Surprisingly, Halt was able to make the short sea journey with no instance of seasickness, and now that they were on land again Will had the feeling that something wasn't quite right about his mentor. There were times when he actually seemed tired, or distracted by something that Will could not sense. Will stared intently at him as Halt rubbed his eyes and neck. When their eyes would meet Halt would look away, feigning a yawn and quickly mumble something about sleeping on the ground

Horace noticed the silent exchange and asked Will to help him find some water to fill their water skins. When they were far enough away from Halt to speak without being overheard, Horrace stopped for a moment. "Will," He began, not sure how to tell his old friend of news that would give him reason to be even more depressed. "How much have you seen Halt lately?"

"I don't know, at least once a week. Why" Will couldn't see where that would matter.

Horrace gripped the young ranger's shoulder. "Halt has been avoiding telling you something." At that, Will looked perplexed. Halt had never avoided telling him anything before. "He is losing his sight, Will. That was the reason he didn't want you to leave with Alyss. He was afraid that something might happen that would require him to have to tell people that he couldn't fill your absence. Only a few people know."

Will sat down right where he was. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Nothing could make Halt afraid. He could do anything. He would conquer this, like he did everything else.

"How...When did you find out? Why wouldn't he tell me?" Will put his head in his hands and tried not to give in to the despair that was trying to claim him.

"I found out when he came to meet with Crowley. They told me so that I could help Halt if he were unable to return to Redmont for some reason."

What reason? Like maybe if he became totally blind all of the sudden, Will thought. He couldn't hide the hurt that he felt at not being told that his friend was suffering. He couldn't find words to say, so he filled the water skins and returned with Horrace to where Halt was waiting with the horses.

"Took you long enough." Halt grunted. "I thought you two decided to go on without me."

"Sorry Halt. Just wanted to find a clean spot." Will handed Halt his skin and took up Tugs reins. "We should get going."

Halt rolled his eyes. "So glad we have your permission."

The party of Galicans had a camp set up just over the next rise from where they had set up their trap. They took their captives there and it became obvious to Alyss that this had been planned for some time. A seperate tent had been set up next to the Galicans' to house the Araluen party. As she had this thought, she found herself being ushered forward to enter the darkness of a tent she would be sharing with her guards as well as her interpreter. At least she wouldn't be alone in her misery.

Alyss woke to find that despite the fact that she had been sleeping on the cold, hard ground, she felt ready to face the day. It was a hazy, cloud-covered day, with a dim disc of light rising in the east. As she looked around at her surroundings, she saw that the Galicans were already awake, and watching her. She hadn't paid attention to the fact that none of them were much older than herself. These men couldn't be the barons that had been causing such trouble.

She was paying careful attention to one man in particular. He seemed to be the one in charge of the group. He carried himself with an air of dignity, and yet he didn't hold himself to be more important than the other men there. Noticing that Alyss was awake, he approached her with a plate that held her breakfast. They were going to feed her at least.

"I trust you will take care of my men as well?" She accepted the meal and studied the handsome face in front of her.

"I've no intention of causing anyone harm," he said, "unless there is need. There won't be any need, will there?"

"We will cooperate, I assure you."