Murtagh’s attack succeeds because the Draumar are warded against direct magic but not against magic’s physical effects. Using the emptied yellow diamond, Thorn’s strength, and Uvek’s strength, Murtagh summons a violent wind that scatters the cultists and prisoners. Bachel’s wards stop Murtagh’s dagger, and she counters with dark magic, but Murtagh shields himself and tries to attack her mind now that the Breath and vorgethan no longer cloud him.

Bachel escapes by hiding behind a swarm of crows whose minds confuse Murtagh’s senses. To survive, Murtagh uses a killing word, causing the crows to fall dead around him, but Bachel, Grieve, and many guests vanish. With the cultists regrouping, Murtagh drives them back with wind, reaches Thorn, breaks Thorn’s shackles and muzzle, and uses the blackstone charm to free Thorn’s mind. Murtagh then frees Uvek as well, while ordering both Thorn and Uvek not to kill children.

Alín appears near the temple carrying Thorn’s saddle and bags, apparently trying to help them escape, but Grieve and two armored acolytes seize her and drag her inside. Murtagh sends Thorn to destroy Nal Gorgoth and hold off the mob, then runs into the temple after Alín, Bachel, and Grieve. Thorn blocks the temple entrance with stone and begins tearing into the Tower of Flint, scattering frightened crows into the smoke.

Inside the temple, Murtagh dismisses his broad shield to conserve energy and prepares to recast more precise wards. Before he can do so, Lyreth ambushes him from behind, beating him with a brass goblet and triggering memories of past abuse. Uvek arrives and hurls Lyreth aside, saving Murtagh. Murtagh tries to take Lyreth prisoner for Nasuada’s interrogators, but Lyreth provokes him into a personal fight by calling him a coward.

Murtagh and Lyreth wrestle brutally among the pillars. Lyreth fights desperately, gouges Murtagh’s eyes, and finally draws a hidden dagger, cutting Murtagh across the ribs. Murtagh traps Lyreth’s arm and forces the dagger into Lyreth’s chest, then realizes the fight is wasting precious time while Bachel remains loose and Alín needs rescue.

Murtagh tries to heal Lyreth because Lyreth may know important information, but the spell fails. Lyreth reveals that his wards are bound directly to him rather than held in an amulet, preventing Murtagh’s healing magic from working. Lyreth dies spitefully, and Murtagh, with Uvek beside him, prepares to hurry onward into the temple.