Shallan, footsore and traveling with Tvlakv’s caravan, notes the slaver lying about his shoes and reflects on Jasnah’s lessons about control and presentation. She sends Pattern to eavesdrop; he returns, perfectly reproducing voices, revealing that Tvlakv aims to profit by selling her back to those searching for her.

Resolved to seize the initiative, Shallan confronts Tvlakv. She promises rich reward upon safe delivery to the Shattered Plains and threatens his schemes, even mentioning his debts. In the firelight she briefly glows and her dress seems pristine, unnerving Tvlakv and forcing him to treat her with deference.

Bluth bursts into camp warning of nearby deserters. At his insistence, they douse the fire and hastily break camp. The parshmen and slaves are hustled aboard, Tag takes the rear, and the chulls are driven into the night to avoid detection.

Keeping a gully between themselves and the strangers’ campfires, the caravan creeps away. Shallan watches the distant lights and hears men sparring. Bluth explains the ruthlessness of deserters, hinting at his own past. The group slips into the darkness, escaping immediate danger.