Chapter 6 Summary

There is little of note in the villages on the way to the Border, and Talia continues to be silent and withdrawn. Kris cannot account for her nerves, especially since Rolan also seems unusually on edge. Feeling that she is falling to pieces bit by bit, Talia's unhappiness plagues her by the time they reach Hevenbeck near the Border. Due to concern over Elspeth's most recent message, Talia pays scant attention to the petitioners before her. When an older, rich couple accuses their young sewing maid of stealing and eating their poultry, Talia, disturbed by the girl's gaze, says they have no proof, but Kris commands her to cast a Truth Spell which causes the girl to rage about sacrificing the birds to exact her revenge on her employers. When Talia reaches out in self-defense and puts the girl to sleep, Kris and...