At a banquet, tensions rise over Wulf’s origins. One of his lith, the devout Karlsten, accuses Wulf of heathenism, as he was found as a baby at the edge of the haithwood.

A sickness is spreading in the village of Ófandauth, and Bardholt sends the lith to investigate and save the Issyn, an influential ally. When they reach the town, the lith is warned to not enter, as the sickness, which begins with redness in the fingers, is spread by touch. Nonetheless, they enter the abandoned town and split up. Wulf follows blood into a cave, just like his dream, and finds rocks that crack when he touches them, revealing fire. They find the Issyn, and as they flee, they hear a horrifying shriek.

In Nzene, the capital of Lasia, Tuva meets with Gashan, a sister of the Priory assigned to protect King Onjenyu. Gashan has turned away from the Priory, taking a government position and informing Tuva that they are not concerned with the legendary Nameless One.

Tuva meets the King, and he dismisses her warnings and questions the need of the Priory, seeing them as a threat to his autonomy. He will not accept Siyu in his court to protect his daughters but will let Tuva search the Godsblades for wyrms, as they reportedly settle near hot springs.