliman got up and sat beside Hem. "Hem, we will all have to face danger. Irc can handle himself," he said, nudging Hem playfully in the shoulder.

Hem gulped and nodded. He quietly woke Irc, placing him on his shoulder.

Good morning featherbrain. Irc greeted, ruffling his feathers.

Morning Irc. We need you to do something for us. Hem replied in the speech.

After Hem explained their plan, the bards dyed Irc's feathers black with charcoal that Saliman had brought along. He had known they might need it again. Irc did not ever like being turned to black. He was unique with his white feathers.

Goodbye Irc, please be careful. Please. Hem told Irc painfully as he rose him up in the air on his finger.

I will be fine. Remember, I am the King's Messenger. Irc said proudly. He launched himself off of Hem's finger and disappeared into the clouds.