Jezin had been about to comment on the legality of shipping a snake out of Lyok in the first place, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. As soon as he heard the sound he raised to sword in his hand, gripping the hilt tightly. As he heard the voice on the other end, however, he lowered the blade. Sir Walden. He didn't trust many people in the castle, but Walden seemed like a genuinely decent man. He looked toward Gareth and nodded, as if telling him he could open the door. The sword, however, remained hanging at his side. Even if he did trust Sir Walden, anyone could follow him in.

 Sophia felt her heart skip a beat when a knock resounded across the room. Just as she was on the verge of panic, however, she heard Walden's gentle voice. She relaxed for a moment, and a faint smile crossed her lips. She looked towards Gareth, to see what he planned to do. Eva remained vigilant, tapping her dagger gently against the marble floor of the room. Sophia wondered what had happened to the woman. She had never seen her behave like this before.