Arlen observed as Rose and Lynde walked to the keep's gate. Around them, Artsanna and Haldthin had drawn a crowd with their appearance in the sky, following their path to where they and Kaesdir awaited the others. When the gate opened, a man in fine clothes who couldn't have been less than forty walked to the line of Rose, Lynde, and Kaesdir, with Arlen and Herbst between them and the crowd, flanked by Artsanna and Haldthin. This might be considered an historic or legendary event, or it could just be the most interesting day of the week for those assembled.

The man spoke to them. "Welcome, Riders," he said. "I am Lord Beathan, Master of Feinster. I would ask you your names, but I know them already, so instead I ask why do you choose to visit my city and home?"

Kaesdir stepped forward. "We come for we wish to speak on ground that would be safe for both sides, and your home happened to be the only one in the area."

Lord Beathan bowed and said, "Of course. I give it to you freely. Though I would ask that the Dragons remain here, as the last time a Dragon was here it made quite a mess of the place. It took a month to make all the repairs."

Kaesdir nodded. "We will honor your request."

While Arlen didn't know if Haldthin was opposed to the idea, Artsanna didn't like the idea of it much. They had to convince her that it would be awfully cramped in there and that she should rest for now. Very well, she said. But I won't sleep with this crowd around—they make me nervous.

Lord Beathan led them through the gate and courtyard into the stone halls of the keep, and finally to a room where they could talk. However, Kaesdir stopped Arlen and Herbst saying, "This is not for you to hear."

"I am her father!" Herbst objected. "I deserve to hear this out."

Kaesdir looked to Lynde. "Are you a full adult by the standards of your people?" he asked.

"Yes, but I want them in here as well," Lynde said. "My father should know what happens, and I value Arlen's advice. Really I would want Rose to leave."

Rose was obviously surprised by that. "Why?" she asked.

"You no longer control my fate," Lynde said defiantly. "I will choose what I do, not you."

"Impertinent girl!" Rose said angrily. "I taught you everything you know!"

"Not everything," Lynde replied. As Rose was about to say something, Lynde cut her off. "Leave."

Rose sneered and left in a huff. Arlen was surprised that she gave up so easily, or that Lynde would stand up to her like that. He also wondered what prompted all that, but was silent and went into the room.

The room was lavish with furniture that looked like only a rich man could afford it. The place reminded him of the entrance hall of Magicians' tower in Gil'ead, only richer. Kaesdir gestured and told them—perhaps not told, but it sounded like it—to sit on what he called a "sofa" and Arlen obeyed. He really felt out of place here.

Once they were seated, Kaesdir spoke. "So, are you ready to join the Riders?"

"No," Lynde said.

Kaesdir was taken aback. "Why?"

"I don't want to be a member of your Riders," Lynde said. "Is that so hard to understand?"

After a slight pause Kaesdir said, "Well, yes. You have been on your own for many months, over half a year if I'm not mistaken. Wouldn't you rather be with us than on your own?"

"I am not alone," Lynde replied. "I have Rose and Arlen, and my father, and most of all Artsanna. We don't need you."

"You do," Kaesdir said, "more than you know." He took out a wanted poster of Lynde. "Have you seen this?"

"Yes."

"Well, we didn't put them out. We don't know who did." That was interesting to note. Arlen wondered if the Riders didn't post them, then who did? "It is not only our guidance you need, but our protection."

"We can deal with any bounty hunters that come our way," Lynde replied.

"Well if that's the way you feel about it," Kaesdir said, "then I will honor that request. Know this though: Haldthin and I are a Rider and Dragon with honor, but there are those without. Some may try to steal you away in your sleep, drugging and binding you to take to Alaric or Eragon. I do not know if either of them would approve of such methods, or accept force you to join under the circumstances, but I would be wary all the same."

Herbst scoffed. "You're not the best liar are you?"

"Elves don't lie," Lynde said. "Rose told me so."

"But she didn't tell us she was an Elf until after she ripped the head off an Urgal by the horns," Arlen noted. "Of course, she probably had her reasons."

As they talked Kaesdir seemed to have put on his face a look of horror. "She decapitated an Urgal?"

"I guess," Lynde said. "Did she?"

"Yes, that's what that means," Arlen said, surprised she didn't know the word. Of course, perhaps it was odd that he knew that word, but he had no way of knowing.

