In a dream, Elspeth ushers children through the forest to the Spirit’s altar in the castle ruins. A Scythe Card-wielder is waiting, and Elspeth suddenly coughs blood and is enveloped by earth. She wakes at the Spirit’s altar. She finds the stone used to hide inactive Cards, which is in fact the Shepherd King’s grave. Elspeth loses consciousness and wakes in Castle Yew. She asks the Nightmare to leave her alone, but he enumerates how he’s protected her over the years. He leaves her for the moment, mentioning how little time she has left. Later, Elspeth and Ravyn’s team travel to Spindle House for Elspeth’s half-sisters’ nameday celebration. The Rowan King, Hauth, Ione, and Tyrn also attend.

During the nameday celebration, Elm pairs up with Elspeth and Jespyr pairs up with Ravyn to find the Well Card. As Elspeth and Elm search the library and third floor, they are discovered by Balian, the Spindles’ butler. Elspeth tries to make him leave but when he shows disrespect, Elm uses his Scythe Card to force him to bow before leaving. Unable to understand his willingness to endure the pain of the Scythe Card, Elspeth asks Elm why he’s willing to commit treason.