After dinner, when they were settling in to sleep, Lynde wasn't tired. She wanted to use magic to heal Kaesdir, but Rose told her not to. It was wrong to let him die like this when they could do something to help him. She didn't know if it was because he was a fellow rider, or if she found him vaguely attractive, or it was simply on principle that she felt the need to help him. She was about to go do it when Rose said with her mind, Don't even think about it.

Lynde frowned as she was frustrated. We need to do this!

I don't care what your naïve ideals are about helping people, but you would be smart not to do this.

No! Without magical healing he could die!

And without it he could made a full recovery, Rose said. Your heart may be in the right place, but you need to consider before you do anything. What if the Riders are looking for him? They could arrive in the morning and he would be fine.

You don't know that, Lynde countered. It could be days before they realize he's missing. Besides, it's the right thing to do. I know this with all my heart.

Rose shook her head and lied down. Then you will have to do it without me.

Lynde went to Kaesdir and removed the bandage carefully and quietly in the hope that perhaps Haldthin was asleep and would remain asleep. Looking at the stab wound nearly made her throw up—she had no idea how her mother did this. She then set about her work, whispering a carefully considered healing spell. She wasn't very good at healing, so she might do more harm than good, but she hoped that she'd save his life.

The flesh healed well, but she wondered if there was any damage that she couldn't see. She had no way of knowing if it had been correctly done. She contacted Artsanna, which she dared not do with Haldthin around before, but now could be a matter of life and death. She had no idea what good it would do, but it was her only option. Artsanna?

Artsanna answered back in a joyous tone. Lynde! I thought you were lost! A Dragon landed nearby, and I think a Rider is with him.

Lynde had to explain to Artsanna what was going on before she could ask for help. Artsanna took it as well as could be expected, trying to hide her emotions from Lynde, but she knew that her friend was upset. After explaining Lynde asked, Is there any way of knowing if I did a good enough job?

Not until he awakens, but you did the best you could. Artsanna then disappeared, which Lynde lamented—she missed her friend.

Suddenly she heard Haldthin's voice in her head. He seemed pleased. Thank you, stranger. I and my Rider are indebted to you.

Lynde smiled. You're welcome.

If there is anything I can do for you, you may simply ask.

Well, if you could not tell the Queen's Magicians about us, I would consider it fair.

I would not. I would only consider the debt paid if you let me fly you to Surda.

Lynde was surprised. How did you know that was where we were going?

There is nothing but Surda south of Belatona, and the Riders do know that fugitive magicians are gathering in Surda from the Empire.

Well then I accept.

Lynde was the first one up, and was awfully pleased with herself for not just that but her actions the night before. She was having her breakfast when Rose awoke. She looked to Kaesdir and then to Lynde and was probably mystified by her smile. In between mouthfuls she explained Haldthin's offer, and Rose was surprised to say the least.

Rose looked to the Dragon whose wing they were under and then looked to Lynde. "So he actually wants to help?" she said. "That's a first."

"He seemed really sincere about it," Lynde noted before taking a bite of bread. After she swallowed she continued. "Honestly I think if we were more willing to help each other we'd all get along better, like now."

Rose looked to Kaesdir again. "When do you think he'll wake up?" she asked.

Lynde shrugged. "Could be any moment now."

Rose took the bloodied bandage and did some things rather odd with it. She sniffed it, spoke spells over it, and even licked it—spitting soon after—much to the disgust of Lynde. She turned to Lynde and said, "Whatever hurt him was dipped in a poison designed to weaken him, specifically Elves. This wasn't a spur of the moment thing; whoever did this had a plan."

Yes, Haldthin said. There was an assassin in Belatona. He was traveling with traders from Surda. I hope that he was alone in his actions, but I do wonder where he acquired the poison, and how you know of it.

Rose looked nervous. "I was taught such things as part of my training," Rose explained. "I was a ranger of the northern woods."

Du Weldenvarden?

"No, different woods," Rose corrected.

"Stop being so loud," Arlen mumbled as he stirred in his sleep.

Rose kicked him in the stomach and he groaned. "Get up," she said.

"Fine," Arlen said getting up from the covers. "How is the Rider?"

"Well," Rose said. "Lynde healed him."

Arlen looked at Lynde suspiciously. "Haldthin was grateful enough not only to keep quiet about us, but also to take us south of the border."

Arlen looked surprised. "Well, I guess that all worked out."

Lynde nodded and continued eating. It was only after she finished that her father woke up, and eventually they got underway. They supposed that Kaesdir was well enough to be moved, so they strapped him tightly to Haldthin's saddle. Haldthin advised that they did the same to themselves as a precaution. They were about to go when her father drew her aside.

He had a proud look on his face. "You did the right thing, Lynde," he said. "I hoped you would. I'm very proud of you."

"Thanks," Lynde said as she smiled and hugged him tightly.

They climbed up a rope ladder onto Haldthin's back, and got ready to take off. Lynde was farther back with Kaesdir, making sure he wouldn't get out of the ropes. Once Lynde and the others had tied ropes to their waists, Haldthin took off. The shock of the takeoff was a little jarring, but Lynde got used to it. Once they were up they steadied and made for the border.

Artsanna contacted her shortly. Lynde, what is going on?

Haldthin offered to fly us to Surda since I healed his Rider.

Artsanna understood. I will follow you, out of sight, if I can.

I know you can.

They made unusually good time, and got within sight of Feinster a little after midday. It was also then that Kaesdir awoke. He looked around nervously, but Lynde tried to calm him. "Don't worry, you're healed—I did that. You're with Haldthin and my friends."

Oddly enough, Kaesdir seemed to be sniffing the air. "We're flying," he observed.

"Yeah," Rose said. "Great observation, Rider."

When Kaesdir looked over to Rose, Arlen was in the way. For some reason, after he looked at them he had a looked of realization. Suddenly, Haldthin flipped over and Lynde and her companions fell.