Selwyn Kane's mesmer lifts, and Bree Matthews and the other first-year Pages find themselves kneeling in the forest Chapel, a hidden stone circle lit by candles. Lord Martin Davis, Viceroy of the Southern Chapter, explains that the Pages will swear the Oath of Fealty and become part of the Order's body: Pages as shield, Merlins as weapons, Scions and Squires as heart, Regents as spine, and the Awakened king as head.

Sel appears dramatically from the trees and is introduced as Kingsmage. Bree, still suspicious of Merlins because one may have stolen her memories and may be tied to her mother's death, defies Sel with her stare. The Pages are then ordered to state their names and family ties; Bree's lack of Vassalage draws disapproval, but Martin Davis sharply warns the Order members against hubris.

The other Pages swear their Oaths through their Legendborn sponsors and receive Sight through Sel's mage flame. As Bree's turn approaches, she panics because she has no intention of keeping the vow and fears the magic will expose her. Nick sponsors Bree, and when the Oath begins tightening around her body, Nick digs his fingers into her arm to give Bree a physical sensation to focus on, helping the promise loosen instead of bind her.

During the ritual, Nick reveals his full identity: Nicholas Martin Davis, Scion and heir of King Arthur Pendragon, wielder of Excalibur's line and first-ranked of the Round Table. Bree is shocked and hurt that Nick withheld the truth. The mage flame passes over Bree, but the Oath does not take and does not grant Bree Sight, though no one else notices.

As the ceremony closes with the Order's pledge, Felicity suddenly collapses in agony. A deep male voice speaks through Felicity, declaring a line about falling, blood, and life, and the Order recognizes that Lamorak has Called Felicity as a Scion far sooner than expected. Russ tries to take Felicity back to the Lodge, but Sel carries Felicity away instead.

The Pages erupt in alarm while the Legendborn worry over what Felicity's early Calling means. Nick challenges Martin Davis, pointing out that Awakenings should occur in command order and asking why Lamorak would Call Felicity now. Before Martin Davis can answer, a growl and howl come from the dark forest, revealing that a hellhound is nearby.