The Wolf Dances with Monsters Fel insists on a shortcut through Griffin territories, so Mukohda spends the whole time terrified. Along the way Mukohda discovers rare healing mushrooms can even heal stab wounds and broken bones. Sui eats one and gains a skill to produce multiple types of healing potion, including one so powerful it can save people from certain death. A griffin challenges Fel to a duel to prove himself the dominant griffin. Fel wins, requiring Sui’s new potions to save Griffin. Mukohda notices Fel was also injured, a feat few have achieved, and the other griffins agree Griffin is the new leader. Griffon gives Mukohda a feather guaranteeing him safe passage in griffon territory forever. Fel is furious Mukohda has been forgetting his offerings to Ninrir. After six weeks on the shortcut, they exit griffon territory and find a trading caravan under attack by bandits. Fel scares the bandits into surrender and the caravan’s grateful owner Lambert invites them to accompany him to Karelina, a city close to where Mukohda wanted to visit the ocean. Ninrir later forces Mukohda to grovel for neglecting her offerings and only relents when he offers a huge selection of western style desserts.