I drew in a long slow breath, understanding all at once why the Stormdancer had to return to the Norselands so soon. Indeed, Oma would be cutting it very fine to cross to Herder Isle, make final preparations for the journey and then return in so few days, especially given the weather. The news also explained why Brydda had ridden up in such haste. Aside from letting me know about the change in timing of the expedition, he would want to spend some time with his mother and father before departing on what would be a long and perilous journey. The only puzzling thing was why he had not told me about the overguardian’s pronouncement at once. Of course he had no idea I meant to go along on the journey, but there was still an immense amount to be done in a very short time if all of the supplies we had promised were to be readied for transport to the coast. And we had yet to make a final list of those who would travel with the ships, and then outfit them.

And what of Dragon and Maruman and the statue in Saithwold I needed to see, not to mention the fact that I had to find Cassandra’s key?

Trying to quell a growing sense of panic, I glanced across the crowded kitchen to one of the large windows. To my surprise, the rain had ceased and dawn was breaking in the form of a few weak beams of pink-gold light glistening on a sodden creeper growing up a kitchen garden wall. It was still too early to wake the whole of Obernewtyn and announce the news, but I farsent to Ceirwan that as soon as the first bell for normal firstmeal rang, he must send messages to each guildmaster to explain what Zarak had just told us and to announce that there would be a guildmerge concerning the expedition before the end of the day. Everyone would need time to make their preparations. It was too late for Garth to be summoned up from the White Valley, but that could not be helped. Ceirwan farsent back that he would talk to Javo and Alad, since we might as well begin sending down the supplies we had amassed immediately. Then I thought of the research Sarn, Wila and Tomash were doing about the Red Land and reminded Ceirwan that they had better be warned about the change of plans too. I made up my mind that I would scribe a letter to Rushton immediately and have one of the coercer-knights ride down before the day ended to let him know Dragon’s identity and to prompt him to order a search for her. I might just as well scribe that I meant to travel with Dragon to the Red Land and be done with it. I would make a point of mentioning that Maryon had foreseen both of us in the Red Land.