For Xan, coming upon Antain like this puts her in a position where she feels as though she has to act quickly. But in doing so, Xan deprives herself of important information—namely, that Antain could tell her about the Day of Sacrifice and why she finds a baby in the clearing every year. Her fear and desire to do the right thing, however, keep Xan from deviating from her path and asking difficult questions.