“We’re not going to quit,” Jason said.

“I never really expected you to resign,” Ferrin sighed. “I just wish you would. Try not to resist when they come for you. They will kill you if you fight. Or you might kill yourselves, if you’re not careful with that orantium.”

“Thanks for the advice,” Rachel said bitterly.

“Don’t be so spiteful,” Ferrin said. “You should be flattered. Maldor rarely dispatches an observer. He has not shown this much interest in an adversary for several years.”

“We’re deeply honored,” Jason said dryly.

Ferrin folded his arms. “You’re from the Beyond. Why do you care about stopping Maldor anyway?”

Jason shrugged. “It just sounded like fun.”

“Be serious,” Ferrin said.

Jason paused, reflecting. “I don’t know. I came to Lyrian by accident. I found the stupid book by accident. Then I met Galloran, who explained about Maldor. Even after leaving him, I was still most interested in getting home.”

“Why not make that your focus?” Ferrin encouraged. “I might be able to help you there. This isn’t your world. This isn’t your battle.”

Jason frowned. “It’s becoming my battle. This might not be my world, but it’s a world. A whole world. Innocent people living in fear and having terrible things happen to them for no reason. Aster was killed, and Franny had her life ruined, just for being nice to me. Norval gave his life for me. The more I see of those who work for Maldor, and the more I see of the few people who try to go up against him, the more I realize this is truly good against evil. And good is losing. What if we can change that?”

“We have to try,” Rachel agreed firmly.

“Maybe you’re smart,” Ferrin mused.

“Why?” Jason asked.

“Well, if you had submitted too easily, Maldor might have lost respect for you.”

“That was a close one,” Rachel said. “We really crave his respect.”

“You think you’re joking. His respect may keep you alive. It’s your only hope.”

Jason sighed. “We’re running out of daylight.”

“You won’t get far,” Ferrin predicted sadly. “Maldor’s servants will fall upon you within a day. You’ll resist, but it will be a fruitless exercise. Be smart enough to accept the inevitable. Nobody can blame you for that. Otherwise, no matter what you do, you’ll shortly be killed or captured.”

“None of your business anymore,” Rachel said.

“I’ll always take an interest,” Ferrin asserted. “Where are you going?”

“Like we would tell you!” Jason huffed.

“Do you know where you’re going?”

Jason shrugged.

“Let me warn you. To the northwest the mountains become impassable. North and east of here lie the Sunken Lands. You need serious provisions if you’re headed that way. It’s swampland. There’s little drinkable water. South lies Trensicourt. Stay away from there. You’ll find scattered towns to the west. The westward wilderness holds certain perils, but a person could lose pursuers there, and you will find plenty of bubblefruit if you keep both eyes open.”

Ferrin opened a pouch, removing two silver pellets and two gold ones.

“I don’t want your money,” Jason said.

“Why not? I’m just returning a gift I didn’t deserve. This may be my last chance to help you. I am headed far away.”

Jason took the pellets.

“Take this crossbow too.” Ferrin held it out to Rachel.

She shouldered the weapon.

“Sure you don’t want to accept the invitation to the Eternal Feast?” Ferrin asked Jason. “I can probably exert some influence, get Rachel invited as well.”

“I don’t think so,” Jason said.

“I recommend it,” Ferrin urged. “I’ve been there. Harthenham isn’t a ruse. The reward is real. This isn’t your fight. Maldor might lose some respect for you if you quit, but at Harthenham that won’t matter.”

“We should get going,” Rachel said.

Ferrin held her gaze before responding. “Look, final offer: Jason, accept the invitation to the feast. I’ll take you there now, and I’ll guarantee Rachel gets invited too. They’ll call off the hunt. You won’t have to face Maldor, or anyone. Meanwhile I’ll try to find how you two can get back to the Beyond. I have reason to believe Maldor knows a way. He would never tell me, but I have a knack for digging up information. When I figure it out, I’ll come get you and send you home.”

Jason hesitated. He glanced at Rachel, who appeared thoughtful as well. The offer was tempting. A big part of what he had originally wanted was a way home. What if he could lounge in paradise until a way home was provided?

“You don’t want manglers and conscriptors to drag you off to prison,” Ferrin said. “That is going to happen before long if you walk away. I’m throwing you a lifeline. The scattered resisters who oppose Maldor won’t be able to help you get home. Be smart. This is a better offer than I would make for anyone.”

“I don’t trust you,” Rachel said.

“I’ll follow through,” Ferrin pledged, placing a hand over his heart. “I lied to earn your trust, but have I ever let you down? I’ve stood by you. Rachel, I know you want to see your parents. Don’t skip your only chance to get home.”

Rachel snapped. “Of course I want to see my parents!” Tears sprang to her eyes. “You can’t imagine how close we are! You have no clue. But Jason is right. If we might be able to save this world, how can we walk away? Too many people around here have given up! Galloran said heroes sacrifice for causes; they do the things that others hide from. I may not be some great hero, but I won’t hide from this. I could never live with myself.”

“Me neither,” Jason said, glad she was holding firm.

Ferrin shook his head. He picked up a rock and skipped it across Whitelake. He looked torn. When he spoke, he sounded sincere. “I might be able to understand this choice if you had any chance of succeeding. But you don’t. I am telling you the truth. You will be dead or captured by tomorrow. The invitation to Harthenham will be revoked. It only remains valid if you come in voluntarily.”

“No deal,” Jason maintained.

Ferrin nodded. “Suit yourselves. I will convey a favorable report to Maldor. I’m striking off to the south. I won’t be communicating with your pursuers. You should probably go into town for provisions, but be quick. Do not sleep there. Safe journey.”