This chapter focuses on Nasuada, the leader of the Varden. She is constantly surrounded by a contingent of six guards, called the Nighthawks, made up of two humans, two dwarves, and two Urgals; this is because her father Ajihad and her oldest and most trusted commander, Jörmundur, believe there could be an assassination attempt made on her, following the death of King Hrothgar at the hands of Murtagh. Nasuada insisted on racial diversity amongst her guards to encourage less racism toward the Urgals. Nasuada is never left alone; even when the guards are not present, she has her handmaid, Farica, and now her “weapon,” the witch-child Elva, who can sense other’s feelings but does not yet have control over her reactions. Nasuada conceals Elva behind a curtain.

Presently, she is listening to the warlord Fadawar’s insistence that because of their shared blood (he is her mother’s cousin), he should be afforded a higher rank within the Varden. Nasuada disagrees, pledging her allegiance to her kingdom; he challenges her to a trial of the long knives, the winner of which will rule the Varden and take control of both armies.  

Nasuada prepares by summoning Elva and stripping to her undergarments; as for witnesses, King Orrin and Jörmundur are sent for, and after some protestations from her advisors, the ceremony is completed, and the trial begins.