Sephie's quest to rally support against Ilahn finds her en route to Massisntak, the step city, accompanied by a trio of loggers, a few caverns dwellers, and Deren Beq, whose stories of Sephie are outracing their flight...

Ilahn, on his way to Meridian with Reesha, hears the news of Torbel and orders his forces to strike...

Ambushed by the Cadadorian armada, Sephie is surprised by a visit from another Sigil-Bearer, Samandahl Rey...

Sephie returns to a ruined Meridian. Her "topside" forces pack the remaining Cadadorian soldiers onto ships bound for Cadador...