In a suspended instant of deafening thunder, the quiet sanctity of The Eighth Tower is destroyed as battle arrives in Dal Sherandu. Keira Sedai reminds everyone that she is still a Green sister, and then the party splits up.

Quercus heads to the defensive positions at the north edge of town, while Amena, Pimur, and Lance attempt to move east through the town, hoping to reach the fortress and its mysterious vault that the enemy seeks.