Just after Midsummer, Xenograg goes to see Wyheree. He had visited several times before, both before and after she had given birth to Shanna back in February.

"I have a favor to ask," he says as he gets down to the purpose of his visit.

"What is it?"

"Soon after his arrival in Rhydin, I resumed Grimblade's training as a sorcerer."

"I did not know he was one."

"He has some potential. He had the rudiments at the time of his rescue by us. He will need all he can achieve in the war?and life?ahead."

"He is lucky to have you as a teacher, again."

"Yes, but his arrogance is also returning. That is where my favor comes in."

"Oh?"

"I am going to test him at the end of summer, after the harvest. It will be an endurance ordeal: he will face a series of opponents in full-contact mock combat. First solid hit wins the match. The line will start easy and progress to more difficult."

"While he gets tired."

"Exactly. My problem is he may defeat even Amaltea and myself." Wyheree visibly starts at that.

"Are you still that...injured?"

"Wyh," Xenograg explains with a small smile devoid of rancor, "my condition is permanent."

"I'm sorry." He acknowledges her with a nod of his head but continues speaking upon his point.

"Non-lethal sorcery is allowed. His use of it is part of the test, especially against other magic-users. I want you to be the last in line, after me. Should he reach you, I want him to learn that there are magics he has not even dreamed of. I also want him to taste defeat." Wyheree gives Xenograg a quizzical look after hearing that last sentence.

"To check his arrogance," Xenograg reminds her.

"Yes, of course."

"He greatly exceeds you in swordsmanship. I want you to show him that is insufficient. Hold off his initial sword attack then surprise him with your ice powers. Drop him, fast and hard, any way you want." Wyheree slowly smiles as she ponders ways of doing that.