On the morning of Hadrian's departure from Emesh, slave Umandh load the shuttles at a private airfield outside Borosevo. Hadrian arrives with little luggage, still recovering from medical treatment and wary of the Umandh after their earlier attack. Valka meets Hadrian and quietly questions whether the mission is wise, but confirms she is coming because she helped him and may learn more by going with him.

Valka tells Hadrian that Olorin Milta has come to say goodbye. Olorin greets Hadrian formally and presents him with a magnificent highmatter sword. Hadrian initially refuses because of its value, but Olorin insists Hadrian must take it as the nominal commander of the expedition.

When Hadrian tests the sword, he is overwhelmed by its beauty and balance. Olorin explains that he will tell the prince of Jadd about Hadrian's quality, ensuring Hadrian will have friends there. Olorin also frames Hadrian as an alternative to the priests and politicians who have prolonged war, urging him to make peace and bring light.

Hadrian boards the shuttle and is met by cheers from Valka, Imperial and Jaddian officers, Jinan Azhar, and the former myrmidons he requested for the mission. Ghen, Siran, Pallino, Switch, and others greet him warmly, freed from fatal contracts or prison sentences. Hadrian asks them to call him Had, signaling his bond with the people who knew him during his life in the arena.

The mood shifts when Bassander Lin appears in his Legion uniform as captain and reminds everyone that the Cielcin are nearly ready for transport and the shuttle must rendezvous with the Obdurate. Hadrian sets aside the problem of Bassander for later, sits beside Valka, and is moved by her concern. As the shuttle lifts from Emesh, Hadrian reflects that a part of him remains there with Cat, Gilliam, Uvanari, Anaïs, and all he has done, marking the chapter as an ending.