Will learns that, after they were discovered in the barn, a member of the nobility, the Comtesse de la Tour Rouge, who happened to be in the area insisted on taking the boys into her care. With her entourage, they traveled to her castle 10 miles away. Upon arrival, Henry and Beanpole were assigned to become esquires, or knights in training. When Will wakes up from his fever after four days, the girl he sees is Eloise, the Comtesse’s daughter.

Soon after he wakes up, the Comtesse allows him to visit Henry and Beanpole. Will encourages them to continue the journey without him, but Beanpole suggests that they stay for a few weeks until a tournament that concludes with Capping Day is scheduled to take place, when it will be easy to sneak away.

Over the next few weeks, Will gets to know the Comtesse and her family, including her husband, the Comte, who is brave but awkward. Will realizes that, although the nobility claim to love courage, they are just as submissive to the Tripods as the poorer classes.

Will sees Henry and Beanpole occasionally but begins to feel left out of their friendship.