Elsabet lies awake in a tent within the Malgasi encampment hidden in the sea caves outside Castellane. Though a soldier checks whether she needs anything, Elsabet dismisses him and refuses the comfort of the bed provided for her, because shame, pain, and anger keep her from rest.

Elsabet recalls arriving at the encampment bloodied, burned, and covered in plaster dust after the destruction at the Temple of Anibal. Captain Kalman ordered medical help, but Elsabet refused treatment because Elsabet wanted the pain to mark the depth of her failure.

Over the following days, Elsabet pieces together the consequences of the failed operation. Joss Falconet had carried out Elsabet’s instructions, but the Sword Catcher escaped the Trick and was executed by the Prince; the Temple of Anibal was destroyed; Bagomer and Janos were killed. Elsabet survived only because her Source-Stone protected her, but its power is now nearly exhausted and will need replacement before Elsabet can use magic again.

Elsabet’s greatest concern is the discovery of another magic-user in Castellane: the red-haired Ashkar woman whose Source-Stone unleashed power comparable to Elsabet’s own. Elsabet’s dying stone recognized that rival sorcerer and revealed her name as Lin Caster, the woman Elsabet had first seen in Marivent’s library.

Despite her losses, Elsabet resolves that she is not defeated. Elsabet still has the Malgasi army, believes more power can be found behind Marivent’s walls, and knows the blood of the Belmany phoenix runs through both Castellane’s King and Prince. Elsabet vows to reclaim her birthright, take Castellane, and destroy Lin.