With the infighting mostly laid to rest, Sathriel can put his attention on the witch's quest. It's hard, though, to know how to move forward. No one promised Ha'ere all her champions would live to see the end of the conflict that brought them together, but it isn't clear whether they can win without everyone's assistance. No further portents are forthcoming: the Dragon of Seeing has stopped responding.
In the Northlands, in Ophana, even on the ocean that divides them, stunning truths will be revealed. Hints that their peoples – and their magic – have more in common than a witch's dreams. Once upon a time, their ancestors did something so ambitious that it frightened them.
The emperor and his new sorcerer meet a foreign god that may be able to explain it all, but only after they perform a service for it. Killing its rival is the task it has in mind, and it's helpfully bringing that rival within reach, at the head of the Tanengoli army making for Barracheh.