Raeve regains consciousness while clinging to a floating tree trunk in a fast orange river running through a gorge. Dazed from a head injury and exhausted after the storm, Raeve notices a large man running along the bank and shouting in a language she does not understand. When the log catches in debris and Raeve tries to move, the river drags her under; the man dives in, drags Raeve ashore, and saves her as she coughs up water.

As Raeve recovers, she studies the two armed men on the bank. Raeve lies about the meaning of her iron cuff, hoping they will not treat her as an escaped prisoner, then notices a dotted bird tattoo on the rescuer's back that resembles Kaan's markings. That detail makes Raeve realize these men are warriors from the Boltanic Plains, likely from the same harsh clan world Kaan once knew. Because Raeve does not understand their language and fears being taken somewhere against her will, Raeve prepares to escape back into the river.

Before Raeve can flee, movement on the opposite cliff reveals something climbing with uncanny speed. A huge silver saber-toothed beast appears, then leaps the river and lands between Raeve and the water. The men react with alarm and awe, and Raeve gradually understands that the creature is the legendary Fate Herder, a rare beast said to force people onto a different path. When the warriors kneel and stare at Raeve with reverence, Raeve realizes the creature is not there for them.

Raeve repeatedly tries to get around the Fate Herder and reach the river, but the animal blocks each attempt. When Raeve makes a run for it, the Fate Herder slams Raeve to the ground and then prowls in tightening circles, herding Raeve toward the warriors. Raeve protests and curses, but the beast's escalating threat makes clear that resisting it will end badly.

Deciding survival matters more than pride, especially if Raeve still wants revenge on Rekk Zharos, Raeve gives in and goes to the two warriors. Raeve warns them not to try anything, but they answer with respectful bows to both Raeve and the Fate Herder. The warriors lead Raeve toward a stone stairway cut into the cliff, and the Fate Herder nudges Raeve forward until Raeve climbs after them, forced to follow wherever this new path leads.