Leaving Jacques to the varyingly tender mercies of Sieghard and Jarla, Ludo buried his hands in his coat pocket against the spring chill and went out in search of Gina. The charcoal-burner's hut was at least warm, and he asked her kindly how she was doing before getting down to business.

"We think we have a place for you to go," Ludo said. "Out of the reaches. You needn't worry about the principessa finding you. I don't think we could find you a safe place in the reaches, but if you want to stay nearby, in danger..."