Uprooted

Content Warning: This section includes discussion of graphic violence, death, death by suicide, and animal death.

As the group rides toward the Wood, Marek’s soldiers laugh and joke: They are not from the valley and do not understand the danger. The Dragon and Agnieszka place protection spells on the soldiers and themselves. The Falcon ignores the soldiers, only placing spells on himself and Marek. The Dragon warns Agnieszka that these precautions will slow but not prevent corruption. He has left a store of purging potions in the village of Zatochek, on the edge of the Wood, for the few who survive the mission.

They enter the Wood, following the Spindle River. Kasia says it feels as if she merely dreamed that she escaped. When the group stops to rest, the Dragon speaks to Kasia alone. Meanwhile, the Falcon approaches Agnieszka, remarking that her power impressed him. He says that the Dragon should never have kept her hidden away in the tower; he should have sent her to Kralia, where she would be well-received. Witches and wizards with true power are rare. He offers to partner with her, as she has with the Dragon. Agnieszka senses his hunger for power and rebuffs the offer.