The Companions arrive at the Hidden Fortress and meet Vai'zei'a'parn, the Leader of the Yo'sho'zei, who was Is'a'pai'a's mentor. Is'a'pai'a finally learns the story of its origin – how its egg was laid in Hwai'ran'chet at a time when that mighty fortress had come under the domination of an invading tyrant named Wei'thel'a'han. Here the treacherous No'tuk'a'nei, a power-hungry Alate Seer-Sorcerer who happens to be the hatchmate of Vai'zei'a'parn, convinced the new Commander that a nymph of a certain lineage would be the agent of its death. Since the current King of the fortress was of that lineage, Wei'thel'a'han ordered the destruction of every egg laid and every individual hatched since that King came to the Mother. In the midst of the ensuing slaughter, one egg was rescued and taken to the Hidden Fortress, where it was given to Vai'zei'a'parn for safekeeping. Is'a'pai'a hatched from this egg and now it learns that its destiny is to be the Champion who delivers Hwai'ran'chet – and its own Mother – from the clutches of the Tyrant and its evil Sorcerer.
The Companions linger in Zan'tet, where a seemingly harmless adventure ends in disaster. Ultimately, Ki'shto'ba and its Companions depart to finish the Quest to reach the sea before venturing into Hwai'ran'chet. Accompanied by the newly acquired 11th Companion, the group soon encounters the 12th, who guides them to the shore. Arriving at sunset, they can at last see the Golden Path on which they must tread.
Many prophecies will find their answer as the future continues to unfold. In the final chapter, a ship has been built and the Quest for the Golden Fungus is about to begin. The leadership of the Quest then passes to Is'a'pai'a even as the Companions learn the meaning of "The Wood Where the Two Moons Shine."