Chapter 30

At the bridge to Heart Village, Trystan tries to keep the magically intoxicated Evie Sage quiet and inconspicuous while Reming and the other bridge creatures emerge from the water. Clare explains that the Piony flower’s effects cannot be reversed and may last for hours, leaving Trystan anxious about gaining passage while Sage giggles, skips, and speaks without restraint.

Reming confronts Trystan about a past bridge-destroying incident, and Trystan asks to settle the matter by earning safe passage through a riddle. Sage’s intoxicated behavior makes the negotiation worse: Trystan covers her mouth, she bites him to escape, and Markeith realizes she has been affected by a Piony flower. Markeith allows the group a chance to cross, but only if Sage solves the riddle herself, without help.

Ellia offers Sage the riddle, whose answer describes something hidden, dangerous, brave to use, saving when properly issued, and cutting when misused. Despite Trystan’s concern that Sage is too impaired, Sage resists being underestimated and answers correctly: the truth. Sage explains that being lied to often has made truth easier for her to recognize.

The correct answer grants the group entry into Heart Village. Sage thanks the bridge creatures and sincerely compliments Markeith’s family, reinforcing Trystan’s awareness of her unusual ability to see and name the best in others. Trystan follows because he feels responsible for protecting Sage, though he recognizes that this attachment is a problem for him.

Before Trystan can enter, Ellia tells him he must leave his magic behind while inside Heart Village, because the villagers will not risk his destructive power. Trystan initially refuses, suspecting a trap, but watching Sage move forward without magic makes him reconsider. Remembering Sage’s accusation that cynicism is cowardice, Trystan agrees and crosses into Heart Village without his powers, though the chapter closes with the ominous suggestion that he immediately causes harm anyway.