Days continue to go by and Jerek seems to be at the temple to stay. By now, it is clear that Rathi will be remaining at the temple as well, even if Jerek moves on again come springtime. Rathi is growing attached to the kind temple priests and coming to think that the temple would be an even better home than the Gilded Crown had been.
On a milder winter day, Rathi accompanies two of the priests down to Mare’s Crossing to buy supplies and groceries. Grig comes along as well, having grown equally attached to the boy and enjoying Rathi’s company. While in the marketplace, Rathi is startled to see a great white beast following a noble’s servant and regards the creature with open fascination. The creature turns out to be a dragon, called Dovri’Nisi, who shyly speaks to Rathi after noticing the small boy’s regard. This attracts the attention of the dragon’s servant friend, Domovoi, who joins the conversation.
Rathi learns that Domovoi and Dovri’Nisi are “bonded”, finding the concept rather fascinating. The pair then tells him that anybody can bond a dragon like Domovoi did and even offer to take him somewhere if he ever wants to do so, himself. All he’d ever have to do is ask.