Lyra's mood fluctuated over the next weeks, but she never got so unreasonable that Vai would have to obey Bryn's orders. Although he never voiced his question, Lyra sensed it and only said that she would be free of Bryn's cage for good soon anyway.

Vai accepted the cryptic answer and the two entertained themselves with love making and Lyra's pursuit of Vai's education. Annoyed with the doctor, she'd started teaching Vai how to tend to wounds himself. His squeamish nature amused her and he determinedly overcame it as he realized now how likely it was that Lyra would continue to return to him injured.

He learned basic first aid and as the days dragged out she taught him the art of herbs and poultices, her boredom turning her mind back to her childhood studies. She seemed to find some semblance of happiness diving back into her old sketchbooks and notes. Vai carefully learned all he could, already planning how he would stock up and begin brewing during her next journey away.

When Lyra was well enough to walk about slowly, Bryn left the estate. When Lyra found out she grinned and sat at her desk. "Vai, go to the Jarl's manor and invite Harold to come see me. See him to my room."

Vai bowed and left praying that Lyra wouldn't leave her chambers. If he came back to an empty room he'd be dead; but she'd stayed so far and Vai had already decided he would obey Lyra and accept the consequences.

He had never been to the Jarl's manor and was a bit nervous on how to make the request. However, he had been at the estate long enough to know a general layout of the town and where the manor was. Nearing the door to Hjor, he was stopped by Ulris.

"Shouldn't you be with Lady Lyra?" The old man asked, eying Vai suspiciously.

Vai bowed respectfully. "My mistress has sent me to fetch Harold from the Jarl's manor. She wishes to speak with him in her chambers."

Ulris tutted but stepped aside. "Tell the Jarl's chamberlain you have a message for Harold from Lyra Byrndotter and he should come running. The chamberlain should be in the waiting room, tall man, red robes."

Thanking Ulris, Vai made his way to the manor, ignoring the stares he got from the villagers. With slight hesitation, he opened the door between the two guards and entered a long room with benches lining the walls. A few people sat on the benches and looked up to eye him as he came in. An older man in a red robe was talking with a messenger who looked exhausted.

"I'll get it to him right away. Now go rest from a job well done," the chamberlain said, taking a scroll from the messenger. He tucked it in his robe and looked up, his eyebrows raising a Vai's appearance. "Now what is an Aryi doing here?"

Vai bowed. "I have a message for Harold from Lyra Bryndotter."

The men went pale and nodded. "Oh! I will fetch him at once, please wait here."

Taking a seat on one of the empty benches, Vai only had to wait a few minutes before the door opened again and the chamberlain reappeared, beckoning Vai into the house. "The Jarl's son will see you now."

“Jarl's son? What did Lyra want with the Jarl's son?” Vai wondered absently as he was escorted to a small office. Harold, a tall handsome man in his early thirties stood nervously when Vai came in.

Vai bowed low. "My mistress requests you meet her at the estate at once."

Harold breathed in deeply and closed his eyes. With a strained voice he asked, "Did she...indicate...the nature of this meeting?"

Vai, still bowing, answered, "I was not told anything other than she wishes to speak with you."

When Harold didn't answer, Vai straightened. The man had his hands clenched behind his back and was staring at Vai with fear. Finally, he spoke again, slowly, "Who are you exactly? It is rare to see an Aryi this deep in Valhym."

The Jarl’s son was stalling. Vai frowned but answered, "I am a slave of Lady Lyra. Shall I return with a refusal?"

"No! No," Harold answered quickly. "Nygil, inform my father of my meeting."

The chamberlain bowed and left. Harold rounded the desk. "Alright, let's go."

The two walked out of the manor and through the streets to the estate. Harold hid his fear much better now they were in public walking confidently and with purpose until they reached Lyra's room. Harold's hands went behind his back again and Vai opened the door.

"I've brought him as requested," Vai announced and was relieved to see Lyra exactly where he'd left her. The only change was another chair had been retrieved and set a few feet from her. She gestured to the chair, smiling and enjoying Harold's discomfort. The Jarl's son sat down.

"You look good, Harold. How's your father?"

"Quite well." Harold's voice was tight.

Lyra sighed. "Mine too, unfortunately." Harold shifted uncomfortably. "We had a bit of a disagreement, the Bear and I, and I need a favor."

"Lyra, I—" Harold began desperately but Lyra interrupted in a light tone.

"It's nothing dangerous. I just need you to collect some letters for me. I'm expecting some mail and due to unfortunate circumstances, it would be better to have them delivered to me...indirectly. So I told my people to send any communications to you."

Harold gripped the seat of the chair, knuckles white, as Lyra continued, "So you collect the letters, come visit me, and I'll give you any response. Nothing to it."

Harold licked his dry lips. "Surely you could have a servant do this."

Lyra gave him a meaningful look and leaned forward. "Oh, but Harold, I needed someone I could trust. Someone who wouldn't sell me out."

Harold's eyes narrowed and he snapped, "Enough games Lyra. I won't defy your father and you know it. If this would in any way upset him then you can forget about it."

She stood slowly and lifted her shirt, revealing the heavy bandages. "Somebody tried to have me killed. Cut me open like a fish. Revel in the thought if you'd like, but understand what it means. It was a planned and coordinated attack. Someone knows who we are, what our plans are, and very possible who's sheltering us. It's only a matter of time until an attack on Hjor. Bryn and Fenrin are supposedly investigating but you know and I know that they're not the right people to find the answers. My father has...detained me until my recovery but my eyes and ears are throughout Valhym. Help me find who did this before they find us."

She stepped forward and patted Harold's cheek. "All you have to do is receive the messages and their carriers. Look, how about this? Light two lanterns in your window when there's news and Vai will come collect. You won't even have to run through town like a common courier."

Harold followed her gesture to Vai and swallowed. He glanced at Lyra's side, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "May I ask where the attack happened?"

"Between Rivertown and Stonemeadow."

"So close..." Harold stood. "Very well. I will do it on one condition." Lyra's eyes narrowed but her smile didn't waver. "Send...Vai...to alert me when your father returns."

"Done." Lyra stuck out a hand good naturedly and Harold took it like it was a snake. As soon as he pulled away, he left with a nod.