The next day dawned bright and clear. In the barn that night, Elora had prayed fervently that it would rain and she would not have to leave, but no gods had heard her prayers. The landscape of her country, Adon, looked peaceful and happy in comparison to the young girl. Her parents sent her brothers to their chores, but they refused, wanting to see off their sister.

Morin went first. "Lora, you have to come back as soon as it rains," he said seriously. "You hafta promise."

Elora laughed, though she felt no reason to. "Okay, Morin." Her father shoved the boy toward the barn and let Riste take his turn. He hugged her and nodded, then walked after Morin. Elora felt a tug at her heart. He would cry to himself later, she knew. He was her favorite brother, and though not close in age, Elora often spent free time with him.

Bachek waved goodbye. "Come back soon, Lora," he said. "Try not to get yourself killed."

Lastly, Koro hugged her. Since he was closest in age to her, they were rather close as well. "Be careful, and come back as soon as you can, Lora."

"Come on, Koro. Get to work," her mother gently pried him from his sister, then she embraced the girl herself. "Lora, listen to your brothers. Come back as soon as you can. We'll miss you, so don't stay away too long."

Her father handed her a sack with a little food, a little money, and other things like her clothes and knives. She often had gone hunting with her father and Koro and was good at using small throwing knives. She fought with her brothers often too, though her mother strongly discouraged such rough-housing. Elora started down the dusty road away from her home. Farmland stretched in all directions, most of it barren.