Chapter 5 Summary

After two silent days, the pair nears the port city. Birle knows she must leave Orien here, but she tries to delay the inevitable. He will continue by land, circling around the port city, while Birle returns the boat to the inn. Birle suggests that she catch fish for him first. Then, she suggests he enjoy a bath. After all, he doesn't know how long it will be before his next bath. Orien agrees. After dinner, Orien rises and says that he must go on alone. Birle argues that she knows the forest paths better, and he should take her. Orien finally agrees with one proviso. Birle must promise that whenever Orien sends her back, she will go home without argument.

The two make their way through the forest on a small cart path, avoiding the wide road traveled by trading caravans. Orien...