He didn't argue with her. "So, why do you want to go to the sorceress?"

Jennsen pushed her hands under her cloak, under her arms, to warm them. She gazed down toward the dark road to Lathea's place, at the feathery canopy of bare branches moving in the wind. Some of the limbs creaked and groaned as they rubbed together.

"I even ran from Lathea, earlier. I don't know why Lord Rahl is chasing me, but she does. I was afraid to insist she tell me. I was going to travel all the way to the People's Palace in order to find her sister, Althea, hoping that maybe as I stand meekly before her door she might deign to tell me, to help me.

"What if she doesn't? What if she, too, dismisses me? Then what? What greater danger could there be than for me to go there, to the People's Palace? And for what? The hollow hope that someone will finally volunteer to stoop to help a solitary woman hunted by the mighty force of a nation led by the murderous bastard son of a monster?

"Don't you see? If I would stop taking 'no' for an answer, and insist Lathea tell me, then maybe I could save a dangerous journey to the even more dangerous heart of D'Hara, and leave, instead. For the first time in my life, I could be free, then. But I was about to throw away that chance because I was afraid of Lathea, too. I'm sick to death of being afraid."

In the dim light, he stood considering their options.

"So, let's just leave. Let me take you away from D'Hara, if that's what you want."

"No. Not until I find out why Lord Rahl wants to kill me."

"Jennsen, what difference does it make if-"

"No!" Her fists tightened. "Not until I find out first why my mother had to die!"

She could feel bitter tears turning icy cold as they ran down her cheeks.

Finally, Sebastian nodded. "I understand. Let's go see Lathea. I'll help you get an answer from her. Maybe then you'll let me take you away from D'Hara, to where you will be safe."

She brushed back the tears. "Thank you, Sebastian. But, don't you have some kind of job to do, here? I can't let my problems get in your way any longer. This is my trouble. You must live your own life."

He smiled then. "Our people's spiritual guide, Brother Narev, says that our most important job in this life is helping those who need help."

Such a sentiment lifted her spirits when she didn't think they could be lifted. "He sounds like a wonderful man."

"He is."

"But you are still on a duty from your leader, Jagang the Just, aren't you?"

"Brother Narev is also a close friend and spiritual guide to Emperor Jagang. Both men would want me to help you, I know they would. After all, the Lord Rahl is our enemy, too. Lord Rahl has caused our people untold hardship. Both men, Brother Narev and Emperor Jagang, would insist I help you. That's the truth of it."

She was choked with emotion, and couldn't speak. She let him put his arm around her waist and lead her down the road. Sharing the quiet darkness with him, Jennsen listened to the soft sound of their boots crunching through the hard crust of snow.

Lathea had to help her. Jennsen intended to see to it.