They quickly gathered themselves together, making sure everyone, even the invisible Belak, was with them, and set off with the boy in the lead. The moon was high in the sky by the time they reached their destination.

In a clearing amid the trees was a gypsy encampment. There were no tents. Instead a dozen brightly painted wagons circled around several huge bonfires. Sitting around the fires were the gypsies. The men and women alike were colorfully dressed, in a style very similar to Flame Song's changed clothing. Every eye in the encampment regarded the little group with wary suspicion. Aidan and Lavasida received the brunt of the suspicious looks. Vampires were obviously not welcome here.

Aidan tested the air, smelling smoke, sweat, and somewhere the faint taint of spilled blood. Somebody in the camp was injured. He pushed a recurring spasm of hunger out of his mind and looked ahead to where an old woman sat next to the central fire.

"Come, sit by the fire and hear me," the woman said. Aidan looked at her with curiosity as he found a seat on one of the rough log benches that circled the fire. Her hair was snow white, and her face lined, but she was somehow beautiful all the same, a strong, almost uncomfortable beauty that could be seen most clearly in her piercing dark eyes. She surveyed the seven that sat before her, and Aidan got the feeling that she could see the invisible Belak as easily as she saw any of the others. "It is my gift to know that which will benefit my people," she said, "And sometimes, but rarely, I am also given to know something that will benefit others. I know of what you seek, and I know why, and I cannot stand idly by and see a wold die. So I will aid you.

"The shard you seek is but two days' journey from here. But it is not lying free for you to claim. It has been found by the lord of this land, the Baron Almaric. He is not an evil man, but neither is he a good one. He thinks first of his own land and people. He will not aid strangers without a price. You cannot move him with pleas, he will only give aid where he has received aid in turn. I do not see all, but I can see the hope of success in your future. It is not sure, but it is possible. The price he will ask is one that you can pay, though you may suffer in the paying of it. And do not think to steal from him, or take what you seek by force. He is a magician of great power, and commands forces enough that force will avail you naught."

“How do we know,” said Lavasida, “that we can trust you? You’re a stranger to us.”

The woman smiled. “Ah. You are one how knows much of betrayal. But you need not trust me over-much. Go, speak with the Baron. If you find all as I have said, then you know I speak true. If not, your quest may go on unhindered by my words."

Lavasida didn’t look satisfied, but he nodded curt acceptance. They had no other clues.

"I will aid you also, as much as I may. My people know something of betrayal also, and they do not readily trust creatures such as yourselves. But I can lend you one of our wagons, and there is at least one man in the camp who fears you little enough to drive it for you, and return it when you are done. Also, I will tell you something that may aid you greatly. As you look now you will not be able to walk into Almaric's castle. You would be killed at the gates! But he often shows his wealth and power in great celebrations. Three nights hence he shall hold a ball. A masked ball." The old gypsy smiled. "On that night your odd appearance will not draw comment, save perhaps admiration for the quality of your costumes."

"Thank you," said Brianna.

"You may rest here while the wagon is prepared. It should be ready to depart by dawn."

"Thank you," repeated Brianna.