Set 7 years after Inkdeath. Hearing of Doria's death when an invention went wrong, when he returned to Doria's village Farid decided to visit Meggie. He heard how she lived by herself after Doria's death in an invention gone wrong.

He opened the gate, and a small boy was on his way out. "Who are you?" he asked, "Farid," he replied.

"Mo! A weird dark skinned boy is here, he says his name is Farid!" he cried out.

"Farid?" Meggie was amazed, "His name is Farid, oh my god. He's back!" Picking up the skirts of her dress she ran to the small garden in front of her house. "You go home Joseph, I'll take care of this," Meggie said. 'His name is Joseph, is he's Meggie's son?' Farid thought.

"Farid, your back!" Farid thought Meggie's voice has gotten even more beautiful over time and seeing her stirred up old feelings in him. "Yes, I am. Who was that your son?" he asked. He saw how Meggie blushed and his heart raced. "No, that is my little brother Joseph. If you remember Resa was pregnant when you left."

"I do," he said. 'He looks too old to be Meggie's son' he thought.

"Why don't you come in?" she said.

Meggie asked Farid about his travels and they talked for many hours. Once his story had been told they sat there in silence.

"Meggie, I'm so sorry about Doria." Farid finally said.

"Ah yes… Doria," she said, "I told him not to invent a gun. I warned him about the dangers, but since when did men ever listen?"

Once again that awkward silence.

"Well, I must be going. Its late."

"Wait Farid! Where will you stay? Stay with me in the spare room" she said.

"If you are sure…" But inside he was secretly pleased.