With Ernak sick and her strength failing, Ildico stumbles upon a hidden pagan village in the deep woods. The inhabitants are mistrustful, but their leader, the Healer Matriarch, sees the desperation of a mother. After a tense exchange, Ildico is granted temporary shelter. While the Matriarch tends to Ernak's fever, Ildico gets a brief, fragile respite from her flight. The episode ends with Ernak's recovery, but a renewed sense of urgency for Ildico, who knows this peace cannot last.