Morath's army reaches Anielle later than expected, arriving on the fifth day instead of the third or fourth. The delay gives the defenders time to prepare and allows the ruk riders to evacuate some of the most vulnerable civilians to a camp beyond the Fangs, but it also lets fear spread through the crowded keep as the enemy cuts through Oakwald and approaches the lake plain.

From a keep spire, Nesryn and Borte watch the army advance. Borte jokes about the slow march and Anielle's unimpressive buildings, while Nesryn explains the city's strategic value: if Anielle holds, the allies can take the Ferian Gap and open a northern path. Their banter turns to Yeran and Borte's betrothal before Yeran arrives with the last two healers, but Nesryn's brief amusement fades as she considers the enemy's supply trains and the possibility of a long siege meant to destroy everyone inside.

At sundown, Morath begins beating bone drums. Yrene stands on the highest parapet, fighting nausea while listening to the relentless sound intended to exhaust and terrify the defenders. The keep is packed with refugees, and Yrene has spent the day moving families, healers' supplies, salves, and tonics away from walls and windows after learning that the enemy has catapults and plenty of stones to hurl.

Before dawn, Chaol leaves Yrene after a strained, tender farewell and goes to meet his father, Sartaq, and Nesryn on the battlements. Sartaq and Nesryn have not yet arrived, but Chaol's father is already there in old battle armor. Chaol has armored himself as well and carries an ironwood cane for when Yrene's magic weakens, with his chair waiting nearby for when her power is spent entirely.

Chaol's father recalls that bone drums were used during the last siege of Anielle, when terror and sleeplessness helped Erawan's forces destroy the city. Chaol challenges his father's bleak resignation, insisting that the soldiers need hope. His father then reveals that Chaol's mother has fled with Terrin and others during the night, leaving only a note from Terrin behind.

When Chaol threatens to lead the men himself if his father will not, his father reveals that Yrene is pregnant, explaining that her nausea and protective gestures made the truth obvious. Chaol is stunned and torn between anger, panic, and the need to find Yrene, but the moment ends as the bone drums stop and Morath's army begins its advance.