Mala quickly went to work on Garalt.  Between herbal tea, some incantations and an awful smelling balm, Garalt was feeling much better.  It was no wonder, though, why Alyia chose to sit on the other side of the room.
    "So Mala, who is this man that I saw, the one who sent the man with the two axes after you?"  Garalt asked, squinting from the awful smell in his nostrils.
    "He is a member of the council, an organization that I once was a member of too.  What did he look like?"
    "Dark, he wore heavy armor covered in horns and..."
    "Zakar..." Mala interrupted, "He is one of the more powerful agents of the council."
    "What is this... council?" Alyia asked, trying to gain some fresh air from the open window she was sitting next to.
    "A group of men with a single purpose.  I never really knew what that purpose was, but whatever it was, they had several campaigns going on all around the world.  Kahlan, Ikros in particular, is of special significance for some reason."
    "This Zakar said he was after Ethelred and then some other prize, and that he would need your help in getting that prize."

    Mala began to chant another incantation upon Garalt, his whole body began to feel warm and relaxed.  For the first time since the fall of Olyian Tower, Garalt felt very good.
    "Well, worry not young knight.  Zakar will get no help from me.  I do not care what he is after, I'm sure whatever it is, he has truly evil goals for it.  Well, that should just about do it Garalt, how do you feel?"
    Garalt looked himself over and smiled at the woman.
    "I feel truly great Mala, thank you."
    "Now you go off to your home town?"
    "Y... yes... boy that's creepy that you know these things."  Mala smiled and then turned away.
    "Well, I can't promise you'll be prepared for what you find there, but I hope you have a safe journey."
    "Thank you for everything Mala," Garalt got up out of his chair and bowed.  Alyia and Garalt met the rest of their party downstairs, and after a few quick words as to what had happened, they set off towards Garalt's home town of Lahstain.

    What remained of the village was not far off from Mala's home, and by late afternoon the group had arrived there.  Before they reached the site of Garalt's childhood home, however, Alyia stopped and confronted Garalt.
    "Garalt, are you sure you're up to this?"
    "Yes, I must see, I must say good bye to my parents Alyia.  It's not going to be easy I'm sure, but it's something I simply have to do."
    Alyia nodded slowly and continued walking.  It wasn't long before the six moved around a large rock wall and the image of Garalt's childhood home came into view.