When Karsten accepted the role of Steadfast, he knew not that he would get saddled with a stubborn, angry, young woman whom he could trust not with his life nor the secret of his mission.

Arialla so desired to escape Kellok's Crossing that she accepted a man she believed both without honour and a coward. Yea, and superstitious, for who but a child believed in Lehr Cats, Woodsies and sorcery?