Birney Beekman was resourceful; during the night he managed to loosen the bonds that held him and slipped quietly away. No one saw him leave and he left no tracks. When it was discovered that he'd escaped, it was too late, there was nothing anyone could do. Sir Jarin didn't have spare men to go searching for him and it was unlikely he would make a second attempt on Odo's life with no weapons or horse.

When the sun rose, the wagon was returned ...