Gallus sighed and nearly laughed at the torrent of questions from Peiter. He tried to calm him with a downturned hand. "Alright, slow down a moment now," he said. "Look, I can't say whether what she said was the truth. However, she knew well at that point that she was going to die. I had no more questions for her. There was no reason for her to lie, given her prior behaviour. As for telling strangers, I can keep a secret as easily as the next man. I wouldn't think to compromise us without considering the risks." Gallus turned his head to Uthri and Tzirret. "Even if I told one boy, he's not guaranteed to be believed if he tells other people." His eyes went to the dirt again. "As for the gas, there is little I can do about that except help ensure that the scholar's loft has all the resources it needs. I cannot know how long this child of hers has to live."

Uthri was still unconvinced. "This is ridiculous. How to you think you're going to cross Black Marsh on your own?"

"I'll only need to head in as far as Gideon," Gallus said flatly. "I can get a guide to help me if I need it."

Tzirret had been quiet until now, but he spoke up, more quietly than any of them. "How long will Gallus be gone?"

Gallus curled his lips to think. "Two months at most, probably less. I can travel fast on my own."

With a hand covering half her infuriated face, Uthri sighed heavily.