"Thank you," the stranger says as Mathea shuts the door of her cottage behind them. "It appears I am in your debt." "Think nothing of it. I apologise on behalf of Maesfell. Especially since your journey might have been in vain." "Why is that?" "The seminary was raided last night," she says. "They took the sage, of course, and some books. And three acolytes, including my daughter." "That explains it," the stranger says, looking down at the odd little creature that followed him in. Mathea can't make head nor tail of his comment. "Sorry?" "It is not important."