Sarene and Raoden stand on the walls of Kiin’s house, looking over Kae, and discussing Roial’s death and their marriage, which has yet to be formalized. Raoden uses an Aon to magnify the palace, where they see Telrii and Eondel’s corpses being laid out in the yard.

Raoden decides to hold his coronation to prevent a power vacuum. As he faces the people, his illusion is removed by a blonde Derethi priest who is manipulating the Dor. To prevent panic, Sarene kneels to accept his rule, and others follow suit. Dilaf storms out in anger, while Raoden worries what will happen next.

Hrathen feels jealous when he sees how Sarene looks at Raoden, but he focuses on his goal to convert Arelon. Hrathen follows Dilaf to the market and sees the emperor’s men come forth from the formerly abandoned tents. Wyrn has begun his invasion a month early, and he has sent the monks of