After confronting Chaol's father, Chaol and Yrene retire to a small guest bedroom in the keep. Yrene is still shaking with anger, and Chaol apologizes for his father's insults. Chaol explains that his mother and brother were likely sent away because they are valuable assets, along with part of Anielle's hidden wealth.

Chaol and Yrene turn from personal hurt to practical war planning. Chaol says the keep has survived ancient wars before, but Yrene worries that both the keep and the city will fail against Morath. Chaol outlines the grim evacuation options: the mountains and Wastes are dangerous, the Ferian Gap is held by witches, the south leads toward Morath, and the east lies in the invading army's path.

Yrene offers to help organize civilians who remain in the keep by finding space, supplies, bandages, herbs, and any local healers. Chaol recognizes her courage and compassion, and the two briefly set aside the coming war for a moment of intimacy and rest.

At dawn, the rukhin arrive in vast numbers, darkening the sky before landing on the plain between the keep and the lake. Chaol reflects on the geography of Anielle, including the dammed Western Falls, whose destruction would flood the plain and parts of the city and keep.

Nesryn and Sartaq land on the battlements with Falkan, who remains in falcon form after scouting ahead. Nesryn reports that Morath's army is only three or four days away and consists mostly of fast, vicious Valg and men. Sartaq says they saw no witches, though the witches may still descend from the Ferian Gap, leaving Chaol and Yrene aware that even a thousand ruks may not be enough.