Radar runs through the dark toward the wagon shelter as wolves howl, fighting the urge to return to her new master at the gate. A slap cuts to Charlie awakening in a dank cell in Deep Maleen, where Hamey, a frail prisoner, has revived him. Charlie surveys the dungeon and hears taunts from other inmates, including the menacing Iota, called Eye.

Hamey explains that they are “whole ones” and that their numbers are dwindling toward a deadly event, the “Fair One.” Pursey, a melted gray trustee, arrives ringing a bell and flinging raw steaks; the prisoners feed like hyenas. Pursey indicates Kellin wants Charlie. Hamey urges Charlie to claim he’s from Ullum and to “berdeck” him for protection.

Night soldiers open the cells and march thirty prisoners away, leaving Charlie. Aaron, a night soldier, escorts him, administering limber-stick blows and avoiding contact that weakens Charlie with a “cold fire” aura. They pass a torture chamber and climb seemingly endless stairs to a grand corridor. Aaron delivers Charlie to Kellin, the Lord High, who greets him in a civilized suite and offers tea.

Kellin interrogates Charlie, who lies that he is from Ullum and “ducked the poison.” Kellin alternates charm and threat, questioning Radar, the sundial that restored her, the treasury’s gold pellets, and the Dark Well. He declares magic dangerous because it gives hope, cites Elsa’s slaying, and probes Charlie’s motives. Pressed, Charlie admits gold tempted him but insists he turned back to beat nightfall.

Kellin reveals the larger plan: the Flight Killer wants thirty-two whole ones; with Charlie, they have thirty-one. He orders Charlie returned to Maleen and to be shown the Belts as a warning. Stopping him with a final query, Kellin produces a scuffed wallet containing unreadable money and an ID for Christopher Polley. Charlie denies knowledge. Enraged, Kellin calls him a liar and has Aaron remove him, ending the interview.