The morning was a bustle of preparation as sendings laid out clothes, packed their bags so Ligir and Ennael could leave. The sending had lain out surcoats and armour for both Ligir and Ennael. Ennael recognised the surcoats she was given. It was red complete with both the gold towers of the royal line and the trowel of the Wallmakers. Ligir's surcoat bore the emblem of the key of the Abhorsen along with the stars of the Clayr. Ligir picked up his bell bandolier and buckled it across his chest. He checked that his sword was properly inserted into it's scabbard for easy removal. Ennael checked her sword and to make sure her set of pipes were in her pocket. Her Aunt Lirael had entrusted her with the panpipes when she was 10 years old. The pipes were meant for a young Abhorsen-In-Waiting until they were ready for the bells. Ligir was a fast learner so by ten he was already using the bells. Lirael had felt is necessary that Ennael had studied the ways of an Abhorsen even though she would never follow in her aunt's footsteps. Lirael had helped raise Ennael after her mother had died at the age of 6. Sameth, Ennael's father was grief stricken, and Lirael had helped bear the load.

The sendings had made sure Ligir and Ennael were fully packed with enough food to last them for three weeks, spare clothes, a sewing kit, and some blankets. Since Lirael had taken the Paperwing, Ligir and Ennael were to take the western stepping stones then head up to Roble's Town to buy some horses, continue on to High Bridge where they would cross the Ratterlin, then continue on to Belisaere. This would take about two weeks but they were left with no other choice. Before they left Ligir sent two message hawks, one to his mother and one to the Palace letting everyone know where they were and that they had so far made it safely into the Old Kingdom. Mogget followed the two to the stones then jumped into Ennael's bag.

"Are you coming with us?"

"Only to High Bridge. I have some other business to attend to."

Ennael chuckled, then the three crossed the stepping stones. It was a lot easier jumping from stone to stone the second time since it was daylight.

They arrived in Roble's Town by noonday. Horses were easy enough to obtain and they were on their way an hour later, being fed with salted pork the sendings had packed.

Unusually their death sense did not even twitch once from Roble's Town to High Bridge. They had reached High Bridge a week after they had crossed the wall.

"This is where I say goodbye and we shall meet again soon."

The white cat jumped down from his seat around Ennael's shoulders and darted into a nearby bush with a wave from both Ligir and Ennael.

"I haven't been to High Bridge in years." Ennael stood amazed as the pair headed towards the town that was built upon a bridge right over the Ratterlin.

"Yes it has been a while."

They stopped at a local inn for the night, then headed out at first dawn. They wanted to get to Belisaere as soon as possible. Both were anxious to see their families. They rode out into a clear morning. The birds were chattering as they rode on. They were two days from Orchyre when they sensed death. It was a small creature, no very powerful, but close. It was Ligir who noticed the Gore Crow sitting, watching them from a nearby tree, hidden in the shadows.