Sheba turns the fire into green flames, burns Rowan's hand, and summons pain in his arm, only to have something to laugh at.

Later, this gift should become handy, as it contained a special metal medallion owned by the people of Rin's ancestors, a bunch of dry branches, that by burning them, would summon the green flames again, show Sheba's face, and tell a new prophecy.

There they discover a thrilling truth, that once long ago their people had been varied, in nature and strength, strong and weak, shy and outgoing.

The people left, gentle and timid, with the loss of their people began to decline, so when Rowan and his companions hear this tale there are only three survivors, a grandfather and his grandchildren, Shaaran, gentle like Rowan, and Norris- a throwback to his warrior lineage.

Kirkus Reviews called Rowan and the Zebak "solid" and highlighted how "the tale flows smoothly with threatening episodes paced to keep the plot moving".