The girls had a brief discussion about their routes.  Risti was afraid that the captured maid would suffer longer if they didn't take the roads—the faster route.  Asheera, more accustomed to the wilderness, pointed out that if they were slain on the road the captive girls might never be saved.<br/><br/>Zazy, having been a goblins slave for many years, swallowed hard.  She knew what her mother would have suffered if Zarzuket hadn't protected them, but she declared that the girls could endure 'til they arrived.  IT was better to ensure that they did arrive.<br/><br/>And so they cut across country, taking back roads.  Zazy mounted her faithful steed Hunter.  When her new friends proved to be just as fast as the dog, they let Ater Angelus return to her home 'til the black angel was needed.<br/>