Viv keeps her saber drawn as she questions the small skeletal creature, who reverently identifies himself as the homunculus of 'the Lady'—Varine. He kneels and pledges to serve the one who wakes him. Fern approaches him fearlessly, sensing he means no harm, and they learn his name is Satchel, named after the bag he inhabits.

Satchel explains the terms of his servitude: he can disobey, but defiance means he will never be woken again, since without the bonedust he ceases to exist. Fern is revolted by this binding. Pressed further, Satchel reveals that Balthus, the gray-cloaked man, stole him from Varine and was fleeing toward the sea. Gallina confirms Balthus is dead, and Viv realizes Satchel must have freed him from the jail cell earlier.

Viv asks whether Varine knows where Satchel is and whether she is coming, but Satchel cannot say—he is bound by fear to keep the Lady's secrets. Wanting to confer privately, Viv asks him to return to the bag; he obediently collapses into a stream of bones, and Fern stows the satchel in the back room.

The three debate what to do. Viv worries Satchel could betray them to Varine, while Fern insists he is frightened enough to be treated as a person. Gallina suggests handing him to Iridia, but Fern fiercely refuses, arguing people aren't passed around like luggage. Too tired to decide, they agree to sleep on it. Viv and Gallina hurry back to The Perch through the storm, unsettled by a distant mournful cry in the hills.