Reaching and traveling along the Skill Road distracts FitzChivalry and Kettle. While Kettle is trained enough to prevent the distractions, Fitz is Skill daydreaming of everything and everyone. We see Patience and Lacey, Chade, Molly, Burrich, Nettle, and eventually Verity pulls him away. Fitz has to seek comfort with his companions, Fool, Nighteyes, and Kettricken while trying to fight off the overwhelming temptation of the Skill.