Nayimathun has made a plan to save Sulyard. She drops Tané at the palace in Ginura and goes off to Cape Hisan to bring back Sulyard. Once she returns, Nayimathun will insist that Sulyard be granted an audience with the Warlord and that Susa be released from prison. Since dragons are considered gods, Nayimathun does not expect to be refused. Once their petition is heard, Nayimathun and Tané will visit the Sea General so Tané can confess and seek justice.

As Tané waits for Nayimathun to return, the plan goes awry. Soldiers break into her room at night and summon her before the governor of Ginura. Tané objects on the grounds that as a Miduchi she has free will, but her friend Onren suggests she meet the Sea General. However, instead of the governor’s palace, the soldiers take Tané to the filthy Ginura prison, where Susa is beheaded in front of Tané’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Niclays awaits Tané at their agreed-upon spot at the beach. Realizing Tané won’t show up, Niclays reluctantly mulls over the prospect of reporting her to the Warlord. Just then, Nayimathun descends onto the beach, calling for Tané (who had arranged to meet Nayimathun there).