Summary

In “Fidens Nighthand,” the companions realized Nighthand had gotten injured while fighting the karkadanns. Anja appeared and insisted Nighthand must see a female centaur if he wanted to survive. Irian offered to accompany him.

In “Dryads,” Christopher and Mal “sailed on to the dryads alone” (276). On the Island of Dryads, they met Erato, the dryad queen.

In “The Potion,” Erato fed Mal the potion. After Mal drank it, Christopher panicked that she was dying. Erato reassured him. Finally, Mal woke up crying. She told Christopher she would someday tell him everything she saw and heard while sleeping. Then they decided to head to the maze, as Mal now knew the way. Christopher offered to carry her because she was too weak to walk.

In “No Mortal Man Has Ever Returned,” Christopher carried Mal and Jacques flew alongside them. Finally...