"Are you sure this is the way to your village Garalt?"  Alyia looked about.
    "No."
    "No?  Are you all right?  Do you not know the way home?"
    "I know the way just fine, but we aren't going to my village, not just yet."
    "Where are we going, Garalt?" Tundrock looked over at the young knight.
    "We're going to visit Mala and to make sure that man that came out of the portal hasn't given her any problems."
    "You're so sweet Garalt," Alyia giggled.
    They walked into the night, and made camp on the open plains.   Sleep didn't come easy to Garalt, his body still sore from his wounds.   He spent the night watching Alyia sleeping, listening to her breathing.  She seemed so at peace while she slept, as if nothing about the troubles in their world weighed anything on her shoulders.  Oh to have that kind of feelings again he thought.

    They got an early start the next morning, and before noon, the group had reached Mala's modest cottage.  It was well kept, several beds of flowers surrounded the building, and the windows and doors seemed to be kept in good repair.
    "Greetings travelers!" Mala welcomed the group approaching her door, "Do you seek medical treatment of some kind?"
    "No Madam, I've merely come here to confirm your safety," Garalt smiled slightly, trying not to look too obvious that he was staying on his feet only through the help of his cane.
    "My safety?  Why whatever do you mean?"
    "I overheard some dangerous men talking about forcibly obtaining your services to aide them in whatever it is they wish to do here in Kahlan."
    "The man they sent here didn't by chance hold two large axes, did he?"
    "Why.... yes he did," Garalt looked at Alyia and back at Mala, confused.
    "Then you shouldn't worry young Garalt, I showed that young man that I'm not one to mess with."
    Garalt was shocked.  How could a defenseless woman like herself fend of a man with such obvious magical enchantment?
    "H...How did you do that?  And wait, how do you know my name?"

    "I know many things Garalt.  I also know that you're barely able to hold yourself upright." Mala smiled, eying his cane.  "Garalt, I may look like just another ordinary woman, but a gift of healing such as mine does not solely come from herbs alone.  I was once a very respected sorceress."
    "Yes, the man I overheard spoke of you once being in his group of whomever.  Can you explain any of that?"
    "All in due time Garalt, but first I want to help your body heal a bit more.  I can't let you leave here in such a bedraggled shape.  You men can stay here and relax, Princess Alyia and Garalt can come with me where I can more easily heal you."  With that, Mala thrust out her hand, releasing the eagle that had been perched there into the air.  Mala then turned around and slowly disappeared into her house.  Garalt and Alyia simply stared at each other and followed.