Rin spends the early siege helping Ramsa fortify Khurdalain’s alleys and wharf approaches. Ramsa explains that little direct fighting has happened because both armies are probing for advantage, and he reveals his past: his alchemist father tried to attack Empress Daji, accidentally destroyed their factory, and Ramsa lost an eye before being imprisoned in Baghra and recruited into the Cike. Ramsa also distances himself from shamanism, saying he trusts fire powder and science because gods damage the mind.

After three days, Altan summons Rin and explains the Cike’s strained position. The Warlords, Jun, and the regular Militia distrust the Cike, limiting supplies and cooperation. Altan describes the division as powerful but irregular specialists, then calls a meeting and lays out a plan: Qara’s birds have spotted a Mugini supply fleet approaching Murui, and the Cike will exploit the marshy terrain, fog, Aratsha’s control of water, Ramsa’s explosives, and their own shamanic powers to trap and burn the boats.

That night the ambush unfolds in the rice-paddy marsh. Qara’s birds signal the fleet’s arrival, Aratsha reverses the currents to trap the boats, and Ramsa’s foul explosive rockets create the illusion of a much larger Nikara force. Qara kills engineers and ignites cargo with flaming arrows, while Baji and Suni, empowered by their gods, brutally hold one bank against soldiers trying to escape the burning boats.

Rin, drugged with poppy seeds, fails to summon the Phoenix when combat reaches her side of the marsh. Panic, Jiang’s warnings, Altan’s commands, and her fear of possession fracture her concentration, leaving Rin helpless when a young Federation soldier nearly kills her. Altan saves Rin, then manifests the Phoenix with terrifying ease, burning men, boats, and water alike. The Federation captain prays to his emperor and kills himself before Altan can reach him, and when Aratsha’s strength gives out, the Cike retreat after destroying much of the fleet and stealing two supply boats.

The Cike celebrate with stolen sugar, sorghum spirits, and a bonfire. Ramsa’s teasing leads Rin to reveal that she cannot bear children because she destroyed her womb at Sinegard, and the group discusses Speer’s extinction. Qara rejects the familiar romantic myth of Tearza, saying Tearza refused to use the Phoenix to save Speer because the cost was too high, making her wise as a shaman but irresponsible as a ruler.

Later, Altan returns from briefing the Warlords and speaks privately with Rin about her failure in battle. Altan argues that Jiang’s caution held Rin back, that anger is the fastest route to the Phoenix, and that great power requires accepting risk. Rin admits she fears losing control and asks how Altan extinguishes the fire once called; Altan answers that he does not.