Gideon returns to the Lark & Crown in Caelis, a damp, shabby hotel that accepts him only because other establishments refuse service to Blood Guard. Waiting for him is a telegram from Harrow asking whether he has eliminated Rune, the Crimson Moth. The message immediately reminds Gideon that his failed history with Rune has left the New Republic doubting his loyalty and his judgment.

Gideon understands that killing Rune would do more than stop her marriage alliance with Cressida; it would also prove he is no longer under Rune’s influence. Even so, Gideon refuses to send Harrow full details about Cressida’s plan to resurrect her dead sisters, because he fears that information could reach the wrong people. Instead, Gideon sends only a vague warning that the Republic is in greater danger than expected and promises to explain when he returns.

Harrow quickly replies and pointedly asks whether Rune is still alive, making her distrust clear. Gideon asks for a few more days, but the next morning Harrow sends a final telegram: the Good Commander no longer believes Gideon is the right man for the mission, another agent is being sent to finish it, and Gideon is ordered to return to the Republic at once. Gideon reacts with anger, crumples the telegram, and throws it into the fire.

Rather than obey, Gideon decides to continue the mission on his own. He tells himself that Cressida must be stopped before she can reclaim power or bring back Elowyn and Analise, whom he considers even more dangerous than Cressida herself. Although Gideon is shaken by the fact that Rune risked herself to save him, he forces himself to treat that feeling as evidence that he is still compromised. He concludes that he cannot hesitate again and hardens his resolve to find Rune and kill her, no matter what it costs him personally.