Chapter Twenty-Six

Summary

• 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.