Menders differ from healers, as they are not bound by the same code of conduct.
Rhiannon hisses in disapproval at the sight of Jack Barlowe, who briefly smiles at the narrator before taking his seat.
The group expresses distrust and concern over Jack's presence, considering his past malice and questioning his current intentions.
Tairn advises the narrator to be wary of Jack at all times, stirring a mix of concern among the friends.
The narrator is resolved to remain vigilant, reflecting on past victories and improvements in combat skills as reassurance against the threat posed by Jack.
During a meeting, Professor Devera reports an unprecedented attack on a large outpost by three drifts—the details of the attack capturing the narrator's full attention.
The narrator experiences a surge of panic and concern for Mira and Xaden's well-being following the attack announcement.
The three riders who were not on patrol defended the outpost successfully, and while no riders were killed, one was severely injured.
The narrator is overwhelmed with fear and denial upon learning of the rider's injury, suspecting it could be Xaden due to Professor Devera's body language.
Overcome by urgency, the narrator abruptly leaves the briefing room to go to the injured rider, despite not being granted leave by Professor Markham.
Tairn mentally communicates with the narrator, both sharing a sense of urgency to head to the courtyard immediately.
When confronted by Bodhi while hastily departing, the narrator is provided with a flight jacket to protect against the cold during the flight to the outpost.
The narrator acknowledges Bodhi's help and leaves to join Tairn, driven by the need to reach the outpost as fast as possible.