Aron Benjudah receives a formal letter from Prince Conor Aurelian addressing the damage the recent fire did to the Sault's walls. Conor promises to post Vigilants at the gap until repairs are complete, apologizes for not acting sooner, and assures Aron that the Ashkar are valued citizens who may appeal to him directly if trouble arises.

Aron is surprised by the letter's generosity, since Conor's reputation had not led Aron to expect concern for the Ashkar. Aron wonders whether Conor's acquaintance with Lin and Mayesh has softened his prejudices. Nearby, Aron sees Ashkar men repairing the wall and Vigilants standing between the Sault and the Maze; despite the strange circumstances, Aron is grateful for the protection.

Mariam Duhary approaches Aron and asks to speak about Lin Caster. Aron immediately dreads the subject, since Lin's exile has kept him awake and has become both a revelation and a regret for him. Aron tells Mariam that although he agrees Lin's exile is unfair, the decision belongs to Mariam's Maharam and he cannot interfere.

Mariam challenges Aron directly. Wearing Lin's gold magal, she says she knows Aron saw the Goddess when Lin healed her, because Mariam saw the Goddess too. Mariam argues that Aron's duty as Exilarch is not to satisfy political leaders or keep the Ashkar complacent, but to protect the Goddess when she returns. She warns that failing Lin would make Aron's life, and the lives of future Exilarchs, purposeless, then demands to know what Aron will do.