At dawn, Manon stands at the edge of the Crochan camp and realizes Dorian has left for Morath alone, likely in the form of an ordinary bird. Asterin joins her and confirms the truth. Manon understands that Dorian’s night with her was a farewell, not an acceptance of the future she had offered him.

Before Manon can decide whether to pursue Dorian or ask the Crochans to march elsewhere, a young scout arrives with dire news: Terrasen has called for aid. Morath has defeated Terrasen’s forces at the border and Perranth and is advancing on Orynth, which may fall within a week.

Glennis challenges Manon to choose as Queen of Witches. Manon weighs the road east to Morath against the road north to Terrasen, then declares that she will answer Terrasen’s call. Asterin, Sorrel, the Thirteen, Bronwen, and the leaders of all seven Great Hearths pledge to fly with her.

Glennis invokes the ancient alliance between Rhiannon Crochan and Brannon of Terrasen and tells Manon to light the Flame of War. Manon takes fire from the eternal flame and carries it first to Bronwen’s hearth, formally summoning the Crochans to war. Bronwen passes the flame onward, and each hearth accepts the call.

The summons spreads beyond the camp. Crochan riders carry the Flame of War through mountains, forests, villages, storms, and danger, awakening hidden witches who have lived among ordinary people for years. Women retrieve red cloaks, brooms, and ancient swords, say farewell to families, and take to the skies.

Across the land, the Crochan witches answer Manon’s summons and fly north toward Terrasen. The chapter transforms Manon’s uncertain leadership into open command, revives the old witch-Terrasen alliance, and sets a vast hidden host in motion for Orynth’s defense.