Chapter 7 Summary

Kris and Talia bring everything into the Waystation, including their animals. When Kris mentions that Kerithwyn told him Talia's Gift is out of control, he expects anger or denial but not the suicidal despair and killing rage that affects him and the Companions. Kris slams Talia into the wall, and she collapses into sobs. He cuddles with her in bed for warmth and realizes his fault in telling her the rumors and shattering her already fragile self-esteem. He shares a bottle of spirits of wine, the standard cure for sensitivity, with Talia, but when he intends to give her a brotherly kiss, it does not stay brotherly. They yield to their mutual desire, and Kris is surprised to find that Talia is a virgin. They sleep together because it is warmer, and Tantris wakes Kris when the Companions and chirras need to go...