Afterward, Caz begins bonding with the cactus, who they name Meep. Kiela decides to go test her water restoration spell on the town fountain. On her way back, she stops by Larran’s to check on Sian. When she arrives, Larran hugs her in gratitude. Just as it seems like they’ll admit their true feelings, Tobin interrupts them to tell them that the fountain in the town square has started flowing. Kiela and Larran follow him and join the amazed onlookers. However, Radane interrupts and declares that someone is doing illegal magic. She introduces herself as an imperial inspector and decrees that she will search each house for contraband. Fenerer speaks up and accuses Kiela, but the others speak up in her defense. Once the crowd disperses, Kiela runs home.

On her way, she stops to warn Ivor of the impending search. Once home, she scrambles for a way to hide her spellbooks. She and Caz decide to bring them back to their boat and hide them in a nearby cave. Larran arrives and offers to help, even though he doesn’t fully understand.