"Well she is an odd one then," Kaesdir said. "I've never seen an Elf so brutally dispatch an opponent!"

"Kaesdir, did you know Rose as Lilyon?" Arlen asked.

"No," Kaesdir said. "In fact I don't believe I've heard that name before. Why?"

"Because I've been wondering how you recognized us," Arlen said.

"It was because of you."

Arlen was very surprised with that. "How?"

"Your sword, Mor'ranr," Kaesdir said. "I know your name because you took my father's sword back from that Shade."

"Your father wielded Mor'ranr?" Arlen said, very interested.

"Yes, my father was Kitharvie," Kaesdir said.

"Then do you want it back?" Arlen asked cautiously. He hoped his tone didn't make it seem like he was offering it since he really didn't want to give it up, as it was a very good sword. The only reason he asked was to see what his intentions were.

"No, it belongs to you now," Kaesdir said. He grasped the hilt of his sword, causing Arlen to draw towards his own. "My sword suits me better anyway." Apparently Kaesdir didn't want to fight, as his hand fell away after he said so.

"Do you know how it got into Tyra's hands?" Arlen asked.

"Yes," Kaesdir said. "You see, my father had an apprentice that he gave the sword to. After him it was passed to his apprentice, who fought in one of your wars with the Urgals. During which, he fell in love with a healer-sorceress. She would summon a Spirit to power her healing spells. During a battle the warrior was mortally wounded in battle, but the healer tried her best to heal him. She became convinced that the problem was that she didn't have enough power, so she summoned a second spirit, and the two managed to overpower her, turning her into Tyra. The warrior died of his wounds, and Tyra took the sword." That explained things. "Though we seem to have gotten off topic."

"I will not join the Riders and that is my decision," Lynde said. "But I may change my mind at some time."

"Well, I will be ready if you do," Kaesdir said as he stood. He then bowed and said goodbye.

As he left, Arlen turned to Lynde. "Are you having second thoughts?" he asked.

"Well, yes," Lynde replied. "Rose may have convinced me of some things that weren't right. I want to consider things a bit more, but I might just join the Riders."

Suddenly, Lord Beathan came into the room. He had a scroll in his hands with a seal on it. "Lynde, I would like to pass this message on to you from King Orrin himself," he said. "I was given instruction not to read it but to give it to you in the even that you come here, and to give you my full cooperation once you read it to accomplish whatever is written on it."

He handed it to Lynde, who handed it to Herbst, since she couldn't read. But to his surprise, Herbst gave it to him. Arlen, realizing how serious their illiteracy was, broke the seal and read what it kept secret to others. The contents were very serious.

To Lynde the rogue Dragon Rider

I ask for your presence in Aberon, the capital of Surda. I wish to hide you from the Empire here, and to ask your help in a cause that I think you would find just: the independence of Surda from the Empire, creating a safe haven for magicians persecuted by the Empire. I know it may be difficult to comprehend, but please come to Aberon as soon as possible. Lord Beathan will give you anything you need, though I would send to you the largest ship in Surdan waters if I must. You may refuse, but I think both of us, and many others, would be benefited by this meeting.

Sincerely, King Orrin of Surda

After Arlen read all that to them, Lynde was very surprised. "Why does he want me?" she wondered aloud.

"You're a Rider," Rose pointed out from the doorway. "Whatever side has you on it may claim to be legitimate, even though you're not with the order. It doesn't make much sense, but that's the way it is ever since the Varden won their war."

Arlen found it just a little too unlikely. "If your opinion clashes with that of the Riders', then it won't be much good on paper. The only way he'd get his wish of independence is to fight a war, and declaring war on the Empire would be foolhardy at best unless he wants to fight the Elves, the Dwarves, and the Urgals too."

"He might have a plan, but then again maybe not," Herbst said. "It's your choice Lynde."

Lynde her hand to her temples and said, "I need time to think about this. I'm sorry but I don't want to be rash."

"Alright," Herbst said. "Take your time."

"No rush," Rose said. "Just remember that the fate of an entire nation may depend on your choice." Lynde frowned. That was not the best thing to say to someone with an important decision to make, but it might put things into perspective for Lynde. Arlen knew that Lynde wasn't used to this kind of power, so it could be a long time before she made a decision.