Daniel is beginning to change. His world has already expanded by making his first real friends, Joel and Malthace ("Thacia"), who, unlike Rosh, truly care about his well being. They feed him, care for him when he is injured, and resolve to help win the fight for the freedom of the Jews from Roman oppression.

In Chapter Six, Daniel learns about friendship when he suffers a grave injury. Having nowhere else to turn, Daniel physically and emotionally seeks out the only people he knows who honestly seem to care. It helps him form a human bond beyond that of those of his immediate family. They embrace him with love, Joel saying, “Thank God you came here!”