Bensiabel overhears Noita's words, and scours the book of magic for any mention of the witch called Rhia. That night, after he is sure his mother is asleep, he gently taps on the wall between his and Prunella's rooms.
"Prunella!" he whispers, thinking for perhaps the thousandth time how lucky he is that he was able to overcome his mother's powers and appear to Prunella. "Are you awake?" After a moment, he hears her hushed reply. "I need to tell you something important about your trial tomorrow. Will you allow me to enter your room?" he asks.
"Yes." she whispers back. Carefully, Bensiabel leaves his room and Prunella opens her door to greet him. He comes in and closes the door behind him. His breath catches as he looks up at his love. A ray of moonlight from the window shines on her delicate pale skin. Her hair is unbound and falls around her like a cloak. Her eyes seem to glow in the darkness. She has never looked more beautiful to him.
"Prunella, you must be very cautious and on your guard tomorrow when my mother sends you to Rhia's realm. She is very old, and probably cannot hurt you physically, but she has slaves and enchanted objects at her command. However, I believe there is a way to keep them from attacking you."
"How?" Prunella asks.
Without thinking, Bensiabel suddenly takes her hand. She gasps, but doesn't pull away. His heart races as he realizes what he has just done. Her skin is so warm, so smooth, so soft, it almost makes him want to cry. He looks into her eyes and says passionately, "Prunella, I will tell you what you must do to survive, if you will only give me one kiss."
Prunella's hand slips out of his, and she shakes her head. "No, Bensiabel. You know I cannot kiss the son of a witch." Tears slip down her cheeks. Bensiabel is close to weeping, but he holds back his tears. He wants to yell and scream, to demand of her what it is he must do to prove that he is not just his mother's son, that he is not evil, that he is a good person. He wants to hold her in his arms, to make her feel loved and safe, to make up for all the years of pain.
Finally he sighs. "My mother will ask what you will require for the test. Tell her that you need a can of oil, a slab of meat, a length of rope, and a broom. You will figure out what to do with them when you arrive. When you find the orb you require, take it as quickly as you can, and run away. If you do as I have told you, you will survive."
"Oh, Bensiabel, thank you so much for all you have done for me." Prunella weeps. Bensiabel only gives her a sad smile, then returns to his bedroom to get some rest.
The next morning, Prunella is awakened by Noita's cries. She descends the staircase and approaches the old crone. "Now, it's time for yer third test. I hope yer ready fer it." she says. Prunella nods. "Is there anything ya need fer the theft?"
"Yes. I need..." Prunella pretends to think hard, but she only recites the list that Bensiabel has given her. "I need a can of oil...and, let's see...a slab of meat. A length of rope would probably help. Oh yes, and a broom."
Noita nods. "Then go fetch them, you little wench, and quickly!" She sends Prunella on her way with a hard push. Prunella gathers the things she needs from the kitchen: a large piece of salted pork and an old broom. These she puts in a basket. Next, she goes outside to retrieve a can of oil and a coil of rope. When she is out of Noita's sight, Bensiabel appears to her.
"Bensiabel!" she gasps. "What are you doing here? Have I forgotten something?"
"No," he says. "I only wanted to wish you luck, and give you this." He hands her a small cloth bag tied with a string. She opens it up to see it is full of pungent leaves and herbs.
"What is this?" she asks, a curious and suspicious look on her face.
"It is a magic charm to help protect you from Rhia." Bensiabel explains.
"Magic? Bensiabel, I can't take this." Prunella replies, shaking her head. "Magic is evil."
"But Prunella, I fear for your life. Besides, how can this magic be evil if it is protecting a person as innocent and good as you are?" Prunella pauses to think it over.
"All right, I'll take it." she says reluctantly. "Perhaps...maybe-"
"PRUNELLA! Git goin'! We don't have all day!" Noita shrieks from the house, interrupting her. Prunella whips around to call back.
"Yes, Noita!" She turns back to Bensiabel, but he has disappeared. Clutching the pouch to her chest, she collects the rope and oil that she needs. She hides the charm in a pocket on her dress, then returns to the house. Noita is displeased that she has taken so long, and slaps her. Prunella blinks back tears.
"Stop yer whining, brat. It's time fer ya to go." Prunella gathers her things. "I'm calling ya back in fifteen minutes." Noita says. "If ya ain't got the orb when ya come back, I'm gonna beat ya to death." Prunella stands still as Noita waves her arms and mutters under her breath. She starts to feel dizzy, and closes her eyes.